10 Best ADN Programs in Texas – (2-Year RN Programs)
Written By: Pattie Trumble, MPP, MPH (Introduction), and Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org (School Profiles)
ADN programs in Texas are an excellent choice if you want to earn a nursing degree quickly. Most associate degrees in nursing in the Lone Star State take two years or less to complete. You’ll be out there making a great salary while friends in four-year programs are still in school. If you want to go back and earn an advanced nursing degree later, that’s always an option. Meanwhile, you’ll be bringing home $84,320 a year and looking at some exciting job opportunities since employment prospects for ADN-educated RNs in Texas are projected to increase by 17 percent in the coming decade. Check out the guide below to the 10 best ADN programs in Texas for more information.
What Are The Best ADN Programs In Texas (Online And Campus)?
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best nursing schools for ADN programs in Texas. You can complete most of these programs in 2 years.
1. Laredo College - Laredo
Program Details: The ADN program offered by Laredo College is one of the best ADN programs in Texas, preparing graduates for a successful career as registered nurses. The program is a 34-credit coursework that covers several key topics such as the foundations of nursing practice, concepts in adult health, mental health nursing, and nursing care of the child-bearing family. The program also includes concepts in pediatric nursing and women’s health nursing.
Admission Requirements: This ADN program in Texas is open to high school graduates who have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The admission process also requires the completion of pre-requisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and physiology. A TEAS score is also required.
Why Choose This Program
• Laredo College’s ADN program reports an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN pass rate.• Laredo College’s ADN program takes pride in its high retention and graduation rate, indicating that the majority of the students are satisfied with the educational experience they are obtaining.
2. Howard College-Big Springs - Big Springs
Program Details: Howard College-Big Springs has been offering the ADN program since 1976. While the first year of its ADN program is on-campus, the second year is mainly online. The program comprises a total of 60 credits, including the prerequisites. The program covers topics such as health assessment, mental health nursing, maternal /newborn nursing, women’s health nursing, care of children & families, and enhanced concepts of adult health.
Admission Requirements: The admission requirements for this ADN program in Texas include a high school diploma or a GED. Further, to qualify for the program, a copy of a CNA certificate is also required. The program also requires the submission of a TEAS score and your official transcripts.
Why Choose This Program
• The ADN program at Howard College-Big Springs reports an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.• Howard College-Big Springs maintains excellent partnerships with leading hospitals and clinics in the Big Spring Angelo area.
3. Blinn College District - Brenham
Program Details: Blinn College District’s ADN program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to embark on a successful career as a registered nurse. The program includes a total of 42 credits in nursing core courses. Students attend classes in health assessment, pharmacology, concepts of adult health, mental health nursing, and lifespan growth & development. The program also includes clinical training in registered nursing. The program takes two years to complete, after which you’ll be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Admission Requirements: This 2-year nursing program in Texas requires applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Further, completion of courses such as anatomy, microbiology, psychology, and English is required. To complete the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your official transcripts and a TEAS score.
Why Choose This Program
• Another one of the best 2-year nursing programs in Texas, Blinn College District’s ADN program also offers a competitive tuition fee.• Blinn College District’s ADN program graduates are prepared with job-ready skills to seamlessly transition into the workplace.
4. Lone Star College - Montgomery
Program Details: Lone Star College’s ADN program is counted among the sought-after ADN programs in Texas. The program prepares you for the nursing workforce by offering a well-rounded curriculum. The ADN coursework includes a total of 60 credits, including the pre-requisite courses. The program teaches you topics such as health assessment, nursing skills, concepts of adult health, mental health nursing, complex concepts of adult health, maternal & newborn nursing, and pharmacology.
Admission Requirements: Lone Star College’s ADN program is open to applicants who have a high school diploma or a GED and a GPA of 2.5. The program also requires applicants to have completed pre-requisite courses with a minimum grade of C.
Why Choose This Program
• Lone Star College’s ADN program is grounded in interprofessional collaboration and provides students with learning opportunities in a variety of interprofessional healthcare settings.• Lone Star College’s ADN program offers online flexible classes that easily fit into the busy lives of working students.
5. Alvin Community College - Alvin
Program Details: Alvin Community College’s associate degree in nursing is an excellent way to launch your career in nursing. Among the best ADN programs in Texas, the program produces highly skilled nurses who serve the healthcare needs of the state’s diverse patient population. With more than 50 years of experience, the program offers comprehensive coursework. You’ll learn about various topics such as health assessment, nursing skills, concepts in adult health, mental health nursing, and maternal & newborn nursing.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this ADN program in Texas, you must have a high school diploma or GED. The program requires applicants to have a GPA of 2.5. The admission requirements also include completion of pre-requite courses before starting with the nursing program.
Why Choose This Program
• Alvin Community College’s ADN program consistently reports an impressive first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of more than 90%.• Alvin Community College’s ADN graduates are desired by local employers. Little surprise that the program reports a placement rate of more than 90%.
• Alvin Community College’s ADN program provides learning opportunities at a variety of healthcare sites, including the Texas Medical Center.
• Alvin Community College not only offers affordable tuition costs but also several financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
6. Midland College - Midland
Program Details: If you find your calling in nursing, then Midland College offers an excellent ADN program. The program combines the art and science of nursing to offer you a well-rounded education. Leading to the NCLEX-RN, the program takes two years to complete. The ADN coursework covers topics such as health assessment, nursing skills, mental health nursing, pharmacology, and maternal & newborn nursing.
Admission Requirements: The admission checklist for this ADN program includes a high school diploma or GED. Further, an ATI TEAS score of at least 58.7% is required. To qualify, you must also complete prerequisite courses such as anatomy & physiology, composition, and psychology.
Why Choose This Program
• Midland College’s ADN program consistently reports an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.• Midland College’s ADN program’s cost is low compared to the other ADN programs in Texas. Moreover, students can apply for scholarships and financial aid opportunities to further bring down the costs.
• Midland College’s ADN program allows the transfer of credits to many well-known four-year colleges.
7. Dallas College - Mountain View
Program Details: If you aspire to make a difference in your community, then at Dallas College, you can acquire the professional skills and knowledge to impact healthcare. By offering one of the best ADN programs in Texas, the college prepares you to work as a registered nurse in a variety of healthcare settings. The ADN program is offered on-campus and comprises a total of 60 credits. Some of the key topics covered include lifespan growth & development, common concepts of adult health, and maternal and complex concepts of adult health.
Admission Requirements: This 2-year nursing program in Texas requires applicants to have a high school diploma or a GED. The program also requires the completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C. To complete the admission requirements, you must be prepared to submit your TEAS exam score and all your transcripts.
Why Choose This Program
• Dallas College’s ADN program offers excellent hands-on training at a variety of clinical sites.• Dallas College’s ADN program is offered in a supportive learning environment where the faculty and staff are committed to the success of students.
• Dallas College’s ADN program credits can be transferred to several other four-year colleges.
8. Panola College - Carthage
Program Details: Another one of the ADN programs in Texas is offered by Panola College. The program is offered in person, with classes held mainly on weekdays. The coursework comprises a total of 60 credits. Upon acceptance into the program, you’ll learn about topics such as professional nursing concepts, healthcare concepts, and lifespan growth & development. The program also includes clinical experience in a healthcare setting.
Admission Requirements: If you are keen on applying to Panola College’s ADN program, then to qualify for admission, you must have a high school diploma or a GED with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The program also requires the completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C. In addition, applicants must be prepared to submit their HESI A2 scores.
Why Choose This Program
• Panola College’s ADN program takes pride in the excellent pass rate of its graduates on the NCLEX-RN exam.• Panola College’s ADN program offers a student-centric environment that is inclusive, close-knit, and supportive.
• Panola College’s ADN program comes at a reasonable tuition cost. Students also have access to scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
9. Odessa College - Odessa
Program Details: Odessa College’s ADN program effectively combines theory with laboratory and real-world clinical training. The program emphasizes professionalism, leadership, and lifelong learning. Program graduates are fully prepared to use critical thinking and evidence-based knowledge to offer patient-centered care. The program continues for 18 consecutive months, after which you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Admission Requirements: Similar to most other ADN programs in Texas, Odessa College’s ADN program accepts applications from high school students who have a GPA of at least 2.5. The program also requires the submission of a TEAS score. A completed application must also include your transcripts.
Why Choose This Program
• Odessa College’s ADN program boasts an excellent placement rate, having 100% of graduates find jobs soon upon graduation.• Odessa College’s ADN program takes pride in the excellent pass rates of its ADN students. Over the past five years, the program consistently reports a pass rate that is higher than the state and national averages.
10. Hill College - Hillsboro
Program Details: Among the best 2-year nursing programs in Texas, Hill College’s associate degree program is a terrific option if you want to kickstart your career in nursing. The program comprises a total of 60 credits, covering topics such as nutrition, nursing foundations, common concepts of adult health, complex concepts of adult health, microbiology, lifespan growth & development, and the care of children & families. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for this ADN program in Texas, you must have a high school diploma or a GED. You must also be prepared to submit your TEAS score. The program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts. In addition, you must complete the prerequisite courses in anatomy & physiology, pharmacology, and lifespan growth & development.
Why Choose This Program
• Hill College’s small-sized classes allow personalized attention. ADN Students complete clinical training under the close supervision of faculty members, honing their clinical and critical thinking skills.• Hill College’s consistently high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam are a great indicator of the positive academic outcome its graduates are able to achieve.
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