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Nursing Schools in Texas: A Closer Look at One of the Best in the Country
They say that everything is bigger and better in Texas, so it only stands to reason that this state has some of the finest nursing schools in the country. Schools like Texas A&M in College Station and South Texas College in McAllen all offer degree and certificate programs for those wishing to pursue a nursing career. However, among the many nursing schools in Texas that offer these types of programs, perhaps the one that most exemplifies the quality of nursing education that Texas has to offer is the University of Texas at Austin. This school is renowned not only in Texas, but also nationally for the sheer number and quality of degree and specialty certificate programs they have to offer. In this article we will take a closer look at the University of Texas Austin, and outline some of the programs and specialties that make this university one of the best nursing schools in Texas and throughout the country.
Nursing Schools in Texas: University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas, Austin, home of the Longhorns, is the largest university—in terms of student population—in all of Texas. This public university offers a wide range of degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level, with an impressive student to teacher ratio of 18:1. Each and every nursing program at UT is fully accredited, and the school is generally considered the unquestioned leader in nursing education in Texas, and according to U.S. News and World Report, one of the top universities in the country for graduate level nursing programs. The following is a list of the programs and/or degree tracks that UT has to offer:
• Associate Degree in Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ADN-BSN). This program is designed for registered nurses who already possess an associate degree or diploma in nursing and want to advance their education. Classes are designed to fit around a working nurse’s schedule, including classes on nights, weekends and online.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program includes studies in both nursing theory and practical application. It requires 66 units of prerequisite courses in a number of different areas, including science and mathematics, followed by 61 upper division units in nursing studies, including nursing theory and practical application.
• Master of Science in Nursing. This program is designed for registered nurses looking to advance in their career. It includes advanced studies in a number of health sciences related to nursing as well advanced studies in nursing theory, the history of nursing and various modalities of nursing practice.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. This doctoral program is designed for nurses who have completed the Masters of Science in Nursing and want to further their education. Many nurses who earn this degree go on to be leaders in the nursing field, including many who become nursing instructors and researchers.
• Alternate Entry Ph.D. This is a doctoral program designed for students possessing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field other than nursing.
The University of Texas Austin also offers a number of specialty and certificate programs in fields that range from hepatology to anesthesiology. These programs are designed for registered nurses who are currently employed and want to pursue a particular specialty that will allow them to increase their responsibilities and employability.