Career In Nursing
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
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.