Best nursing schools in Texas: Largest to smallest

Registered nurses (RNs) make up the nation’s largest healthcare occupation, with a growing population of 2.7 million nationwide and more than 190,000 employed in the state of Texas. There are 1.5 million certified nursing assistants (CNAs) in the U.S. with a population of 86,630 in Texas, and more than 700,000 licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPNs / LVNs) in the U.S. with 72,020 residing in the state of Texas. The population of nurses in Texas is so immense that the Texas Board of Nursing issues licenses to more than 27,000 nurses per year.

The state offers several pathways to becoming an RN including a hospital diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and a direct-entry master of science in nursing (MSN). These programs may be completed at many of the state’s more than 150 nursing schools. Texas is home to a broad range of nursing schools, from large public universities with numerous specialized offerings to private colleges with small class sizes and cutting-edge curricula.

Aspiring CNAs in Texas must complete a state-approved training program and obtain certification to work in the state. CNA training programs are offered at dozens of Texas community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and even at some traditional colleges and universities.

Aspiring LVNs in Texas have roughly 100 prelicensure programs throughout the state from which to choose. These certificate programs typically require 12-18 months of focused study. A handful of Texas colleges also offer a two-year LVN program that awards an associate’s degree in vocational nursing upon completion. Graduates of all programs must successfully pass the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination before commencing practice.

Below is a thorough list of Texas nursing schools in each of the state’s major cities. To aid your search, we’ve organized them by nursing class size from largest to smallest.