Learn more about our ranked accelerated nursing degree (2023)

Program Overview

The Second Degree BSN track is a 15 month, accelerated-program available only to applicants with a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study. Prior to entry, students must complete approximately 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses in the humanities and biological, physical and behavioral sciences to provide a foundation for growth in the nursing major if not completed in their first degree. Prerequisite coursework may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university.

The five-semester Traditional BSN degree track is delivered on the Bryan-College Station campus while the four-semester Accelerated Second Degree BSN degree track is delivered on the Round Rock Campus. Both degree tracks have fall and spring admissions. Admission to the Texas A&M School of Nursing is highly competitive. Applicants may only apply and be considered for one program and/or campus location each application cycle. Students may not apply to both campus locations.

The program utilizes traditional, face-to-face instruction as well as simulation activities, clinical experiences, team teaching and video conferencing of lectures. Students are admitted to a specific campus location and must attend all classes, simulation labs and clinical experiences at that location throughout the duration of the program. Due to strict regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing which govern clinical rotations, the School of Nursing does not allow students to transfer from one campus to another.

Upon completion of course requirements, graduates of the bachelor's program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn their RN license. The School of Nursing will guide students through the Texas RN licensure process during their last semester in the BSN program.

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The Traditional BSN, Second Degree BSN and MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner degree programs at Texas A&M University School of Nursing lead to a professional license or certification that is required for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student’s ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. The U.S. Department of Education regulation, 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), requires an institution to disclose whether the program will fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification for each state. Texas A&M University School of Nursing has made the following determination regarding our curriculum:

Second Degree BSN Curriculum

Cost of Attendance

For cost of attendance including estimated cost of tuition & fees, books & supplies, housing, etc., please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

Application Deadlines

Step 1: NursingCAS Application

All Applicants

Step 2: ApplyTexas Application

External Transfer Applicants Only

Prerequisite Coursework

Courses may be in progress during the application cycle, however, all courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" by the first class day. Please see below for a list of required courses. All courses are subject to approval by the School of Nursing when the student applies for admission.

In addition to the required prerequisites listed below, students receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M must satisfy the coursework requirements of the Texas A&M University Core Curriculum.

By the application deadline, applicants must have completed a minimum of 40 prerequisite course credit hours of the 59 hours required. Of those 40, twelve (12) credit hours must be from the following Nursing Science courses: Lifespan Psychology (3), Nutrition (3), Texas A&M Core Math (3 or 4), Chemistry (4), Anatomy & Physiology (8), and Microbiology (4).

Students may repeat prerequisite courses, however,grades earned from both the first and a second attempt will be used to determine the final GPA. Any additional attempts will not be considered. If a grade of "C" is not earned within 2 attempts, the student will not be eligible for admission.

Nursing Science courses are in italics.

^{*PSYC 307 is acceptable if completed prior tospring 2022}

^{**Statistics requirement effective for students entering fall 2020 term}

¹ Two history courses are required, one of which may be dedicated to Texas history.

² Second Degree and RN-to-BSN applicants may meet requirement by taking any humanities course that meets Texas A&M core.

³ Students applying from other Texas public institutions may take up to three hours of math which meet that institution's core curriculum requirements.Out-of-state or private university applicants must have three hours of math from the Texas A&MCore Curriculum.

Proficiency in a foreign language is required to graduate from Texas A&M. This requirement can be met by having completed two years of the same foreign language in high school, by completing two semesters of the same foreign language at the university level or by demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language by examination.

For questions about what courses may or may not transfer from other institutions, see the . If a course is not listed in the matrix or is listed as "TRNS" (transfer by title), please contact an adviser to identify the appropriate course of action to determine course transferability.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the Texas A&M School of Nursing is competitive. It is strongly recommended that applicants present a GPAabove3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).

Applicants will be evaluated based upon the following criteria:

• Prerequisite Coursework GPA. Graduate coursework is not considered.
• Nursing Science GPA to include seven courses: nutrition, anatomy & physiology I & II, microbiology, chemistry, lifespan growth & development and Texas A&M University core equivalent math course
• HESI Admissions Assessment Examscore
• Timed verbal responses and written assessments
• Community service
• Leadership/involvement in extracurricular and/or professional activities
• TOEFL score, required of international applicants only
• History of withdrawals, repeats or failures will place applicant at a disadvantage

Repeated Course Policy

Students may repeat prerequisite courses, however,grades earned from both the first and a second attempt will be used to determine the final GPA. Any additional attempts will not be considered. If a grade of "C" is not earned within two attempts, the student will not be eligible for admission.

When deciding to repeat a course, consider the impact the course will make on your GPA. Courses from the Nursing Science prerequisites (nutrition, lifespan developmental psychology, chemistry, Texas A&M core math, anatomy & physiology, and microbiology) may make an impact on your GPA when repeated, versus courses repeated that are non-nursing science prerequisites (i.e. English, history, etc.). For example, repeating biology where one earns a “C” the first attempt and an “A” the second attempt, may not significantly impact the prerequisite GPA since this calculation includes all grades for completed prerequisite coursework. Applicants must consider the time and cost of repeating courses as it can be difficult to greatly improve one’s GPA.

Please visit How to Calculate GPA for assistance in determining your prerequisite coursework and Nursing Science course GPA.

Criminal Background Check

Because health care providers are entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of patients, have access to controlled substances and confidential information, and operate in settings that require the exercise of good judgment and ethical behavior, criminal background checks are required of all applicants. Prior criminal convictions may cause one to be ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse (RN). Applicants will be responsible for obtaininga background check and paying appropriate fees to be fingerprinted for the Texas Board of Nursing. The board will provide applicants with notification of their eligibility (or not) for future RN licensure following their successful completion of a nursing degree. Results are typically returned within six weeks of fingerprinting, if there is no record of criminal history.

In order to apply for licensure as an RN, students must declare any eligibility issues with the Texas Board of Nursing. The board will notify applicants who may not meet conditions for future RN licensure after results of the fingerprinting are received. Individuals who have significant criminal history will likely be ineligible for licensure. If there is any history of criminal charges, alcohol or drug abuse or mental health concerns, students must file a declaratory order petition to the Board of Nursing. Thetime required toreviewa petitioncan be lengthy so students are encouraged to begin the process earlyin the application process.

An offer of admission from the School of Nursing will not be final until the completion of the background check with results that are deemed favorable. Admission may be denied or rescinded based on the review.

Admitted Student Statistics

August 2022 admissions

The school received 154 applications for 40 seats at the Round Rock campus. Among the students enrolled, the average prerequisite GPA was 3.61, the average Nursing Science GPA was 3.63 and the average cumulative Admissions Assessment HESI score was 91.4. Prerequisite GPAs of admitted students ranged from 3.12 to 4.0.

January 2022 admissions

The school received 177 applications for 40 seats at the Round Rock campus. Among the students enrolled, the average prerequisite GPA was 3.77, the average Nursing Science GPA was 3.75 and the average cumulative Admissions Assessment HESI score was 93.4. Overall GPAs of admitted students ranged from 3.23 to 4.0.

January 2021 admissions

January 2020 admissions

The school received 230 applications for 54 seats (28 in College Station and 26 in Round Rock). Among the students enrolled, the average prerequisite GPA was 3.71, the average Nursing Science GPA was 3.77 and the average cumulative Admissions Assessment HESI score was 92.5. Overall GPAs of admitted students ranged from 3.04 to 4.0.

January 2019 admissions

The school received 234 applications for 46 seats (24 in College Station and 22 in Round Rock). Among the students enrolled, the average prerequisite GPA was 3.66, the average Nursing Science GPA was 3.76 and the average cumulative Admissions Assessment HESI score was a 93. Overall GPAs of admitted students ranged from 3.07 to 4.0.

January 2018 admissions

The school received 241 applications for 46 seats (24 in College Station and 22 in Round Rock). Among the students enrolled, the average prerequisite GPA was 3.64, the average Nursing Science GPA was 3.71 and the average cumulative Admissions Assessment HESI score was a 93. Overall GPAs of admitted students ranged from 3.18 to 4.0.

Application Requirements

1. NursingCAS application and nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official college transcripts from each institution attended sent to NursingCAS. This includes Texas A&M University, if applicable.
3. HESI Admissions Assessment Examwith critical thinking.Official test report must be received by the School of Nursing to be eligible. An official report is not needed from those who test through Texas A&M.
4. Apply Texas application and nonrefundable application fee. Complete this upon notification through NursingCAS. This is required of external as well as currently enrolled Texas A&M students who will earned their first degree prior to Nursing.
5. Online interview and online written assessments through the secondary assessment provider, Kira Talent. Eligible applicants will be sent invitations to complete this portion following review of their NursingCAS application.
6. Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of “C” by the first class day.
7. Unofficial high school transcript (only required for students not currently or previously enrolled at Texas A&M University). An official copy will be required if admitted.
8. International applicant credentials (if applicable).

Prospective Student Information Sessions

Interested students are invited to attend a Prospective Student Information Session (PSIS) to learn more about our programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).These sessions will provide details on admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, student life, clinical experiences and other opportunities. Students are required to attend a PSIS prior to requesting an individual appointment.

• Reservations are required to attend a session
• Guests of registered attendees are welcome
• Sessions last approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half