The best nursing schools in Houston offer nursing degrees for new nurses and for nurses returning to school to advance their education. Houston nursing schools are plentiful due to the increase in population density and the need for qualified healthcare workers. The wealth of school options can make it difficult for a student to pick one of the many nursing programs in Houston that are available. Making a decision comes down to personal goals, the desired educational focus, and the ability to find employment upon graduation. Nurses who have earned their RN and are seeking a BSN need to find an educational opportunity that aligns with their work/life balance. No two Houston nursing schools are alike, and care needs to be taken when looking at the various nursing programs in Houston.
Every one of the Houston nursing schools publishes statistics that include state ranking for its nursing program, the NCLEX-RN passing rate, the FNP pass rate, and employment rate for graduates. These are all good metrics to judge a school with, but they don’t always tell the whole story of the school’s nursing program. Houston nursing schools can have high scores across the board, but they may not have a nursing program that works with your current life situation or offer training in a specific nursing specialty. Alternatively, the school may be so popular that it’s difficult to gain admission which means taking a look at other nursing programs in Houston.
How We Ranked the Top Nursing Schools in Houston
To rank, the best nursing schools in the vast area of metropolitan Houston, TX, TopRNtoBSN editors researched accredited, reputable institutions throughout the region. Programs are ranked according to IPEDS and Niche data, including cost, graduate salary, and student satisfaction.
1. The University of Houston
The University of Houston’s College of Nursing is recognized as the top among the best nursing schools in Houston Texas, and among the top five percent in the country. Among the best nursing schools in Houston, UH has received full accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and an Academic progression school in Texas. Topping the list of the best nursing schools in Houston TX, UH boasts a 100% NCLEX – RN pass rate for several of the past years.
The University of Houston (UH) was established in 1956. The University of Houston’s campus covers more than 600 acres and serves more than 46,100 students studying for the nearly 300-degree programs offered by the UH. The University of Houston holds the distinction of being the 3rd-largest institution of higher education in the Lone Star state.
2. The University of St Thomas – Houston
The University of St Thomas – Houston’s Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing offers several nursing programs as one of the best nursing schools in Houston TX. Students attending one of the best nursing schools in Houston Texas can opt for a BSN program, an accelerated BSN program, a graduate degree in nursing (MSN), plus a DNP – a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. The nursing degree programs offered by one of the best nursing schools in Houston have received accreditation by CCNE – the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The University of St Thomas – Houston was established in 1947. The University of St Thomas – Houston holds a religious affiliation with Roman Catholic (Basilians) Church. Nearly 3,800 students attend specialized classes in pre-health, Thomistic Studies, pre-law, business, and engineering. The University of St Thomas – Houston holds the distinction of being the only school governed by the Houston/Galveston archdiocese.
3. Houston Baptist University
Houston Baptist University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health has been recognized among the best nursing schools in Houston Texas. Among the best nursing schools in Houston, HBU’s nursing programs are delivered on campus and online and include baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. The Texas Medical Center is affiliated with Houston Baptist University – one of the best nursing schools in Houston TX. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and ACEN have accredited Houston Baptist University’s nursing degree programs.
Houston Baptist University was established in 1960. Houston Baptist University is affiliated with the Roman Catholic (Basilians) Church. HBU’s urban campus covers 150 acres in Houston and serves more than 3,700 students. Houston Baptist University is home to three distinct museums – the Museum of Southern History, the Museum of American Architecture, and the Dunham Bible Museum.
4. The University of Texas Health Science Center
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston’s Cizik School of Nursing, has been recognized by US News (in many nursing categories) among the best nursing schools in Houston Texas, and across the country. Among the best nursing schools in Houston TX, UT Health’s nursing programs include undergraduate, bridge programs, graduate, post-master’s, and doctoral-level degree programs. UT Health, among the best nursing schools in Houston, have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center was established in 1972. UT Health Science’s urban campus serves more than 5,100 students in various health care specialties like nursing, public health, biomedical, and medicine. The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center Houston holds the distinction of being the largest medical center across the globe.
5. Lone Star College Montgomery
Lone Star College Montgomery’s Nursing Department offers several nursing programs from one of the best nursing schools in Houston Texas. The coursework from LSCM, among the best nursing schools in Houston TX, included an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with an integrated curriculum, a bridge program from LVN to ADN plus a Licensed Vocation Nursing program. All nursing programs from one of the best nursing schools in Houston have received accreditation from ACEN. Previous NCLEX -RN examination results in passing rates that exceed 98%.
Lone Star College Montgomery was established in 1992. The school is a member of the Lone Star College System with a student enrollment that exceeds 9.600 students. Lone Star College Montgomery offers programs in human services, land surveying, biotechnology, and Physical Therapy assisting. Then governor, GW Bush, dedicated the Lone Star College Montgomery campus in the mid-1990s.
6. The University of Houston – Clear Lake
The University of Houston – Clear Lake’s College of Human Science & Humanities/Department of Clinical, Health and Applied Sciences is recognized among the best nursing schools in Houston TX that offers a variety of nursing programs at many levels. Among the best nursing schools in Houston Texas, is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) stand-alone program and a bridge program from an RN to BSN degree program. Nursing programs from UH Clear Lake, one of the best nursing schools in Houston, are accredited by ACEN.
The University of Houston at Clear Lake was founded in 1974. The University of Houston at Clear Lake is organized into four academic schools/colleges that offer about 100-degree programs to its 9,100+ students. Part of the school’s campus was donated by Humble Oil. The University of Houston – Clear Lake began as a school to train individuals to join nearby NASA.
7. Lee College
Lee College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree program from one of the best nursing schools in Houston Texas. This ADN nursing program’s ADN degree from the best nursing schools in Houston TX has received accreditation ACEN – the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing ACEN). Students graduating from one of the best nursing schools in Houston are prepared to sit for the nation NCLEX – RN nursing examination. Students interested in this program can enter the program with no experience or as transfer students. Total credit hours to graduate equals 60 credit units.
Lee College was established in 1934. Lee College’s urban campus covers more than 40 acres and serves more than 7,500 students throughout the greater Baytown area. More than 80% of Lee College’s students are enrolled on a part-time basis. Lee College serves the population from eleven independent school districts.
8. Houston Community College
Houston Community College, recognized among the best nursing schools in Houston Texas, offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree program for inexperienced applicants. In addition, HCC, as one of the best nursing schools in Houston TX, also offers a bridge program from a Registered Nurse (RN) to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. Among the best nursing schools in Houston, Houston Community College’s nursing programs have received approval from the Texas BON – Board of Nursing. Transfer opportunities are available for those students wishing to move on to a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN).
Houston Community College was established in 1971. Houston Community College is known for recruiting international students. Houston Community College operates its campus police force protecting the more than 69,000 students attending classes. Houston Community College operates several campuses in Stafford, Houston, Missouri City, and Greater Kay.
9. Alvin Community College
Alvin Community College offers two nursing programs from one of the best nursing schools in Houston TX. The professional nursing degree programs from one of the best nursing schools in Houston include a transition bridge program from a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), plus an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing degree (AAS). Both of these nursing programs from some of the best nursing schools in Houston Texas require the completion of 60 credit units to graduate. These mandated credits include lab and clinical rounds.
Alvin Community College was established as Alvin Junior College in 1948. The school offers workforce and technical training programs plus adult education for working learners. The student enrollment at Alvin Community College exceeds 5,100 students. MLB Hall of Famer, Nolan Ryan, is an alumnus of Alvin Community College.
10. San Jacinto College
San Jacinto College offers several nursing programs from the campuses of one of the best nursing schools in Houston Texas. Among the best nursing schools in Houston, San Jacinto College offers a Licensed Vocational Nurse/Paramedic to an ADN – an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Registered Nurse (RN) to a BSN – a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program and a generic Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree or LVN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree stand-alone programs. San Jacinto College was a top 10 finalist for both 2019 and 2021 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranking the College among the 10 best community colleges in the nation out of more than 1,100 institutions.
San Jacinto College was established in 1961. The school serves many independent school districts in the greater Houston and Pasadena area. San Jacinto operates five campuses that serve more than 45,000 students annually. San Jacinto College specializes in all levels of paramedic training and emergency medical technology.
How is the Job Market for Nurses in Houston?
The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies estimates the demand for nursing jobs in Houston to grow by 54% between 2016 and 2026. It’s also estimated that this growth will leave a deficit of almost 60,000 RNs by 2030. The outlook for nurse jobs in Houston is very good in terms of job security and income. Larger healthcare facilities have hundreds of open nursing jobs in Houston. A nurse with a bachelor’s of science in nursing has the best chance of finding a Houston, TX nursing job as someone with a BSN has a broader range of career opportunities available to them. In summary, a freshly graduated RN or BSN is looking at an excellent career path with the available nursing jobs in Houston, Texas, and a future outlook for the industry.
Nurse practitioner jobs in Houston are also in high demand due to the fact the nurse practitioner fulfills a role that’s inbetween that of a nurse and M.D. It takes longer to earn a degree as a nurse practitioner, but the educational effort is worth undertaking as nurse practitioner jobs in Houston are increasing in number. Being a nurse practitioner offers career flexibility in the form of working in areas that are underserved by traditional healthcare professionals. Nurse practitioner jobs in Houston can offer a lucrative career, but it’s also possible to find more challenges in the career in and around the Houston area.
The outlook for nursing jobs in Houston, Texas, is very good for students who are looking to begin a career in the healthcare industry. Those who follow a career in nursing have multiple career options in the form of teaching at some point in the future. Houston, TX, nursing jobs are part of a growth industry and there is a demand for qualified professionals to teach students to become effective nurses. Someone who starts out working in one of the many nurse jobs in Houston may find that their educational and career path brings them to the field of teaching student nurses. Just as there’s a demand for nursing jobs in Houston, there is also a demand for nursing teachers.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Houston?
The average nurse’s salary in Houston for a registered nurse is anywhere between $47,000 and $81,000. Someone who holds a BSN can get a higher nursing salary in Houston and earn anywhere between $53,000 and $120,000 per year. The nurse practitioner salary in Houston is anywhere between $100,000 and $140,000 per year.
What these salaries show is that the nursing salary in Houston for an RN is generous in comparison to the amount of education an RN requires, but a BSN and nurse practitioner salary in Houston is comparable to that of physicians on the higher end. Someone who is starting out as an RN can earn a reasonable registered nurse salary in Houston and advance their career earnings while remaining an RN. Salaries for advanced degrees demonstrate that it’s beneficial to continue education and earn more than the average nursing salary in Houston.
It is worth noting that a nurse’s salary in Houston will increase with time and experience. Someone who is starting out as a nurse in Houston today is going to start at the low end of the pay scale. The more education a nurse earns, the better their nurse salary in Houston will be as their career advances. A nurse can maximize their earning potential by becoming a nurse practitioner and enjoy a nurse practitioner salary in Houston while helping patients have good outcomes with their health.
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