There are many universities and colleges in Texas that offer online RN to BSN programs, each with its own unique features, flexibility, and cost. If you’re looking for the best options; the ones known for their strong curriculum, high graduation rates, and great student satisfaction, read on.
An RN to BSN program is designed for registered nurses who already have an associate degree or nursing diploma and want to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These programs help nurses deepen their clinical knowledge, improve leadership and communication skills, and prepare for advanced roles in healthcare.
With a BSN, you’ll not only stand out to employers but also qualify for better pay, more responsibilities, and a wider range of job opportunities, from hospital management to public health and education.
Online RN to BSN programs are especially convenient for working nurses, allowing you to study from anywhere, at your own pace, while continuing your job and personal life.
If you’re a nurse who wants the best possible education and career growth, it’s worth taking the time to choose the right school, one that’s accredited, flexible, and respected in the healthcare field. And if you’re planning to complete your RN to BSN in Texas, the schools listed below are some of the very best places to start your journey.
Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Texas
1. University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler)
If you’re a licensed RN ready to take the next step, UT Tyler’s online RN to BSN program offers a flexible format built for working nurses. You can complete the 30‑credit nursing portion in as little as 12 months, thanks to seven‑week courses and options to go part or full‑time.
It’s 100 % online and designed so you can study from where you live, while hands‑on experiences take place in your local community. The tuition is a flat rate of $9,895 for the entire online portion.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, and it’s ranked #1 in Texas for online RN to BSN by RegisteredNursing.org.
2. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M’s RN to BSN is fully online (30 credit hours of nursing work) and designed for registered nurses with an associate degree. You complete your practicum in your own community, making it very practical for those working full-time.
Admission requires you to already be licensed as an RN or earn your license by a set deadline. The prerequisite coursework is substantial, with around 59 credit hours required in humanities, biological, and behavioral sciences.
This program is ranked first in Texas among online bachelor’s programs according to U.S. News & World Report and offers both rigorous content and flexible pacing (3–4 semesters).
3. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)
TAMIU’s online RN to BSN program stands out for affordability, flexibility, and being ranked #2 in Texas for this type of program. The coursework is delivered entirely online, and the program can be completed in as few as 12 months.
The total tuition for Texas residents is around $8,995. Start dates are frequent, with six per year, making it very convenient for working nurses. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking, effective communication, ethical/legal issues, conflict resolution, safety, and quality improvement.
You’ll build on your RN experience and prepare for broader roles like charge nurse, case manager, or public health nurse, while finishing your BSN online in a way that fits your life.
4. West Texas A&M University
At West Texas A&M (WTAMU), the online RN to BSN program has earned national recognition—it was ranked No. 6 in the U.S. and best in Texas for its quality. The program is built for working RNs who want to finish their BSN without coming to campus. The institution emphasizes individualized support for online students, not treating them as an afterthought
You benefit from a flexible, fully online program, affordable tuition, and a strong reputation. With a BSN through this route, you’ll be well placed for leadership, education, or specialized nursing paths, while maintaining your career and life schedule.
5. University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
UTA’s online RN to BSN allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing while continuing to work. The program is 35 credit hours of nursing coursework, delivered 100% online, and can often be completed in about 9–10 months if you go full-time
Tuition is about $257 per credit hour, making the total in-state tuition around $8,995 for the nursing portion. Beyond cost and timing, the program focuses on leadership, global and cultural health, decision‑making, and evidence‑based practice.
6. Texas Woman’s University (TWU)
TWU’s RN to BSN program is fully online and tailored for registered nurses who hold an associate degree or nursing diploma. Courses are offered in seven‑week formats, allowing you to keep working while studying. Clinical requirements are integrated into online projects or preceptor experiences in your local setting.
Because the program is 100% online and designed for flexibility, it’s a solid option for those balancing work, family, and education. Graduates leave prepared for advanced nursing roles, leadership positions, and further study, all supported by the online structure.
7. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC)
TTUHSC’s online RN to BSN offers a fully online curriculum with some direct care/clinical component done in your community. It’s ideal for RNs seeking to deepen their knowledge, take on leadership roles, and stay in their current jobs while finishing their BSN.
The program emphasizes critical thinking, trends in healthcare, and professional advancement. With flexible online delivery, you can earn your BSN while continuing your career and position yourself for roles like care coordinator, nurse manager, or community health leader.
8. University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
UTMB’s RN to BSN program provides a mostly online experience with nursing practice built into your local community setting. You’ll dive into evidence‑based practice, leadership, community health, and the advanced aspects of nursing that come with a bachelor’s degree.
The program is accredited and designed for working registered nurses. While some clinical/community practice is required, most coursework is online and designed to fit around your nursing job and life commitments.
Completing this online RN to BSN track helps you move from bedside nursing into broader roles, such as case management, leadership, patient education, or specialty nursing, while keeping your existing job.
9. University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
UTRGV’s online RN to BSN program lets licensed RNs build their bachelor’s in nursing through a flexible, online format. The program features rolling admission, online coursework, and practice experiences that integrate into your current environment rather than forcing relocation.
With a BSN via UTRGV’s online pathway, you’re prepared for expanded nursing roles, leadership opportunities, and further education, all while studying online and balancing work and life.
10. Sam Houston State University (SHSU)
SHSU offers an online RN to BSN program designed for working registered nurses who already hold an associate degree or diploma. The program is 100% online with multiple start dates each year, making it ideal for nurses needing flexibility.
It’s accredited by the CCNE and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The curriculum focuses on leadership, community health, evidence‑based practice, and professional growth. You can complete it in about 12–18 months depending on pace and prior coursework.
Because the program is online and structured for working RNs, you can continue your job while you study toward your BSN, positioning yourself well for career advancement into management, education, or specialty nursing fields.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to finish an online RN to BSN program in Texas?
Most online RN-to-BSN programs in Texas take about 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on how many credits you already have and whether you study full- or part-time. A few schools offer faster options that can be done in as little as nine months.
Because these programs are fully online, you can plan your studies around your work and family schedule. Many nurses finish while keeping their jobs and other responsibilities.
2. How much does it cost to earn an online RN to BSN in Texas?
Tuition costs vary from school to school, but most online RN-to-BSN programs in Texas fall between $8,000 and $10,000 for the nursing portion of the degree. Public universities usually offer lower rates for Texas residents.
Since classes are online, you’ll also save money on transportation, housing, and campus fees. Some schools provide scholarships, payment plans, or tuition-reimbursement partnerships with hospitals to make it even more affordable.
3. Do I need to quit my job to enroll in an online RN to BSN?
No, you don’t. These programs are built for working nurses, so you can keep your job while earning your degree. Classes are flexible and self-paced, and assignments can often be completed on your own time.
Many schools even allow you to complete any required clinical or community projects at your current workplace, which makes balancing work and school much easier.
4. Why should I get a BSN if I’m already a registered nurse?
While you can practice as an RN with an associate degree, earning a BSN helps you move up. Many hospitals now prefer or require nurses with bachelor’s degrees because BSN-prepared nurses tend to have stronger leadership, research, and critical-thinking skills.
A BSN can also lead to better pay, promotions, and eligibility for roles in management, education, or specialized nursing. Plus, it’s an important step if you plan to go for a master’s or nurse practitioner program later.
5. Are online RN to BSN programs in Texas accredited?
Yes. The top programs in Texas—such as those at UT Tyler, Texas A&M, TAMIU, TWU, and Sam Houston State University, are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Accreditation means the program meets strict academic and professional standards, so your degree will be recognized by employers and licensing boards everywhere.
6. Can I study if I live outside Texas?
Yes, most Texas universities welcome out-of-state students into their online RN-to-BSN programs. You can complete the entire degree from anywhere in the U.S. Just remember that tuition for non-residents may be slightly higher.
Always check each university’s admission page to confirm that they accept students from your state before you apply.
7. What kind of courses will I take in an RN to BSN program?
Expect classes that expand your professional skills beyond bedside nursing. Typical courses include Nursing Leadership and Management, Community and Public Health Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, Healthcare Ethics, Informatics, and Health Assessment.
Many programs end with a capstone or leadership project where you apply what you’ve learned to real-world healthcare challenges.
8. Can I continue to graduate school after my BSN?
Absolutely. Once you earn your BSN, you can move on to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nurse Practitioner (NP), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
Having a BSN gives you the strong foundation you’ll need for advanced nursing roles and makes graduate-level study much smoother.