Nursing Schools in San Antonio

There are many reasons that justify the ever growing demand of nurses in San Antonio’s vast healthcare industry. San Antonio’s medical and healthcare industry is one of the largest in the state. Advancements in medicine and technology have opened up many diverse career opportunities for nurses in this city. As nursing is a broad field, home healthcare in San Antonio will experience a growth in the coming years due to ageing baby boomers.

There are many healthcare professionals that make San Antonio’s healthcare delivery system efficient and effective. These typically include physicians, pharmacologists, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs). Positive employment changes are encouraging many individuals in this city to prepare for nursing careers.

Nursing Schools in San Antonio

If you plan to enroll in a nursing program in this city, you can choose from a wide variety of schools.

The degree-based and non-degree-based programs offered by most nursing schools include:

• Diploma in Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Each of these nursing programs is designed to prepare individuals for a specific nursing career. Those interested in applying for entry-level nursing jobs must complete an LPN program, whereas those looking for a more advanced nursing career can opt for BSN or MSN degrees.

In a nursing program, you will cover certain theoretical courses and will also undergo practical training. These programs are geared towards preparing students with in-depth knowledge of healthcare delivery and care. Some institutions have built modern learning labs that help enhance the learning process. You can check with various nursing schools in the city to find out more about their facilities and program offerings.

Licensing

The Texas Board of Nursing is one of the oldest and most significant agencies in the state that has been promoting nursing occupations. The board is mainly responsible for licensing all nursing professionals who work in this state. To practice as a nurse in Texas, you must pass the NCLEX exam conducted by the board to receive a valid license for practice.

Accreditation

The Texas Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education are two accrediting agencies in the state. Before enrolling in a nursing school in San Antonio, make sure that the program is accredited by these boards. On the other hand, you must also check the regional accreditation of the institute. Schools that fall within this region are typically accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Schools that are accredited are basically presumed to be imparting quality education.

Career Prospects

Did you know that registered nurses in the state of Texas earned a mean annual wage of $67,580 in 2013 (BLS). With a nursing degree and license, you can apply for positions in all types of healthcare organizations in San Antonio.