Become a Registered Nurse in Texas - TX

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

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How to Become an RN in Texas

In the current economy, registered nurses are in high demand. They often work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices or general health clinics and have the flexibility to choose their shifts. The aging population, along with baby boomers will continue to grow in numbers, placing a high demand on the health care profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates registered nurses will continue to grow faster than all other occupations by 2014.

According to BLS, registered nurses in the state of Texas make an average hourly rate of $29.18 and an average statewide median yearly salary of $58,900. The average median yearly national salary for a registered nurse is $57,280.

Steps to Becoming a Registered Nurse in Texas

Texas RN Programs prepare graduates for employment through one of a few ways:

Nursing Diploma Program: On average this program takes approximately three yearsand requires on the job training with a hospital. It should be noted this program results in a Certificate, not a college degree. According to Top Nursing Colleges website, in 2004 only 17.5% of RN’s had finished a nursing diploma program.
Associate Degree Nursing Program: On average this program takes approximately two-three years in a technical program that a community college offers. According to Top Nursing Colleges website, 33.7% of RN’s in 2004 had received their training from an AND.
Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program: On average takes approximately four years in a university or college. According to Top Nursing Colleges website, in 2004 34.2% of RN’s had received a BSN.
All diploma nursing educational programs in Texas, including new diploma nursing educational programs, must submit to the Texas BON, which ensures graduates of the program are entitled to receive a degree. After graduating with any of the three degrees, a person must take the NCLEX examination.
Apply for the Texas R.N. license at www bon.state.tx.us - Verification & Licensing. Once a registered nurse is licensed, they will be required to be fingerprinted.