RN to BSN programs in Dallas offer registered nurses opportunities to advance their careers by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This article examines the similarities and differences among each program. Key features such as tuition, program length, curriculum, GPA requirements, and overall value are discussed, along with conclusions about affordability, accessibility, and program quality.
| School | Location | Tuition | GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collin College | Frisco | $2,060 | 2.5 |
| Dallas College | Dallas | $2,800 | 2.5 |
| University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) | Arlington | $8,995 | 2.25 |
| HSC Fort Worth | Fort Worth | $9,660 | 2.5 |
| Texas Woman’s University (TWU) | Dallas | $13,088 | 2.0 |
Tuition Costs
- Collin College: Estimated cost of $2,060 for Texas residents, making it the most affordable program in Dallas. Non-residents pay higher rates.
- Dallas College: Estimated tuition is $2,800, still highly affordable but slightly higher than Collin College.
- HSC Fort Worth: Tuition is $9,660 for Texas residents, significantly more expensive than Collin or Dallas College.
- TWU: Tuition is $13,088, the highest among the programs.
- UTA: Tuition is $8,995, moderately priced but higher than Collin and Dallas College.
Conclusion:
Collin College is the most affordable program, followed by Dallas College.
Program Duration
- Collin College: 9 months for full-time students.
- Dallas College: 12 months for full-time students, with a part-time track extending to 24 months.
- HSC Fort Worth: Flexible options ranging from 2 to 4 semesters (6 to 16 months).
- TWU: 8 to 12 months, depending on the chosen pace.
- UTA: 9 months, aligning with Collin College’s timeline.
Conclusion:
For the shortest duration, Collin College and UTA offer comparable 9-month tracks for full-time students. TWU is also competitive for students seeking accelerated options.
Curriculum
All programs cover key nursing competencies such as evidence-based practice, leadership, and community health, but their emphases differ:
- Collin College: Focuses on leadership, healthcare quality, informatics, and clinical reasoning. Includes a capstone professional project and tailored practicum experiences.
- Dallas College: Highlights legal and ethical issues, public health policy, and informatics. Clinicals are community-based and emphasize global health.
- HSC Fort Worth: Combines advanced courses in pharmacology, leadership, and population-centered nursing. Includes a capstone project requiring 225 clinical hours.
- TWU: Offers a diverse range of courses, including pediatric and mental health nursing. Includes a strong focus on interdisciplinary care and cultural competence.
- UTA: Covers holistic health, policy, and leadership with integrated workplace clinical experiences. Electives allow students to tailor their learning.
Conclusion:
UTA and Collin College offer well-rounded, practical curriculums. TWU may appeal to those seeking specialized focus areas like pediatrics or mental health.
GPA Requirements
- Collin College: 2.5 minimum GPA.
- Dallas College: 2.5 minimum GPA.
- HSC Fort Worth: 2.5 minimum GPA.
- TWU: 2.0 minimum GPA, the most lenient GPA requirement.
- UTA: 2.25 minimum GPA.
Conclusion:
TWU is the easiest to get into based on its low 2.0 GPA requirement. Collin, Dallas College, and HSC are accessible for students with GPAs of 2.5 or higher.
Accreditation and Recognition
- Collin College: Accredited by the ACEN and recognized as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing.
- Dallas College: Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and pursuing ACEN accreditation.
- HSC Fort Worth: Pending CCNE accreditation.
- TWU: Accredited by the CCNE.
- UTA: Accredited by the CCNE, ensuring high standards.
Conclusion:
Collin College and UTA stand out with robust accreditation and reputations.
Flexible Learning Options
- Collin College: Fully online with part-time and full-time tracks.
- Dallas College: 100% online, with clinicals tailored to local communities.
- HSC Fort Worth: Online coursework with flexible clinical scheduling.
- TWU: Fully online, offering flexible 7-week courses.
- UTA: Fully online with integrated clinical assignments.
Conclusion:
All programs offer flexibility, but TWU’s 7-week courses and Collin College’s tailored practicum projects cater well to working professionals.
Final Rankings:
- Most Affordable: Collin College ($2,060).
- Easiest to Get Into: TWU (2.0 GPA requirement).
- Best Overall: Collin College. It combines affordability, short program duration, strong accreditation, and a practical curriculum. UTA is a close second for its robust program features and strong reputation.
Summary
For affordability and efficiency, Collin College is the top choice for Texas residents. Students prioritizing ease of entry may prefer TWU, while those seeking a balanced, high-quality program should consider UTA. Prospective students should evaluate these options based on personal goals, budget, and academic background to find the best fit.