Top Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs in Houston
If you’re an aspiring nurse in Houston who already has a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in Houston lays out all your program options in the Bayou City.
How to Earn an ABSN in Houston
To earn an ABSN in Houston, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Typically, any bachelor’s degree will qualify. In some cases, certain schools may also accept a minimum number of credits from an accredited college in lieu of a bachelor’s, but that is program and school specific.
Applicants must also take any required prerequisites within two years of enrolling. Upon graduation from an ABSN program, students are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Houston ABSN Programs
There are two accredited ABSN programs in Houston. Students applying for an ABSN in Houston have the option of hybrid programs, access to large teaching hospitals and clinical sites in the area, and of course, the nice weather of Houston to enjoy as they pursue their studies. Here are two of the top ABSN programs in Houston we found.
1. University of Houston
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Program Cost: $484.82 per credit hour
- Program Length: 12 months
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? In-person
University of Houston’s in-person ABSN is one of the fastest ways for second-career nurses to get started in the field. It only takes 12 months to complete.
Students receive a total of 60 semester credit hours throughout the program and an impressive 900 hours of clinical and lab experience completed in the greater Houston area as well as the Texas Medical Center.
There’s only one start time in the year, in the spring, so students must apply to the program by August 1st of the preceding year. Applications can be started as early as January 1st of the year before admission.
2. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Program Cost: $273 per credit hour
- Program Length: 15 months
- School Type: Public
- Online Options Available? Yes
This hybrid program offers students 900 hours of clinical experience, 60 credit hours, and start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.
According to the school’s website, ABSN tuition is one of the lowest in the state of Texas. In addition to other financial aid, the school offers a $1,000 scholarship to any applicant who accepts their admission offer within 10 days of receiving it.
What to Expect in an ABSN Program in Houston
Like other ABSN programs in the country, the programs in Houston are competitive and fast-paced, culminating in 12-15 months. However, Houston also provides some of the most affordable programs, so you won’t necessarily break the bank as much as other programs nationwide.
These are full-time programs, so it isn’t recommended that you work during them, as the expectations and clinical requirements are rigorous.
Houston ABSN Tuition
Tuition for ABSN programs in Houston costs between $273 and $484 per credit hour. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.
Admission Requirements
Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in Houston requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
Common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Houston include:
- Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
- Personal statement
- TEAS examination
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Application fee
- Admissions interview
- Resume/CV
How Hard Are ABSN Programs in Houston?
Attending a Houston ABSN program allows you to complete your degree quickly, in 12 to 15 months, but this means the programs are rigorous.
That being said, both programs we’ve highlighted understand the challenges of earning an accelerated degree, so they both offer lots of support from fellow students, tutors, and faculty throughout the program.
How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in Houston?
Accelerated BSN programs in Houston typically take 12 to 15 months to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.
What to Expect Working as a Nurse in Houston
Houston boasts some top-tier ABSN programs. With good wages and a lower cost of living, Houston is a great place to earn an ABSN. There are also over 180 hospitals and thousands of healthcare establishments where you can put your degree to work after graduation.
BSN Salary in Houston
The median annual RN salary nationwide is $89,010 or $42.80 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). RNs in Houston earn right around this average, bringing in $88,880 annually or $42.73 an hour.
Career Outlook
Houston is home to 58,620 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% from 2022 to 2023, faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth equates to 177,400 openings for registered nurses each year.
BSN Jobs in Houston
Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals. Other possible job locations include:
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- Government agencies
- Academia
- Medical and aesthetic spas
- Outpatient clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Private practice
- Surgery centers
- Urgent care centers
- Retirement facilities
- Mental health facilities
Next Steps
With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in Houston. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in 12-15 months at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs.
Accelerated nursing programs in Houston offer in-person and hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in Houston, these programs may be exactly what you need.
For more information on earning an ABSN, check out these resources:
FAQs
- How many ABSN programs are in Houston?
- There are currently two accredited ABSN programs in Houston.
- How much do ABSN programs in Houston cost?
- ABSN programs range in price from roughly $273 to $484 per credit hour, depending on the program. This comes to a total of $16,000 - $29,000 per program, with each program requiring 60 credits.
- How long are ABSN programs in Houston?
- ABSN programs in Houston last anywhere from 12-15 months.
- How many nurses are in Houston?
- Currently, there are 58,620 registered nurses employed in the city of Houston.
- How much do nurses in Houston make?
- Houston ABSN salaries fall right around the national, bringing in $88,880 annually or $42.73 an hour.
