The demand for nurses has encouraged schools to offer more Associate Degree programs, and Texans have many options to choose from after deciding to earn an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas.
Colleges That Offer an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas
Alvin Community College
The Texas Board of Nursing has approved the Associate Degree Nursing program at Alvin Community College. The graduates from this program had a 97% success rate in 2011 on the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses. Students just entering the nursing field may take the traditional two year program to earn their degree and prepare for the exam. Applicants who are already working as Licensed Vocational Nurses are eligible for an abbreviated one year program to earn the Associate Degree. Admission into the ADN program at Alvin Community College is different from most colleges. Applicants must take a series of three Hepatitis B vaccinations. This requires planning since these vaccinations are given over a period of time to complete the immunization. Nursing applicants must obtain a minimum score of 460 in the Critical Reading section of the SAT or the sum of ACT Reading and English scores must be at least 38. The ADN department ignores applicants’ scores in Math, Science, and Writing.
Northeast Texas Community College
Students wishing to earn an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas should consider Northeast Texas Community College. Applicants must take the HESI A2 Nursing Entrance Exam to enroll in the Associate Degree Nursing program here. The applicants must complete prerequisite and co-requisite courses that include Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and other general education classes. The overall GPA and the science GPA are both considered along with any experience in health care. This nursing program requires two and a half years to complete. The Associate Degree Nursing program has been approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. Graduates from this program had a 97% success rate passing the Licensure Exam in 2010.
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College
Admission to the UTB Nursing program requires ACT scores of at least 18 on Reading, English, and the Composite section. Applicants must submit to a criminal background check and provide a copy of Immunization records. Applicants must complete all prerequisite courses applying for admission to the program. The courses follow a strict sequence as outlined in the curriculum and students must follow the program guide or risk falling behind. Achievement tests are given throughout the program and students who fall below the established standard will be given remedial work to complete before enrolling for the next semester. This is an accredited program with the Texas Board of Nursing. Graduates of this program had an 88% success rate passing the Licensure Exam in 2010, making this a great choice for pursing an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas.
Financial Aid Options for Students Earning an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas
College can be costly and earning an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas is no exception, so consider the following financial aid options. The Federal Pell Grant is the first step in securing funds to pay for college. This program awards money based on need to students enrolled with at least six credits. Students who apply for the Pell Grant are automatically considered for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, the Student Incentive Grant, and for Texas Public Education Grants. The TEXAS Grant is given for need only and students must enroll with at least nine credits for eligibility. This grant is for students who enroll within 16 months of high school graduation. The applicant may not have convictions of any crime involving controlled substances. Students not eligible for a TEXAS Grant may apply for the TEOG or Texas Educational Opportunity Grant. This is based on need and the students must enroll with at least six credits. Applicants may not have convictions of a felony or crimes that involved controlled substances. They also may not have earned a previous degree. The Hazelwood Act provides assistance to military veterans who were residents of Texas when they entered the armed forces and who have still resided there for at least one year before applying for college. Tuition and other fees are waived in these cases. The applicants must have served at least 180 days of active duty and received an honorable discharge.
Employment Options For Nurses With an Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas
Houston’s Texas Medical Center employs more than 11,000 Registered Nurses within the myriad hospitals and medical institutions that make up the medical center. San Antonio’s Methodist Healthcare System has more than 15 health care facilities employing over 6,000 people. More than 2,000 physicians are associated with the system. The well-respected Baylor Health Care System has over 13 system hospitals, 18 surgery centers, and over 100 clinics. There are over 30 nursing specialties employed there.
No matter where you choose to obtain your Associates Degree in Nursing in Texas, you can be assured that securing a position as a Registered Nurse will be both a challenging and rewarding career choice.
Additional Resource: The Best Online Associates Degree in Nursing Programs
