ADN Programs in Texas

Texas is one of the best places to be a nurse. The state offers the third highest average salary for freshly graduated nurses. It also has the fourth highest annual nursing salary. Apart from the good pay, Texas is also a land of opportunity for nurses of all specialties. By 2029, the demand for nurses in this state is expected to exceed the supply.

Because of that, it’s not surprising to find a lot of nursing programs in Texas. There are around 75 ADN programs and 47 BSN programs to help you get started in your career.

Before you enroll in any of the ADN programs, make sure the program is approved by state board of nursing. The program you are considering to get into also needs to have instructors and courses that can prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). 

Nursing License In Texas

Around 30 days before you graduate, you need to register with Pearson Vue. It’s a third-party vendor that administers the exam. Registration typically costs $200.

Now, before you can actually take the NCLEX, you’ll be required to take and pass the Texas nursing jurisprudence examination. It’s a 2-hour exam which you need to take online. It will cost you no more than $25.

Along with passing the jurisprudence exam, the Board of Nursing will also need to receive your application and fees, the result of your criminal background check, and verify your registration with Pearson Vue.

After checking all those data, you’ll receive an email verification which includes your Authorization To Test (ATT). It’s valid for 75 days.

Once you pass the NCLEX, the BON will receive the result within five working days after your test. You, on the other hand, will receive a certification. You’ll need to complete an online verification which you can print that as proof of your licensure.

Now, if you are licensed in another state and would like to pursue a career in Texas, you need to have graduated from an approved nursing program, worked in the US or have passed the NCLEX within the last four years prior to application.

You can apply through paper or online. You’ll need to submit the same set of requirements mentioned above (application, criminal background check, passing the jurisprudence test, and verification from all states and provinces) to the Texas Board of Nursing.

The processing time usually takes about 15 business days.

Renewal will be biennium. For registered nurses, it will cost $65 while Licensed Vocational Nurse will require $42.