Best Nursing Schools in Dallas in 2023 (On-Campus & Online)

Nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the entire medical field, and if you live in Texas, you’ll be pleased to hear that some of the best nursing schools in TX are the nursing schools in Dallas, Texas area. Due to the high demand for highly-trained nurses, colleges and technical schools have created more pathways to secure advanced degrees. Nursing courses at accredited schools are available both online and in-person with accelerated degree options such as Texas RN to BSN programs and RN to MSN that shorten graduation timeframes. Hybrid formats at nursing schools permit nurses to finish coursework online while earning the required clinical hours at local medical facilities.

Job growth for the nursing industry over the next ten years is estimated to increase by 15 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This reflects a much higher than average when compared to all other jobs. Top benefits for nurses include scheduling flexibility, superior medical benefits long-term job security, high potential for career advancement, low unemployment statistics, and overall positive job satisfaction rates.

Choosing Nursing Schools in DFW

By going to nursing schools in Dallas and Fort Worth, nurses have the option to secure jobs in some of the best medical facilities in the country. According to the U.S. News & World Report, Dallas and Fort Worth hospitals with some of the best national rankings include Baylor University Medical Center and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Schools for nursing in Dallas, TX are great. Another reason to choose the Dallas area to pursue a healthcare career is that medical facilities are experiencing a significant nursing shortage. Recent studies project that by the year 2030 the city of Dallas will be short nearly 16,000 nurses. Reasons for the shortage include a surge in nurse retirees and a larger aging population that require care.

There are many options available whether you’re looking for public or private nursing schools in Dallas, Texas. Whether you’re looking for great BSN programs in Texas or other nursing programs, the following are the top-rated nursing schools in DFW that offer both on-campus and online courses for prospective nurses. Learn more about these programs and nursing schools throughout the country at RNtoBSNProgram.com.

1. University of North Texas at Dallas

University of North Texas at Dallas has a partnership with George Washington University to offer a variety of nursing programs to local students. The programs are geared toward working professionals with part-time options that include evening and weekend courses as well as bridge pathways like RN to BSN. Bachelor degree holders in other disciplines can also enroll to earn a BSN at an accelerated pace with only core nursing classes needed for graduation.

• Tuition: $9,139
• Admissions: Pre-requisite undergraduate degree courses, RN license for RN to BSN
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in Nursing
• Minimum Program Length: 15 months for RN to BSN, 4 to 6 years for BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing

2. Tarrant County College

Tarrant County College provides multiple pathways for nursing students to earn an associate degree. The fast-track option is opened to vocational nurses and paramedics with an abbreviated 15-month graduation timeline. The traditional track takes two years to complete and prepares students to pass the NCLEX-RN at the conclusion. Tarrant County College has one of the highest returns on investment for nursing schools in DFW.

• Tuition: $2,600
• Admissions: Pre-requisite associate degree courses
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Degree Options: ASN
• Minimum Program Length: 15 months for Fast Track

3. El Centro College

El Centro College is a community college in Dallas County that allows students to earn a two-year associate’s degree in nursing. The program takes 16 months to complete with the school offering a very affordable tuition rate to county residents. The college has a bridge RN program for vocational nurses (LVI) who are licensed in the state. At the conclusion of the program, nurses are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination in Texas.

• Tuition: $3,540
• Admissions: Pre-requisite associate degree courses
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: ADN, LVI to RN
• Minimum Program Length: 18 months for LVI to RN, 24 months for ADN

4. Brookhaven College

Brookhaven College is one of the best accredited nursing schools in Dallas. It allows students to earn a two-year associate degree in nursing prior to RN licensing. The program takes 16 months to complete with the community college offering a very affordable tuition rate to Dallas area students. At the conclusion of the program, nurses are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN examination in Texas. Dallas County two-year colleges like Brookhaven College have very low tuition rates.

• Tuition: $3,540
• Admissions: Pre-requisite associate degree courses
• Accreditation: Texas Board of Nursing
• Degree Options: ASN
• Minimum Program Length: 16 months

5. Mountain View College

Mountain View College is part of the community college district for Dallas County. Students start to earn their nursing credits quickly with clinical rotations starting within their first year of study. The low cost and high return on investment make Mountain View College one of the best nursing schools in Dallas, TX.

• Tuition: $3,540
• Admissions: Pre-requisite associate degree courses
• Accreditation: Texas Board of Nursing
• Degree Options: ASN
• Minimum Program Length: 24 months

6. University of Texas at Dallas

For an advanced nursing degree, students should consider attending the University of Texas at Dallas. Due to the nursing shortage in the state, the public college created numerous degree options including a flexible RN to BSN program and a second degree BSN. A second degree BSN is for those who have earned a bachelor’s degree and want to transfer pre-requisites. For registered nurses licensed in Texas, they can earn a BSN in just 15 months at a very low tuition cost. Nurses looking to work as a nursing educator or advanced nurse practitioner can apply to the Ph.D. or DNP programs.

• Tuition: $13,000
• Admissions: Pre-requisite undergraduate degree courses, RN license for RN to BSN
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degree Options: RN to BSN, BSN, MSN, DNP, Ph.D. in Nursing
• Minimum Program Length: 15 months for RN to BSN, 4 to 6 years for BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing

7. Dallas Nursing Institute

The Dallas Nursing Institute offers multiple program options to those looking to advance their careers in the medical field. The nursing school focuses on bridge programs with options that include LVN to RN and RN to BSN degree tracks. These accelerated pace programs reduce the graduation timeframe by six months or longer. Most courses and clinical hour requirements are finished in two years for degree conferment.

• Tuition: $16,000
• Admissions: RN license for RN to BSN and LVI license for LVI to RN
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: ADN, LVI to RN, RN to BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

8. Arizona College

With multiple campuses throughout the United States, including nursing schools in Dallas, Arizona College offers an accelerated BSN to students. Instead of the traditional four years of studies, students graduate within three years. No prior RN licensing is required for admission to the nursing school. At each campus, nursing students are given access to high-tech laboratories for additional hands-on experience with simulators.

• Tuition: $15,685
• Admissions: Pre-requisite degree courses
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 3 years

9. Parker University

Parker University offers a health sciences associate degree program for those in Dallas who are interested in the medical field, but not yet sure what profession they will pursue. Credits earned during the associate degree program can be applied to BSN or MSN degree if students choose to transfer to other nursing schools in Dallas. All coursework can be completed online for the degree.

• Tuition: $15,270
• Admissions: Pre-requisite associate degree courses
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degree Options: AS
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

10. The College of Health Care Professions

The College of Health Care Professions has an associate degree option for those who wish to make the transition from a vocational nurse to a registered nurse. The LVI to RN bridge option takes a total of 76 weeks to complete with semesters broken up into four 16-week semesters and one 12-week semester. Course requirements are done in person at one of the college’s satellite campuses in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. The College of Health Care Professions has a high first-time pass rate for NCLEX-RN test takers.

• Tuition: $20,567
• Admissions: Pre-licensure requirements
• Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
• Degree Options: AAS
• Minimum Program Length: 76 weeks

11. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University offers a pre-nursing option to those who wish to earn a BSN or higher. As part of the co-op program, nurses finish 70 credits at Dallas Baptist University and receive an associate’s degree in the health sciences. The student is then transferred into the Baylor School of Nursing to finish the requirements for a BSN. Dallas Baptist University will have a clear pathway to graduation through the college’s matriculation agreement.

• Tuition: $28,870
• Admissions: Pre-requisite associate degree courses
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degree Options: AS, BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 18 months for AS, 3 years for BSN

12. Concorde Career Institute

Concorde Career Institute offers vocational training for nurses and other professions. Degree options are not currently available, but prospective nurses can earn their vocational nursing licenses in 12 months through the school’s diploma program. LVI credits are typically accepted by nursing schools if the nurse chooses to transfer to a bridge program like LVN to RN.

• Tuition: $16,875
• Admissions: None
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
• Degree Options: LVI
• Minimum Program Length: 12 months

13. West Coast University

West Coast University offers both traditional and online courses to help nursing students earn their advanced degrees. Pathways for students at West Coast University include LVI to RN, RN to BSN, and BSN. RN and LVI credits are applied to reduce course loads. West Coast University is one of the best nursing schools in DFW due to its high first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for graduates and flexible schedules.

• Tuition: $26,635
• Admissions: Pre-licensure requirements
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: BSN, LVI to RN
• Minimum Program Length: 12 months for LVI to RN, 3 to 4 years for BSN and RN to BSN

14. Texas Wesleyan University

At the School of Health Professions, enrollees take courses to earn an advanced nursing degree through Texas Wesleyan University. The college does not offer any undergraduate nursing degree options but has several specializations for graduate-level degrees. Degrees available include a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Nursing Anesthesia Practice. Degrees take an average of two to threes years to complete with a portion of courses available for online completion.

• Tuition: $30,300
• Admissions: BSN for MSN program, MSN for DNP program, RN license
• Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
• Degree Options: MSN, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 2 years

15. University of Phoenix at Dallas

The University of Phoenix is considered one of the most successful online colleges in the United States. The college has satellite campuses throughout the nation, including a site in the Dallas and Fort Worth area. The online RN to BSN program allows licensed nurses to apply up to 87 credits toward the 120-credit graduation requirement. University of Phoenix programs are typically self-paced with nurses given the option to graduate in as little as 14 months.

• Tuition: $28,000
• Admissions: ADN
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: RN to BSN
• Minimum Program Length: 14 months

16. University of Dallas

The University of Dallas (UD) offers nursing degrees through a partnership with Texas Woman’s University (TWU). At the end of a five-year program, graduates will have a dual degree in Bachelor of Arts in Biology (from UD) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (from TWU). Students will complete their prerequisite and biology courses at UD (along with their other core classes) and complete nursing courses and all of their clinicals at TWU. The University of Dallas and Texas Woman’s University has a superior reputation for educating top medical professionals in the field. For more information on the Dual Degree Program, click here.

• Tuition: UD – $40,600 (first 3 years), TWU – $11,073.60 (last 2 years, estimated)
• Admissions: Pre-requisite undergraduate degree courses
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degree Options: BSN, BA
• Minimum Program Length: 5 years

17. Baylor University

Baylor University includes both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs within its course catalogs. For the undergraduate BSN degree, the first two years are spent at the main Baylor campus before transitioning to the Louise Herrington School of Nursing in Dallas. Accelerated degree options are offered including a 12-month BSN degree for those who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. Baylor University nursing students receive training at the nationally-ranked Baylor University Medical Center.

• Tuition: $45,542
• Admissions: Pre-requisite undergraduate courses and bachelor’s degree for accelerated BSN
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: BSN, MSN, DNP
• Minimum Program Length: 12 months for accelerated BSN, 2 years for MSN and DNP

18. Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University has multiple degree options for nursing students including a BSN, MSN, and DNP. Post-graduate certifications are available for advanced nursing practice. The college sponsors specialized programs for nursing students including a study abroad option and a Daisy in Training Award.

• Tuition: $46,950
• Admissions: Pre-requisite undergraduate degree courses
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
• Degree Options: BSN, MSN, DNP, and post-graduate APRN
• Minimum Program Length: 4 years for BSN, 2 to 4 years for MSN and DNP

Ranking Methodology

The nursing schools in Dallas were ranked based on a number of factors. Factors used to rank each school included tuition costs, program options, and graduation rates. Tuition costs made up of 50 percent of each school’s score while program options and graduation rates were calculated equally for the other 50 percent. Tuition costs for nursing schools in Dallas are subject to change annually. If any nursing schools in DFW is not listed above or any schools note an error, please contact our editorial team to make any corrections.

Explore RNtoBSNProgram.com to learn more about the best nursing schools around the globe. Reviews highlight both online, on campus, and hybrid nursing programs.