Aspiring nurses who live in Houston are in a great location to pursue their career ambitions. As of May 2023, the Houston metropolitan area was among the 10 metropolitan areas across the United States that employed the most registered nurses (RNs), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you are just beginning to explore a career in nursing, you probably have some basic questions. What does it take to get a nursing degree in Houston, and what does the educational process entail?
Anyone who is interested in enrolling in a Houston nursing degree program and wants to become an RN can benefit from exploring the answers to those questions and learning how to step onto the nursing career path.
Nursing Degree Program Length and Requirements in Houston
A student who wants to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in Houston in preparation to become a registered nurse typically needs to complete about 180 quarter credit hours (equal to about 120 semester credit hours). This includes:
Nonnursing courses such as English composition and basic science courses: 80 quarter credits. Generally, a full-time student can complete these credits in 16 to 21 months. Students who are entering an accelerated BSN completion program may need to complete these credits at another educational institution and then transfer the credits to the nursing school they attend.
Nursing courses in subjects such as health assessment and specific types of nursing: 100 quarter credits. A full-time student can complete these credits in as little as 21 months.
Nursing School Requirements
The requirements of different nursing schools can vary, so aspiring nursing students should become familiar with the particular requirements of the school they want to attend. At Denver College of Nursing in Houston, for instance, individuals need to meet:
General admission requirements. Prospective nursing students need to meet general requirements such as being at least 18 years old, being a high school graduate (or the equivalent), and passing a criminal background check.
Entrance exam requirements. If students do not already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, they will need to take an entrance exam and receive at least a minimum score on that exam.
Clinical requirements. Students must meet requirements in areas such as CPR certification, health insurance coverage, immunizations, and negative drug screenings. They also need to continue to meet these requirements throughout their time in nursing school.
Essential functions requirements. Students need to be able to perform specific daily tasks, such as standing for long periods of time, lifting and transferring patients, and demonstrating manual dexterity.
Academic requirements. As they progress through the nursing program, students need to meet requirements in areas such as grades, attendance, and course withdrawals.
Technology requirements. Students will need a computer that meets the needs of the nursing school or be able to use the equipment the nursing school offers.
RN Degree Program Curriculum in Houston
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which they must pass to become licensed RNs. The typical curriculum of an RN degree program in Houston requires students to complete courses in subjects such as:
Foundations of nursing. This course introduces students to important knowledge and skills in areas such as clinical judgment, nursing interventions, and safe and effective nursing practices.
Health assessment. In this course, students learn about assessing a patient’s health from head to toe. Students also acquire critical knowledge about taking patients’ health histories.
Pharmacology. Students learn about major drug groups, dosage calculation, and the administration of medication in this course.
Courses in specific types of nursing. Students take individual courses that focus on medical-surgical nursing, mental health nursing, pediatric nursing, obstetrical nursing, and community and public health nursing.
Capstone course. At the conclusion of their education, students take a capstone course to prepare to take the NCLEX-RN. Aspiring nurses need to pass this exam before they can obtain licensure as a registered nurse. This course also covers important topics related to a nursing career, such as how to create a resume.
Nursing school courses encompass traditional classroom instruction as well as laboratory and clinical hours. The clinical hours provide students with hands-on experience working with patients. They also give students the opportunity to hone their communication skills and apply time management techniques that help nurses do their jobs well.
While the curriculum can be extensive, nursing students can use practical test-taking strategies and other useful study techniques to get the most out of their education.
Houston Nursing Degree Program Benefits and Career Outcomes
Earning a nursing degree in Houston positions individuals to take advantage of a variety of benefits and potential career opportunities in the area. For example:
Texas needs registered nurses. The nationwide nursing shortage extends to Texas, which will have an average of 16,900 job openings for registered nurses each year through 2032, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This means that the employment outlook for new nurses in Texas is bright.
Houston boasts top-rated medical facilities. Houston is home to several high-ranking hospitals and medical facilities, according to U.S. News & World Report, making it an attractive location to launch a healthcare career. These facilities also could be great places to pursue nursing specializations and nursing career advancement.
The cost of living in Houston is relatively low. According to a 2023 report by consumer financial information firm Bankrate, the cost of living in Houston is 8% lower than the national average.
The population in Harris County (home to Houston) is growing. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that Harris County had the highest numeric growth in population among all counties in the U.S. from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023. Along with population growth comes an increase in the demand for healthcare services and, therefore, healthcare workers.
Houston is among the most diverse cities in the country. Personal finance website WalletHub ranked Houston the No. 4 most diverse city in the nation in 2024, based on factors such as cultural diversity, household diversity, and religious diversity.
Earn a Nursing Degree in Houston and Establish the Foundation for a Rewarding Career
Students who complete a nursing degree program in Houston are prepared to launch a meaningful career in a great location. Equipped with the skills and expertise that nursing school provides, graduates can pursue a career helping others achieve positive health outcomes and live healthier lives.
Individuals who are interested in pursuing nursing school in Houston can explore the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program that Denver College of Nursing offers on its Houston campus. With experienced faculty and four program start dates each year, the program helps students reach their nursing career ambitions.
For aspiring nurses who are not in the Houston area, Denver College of Nursing also offers prelicensure nursing programs in Denver, as well as online nursing programs that can help practicing nurses advance their careers.
Start working toward your nursing career goals today.
Recommended Readings
ADN vs. BSN: Comparing the Nursing Degrees
Educational Requirements for a Registered Nurse
Pioneering Women in Texas Nursing