The University of Texas at El Paso School of Nursing
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a public university in El Paso, established in 1914. It is part of the University of Texas System along with nine other campuses. The university started as the State School of Mines and Metallurgy before expanding their offerings to include 71 undergraduate programs and 76 master’s programs. UTEP is a major research university. In fact, they ranked second in the nation for federal research spending among University of Texas academic institutions. UTEP also houses the Sun Bowl Stadium, which is used for the annual Sun Bowl college football competition.
The nursing program was established in 1970. Several programs are offered at the university, including BSN, accelerated BSN, RN to BSN, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, and DNP. These options are all accredited by the CCNE. The traditional BSN program includes two years of general studies followed by two years of nursing courses and clinical training at various partner sites. The university also has their own state-of-the-art simulation lab. For registered nurses who have diplomas or associate’s degrees, an online RN to BSN program is offered. This program is offered entirely online and may be completed in just 2.5 semesters.
Program Length & Format
- Four-semester
- 15 to 24 months
- Includes hospital days and simulated experiences in a simulation lab
Admission Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA to submit an application: 3.00
- Recommended competitive Pre-Professional Courses (PPC) GPA: 3.77
- Phase 1 (PPC) courses must be completed or in progress at UTEP to be eligible for Phase 2 ranking
- Proof of health insurance required for ranking
Entrance Exams
- ATI TEAS required
- Minimum TEAS scores: composite 65%, reading 60%, science 50% (pass/fail)
- TEAS completion deadlines vary by cohort (see Deadlines)
- TEAS contact: Leslie Ross, Director
Prerequisites
- MATH 1320
- BIOL 1305-1107
- BIOL 2313-2113
- CHEM 1307-1107 or CHEM 1305-1105
- MICR 2330
- HSCI 2302
- PSYC 1301
- Phase 2 Nursing Courses: NURS 2303, NURS 2407, NURS 2502
Deadlines
- Phase 2 Fall application window: January 2 – February 28; TEAS completed by May 31; ranking in June
- Phase 2 Spring application window: August 1 – September 30; TEAS completed by October 31; ranking in November
- Phase 2 Summer application window: December 1 – January 31; TEAS completed by March 1; ranking in April
- Phase 3 application windows match Phase 2 windows; Phase 3 ranking months: Fall ranking in August, Spring ranking in December, Summer ranking in May
Application
- Submit official college transcripts; transfer credits must be posted on UTEP transcript by application deadline
- Proof of health insurance required
- Complete titers lab report required for Phase 3
- Texas Board of Nursing criminal background check (CBC) will be conducted during Phase 2 (student expense)
- Unofficial transcripts not accepted if Phase 1 is in process at another institution
Selection Process
- Phase 2 ranking criteria: Pre-Professional Courses GPA, cumulative GPA, TEAS score
- Phase 3 ranking criteria: Phase 2 GPA, Pre-Professional Courses GPA, cumulative GPA, TEAS score, cleared CBC, complete titers report
- Phase 2 Nursing Courses must be completed at UTEP and are not accepted from other institutions
- The highest grade earned in each Phase 2 course is used in Phase 2 GPA calculation
- Notification of acceptance sent via student UTEP email; failure to register by the deadline forfeits the seat
Clinical & Simulation Lab
- In-person hospital days
- Simulated experiences in a simulation lab
Credit Transfer
- Phase 2 Nursing Courses are not accepted from other institutions
- Phase 1 transfer credits must be officially posted on UTEP transcript by the application deadline
- Unofficial transcripts not accepted for students completing Phase 1 at another institution
Contacts
- Associate Dean, Undergraduate Education: Laura Rodriguez, DNP, APRN, CNS
- BSN Program Coordinator: Tracey Merworth
- College of Nursing main phone: (915) 747-8217; fax: (915) 747-8295
- Office of Student Affairs advising sign-up: (915) 747-8337
- University Library advising (students with 0–29 credit hours): (915) 747-5290
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
Accreditations
Nursing Programs Accreditations
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the baccalaureate degree levels Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Nursing (CNURED) - Nursing education programs at the graduate degree levels Accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Institutional Accreditations
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Nearby Nursing Schools
