How to Become an RN in Texas – A Simple Guide

Working as a registered nurse is something a LOT of Texans want. But the BIG question is:

How do you become one???

The answer is not that easy, because there are a lot of requirements and considerations to factor in.

And these differ from state to state!

But don’t worry. 

Today, we’re here to walk you through the process of how to become an RN in Texas. 

We’ve broken it down into 3 simple steps, so you won’t be scratching your head wondering where to start and where to go from here. 

We’ll also answer some of the most common questions that people ask about becoming a registered nurse in Texas, such as:

• • What is the job outlook like for RNs in Texas?

• • What is the mean annual salary of RNs in Texas?

• • What is an RN to BSN course?

• • What is an ARPN?

• • What do the terms CE, CNE, CEU, and CME mean when it comes to continuing education?

Pursuing your dream starts with knowing how to get there. So, if you’re ready, let’s jump in! 

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Texas: A Simple 3-Step Guide

Here are 3 simple steps to becoming an RN in Texas:

1. 1. Choose the Best Nursing Program and School for You

1. 1. Obtain Your Registered Nursing License in Texas

1. 1. Keep Your Texas RN License Active by Pursuing Continuing Education 

Let’s delve deeper into each step! 

How to Become an RN in Texas Step #1: Choose the Best Nursing Program and School for You

Just like in the other states, there are 2 main programs that you can choose from to become a registered nurse in Texas.

The two programs are Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

This nursing program only takes about 2 years to complete. 

It is usually offered in community colleges. 

It is faster and cheaper, while still giving you the training you need to provide basic nursing care to a wide variety of patients. 

However, the demand for registered nurses who graduated from a BSN course (instead of an ADN course) is increasing. 

Staying a bit longer in school could open up a lot more opportunities for you!

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program takes 4 years to complete. 

It is usually offered in many state universities and private colleges.

It takes longer and is more expensive than ADN, but it prepares you to offer more specialized nursing care.

It also prepares you to have leadership positions in the future. 

BSN-RNs usually have more job opportunities and higher salaries. 

Approved ADN and BSN Programs and Nursing Schools in Texas

Choosing between ADN and BSN is really up to you.

Both have their pros and cons. 

However, whatever you choose, make sure that the nursing program that you enroll in is licensed and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. 

Otherwise, you will not be eligible to take the licensure exam and get your RN license, which would be such a waste of time and money!

Therefore, before anything else, here is a list of Texas Approved RN Education Programs.

Each of these schools may have different requirements for enrollment, so it would be good to check with the school first.

However, some common requirements include:

• • ACT or SAT score requirements

• • Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam

• • High school and/or previous college transcript

• • Application letter

• • Application interview

• • Letters of recommendation

• • Background checks

How to Become an RN inTexas Step #2: Obtain Your Registered Nursing License in Texas

Whether you have just graduated from an accredited nursing program or have already worked as an RN in another state or country, you will need to apply for an RN license in Texas.

To obtain a license, you will need to send your application to the Texas Board of Nursing. 

There are two application processes – application by examination and application by endorsement. 

Application for Texas RN License by Examination 

If you’re completely new to the world of nursing – and have never taken the NCLEX-RN exam yet –  this is the route for you.

The NCLEX-RN is a nationwide exam, and all aspiring RNs must be able to pass this. 

Typically, once you’ve completed your ADN or BSN program, the requirements to take the NCLEX-RN exam are your transcript of records from your approved nursing program, criminal background checks, and application fees.

However, in Texas, they have an additional requirement.

You also need a passing mark in the nursing jurisprudence exam as part of the requirements to take the NCLEX-RN exam. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for licensure by examination:

1. 1. Read the Licensure Eligibility section and make sure you are eligible to apply for the examination. 

• • If there are no problems with your eligibility, you can proceed to step 2. 

2. 2. Complete the Online Application for Examination. 

• • You are advised to print a copy of the receipt so that you have your own record.

3. 3. Complete a Criminal Background Check. 

• • This is for those who don’t have a criminal background check with the Texas BON yet.

• • You will need to submit your fingerprints through MorphoTrust ten working days after the Texas BON has received your online application. 

4. 4. Register with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX.

• • You should do this 30 days before your graduation. 

• • This will cost $200.

5. 5. Take and pass the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination.

• • To take this exam, you need to file with the Texas BON.

• • After 15 business days, you can log in and complete the exam online.

• • The exam takes 2 hours.

• • If you do not pass the exam, the system will lock up, but you can retake the exam after 24 hours.

6. 6. Make sure your transcript of records has been mailed to the Texas BON.

• • Your approved school of nursing does this immediately for you. 

• • But if you studied in a school outside of Texas, you will need to request for your school to do this. 

7. 7. Wait for your email verification from Pearson/Vue that will give you authorization to test (ATT) and instructions on the schedule of your test.

• • The authorization to test is valid for 75 days. 

8. 8. Take the NCLEX-RN exam!

9. 9. After you take the exam, Pearson/Vue will send your results to the Texas Bon within 5 working days after you took the exam.

• • If you have passed, then you will be sent a certification.

• • If you were unsuccessful, then you will be provided with feedback on your performance. 

For more detailed information, you can check the Texas BON website. 

Application for Texas RN License by Endorsement

Those who are eligible to apply for licensure by endorsement in Texas are:

1. 1. those who graduated from an approved RN education program,

1. 1. those who have taken the appropriate US exam, and

1. 1. those who have worked as a nurse or have taken the US NCLEX exam within four years before the application

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for licensure by endorsement:

1. 1. Read the Licensure Eligibility Section and make sure you are eligible to apply for the examination. 

• • If there are no problems with your eligibility, you can proceed to step 2. 

2. 2. Complete the Nurse Endorsement Application online. 

• • You are advised to print a copy of the receipt so that you have your own record.

3. 3. Obtain your Temporary License.

• • The Texas BON will issue a one-time temporary license, good for 120 days.

• • If you are eligible, they issue this within fifteen business days after they have received your completed application and fee.

4. 4. Complete a Criminal Background Check. 

• • This is for those who don’t have a criminal background check with the Texas BON yet.

• • You will need to submit your fingerprints through MorphoTrust ten working days after the Texas BON has received your online application. 

5. 5. Take and pass the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination.

• • To take this exam, you need to file with the Texas BON.

• • After 15 business days, you can log in and complete the exam online.

• • The exam takes 2 hours.

• • If you do not pass the exam, the system will lock up, but you can retake the exam after 24 hours.

6. 6. Send your Verified Nursing License(s) to the Texas BON.

• • If your previous license is from a state that is part of the NURSYS database, then you can complete a verification request and pay the appropriate fee on www.nursys.com. 

• • If your previous license is from a state or place that is not part of the NURSYS database, then you must submit a Verification Licensure Form to your state and request them to send the verification report directly to the Texas BON.

7. 7. Wait for the Texas BON to issue your permanent Texas RN license.

• • Once you have passed all the requirements and completed all the application processes, the Texas BON will review your application within 15 business days.

For more detailed information, you can check the Texas BON website. 

What if you graduated from a nursing program in another state, but want to apply for licensure in Texas?

Well, no problem!

The Texas BON will consider you eligible to take the licensure exam and apply for licensure, as long as the nursing program you graduated from was also approved by your state’s BON. 

How to Become an RN in Texas Step #3: Keep Your Texas RN License Active by Pursuing Continuing Education 

Education does not end after graduation or licensure.

As a registered nurse, you need to keep your license active by continuing your education.

You can renew your Texas RN license every two years, by having at least 20 contact hours of continuing education in your area of practice. 

There are many trainings, courses, and seminars that you can attend to achieve the 20 contact hours.

Some ADN-RNs also choose to level up their license by completing a BSN degree. 

If you have already graduated with a BSN degree, you can always consider taking a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate degree in nursing.  

Taking a master’s or doctorate degree can help you to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). 

Possible Areas of Specialization for APRNS:

1. 1. Addiction Nurse or Substance Abuse Nurse

• • These nurses help those who suffer from addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other substances. 

• • They usually work in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, or outpatient care facilities. 

2. 2. Cardiovascular Nurse

• • These nurses help those with heart disease.

• • They usually work in hospitals, coronary care units (CCUs), and clinics. 

3. 3. Critical Care Nurse/ ICU Nurse

• • These nurses help those who have very serious conditions and require 24-hour care and observation. 

• • These nurses usually work in intensive care units (ICUs) and CCUs in hospitals. 

4. 4. Gastroenterology Nurse

• • These nurses help those with gastrointestinal (stomach and digestive system) diseases. 

• • They can assist doctors during colonoscopies and endoscopies. 

5. 5. Neonatal Nurse

• • These nurses help infants who were born prematurely or have illnesses. 

• • They usually work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), CCU, or ICU.

6. 6. Occupational Health Nurse

• • These nurses can work in either a clinical setting or for a corporation. 

• • They are usually employed to help prevent injuries and treat the health issues of those who are employed in the corporation. 

• • They can also be tasked to evaluate medical-related work leaves. 

7. 7. Public Health Nurse

• • These nurses usually promote the health of the general public through health education and screening. 

• • They usually work for government agencies or NGOs. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an RN in Texas

• • What is the job outlook like for RNs in Texas?

• • What is the mean annual salary of RNs in Texas?

• • What is an RN to BSN course?

• • What is an ARPN?

• • What do the terms CE, CNE, CEU, and CME mean when it comes to continuing education?

What is the job outlook like for RNs in Texas?

Registered Nurses are in high demand in the US, especially in Texas. 

More than that, the demand is expected to rise in the coming years!

This is due in part to a large number of aging people, as well as the increasing focus on preventive health care. 

Texas employs the second-highest number of registered nurses, second only to California. 

This table can be seen on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website.  

Industries with the highest levels of employment in Registered Nurses:

Industries with the highest concentration of employment in Registered Nurses:

As you can see in the table, the highest level of employment of Registered Nurses in Texas is in hospitals, followed by offices of physicians, home health care services, outpatient care centers, and nursing care facilities. 

What is the mean annual salary of RNs in Texas?

According to the Us Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary of RNs in Texas is $79,120.

Here are some of the highest-paying cities in Texas with their respective annual mean wage for RNs, according to the Nursing License Map website,

• • Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land $80,160

• • Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington $74,140

• • San Antonio, New Braunfels $72, 27

What is an RN to BSN course?

This refers to a nursing education course that allows Registered Nurses who graduated from an ADN course to transition to a BSN course.

It takes about 2 years to complete (since most units from the ADN course may be accredited). 

However, some schools in Texas offer some online classes for greater flexibility of schedules. 

What is an APRN?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) refers to Registered Nurses who have obtained a master’s or doctoral degree in an area of specialization. 

To become an APRN in Texas, you need to:

1. 1. be a registered nurse in Texas or hold a current RN license with multistate privileges

1. 1. complete an advanced nursing degree (master’s or doctoral) in a specialty area

1. 1. complete the required clinical hours

1. 1. pass a national certification exam (that is based on your specialty area)

1. 1. apply for a Texas APRN license

What do the terms CE, CNE, CEU, and CME mean when it comes to continuing education?

When it comes to continuing education, there are a lot of acronyms, and it can get pretty confusing. 

Here is a breakdown of the different acronyms and terms used:

1. 1. CE means Continuing Education.

• • It is a general term used by many different professionals.

• • It is not specific to nursing education. 

2. 2. CNE means Continuing Nurse Education.

• • This is more specific for nurses.

• • If the training was provided by an approved organization, then the RN may use the units gained from the training to keep their license active. 

3. 3. CEU means Continuing Education Units.

• • This is a generic term used to measure the points earned from continuing education training. 

• • For nurses, the more specific unit of measure is the “contact hours.”

4. 4. CME means Continuing Medical Education.

• • This is not appropriate for the Registered Nurse to use.

• • APRNs may receive CME contact hours if it is in their area of specialization.