The Austin area offers several RN to BSN programs tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. All of the programs below follow an online format.
| School | Tuition | Timeframe | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health System | $10,800 | 12 months | San Antonio |
| San Antonio College | $10,800 | 12 months | San Antonio |
| Schreiner University | $11,790 | 12 months | Kerrville |
| Texas State University | $12,120 | 10 months | San Marcos |
| Galen College of Nursing | $21,200 | 12–16 months | San Antonio |
Tuition and Costs
- Baptist Health System: Tuition for the core program is $10,800, excluding general education costs.
- Galen College of Nursing: Tuition is $21,200 for 50 credit hours, with additional fees for technology and resources.
- San Antonio College: Tuition is $10,800 for in-district students, with variations based on residency status.
- Schreiner University: Tuition costs $11,790 for 33 core credit hours and 12 elective credits.
- Texas State University: Tuition is $12,120 for 30 credit hours at $404 per credit hour.
Program Length and Format
- Baptist Health System: The program spans 12 months and is delivered entirely online, with weekly assignments and flexible scheduling.
- Galen College of Nursing: Students can complete the program in 12–16 months full-time, entirely online, with six annual start dates.
- San Antonio College (SAC): This program offers options to complete in as little as 12 months, with hybrid, fully online, and accelerated tracks available.
- Schreiner University: The accelerated program is designed for completion in 12 months with entirely online, seven-week course sessions.
- Texas State University: This program stands out for its shortest completion time of 10 months, also fully online with asynchronous coursework.
Accreditation and Reputation
- All programs are accredited by recognized bodies like the CCNE or ACEN, ensuring high academic standards.
- Schreiner University is ranked #3 in Texas for its RN to BSN program.
- San Antonio College is known for being the largest nursing program in San Antonio, with a strong local reputation.
Curriculum and Focus
- Baptist Health System: Offers a mix of core nursing courses (e.g., health assessment, leadership, and community health) with a focus on evidence-based practices and nursing research.
- Galen College of Nursing: Covers diverse topics, including healthcare informatics, population health, and a capstone project to integrate learning.
- San Antonio College: Includes leadership, informatics, community health, and a capstone project emphasizing clinical and community applications.
- Schreiner University: Features specialized courses such as global health, healthcare informatics, and independent study options, with an emphasis on ethics and leadership.
- Texas State University: Highlights include community health nursing, healthcare systems, and a strong focus on policy and advocacy.
Admission Requirements
- All programs require an active, unencumbered RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
- Prerequisite courses in anatomy, microbiology, and psychology are common across programs.
- Texas State University adds unique requirements, such as foreign language coursework for students lacking high school proficiency.
Career Outcomes
- Graduates from all programs are prepared for leadership roles, community health positions, and further education in nursing.
- Schreiner University boasts a 100% job placement rate and a 97% NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- Programs like those at San Antonio College and Texas State University emphasize readiness for advanced roles such as nurse manager or educator.
Similarities
- All programs are designed for working nurses, offering online formats and flexible schedules.
- Each program provides a pathway to leadership roles and prepares graduates for advanced studies.
Differences
- Length: Texas State University’s program is the shortest at 10 months, while others range from 12 to 16 months.
- Tuition: Galen College is the most expensive at $21,200, while Schreiner University offers competitive pricing at $11,790.
- Curriculum: Schreiner University’s global health focus and Texas State University’s policy emphasis set them apart.
Conclusion
These programs offer diverse pathways to earning a BSN, catering to the varying needs of working nurses in the Austin area.
Baptist Health System and Schreiner University stand out for affordability, while Texas State University offers the shortest completion time.
Galen College of Nursing provides a comprehensive yet costlier option. Each program equips graduates with skills for leadership, community health, and advanced nursing roles, making any of them a valuable investment for career growth.