Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Family Practice Nurse/Nurse Practitioner - Master's degree
Nursing Administration - Master's degree
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

Professional nursing for the individual, the family and community creates complex challenges in the ever-changing health care arena. The School of Nursing offers an exciting Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program to help you meet these challenges. The courses are accessible on the web, so you have access to academic education by computer at work or at home, wherever or whenever you want to study. Our faculty are ready to build on your experience by examining new trends and theories, exploring critical issues, emphasizing applicable professional nursing practices and incorporating concepts of holistic care.

Upon completion of prerequisite courses, the RN to BSN Program can be completed in two semesters or 30 semester credit hours. Part-time options are available upon request, although many students find the class load to be manageable while working full-time since the classes are spread out so you take only three at a time within each semester.

BSN Program Details

The School of Nursing offers unique opportunities for students who are not registered nurses to receive the latest state-of-the-art nursing education. The combination of classroom and hands-on learning using patient simulators and hospital settings provides students the ability to learn skills using the most current technology. While benefiting from the expertise of outstanding faculty and the opportunity to work with other health care professionals, students receive an education that prepares them to be nursing leaders.

Upon completion of prerequisite courses, the BSN degree plan can be completed in four semesters or 63 semester credit hours.

RN to MSN Program Details

The RN to MSN Leadership in Nursing Education is a collaborative program between the School of Nursing's Graduate and Undergraduate Programs and is designed for registered nurses who have an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to pursue a graduate degree focused on nursing education. This rigorous 'bridge' program moves the student directly from Bachelor's level courses to Master's level courses and is completed through on-line course offerings and practicum experiences. The associate degree/diploma student does not receive a BSN degree but instead progresses toward graduating with the MSN degree.

Students who complete the MSN degree in nursing education are able to develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum; use technology to strengthen the learning process; and incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies to influence the preparation of today's nursing graduate.

Students complete the program via on-line courses and practicum experiences. Upon completion of the education track, graduates are prepared for educational positions in academic and practice settings and are prepared to sit for Academic Nurse Educator Certification by the National League for Nursing when practice requirements are met.

The RN to MSN degree plan is completed in 54 semester credit hours.

Accelerated BSN Program Details

TTUHSC School of Nursing offers a Second Degree Baccalaureate Nursing Degree Program that is web-based and accelerated for the student with a previous college degree. The BSN nurse is prepared to meet the challenges of a complex and changing healthcare environment in the 21st century. This 12-month program has preceptor and nurse-educator oversight in the students' own communities in Abilene, the Austin/Hill Country area, Lubbock, and Permian Basin.

Upon completion of prerequisite courses, the Second Degree BSN Program can be completed in 12 months (61 semester credit hours).

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is similar in concept to practice doctorates in other professions such as pharmacy (PharmD) and physical therapy (DPT). DNP-prepared nurses are equipped for leadership roles in nursing practice, business, administration, clinical research, and academia.

Individuals with practice doctorates are the most highly educated and qualified practitioners in their fields. Instead of focusing primarily on research and teaching, those with practice doctorates use their education and expertise in leadership roles on the front lines of their professions. They are also highly qualified to teach the next generation of clinicians and leaders.

The purpose of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program is to provide a rigorous education to prepare clinical scholars who translate science to improve population health through expert leadership that powers innovation in health care for West Texas, the state, and the nation.

The DNP program curriculum is based on the AACN Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice national standards and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) Practice Doctorate Nurse Practitioner Entry-Level Competencies (2006).