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How to Become an RN in Texas

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

A nurse poses for a photo while discussing how to become an RN in Texas.

Curious about how to become an RN in Texas? The Lone Star State offers plenty of perks for healthcare professionals, including competitive pay, no state income tax, and strong career growth opportunities. With top-ranked hospitals and medical schools, Texas is a hub for medical research and innovation. Add in the warm climate and endless recreational opportunities, and you’ve got a winning combination for a thriving career and a balanced lifestyle.

Ready to start your nursing journey in sunny Texas? This guide covers everything you need to know, from education and licensing to landing your first job.

What Does an RN in Texas Do?

A big part of learning how to become an RN in Texas is understanding your future job duties — is this career the right fit for you? While your responsibilities will largely differ based on your work setting, here are some examples of basic RN tasks:

Performing patient assessments
Administering medications and treatments
Performing or assisting with medical procedures
Developing and implementing care plans
Monitoring patient progress and adjusting care as needed
Collaborating with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals
Educating patients and their families about health conditions and treatments
Managing patient records and documentation
Responding to emergencies
Advocating for patients’ rights

RNs in Texas work across a variety of settings, including acute care hospitals like Houston Methodist Hospital and University Health, as well as home health facilities, schools, and research centers — you name it, the Lone Star State has it. Additionally, Texas’s diverse population and healthcare needs also create opportunities for specialization in fields like pediatrics, geriatrics, and women’s health.

How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Texas?

Becoming an RN in Texas typically takes two to four years, depending on the educational path you choose:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This route generally takes about 2 years to complete at a community college or nursing school.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This route generally takes 4 years to complete at a nursing school or university.

The fastest way to become a nurse is by earning an ADN. You can then earn your BSN through a bridge program while building your clinical experience. In some cases, employers may even offer to pay for a portion of your nursing school tuition if you commit to working with them long-term.

How to Become an RN in Texas: 6 Steps

Curious about the path you’ll need to take? Here’s a breakdown of the key steps to get your nursing career underway.

Step 1: Complete Nursing School

The first step to becoming an RN in Texas is to complete an accredited associate’s or bachelor’s nursing program. During your studies, you’ll take classes like pharmacology and health assessment, and acquire hands-on experience in clinical settings. This combination of coursework and practical training will give you the foundation to practice nursing safely.

Wondering how to choose the right nursing school? First, make sure it’s approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), as accreditation is key to getting your license. You can also check out the school’s ratings and reviews to help narrow down your options. Here are some of the top-rated nursing schools in Texas:

University of Texas
Texas Woman’s University
Texas A&M University
Prairie View A&M University
University of the Incarnate Word

Keep in mind that most schools require you to complete prerequisites and may also ask you to take an entrance exam, such as the HESI, TEAS, or Kaplan. Be sure to check with your chosen program for its specific requirements.

Step 2: Take the Jurisprudence Examination

In Texas, you must take the nursing jurisprudence examination. To begin, submit an application to the Texas BON and wait 15 business days for approval. While waiting, here’s how to prepare:

Review the state Nursing Practice Act (NPA) and the Board Rules and Regulations on the Texas BON website.
Take the jurisprudence preparation course.

After the waiting period, follow the instructions to log in and complete the online exam. You’ll need to answer 75% of the questions correctly to pass, and your results will be automatically reported to the Texas BON.

Step 3: Take the NCLEX

Your next step is to pass the NCLEX-RN. This standardized exam assesses your preparedness to work as a nurse in a clinical setting. You’ll schedule the exam with Pearson VUE and take it at one of the Texas test centers.

Since the NCLEX is a comprehensive and challenging test, it’s essential to prepare thoroughly to set yourself up for success. If you pass, you can apply for a nursing license. If you fail the NCLEX, you’ll need to wait 45 days before retaking the test in Texas.

The exam fee is $200, but you might spend more if you choose to invest in additional study materials, such as books and practice tests.

Step 4: Apply for Your Texas RN License

After passing the NCLEX-RN, the next step is to apply for your nursing license through the Texas Board of Nursing. You’ll need to submit an official application, along with the necessary documentation, including:

NCLEX-RN exam results: You’ll need to pass the NCLEX and have your results sent directly to the Texas BON by Pearson VUE.
Proof of education: You’ll need to arrange for your nursing school to send official transcripts showing completion of coursework and clinical hours.
Criminal background check: You’ll need to undergo a fingerprint-based background check through MorphoTrust, an approved vendor in Texas.

Once all necessary documents are submitted and your application is approved, the Texas BON will issue your RN license, and you can begin applying to RN jobs in Texas.

Texas is a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As part of your application, you’ll need to decide whether to apply for a Texas-specific license or compact license, which lets you practice in multiple states. If you’re thinking about travel nursing or moving in the future, the compact license offers flexibility.

Step 5: Start Your Job Hunt

Congratulations on earning your RN license! Now that you know how to become an RN in Texas, the next step is finding your first job. Many new graduate nurses start with roles that help develop key nursing skills. Here are some specialties that are perfect for building a strong clinical foundation:

When considering how to become an RN in Texas, think about your long-term goals, as different paths can lead you to a fulfilling nursing career. While med-surg experience is valuable in many healthcare settings, specialties like labor and delivery or psychiatric care are highly specialized and require distinct skills. You might opt to work with a preceptor or take a nursing internship to gain the experience needed to confidently handle these specialized roles.

Texas has job opportunities across urban and rural areas. Check out five of the largest Texas cities by population to begin your job search:

Step 6: Keep Your License Up to Date

Finally, you’ll need to renew your Texas RN license every two years. To do this, complete either 20 hours of continuing education or maintain a Board-approved national nursing certification in your specialty. Additionally, there’s a $68 renewal fee.

How Much Do RNs Earn in Texas?

Now that you’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in Texas, let’s dive into the salary. The average annual salary for an RN in Texas is approximately $90,210, although it can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, and work setting. Generally, nurses employed in outpatient care centers tend to earn higher salaries than those working in physician’s offices or medical-surgical hospitals.

Helpful Resources for Texas Nurses

Still have questions? Check out these helpful resources to help you answer any additional questions you might have about how to become an RN in Texas:

Explore the Latest RN Jobs With IntelyCare

Now that you’ve learned how to become an RN in Texas, let us help you find the best-fitting RN jobs in your desired specialty and location. Share what you’re looking for, and we’ll deliver a custom list of job openings that suit your unique needs.