Choose an approved program
Compare Texas Board-approved Associate Degree in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Review admissions, cost, location, graduation outcomes, and NCLEX pass-rate information.
Texas nursing pathway
How to become a registered nurse
Becoming an RN takes approved education, clinical preparation, licensure steps, and the NCLEX-RN. This guide gives Missouri City and Greater Houston learners a practical place to begin.
The general pathway
Steps to RN licensure in Texas
Requirements can change and individual eligibility varies. Always confirm current details directly with the Texas Board of Nursing and your chosen school.
Complete prerequisites
Schools establish their own admission requirements, which may include science prerequisites, entrance testing, GPA standards, immunizations, and background screening.
Graduate from the program
Complete the nursing curriculum, labs, simulations, and supervised clinical experiences required by the approved RN program.
Apply for licensure
Apply through the Texas Nurse Portal and complete current Board requirements, including fingerprint-based background review and the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination.
Pass the NCLEX-RN
Register for the licensing examination, receive authorization to test, and pass the NCLEX-RN.
Prepare for employment
Build a concise resume, maintain required credentials, practice interviewing, and apply for RN roles that fit your license and clinical preparation.
Official source: Review the Texas Board of Nursing approved-program information and licensure-by-examination instructions before making enrollment or licensing decisions.
Greater Houston options
RN nursing programs to explore
These official school links are a starting point, not a ranking or endorsement. Verify each program’s current Texas Board approval, admissions requirements, campus location, costs, deadlines, and outcomes directly with the school.
Texas Woman’s University
BSN education with a Houston option in the Texas Medical Center.
Visit the official BSN page →University of Houston
Explore undergraduate nursing pathways through the Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing.
Visit the official nursing page →Houston City College
Professional Nursing Practice AAS and nursing pathway information through Coleman College for Health Sciences.
Visit the official nursing page →San Jacinto College
Associate Degree Nursing and other nursing pathways serving the Houston region.
Visit the official nursing page →Alvin Community College
Associate Degree Nursing information for learners southeast of Houston.
Visit the official ADN page →Texas Board program list
Search the authoritative statewide list and review program approval status and reported NCLEX outcomes.
View approved RN programs →Career readiness
How Nightingale RN Academy can support your path
Nightingale RN Academy is not a nursing degree program, employment agency, or job-placement service. Our focused role is NCLEX-RN preparation and life-support training.
Meet a common clinical requirement
Many nursing programs and healthcare employers require an accepted BLS credential. Confirm the exact provider and course your institution requires before registering.
Strengthen practical confidence
Hands-on practice can reinforce organized emergency response, communication, teamwork, and readiness for clinical learning environments.
Support your professional profile
Current, employer-accepted life-support credentials can demonstrate preparation for patient-facing responsibilities when accurately listed on a resume.
No outcome guarantee: Completing a Nightingale RN Academy course does not guarantee nursing-school admission, program completion, NCLEX passage, licensure, an interview, or employment. Those outcomes depend on many factors outside the academy’s control.
Plan thoughtfully
Questions to ask an RN school
- Is the pre-licensure RN program currently approved by the Texas Board of Nursing?
- What prerequisites, entrance exams, GPA, and application deadlines apply?
- Where do students complete labs and clinical rotations?
- What are the program’s graduation and NCLEX-RN pass rates?
- Which BLS credential is required before clinical courses?
- What is the full estimated cost, including books, testing, uniforms, and clinical requirements?
Prepare for clinical training
If your school or employer requires BLS, ACLS, or PALS, tell us what you need and your preferred timing.
Check course availability