Thinking about a nursing career in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Registered nurses care for patients across the metroplex’s hospitals, clinics, and care centers, and the path to joining them is more achievable than you might think.
At WCU-Texas, we鈥檝e helped thousands of students go from the classroom to professional nursing practice, and we鈥檝e been recognized for how successfully we do that: and #1 in its Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas.
In this blog post, we walk you through the steps you鈥檒l need to take to become an RN in the Dallas area.
Step 1: Find an Approved Nursing Program
Your first step is choosing a nursing program. You鈥檒l want to select a program that鈥檚 both approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by a recognized body such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation confirms your education meets professional standards and that you’ll be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
Aspiring RNs in Texas can choose from two different degree options:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two- to three-year pathway designed for a quicker entry into the profession. It prepares you for entry-level patient care.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year path that offers a more comprehensive education. It covers the same ground as an ADN with additional coursework in community health, leadership topics, and research skills.
国产主播-Texas offers two BSN pathways at its Dallas-area campus.
- BSN program: Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as few as 39 months鈥攏o waitlist.
- LVN to BSN program: Already a licensed vocational nurse? You can earn your BSN in as few as 34 months by applying eligible credit from your LVN experience to your degree鈥攏o waitlist.
Both programs are accredited by CCNE and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Read more about WCU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and what it covers.
Program lengths vary by schedule and session.
Step 2: Meet 国产主播 Requirements and Apply
Once you’ve chosen a program, the next step is to apply. Requirements vary by school, but most nursing programs ask for similar materials.
- A completed application
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- An admissions interview
Many programs also require an entrance exam, such as the HESI. At WCU-Texas, for example, applicants need a HESI composite score of 76 or higher or 52% or higher on the TEAS. If you’re applying to the LVN to BSN pathway, you’ll also need to provide proof of current, unobstructed LVN licensure.
Requirements can change, so it’s worth confirming the details directly. Connect with an admissions advisor through the WCU-Texas campus page to get the most current information for your situation.
Step 3: Complete Pre-Clinical Checks
As part of any RN training program, you鈥檒l need to complete supervised clinical rotations. Before you can do that, the Texas Board of Nursing requires you to prove that it鈥檚 safe for you to do so by completing certain pre-clinical requirements. These include:
- Obtain a criminal background clearance. A misdemeanor or felony may prevent you from being able to complete clinicals and pursue RN licensure. We鈥檒l explain to you how to start the criminal background check process when you enroll with us.
- Submit documentation of required immunizations.
- Provide and maintain a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (CPR) for Health Providers.
- Obtain a declaration that you meet requirements in the 鈥淓ssentials of RN Job Functions鈥� from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- Undergo drug screening.
- Provide proof of health insurance coverage.
You鈥檒l also need to provide any additional documentation your clinical placement site may require鈥攖his will vary depending on the facility.
Step 4: Take and Pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam
Texas has a pre-licensure requirement many states don’t: . Passing it is a prerequisite for receiving authorization to test for the NCLEX-RN.
Toward the end of your program, you鈥檒l submit an application to the Texas Board of Nursing for permission to take the exam. It鈥檚 a 50-question exam which tests your knowledge of the Texas laws and rules that govern nursing practice. You have two hours to complete it, and you need to score at least a 75% in order to pass.
Step 5: Register For and Pass the NCLEX-RN
The is the standardized exam every nursing graduate in the U.S. and Canada must pass to qualify for an RN license. It鈥檚 an intense test that can take up to five hours to complete. At WCU-Texas, we begin preparing you for the NCLEX-RN early in your BSN program, with focused prep as the end of your program approaches. This includes access to practice exams and study materials, and optional no-cost tutoring.
Once you鈥檝e successfully completed your BSN and passed the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, you鈥檒l receive authorization from the Texas Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX-RN.
Once authorized, you’ll register through Pearson VUE, the official testing provider, then book a date for your test. Most students take the NCLEX-RN within several weeks of graduating from their BSN program.
Step 6: Search for Your First Nursing Job in Dallas
Congratulations, you’re a licensed RN. Now you get to decide where to put your skills to work. Registered nurses may work in a variety of healthcare settings across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including hospitals, clinics, specialty practices, and research institutions.
WCU-Texas helps prepare you for this stage with support from our Career Services team. They can help you build strong job-searching skills and advise you on how to draft a strong resume and cover letter. They can also help you with mock interviews.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.
Step 7: Maintain Licensure and Pursue Lifelong Learning
Earning your license is a milestone, not the finish line. In Texas, RNs renew their license every two years and complete 20 contact hours of continuing education each renewal cycle to stay current in their practice.
Continuing education can also be a doorway to career growth. Many nurses go on to earn advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). WCU offers online programs built for working, licensed RNs, including RN to BSN, MSN, and DNP options. You can explore them all on the Nursing Programs page.
Your Path Starts Here
The road to becoming an RN in the Dallas area has several steps, but each one is well worth the effort. With the right program and the right support, you can build the skills and confidence you’ll rely on throughout your nursing career.
Ready to take the first step? Learn more about WCU’s nursing programs in the Dallas area by calling the admissions team at 866-508-2684 or visiting WestCoastUniversity.edu to request more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an RN in the Dallas area?
It depends on the path you choose. An ADN typically takes two to three years, while a BSN is generally a four-year degree. At an accelerated pace, WCU-Texas students can earn a BSN in as few as 39 months, or in as few as 34 months through the LVN to BSN program. Program lengths vary by schedule and session.
Do I need a BSN to become an RN, or is an ADN enough?
Both an ADN and a BSN can qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and become a licensed RN. A BSN offers a more comprehensive education and helps prepare you for leadership roles and graduate-level education. Plus, some employers may prefer BSN-qualified nurses when hiring.
What HESI score do I need for WCU-Texas nursing programs?
WCU-Texas requires a HESI composite score of 76 or higher for admission. An admissions advisor can walk you through the full requirements and how to prepare.
Is there a waitlist for WCU-Texas nursing programs?
No. WCU-Texas does not have a waitlist for its BSN program, so eligible students can get started without delay.
What exams do I need to pass to get licensed in Texas?
Texas requires two exams: the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, which covers state nursing laws and rules, and the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam. You must complete the Jurisprudence Exam before testing for the NCLEX-RN.
Can I earn my BSN if I’m already an LVN?
Yes. WCU-Texas offers an LVN to BSN program for licensed vocational nurses, which lets you apply eligible credit for your LVN experience and earn your BSN in as few as 34 months.
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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