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Second-Degree BSN

Program Overview

Delivered at the Round Rock campus, the second-degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track is a 15-month, four-semester accelerated program available to applicants with a previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field of study. Prior to entry, students must complete approximately 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses in the humanities and biological, physical and behavioral sciences to provide a foundation for growth in the nursing major if not completed in their first degree. Prerequisite coursework may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university.

The program utilizes traditional face-to-face instruction and simulation activities, clinical experiences, team teaching and video conferencing of lectures. Students are admitted to the Round Rock campus and must attend all classes, simulation labs and clinical experiences at that location throughout the duration of the program. Due to strict regulations from the Texas Board of Nursing which govern clinical rotations, the College of Nursing does not allow students to transfer from one campus to another.

Upon completion of course requirements, graduates of the second-degree BSN program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to earn their RN license. The school will guide students through the Texas RN licensure process during their last semester in the BSN program. 

Note: The College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN delivered in Bryan-College Station and McAllen (beginning spring 2026) and second-degree BSN delivered in Round Rock. Applicants may only apply for one program for each application cycle.


 

The following programs may lead to a professional license or certification that is required for employment. Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect a student’s ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. The U.S. Department of Education regulation, 34 CFR 668.43 (a) (5) (v), requires an institution to disclose whether the program will fulfill educational requirements for licensure or certification for each state. The administrative departments that offer the programs have made the following determination regarding their curriculum.

Program Meets State or U.S. Territory Requirements  Does not meet A determination has not been made
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional, Second Degree) TX, AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico (PR), Virgin Islands (VI), American Samoa (AS), Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam (GU), Marshall Islands (MH)   Federated States of Micronesia (FM), Palau (PW)
Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner TX, AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, District of Columbia (DC), Puerto Rico (PR), Virgin Islands (VI), American Samoa (AS), Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam (GU)   Marshall Islands (MH), Federated States of Micronesia (FM), Palau (PW)
Post-Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner TX, AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, District of Columbia (DC)   Puerto Rico (PR), Virgin Islands (VI), American Samoa (AS), Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam (GU), Marshall Islands (MH), Federated States of Micronesia (FM), Palau (PW)Federated States of Micronesia (FM), Palau (PW)

We recommend students contact the appropriate state licensing agency in their state or the state where they intend to work to seek the most up-to-date information about state licensure/certification requirements before beginning the program. Review additional licensing board information.

Curriculum

The following plan of study is for students entering in fall terms. Other points of entry will follow a similar plan.

Course Number        
Course Title Credit Hours
Semester 1 Fall 1 Term
17 sch

NURS 305

Dimensions and Informatics 3
NURS 306 Foundations of Nursing Practice Theory 5
NURS 307 Foundations of Nursing Practice Clinical 3
NURS 312 Introduction to Pathophysiology 3
NURS 316 Pharmacology Principles 3
Semester 2 Spring 1 Term 16 sch
NURS 315 Nursing and the Aged 3
NURS 320 Adult Nursing I 6
NURS 411 Evidence-Based Practice 3
NURS 412 Care of Mental Health Clients 4
Semester 3 Summer 1 10-Week 13 sch
NURS 420 Adult Nursing II 6
NURS 421 Care of Community Health Clients 5
NURS 424 Professional Issues 2
Semester 4 Fall 2 Term 15 sch
NURS 323 Nursing Care of Women, Families & Newborns 4

NURS 413

Nursing Care of Children

4
NURS 430 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice 5
NURS 434 Case Studies in Patient Safety & Quality 2
  Total   61

*Only eligible for part-time financial aid (if receiving state and/or institutional aid)

sch = semester credit hours

Graduation in December

The following plan of study is for students entering in spring terms. Other points of entry will follow a similar plan.

Course Number        
Course Title Credit Hours
Semester 1 Spring 1 Term
17 sch
NURS 305 Dimensions and Informatics 3
NURS 306 Foundations of Nursing Practice Theory 5
NURS 307 Foundations of Nursing Practice Clinical 3
NURS 312 Introduction to Pathophysiology 3
NURS 316 Pharmacology Principles 3
Semester 2 Summer 1 - 10 week Term 13 sch
NURS 315 Nursing and the Aged 3
NURS 320 Adult Nursing I 6
NURS 412 Care of Mental Health Clients 4
Semester 3 Fall 1 Term
16 sch
NURS 411 Evidence-Based Practice 3
NURS 420 Adult Nursing II 6
NURS 421 Care of Community Health Clients 5
NURS 424 Professional Issues 2
Semester 4 Spring 2 Term
15 sch
NURS 323 Nursing Care of Women, Families & Newborns 4
NURS 413 Nursing Care of Children 4
NURS 430 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice 5
NURS 434 Case Studies in Patient Safety & Quality 2
  Total   61

*Only eligible for part-time financial aid

sch = semester credit hours

Graduation in May

Cost of Attendence

For cost of attendance, including estimated cost of tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing and more, visit Aggie One Stop.

Application Deadlines

Step 1: NursingCAS Application

All Applicants

Entry Term Spring Fall
NursingCAS Opens June 1 Nov. 1
NursingCAS & HESI A2 Deadline Aug.1 Jan. 15
First Class Day January August
Mandatory Nursing School
Orientation Dates
NSC - TBD
NSO - TBD
NSC - June 14, 2024
NSO - Aug. 16, 2024
 
NursingCAS is required of all applicants. Current Texas A&M University students who will be earning a bachelor's degree prior to the start date are required to submit both a Nursing CAS and Apply Texas external transfer application.

 

Step 2: ApplyTexas Application

External Transfer Applicants Only

Entry Term Spring Fall
Transfer Application Opens Aug. 1 Jan. 1
Transfer Application Deadline Oct. 15 March 1
First Class Day January August
 

Apply Texas application dates vary for international applicants. See the Texas A&M Office of Admissions website for further details. An Apply Texas application is required for all Second-Degree BSN applicants. Current Texas A&M University students who will earn a bachelor's degree prior to the start date should also follow this process. Applicants should submit only one NursingCAS application per admission cycle.

Prerequisite Coursework

Courses may be in progress during the application cycle; however, all courses must be completed with a minimum grade of "C" by the first class day. See below for a list of required courses. All courses are subject to approval by the College of Nursing.

In addition to the required prerequisites listed below, students receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University must satisfy the coursework requirements of the university's Core Curriculum.

By the application deadline, applicants must have completed a minimum of 40 prerequisite course credit hours of the 59 hours required. Of those 40, 12 credit hours must be from the following nursing science courses: General psychology (3), lifespan psychology (3), statistics (3), chemistry (4), anatomy and physiology (8), and microbiology (4).

Nursing science courses are in bold.

Subject Course Name Texas Common Course Number Semester Credit Hours TAMU Course
Communications Any two courses from core list Any two courses from core list 6 See TAMU Core Curriculum
American History Any two courses from core list Any two courses from core list 6 See TAMU Core Curriculum
Government Federal Government GOVT 2305 3 POLS 206
Government TX Government GOVT 2306 3 POLS 207
Creative Arts Any course from core list Any course from core list 3 See TAMU Core Curriculum
Language, Philosophy and Culture Any course from core list
(Philosophy or Ethics recommended)
Any course from core list
(PHIL 2306 or 1301 recommended)
3 See TAMU Core Curriculum
(PHIL 111 or 251 recommended)
Science Nutrition BIOL 1322 3 NUTR 202, 203 or 222
Science
Zoology, Biology, Physics or Chemistry II BIOL 1413, BIOL 1406/1407, PHYS 1401/1402, or CHEM 1412 4 BIOL 107, BIOL 111/112, PHYS 201/202, or CHEM 120
Math Any course from core list Any course from core list 3 See TAMU Core Curriculum
Social and Behavioral Science General Psychology PSYC 2301 3 PBSI 107
Psychology* Developmental Lifespan Psychology PSYC 2314 3 PBSI 225
Math Statistics MATH 1342 3 STAT 201
Science Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 2401 4 BIOL 319, NUTR 366 or VIBS 305
Science Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 2402 4 BIOL 320, NUTR 367 (starting spring 2025) or VTPP 423
Science General/Introductory Chemistry I with lab CHEM 1405/1105 or 1411 4 CHEM 119
Science
Microbiology BIOL 2420 or 2421 4 BIOL 206 or 351, NUTR 440 or VTPB 405

* PBSI 307 is acceptable if completed prior to spring 2022 

Students applying from other Texas public institutions may take up to three hours of math which meet that institution's core curriculum requirements. Out-of-state or private university applicants must have three hours of math from the Texas A&M Core Curriculum.

 

Repeated Course Policy 
Students may repeat prerequisite courses. A student with two prerequisite course failures in the past five years is ineligible for admission consideration.  

When deciding to repeat a course, consider the impact the course will make on your GPA. For example, earning a “C” on the first attempt of biology and an “A” the second attempt may not significantly impact the prerequisite GPA since this calculation includes all grades for completed prerequisite coursework. Applicants must consider the time and cost of repeating courses as it can be difficult to greatly improve one’s GPA.  

Visit How to Calculate GPA for assistance in determining your prerequisite coursework and nursing science course GPA.

 

Foreign Language Proficiency
Proficiency in a foreign language is required to graduate from Texas A&M. This requirement can be met by having completed two years of the same foreign language in high school, completing two semesters of the same foreign language at the university level or demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language by examination.

 

Texas A&M Course Equivalency
Applicants from other Texas public institutions may transfer courses listed under their institution's core curriculum to satisfy the corresponding requirements for the Texas A&M College of Nursing. For questions about what courses may or may not transfer from other institutions, see the Texas A&M Transfer Course Equivalency Matrix. If a course is not listed in the matrix or noted as "TRNS" (transfer by title), email nursingadmissions@tamu.edu to identify the appropriate course of action to determine course transferability.

Applicants from out-of-state or private universities must complete courses that are Texas A&M core equivalent.

Admissions

Minimum requirements for admission:

  • 3.3 nursing science GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • 3.3 prerequisite GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
  • 75% HESI score in each section
  • International student credentials (if applicable) 

 

Additional considerations: 

  • Timed verbal responses and written assessments (through our secondary assessment provider, Kira Talent)
  • Community service 
  • Leadership and involvement in extracurricular and/or professional activities 
  • History of withdrawals, repeats or failures 

 

To apply, submit your: 

  • NursingCAS application and nonrefundable application fee 
  • Official college transcripts from each institution attended sent to NursingCAS (this includes Texas A&M University, if applicable) 
  • HESI Admissions Assessment exam scores (official test report must be received by the College of Nursing to be eligible; an official report is not needed from those who test through Texas A&M) 
  • Apply Texas application and nonrefundable application fee (must be completed upon notification through NursingCAS; required of external applicants and currently enrolled Texas A&M students who will earn their first degree prior to nursing) 
  • Online and online written assessments through our secondary assessment provider, Kira Talent (eligible applicants will be sent invitations to complete this portion following review of their NursingCAS application) 
  • Unofficial high school transcript (only required for students not currently or previously enrolled at Texas A&M; an official copy will be required if admitted) 
  • International applicant credentials (if applicable) 

 An offer of admissions is conditional pending successful completion of all prerequisite coursework, criminal background check and drug screen. 

Information Sessions

Interested students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about our programs of study. These sessions provide details on admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, student life, clinical experiences and other opportunities. Students are required to attend an information sessions prior to requesting an individual appointment.

  • Reservations are required to attend a session.
  • Guests of registered attendees are welcome.
  • Sessions last approximately 60-90 minutes.

HESI Admissions Assessment Exam

The College of Nursing requires the Admissions Assessment (HESI A2) Exam for students applying for the traditional and second-degree BSN tracks. The exam results are used to determine readiness for admissions to, and success in, nursing programs across the nation and are administered through Elsevier Evolve Reach testing services.

The College of Nursing HESI A2 requires you complete the following five components:

  • Math
  • Reading comprehension
  • Vocabulary and general knowledge
  • Grammar
  • Anatomy and physiology

The HESI exam must be taken within the previous 12 months of the NursingCAS application deadline. The college will accept no more than two attempts per 12-month period within the targeted application deadline.

 
Exam Registration

The Texas A&M College of Nursing and Elsevier HESI Assessment have partnered with Proctor U to provide a secure online proctored exam solution.

Please note, registration is a two-step process.

Elsevier offers two exam options: One for first-time test takers and one for those who are taking the exam for a second time. Select the option that best matches your status and download the instructions in Step 2 listed below.

Step 1: Set up your Elsevier account. You will need your Evolve username prior to testing   with ProctorU.

Step 2: Review the HESI registration instructions

 

Score Requirements

A minimum score of 75% is required for each of the component sections noted above. Applicants who do not achieve the minimum score in any one section will be denied based on test score deficiency.

There is one exception to this requirement for applicants who have not completed both A&P courses at the time of testing and do not achieve the 75% minimum score. These applicants may be allowed to move forward in the admissions process as long as they achieve a minimum cumulative score of 82 (calculate this by averaging the five sections: math, anatomy and physiology, reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary).

 
Score Reporting

Scores MUST be sent from Elsevier directly to the Texas A&M College of Nursing to be received no later than the posted deadline for each degree.

Those who register to take the exam as instructed above do not need to send scores as they will be available electronically within 24 hours of the date of the exam.

Students may take the exam through another university, which is acceptable. Be sure to take all sections required by the Texas A&M College of Nursing. Students who take the exam through another school must request an official HESI score report be sent to Texas A&M College of Nursing. Request an electronic copy of the report be sent through our preferred method: nursingadmissions@tamu.edu. Only electronic copies sent from Elsevier are acceptable.

All students, regardless of how they take the exam, must also upload a copy of their unofficial score report to the Nursing CAS portal. These reports are available through the Evolve portal. If students have taken the exam more than once, they must upload all attempts. In the application, go to Program Materials, select the program to which you are applying and then upload the unofficial report in the Documents tab.

Self-reported scores will be audited. Any student that does not provide accurate information or purposely provides misleading information such as not reporting all score reports will have their admission application revoked and will be removed from consideration for admission.

 

Students Requesting Disability Accomodations

Students who require exam accommodations due to a disability-related need (such as extra time, reader, screen magnification, etc.) will need to submit their accommodation request to nursingadmissions@tamu.edu. Requests must be made seven working days prior to the test date, and the test must be scheduled prior to applying any accommodations.

 

Exam Study Guides

Study guides are available through Evolve Reach Testing and other online retailers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can students still apply if they do not meet the minimum scores?
No. Applicants who do not meet the minimum score requirements will be denied admission based on their test scores.

Can the exam be taken more than once? Is there a waiting period between attempts?
The College of Nursing will accept no more than two attempts within 12 months of the application deadline. A waiting period is not necessary.

If an applicant has already taken three sections of the exam for another nursing program entrance requirement, will the College of Nursing accept those scores as long as the missing sections were also taken?
All five sections must be taken in one exam.

If an applicant takes the five required sections of the exam for a different institution, will the College of Nursing accept those scores?
Yes. The applicant must contact Evolve Elsevier to have their official score report emailed to the College of Nursing at nursingadmissions@@tamu.edu. Note: It can take up to two weeks for the college to receive your scores from the testing company so you must complete this well in advance of the application deadline.

What are test takers allowed to use during the exam?
Students are allowed one piece of plank paper and a five-function calculator.