Registered nurses (RNs) are not only the most important health care practitioners, but are also one of the most important occupations across the nation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 2.7 million RNs in the U.S. in 2012, while there were 184,700 RN jobs in Texas. Just like other states, employment opportunities for RNs in Texas are likely to grow in the future (2010 -2020).^
RNs work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and other settings where they provide nursing care facilities. They provide and coordinate patient care and also educate patients on a variety of health conditions. Nursing schools in Texas offer a number of RN programs, where students can pursue programs including:
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Associate degree in nursing
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Bachelor’s degree in nursing
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Associate degree in nursing provides students with the foundational knowledge in nursing. Students who wish to enroll in the associate degree must have completed classes in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and psychology. Curriculum in this undergraduate program includes topics such as:
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Microbiology
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Nursing care
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Patient care management
Students who complete the associate program may take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).^
The bachelor's programs in nursing prepare students for providing basic nursing care to diverse populations. Students take classes in Pathophysiology, research methods, Gerontological nursing and community healthcare. In addition to classroom based coursework, students also complete clinical experience requirements. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for Texas State Board Examination for RN licensure.^
Students who wish to enroll in the RN programs in Texas can apply for financial aid. A variety of funding options may be available and only those who qualify may be awarded. Nursing students may apply for:
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Federal loans such as Stafford and Perkins Loans
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Scholarships such as the Texas Legion Auxiliary Past President’s Parley Scholarships, the Kahler/Vickers/Raup/Emma Wettstein Scholarships
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Texas Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program
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Forgiveness Loan Programs
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RNs generally work in nursing homes, hospitals, clinics, schools and home healthcare offices. According to O*NET OnLine, Texas will have about 9,460 projected annual job openings for registered nurses between 2010 and 2020. The median annual pay for RNs in the state (2013) was $67,860 (BLS).
Registered Nurse Employment Growth in Texas
Employment growth rate for the registered nurses in the state is 8% (2010 to 2013). 7% of all RNs in the United States work in Texas. For employment, Texas is the 2nd best state for RNs.
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|
Year |
Registered Nurse Salary in Texas |
|
2013 |
$67,860 |
|
2012 |
$66,350 |
|
2011 |
$67,580 |
|
2010 |
$66,180 |
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