Careers In Nursing

Undergraduate – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):

The BSN undergraduate degree can be achieved through several degree paths in the School of Nursing. 

• The Traditional BSN degree path is offered in Stephenville on the Tarleton State University campus. Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum and degree conferred by the university, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse and to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Upon meeting licensure requirements and passing the NCLEX-RN®, the Tarleton BSN graduate will become a registered nurse with a BSN degree.
• The LVN-BSN degree path is offered in Waco on the McLennan Community College MCC campus and on Tarleton State University’s Fort Worth campus. Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum and degree conferred by the university, graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a registered nurse and to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). Upon meeting licensure requirements and passing the NCLEX-RN®, the Tarleton BSN graduate will become a registered nurse with a BSN degree.
• The RN-BSN degree path is offered online from Fort Worth for those with an active RN license. Upon successful completion of the BSN curriculum and degree conferred by the university, the Tarleton graduate will be a registered nurse with a BSN degree.

Graduate – Master of Science in Nursing (MSN):

The MSN graduate degree program offers concentrations in Nursing Administration and Nursing Education.

• The MSN options are online with select in-person practicum requirements. The Nursing Administration major will prepare graduates to assume leadership roles for unit, department, service line, or the system-level of health care organizations. The major in Nursing Education will prepare graduates to teach patients, families, health care consumers, nurses, and nursing students.

Admission Information

If you are interested in becoming a registered nurse or advancing your nursing career please review our pages

Traditional BSN degree path – Stephenville

LVN-BSN degree path – Waco

RN-BSN degree path – Online/Fort Worth

MSN degree paths

Texas HB 1508

As a point of information required by Texas HB 1508 and the Texas Occupations Code 58.001, if you are applying for admission to a program that may prepare an individual for an initial occupational license (Registered Nurse) as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001 and/or if you later decide to change to a program that prepares you for an initial occupational license as defined under Texas Occupations Code 58.001,  in accordance with state law, please be advised of the following.

Because graduating with a degree in Nursing (undergraduate) in the state of Texas has the potential to lead to a state-issued license, this notice of the impact of a criminal history on becoming licensed is being provided to you. The title of “registered nurse” is a restricted title in the State of Texas; only those who hold a valid registered nurse license and are in good standing may call themselves by this title.

Individuals with a history of criminal behavior, including arrests, convictions, serving probation, being on or completing parole, or deferred adjudication (this list may not be exhaustive) may be unable to become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas.

The following website provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements for the Texas Board of Nursing.

 Other Program Licensing Information is also available.