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Career In Nursing

Purple syringe
 

 

Nursing remains a strong career option in healthcare, combining high-demand with numerous paths for specialization and career growth. Tarleton State University offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, each designed for individuals at different levels and interests.

Degrees

Undergraduate (BSN):

An undergraduate degree can be achieved through several degree entry options in the School of Nursing. 

The Department of Pre Licensure Nursing is considered the generic BSN entry and is offered on the Stephenville campus. 

  • As a TSU nursing student, you will be challenged to strive for excellence and professionalism whether in the classroom, laboratory, clinical agency or community setting. Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum, and degree conferred by the university, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse and to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Upon meeting licensure requirements and passing the NCLEX-RN®, the Tarleton BSN graduate will become a BSN RN.

The Department of Post Licensure Nursing is considered the RN to BSN and LVN to BSN entries. 

  • The RN to BSN has an online entry path for those already with an RN license. Tarleton has partnered with Tarrant County College (TCC) in offering a co-curricular RN to BSN pathway for TCC nursing students to start their journey on their BSN while enrolled in an associate degree nursing program.
  • The LVN to BSN entry is offered in Waco on the McLennan Community College (MCC) campus. Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum, and degree conferred by the university, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse and to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Upon meeting licensure requirements and passing the NCLEX-RN®, the Tarleton BSN graduate will become a BSN RN.

Graduate (MSN):

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers options for a major in Nursing Administration or Nursing Education.

The Department of Post Licensure Nursing oversees the MSN entries.

  • The MSN options are online with select practicum courses. The nursing administration major will prepare graduates to assume leadership roles for unit, department, service line, or the system-level of health care organizations. The major in nursing education will prepare graduates to teach patients, families, health care consumers, nurses, and nursing students.

Admission Information

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse or advancing your nursing career please review our pages

Pre Licensure Generic BSN-Stephenville

Pre Licensure Generic BSN- Transfers

Post Licensure LVN to BSN-Waco

Post Licensure RN to BSN-Online and Fort Worth

Texas HB 1508

As a point of information required by Texas HB 1508 and the Texas Occupations Code 58.001, if you are applying for admission to a program that may prepare an individual for an initial occupational license (Registered Nurse) as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001 and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an initial occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001,  in accordance with state law, please be advised of the following.
 
Because graduating with a degree in Nursing (undergraduate) in the state of Texas has the potential to lead to a state-issued license, this notice of the impact of a criminal history on becoming licensed is being provided to you. The title of “registered nurse” is a restricted title in the State of Texas; only those who hold a valid registered nurse license and are in good standing may call themselves by this title.

Individuals with a history of criminal behavior, including arrests, convictions, serving probation, being on or completing parole, or deferred adjudication (this list may not be exhaustive) may be unable to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas.

The following website provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements for the Texas Board of Nursing.

 Other Program Licensing Information is also available.