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Traditional BSN

Program Overview

The traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) track is a standard two-year, five-semester program offered in Bryan-College Station and McAllen (beginning in spring 2026). Students complete 61 credit hours of professional nursing course work. 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. Prerequisite coursework may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university. Current and former Texas A&M students and prospective transfer students are welcome to apply.

Graduating high school students may not apply. An applicant must qualify as a transfer applicant, per the Texas A&M University definition: A student who has earned college credit after high school graduation during a fall or spring term. This applies to students who may have earned college credits and/or an associate degree during the course of their high school program.

Those with more than 90 credit hours or a completed degree are encouraged to consider other options, including completing a degree in their current college/school and applying to the second-degree BSN program.

Upon completion of course requirements, graduates 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.

Note: The School 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
14 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
Semester 2 Spring 1 Term 13 sch
NURS 316 Pharmacology Principles 3
NURS 320 Adult Nursing I 6

NURS 412

Care of Mental Health Clients

4
Semester 3 Summer 1 10-Week 8 sch
NURS 323 Nursing Care of Women, Families & Newborns 4

NURS 413

Nursing Care of Children

4
Semester 4 Fall 2 Term 14 sch
NURS 315 Nursing and the Aged 3
NURS 411 Evidence-Based Practice 3
NURS 420 Adult Nursing II 6
NURS 434 Case Studies in Patient Safety & Quality 2
Semester 5 Spring 2 Term 12 sch
NURS 421 Care of Community Health Clients 5
NURS 424 Professional Issues 2
NURS 430 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice 5
  Total   61

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

sch = semester credit hours

Graduation in May

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
14 sch
NURS 305 Dimensions and Informatics 3
NURS 306 Foundations of Nursing Practice Theory 3
NURS 307 Foundations of Nursing Practice Clinical 5
NURS 312 Introduction to Pathophysiology 3
Semester 2 Summer 1 - 10 week Term 9 sch
NURS 316 Pharmacology Principles 3
NURS 320 Adult Nursing I 6
Semester 3 Fall 1 Term
14 sch
NURS 323 Nursing Care of Women, Families & Newborns 4
NURS 412 Care of Mental Health Clients 4
NURS 413 Nursing Care of Children 4
NURS 424 Professional Issues 2
Semester 4 Spring 2 Term
14 sch
NURS 315 Nursing and the Aged 3
NURS 411 Evidence-Based Practice 3
NURS 420 Adult Nursing II 6
NURS 434 Case Studies in Patient Safety & Quality 2
Semester 5 Summer 2 - 10 week Term 10 sch
NURS 421 Care of Community Health Clients 5
NURS 430 Transition to Professional Nursing Practice 5
  Total   61

*Only eligible for part-time financial aid

sch = semester credit hours

Graduation in August

Cost of Attendence

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

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 - Dec. 1, 2023
NSO - Jan. 12, 2024
NSC - June 13, 2024
NSO - TBD
 
NursingCAS is the only application required for internal applicants. Internal applicants are current Texas A&M University undergraduate students in a non-nursing major on either the College Station or Galveston campuses. This includes students on Blinn Team. Internal applicants must meet specific requirements to apply to the upper division sequence and should apply following the internal transfer process which includes completing a NursingCAS application. Current students who will be earning a bachelor's degree prior to the start date should follow the external transfer application instructions.

 

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
Mandatory Orientation Day January July
 
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 only required for external transfer applicants. External applicants are those attending other colleges and universities. Students participating in the PSA program will follow the external transfer process and deadlines, and will complete an Apply Texas application. 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 School of Nursing when the student applies for admission.

In addition to the required prerequisites listed below, students receiving a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M must satisfy the coursework requirements of the Texas A&M University 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: Lifespan psychology (3), nutrition (3), Texas A&M core math (3 or 4), chemistry (4), anatomy and physiology (8), and microbiology (4).

Students may repeat prerequisite courses; however, grades earned from both the first and a second attempt will be used to determine the final GPA. Any additional attempts will not be considered. If a grade of "C" is not earned within two attempts, the student will not be eligible for admission.

Nursing science courses are in bold.

Subject Course Name Texas Common Course Number Semester Credit Hours TAMU Course
Communications Composition, Technical Writing, Public Speaking Any two courses from core list 6 See TAMU Core Curriculum
History US History I or TX History HIST 1301 or 2301 3 HIST 105 or 226
History US History II or TX History HIST 1302 or 2301 3 HIST 106 or 226
Government Federal Government GOVT 2305 3 POLS 206
Government TX Government GOVT 2306 3 POLS 207
Social and Behavioral Science General Psychology PSYC 2301 3 PBSI 107
Creative Arts Art, Dance, Music, Drama, or Theater Any acceptable course from core list 3 See TAMU Core Curriculum
Language, Philosophy and Culture^ Intro to Ethics or Intro to Philosophy PHIL 2306 or 1301 3 PHIL 111 or 251
Science
Introductory Biology BIOL 1406 or 1413 4 BIOL 111 or 107
Math† See footnote   3 See TAMU Core Curriculum
Psychology* Developmental Lifespan Psychology PSYC 2314 3 PBSI 225
Statistics Statistics MATH 1342 3 STAT 201
Nutrition Nutrition BIOL 1322 3 NFSC 202, 203 or 222
Science Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 2401 4 BIOL 319 or VIBS 305
Science Anatomy & Physiology II
BIOL 2402 4 BIOL 320 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 489 (spring 2024) or 440 (fall 2024); or VTPB 405

* PBSI 307 is acceptable if completed prior to spring 2022 

^ Second degree and RN-to-BSN applicants may meet requirement by taking any humanities course that meets Texas A&M core.

† 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.

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, by completing two semesters of the same foreign language at the university level or by demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language by examination.

For questions about what courses may or may not transfer from other institutions, see the Texas A&M University Transfer Course Equivalency Matrix. If a course is not listed in the matrix or is listed as "TRNS" (transfer by title), email nursingadmissions@tamu.edu to identify the appropriate course of action to determine course transferability.

Admission Criteria

It is strongly recommended that applicants present a GPA above 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Preference is given to students completing the majority of their coursework in Brazos County in the state of Texas.

Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Prerequisite Coursework GPA. Graduate coursework will not be considered.
  • Nursing Science GPA from nutrition, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, lifespan growth & development and Texas A&M University core equivalent math course
  • HESI Admissions Assessment Exam score
  • Timed verbal responses and written assessments
  • Community service
  • Leadership/involvement in extracurricular and/or professional activities
  • TOEFL score, required of international applicants only
  • History of withdrawals, repeats or failures will place applicant at a disadvantage

Repeated Course Policy 

Students may repeat prerequisite courses; however, grades earned from both the first and a second attempt will be used to determine the final GPA. Any additional attempts will not be considered. If a grade of "C" is not earned within two attempts, the student will not be eligible for admission.

When deciding to repeat a course, consider the impact the course will make on your GPA. Courses from the nursing science prerequisites (nutrition, lifespan developmental psychology, chemistry, Texas A&M core math, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology) may impact your GPA when repeated. 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.

Criminal Background Check

Criminal background checks are required of all applicants. Prior criminal convictions may cause one to be ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse. Applicants will be responsible for obtaining a background check and paying appropriate fees to be fingerprinted for the Texas Board of Nursing. The board will provide applicants with notification of their eligibility (or not) for future RN licensure following their successful completion of a nursing degree. Results are typically returned within six weeks of fingerprinting if there is no record of criminal history.

In order to apply for licensure as an RN, students must declare any eligibility issues with the Texas Board of Nursing. The board will notify applicants who may not meet conditions for future RN licensure after results of the fingerprinting are received. Individuals who have significant criminal history will likely be ineligible for licensure. If there is any history of criminal charges, alcohol or drug abuse or mental health concerns, students must file a declaratory order petition to the Board of Nursing. The time required to review a petition can be lengthy so students are encouraged to begin the process early in the application process.

An offer of admission from the School of Nursing will not be final until the completion of the background check with results that are deemed favorable. Admission may be denied or rescinded based on the review.

Application Requirements

  1. NursingCAS application and nonrefundable application fee.
  2. Official college transcripts from each institution attended sent to NursingCAS. This includes Texas A&M University, if applicable.
  3. HESI Admissions Assessment exam with critical thinking. Official test report must be received by the School of Nursing to be eligible. An official report is not needed from those who test through Texas A&M.
  4. Apply Texas application and nonrefundable application fee. Complete this upon notification through NursingCAS. This is required of external as well as currently enrolled Texas A&M students who will earn their first degree prior to nursing.
  5. Online and online written assessments through the secondary assessment provider, Kira Talent.  Eligible applicants will be sent invitations to complete this portion following review of their NursingCAS application.
  6. Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of “C” by the first class day.
  7. 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.
  8. International applicant credentials (if applicable)

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.

BSN Honors Program

For students entering the Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree track at our Bryan-College Station campus, the BSN Honors Program provides the foundation for high-achieving undergraduate nursing majors to develop skills as scholars in nursing science, advancing research and preparing for graduate education.

HESI ADMISSIONS ASSESSMENT EXAM

The School 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 admission to, and success in, nursing programs across the nation and are administered through Elsevier Evolve Reach testing services.

The School of Nursing HESI A2 will require you complete the following five components plus critical thinking:

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

 

Exam Scheduling and Deadline

HESI exam must be taken within the previous 12 months of the NursingCAS application deadline. The school will accept no more than two attempts per 12-month period. Unofficial scores from all attempts must be submitted through the Nursing CAS application process and only the highest cumulative score from a single test date will be considered. Official scores from Elsevier must be received by the school by the published NursingCAS application deadline.

 

Exam Registration

TESTING OPTIONS

There are two ways to take the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) exam:

  1. In-person, at a Prometric Testing Center
  2. Virtually, through Prometric's remote proctoring service

To register for your HESI Distance Testing exam, you first need to set up a student account with Evolve at evolve.elsevier.com.

STEP ONE: You must have an Evolve student account with HESI Assessment

  • Go to evolve.elsevier.com and click I’m a student.”
  • In the HESI Secured Exams section, click the link that says, “Register for Distance Testing.”
  • Click “Register” to place this in your cart, and then “Checkout/Redeem” from the cart screen.
  • If you are a returning user, enter your Evolve username and password on the right side of the screed and click “Sign In.” If you are new to Evolve, enter your name, email, desired password, and click “Continue”.
  • Click “Checkout/Redeem,” once again to finalize your selection.

STEP TWO: Register for Distance Testing Exam

  • Click on “My Evolve.”
  • Under HESI Assessment, select “Student Access” and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
  • Hover over the Distance Testing Tab and select “Register for a Distance Exam.”
  • Complete the required information and check box:
    • Confirm that your first and last name match your government-issued photo ID with signature. (Middle name is not required)
    • Click “Tab” on your keyboard to populate information.
    • Enter our department ID, 198175.
    • Select the appropriate exam.
      • RN A2 V-1 w/CT if this is the first time to take the exam.
      • RN A2 V-2 w/CT if this is the second time to take the exam.
    • Click the “Submit” button

Within 1-3 business days from receipt of the above request, you will receive an email confirmation notice indicating that you may schedule your exam at Prometric, either in-person or virtually.

Please carefully review the information contained in your Confirmation Notice. If your name is not correct or has been changed, contact Elsevier HESI Assessment at exameligibility@elsevier.com. Failure to do so could result in forfeiture of your testing appointment and associated fees.

You will receive your Eligibility ID in an email (this is your Evolve username). Add exameligibility@elsevier.com to your email’s safe sender list to avoid delays. If you do not see the notification, check your spam/junk folder. 

 

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). 

Note: The average cumulative score for most admitted students is 90% or greater.

 

Score Reporting

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

For those who register to take the exam through the link above (under Exam Registration), our Department ID is embedded in the request; therefore, scores will be received electronically within 24 hours of the date of the exam. Students may take the exam through another university which is certainly acceptable. Be sure to take all sections required by the Texas A&M School of Nursing. Students who take the exam through another school must request an official HESI score report be sent to Texas A&M School of Nursing. Request an electronic copy of the report be sent through the 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 (which is available through Elsevier Evolve) to the NursingCAS 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 Accommodations

Students that require exam accommodations due to a disability-related need (such as extra time, reader, screen magnification, etc.) will need to submit their accommodation requests when scheduling their exam time through the test administrator (Prometric).

 

Exam Study Guides

To purchase a study guide, call 1.800.545.2522 and request the Evolve Reach Testing and Remediation Admission Assessment Exam Review or go to Elsevier.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are study materials available for the exam?
Yes. Elsevier has study materials available for purchase.

What sections of the exam does the School of Nursing require?
The Texas A&M School of Nursing requires the following five didactic components: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary and general knowledge, grammar, anatomy and physiology. In addition we ask students to complete the critical thinking section. We do NOT require chemistry or biology. It is up to the student to know which sections of the exam to take as the test site may not offer this information to the student.

What is the minimum score required on the exam?
A minimum score of 75% is required for math, reading comprehension, vocabulary/general knowledge, grammar and anatomy/physiology. For students currently enrolled in A&P I or II, the 75% minimum score is not required for the A&P section, however, a minimum cumulative score of 82 is required (calculated by averaging the math, A&P, reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar sections). The personality profile, learning style and critical thinking sections will not be used as admissions criteria but will provide insight into personal preferences and successful strategies to improve academic performance.

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.

When can the test be taken?
Anytime within the previous 12 months of the application deadline.

Can the exam be taken more than once?
The school will accept no more than two attempts within 12 months of the application deadline. 

If a student has already taken three sections of the exam for another nursing program entrance requirement, will the School of Nursing accept those scores as long as the additional sections were taken?
No. The entire test that includes all five required sections including the critical thinking module must be taken in one sitting.

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

Will the School of Nursing accept test scores from Elsevier via email?
Yes. The School of Nursing will accept official test scores from Elsevier by email. Scores are only considered official if they are sent from Elsevier. Student copies are not acceptable.

How do students request special accommodations for the exam?
Please review how to request special accommodations through the Prometric Testing Accommodations process page.
 
Should students bring pen/pencil, scratch paper or calculator to the exam?
A. No. The students should not bring anything to the testing center other than their government issued photo ID. Any materials needed to take the exam will be provided by the testing center. See Prometric Testing Center Regulations.

What is allowed when testing remotely through Prometric?
Testers are allowed the use of a calculator and a dry erase board. The calculator is embedded in the electronic exam interface, while students must provide a dry erase board.