Nursing Schools in Austin Texas
Across the board, Texas is a great place to get started in the field of nursing. The state has a large, diverse population of people who rely on nursing care. Austin, in particular, is the ideal setting for a nurse. The city is home to over 931,000 people, and the metropolitan area has many well-known hospitals, community clinics, and specialty clinics.
Nursing School Options in Austin, TX Area
When it comes to nursing schools, Austin has quite a few options to consider. The type of degree you choose determines your licensure level and influences your income. In Austin, the average salary for a licensed practical nurse is $46,260 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Registered nurses bring in an average of $67,130 per year (BLS, 2016). Those who earn graduate degrees and become nurse practitioners report an average income of $92,490 annually (BLS, 2016).
Curriculum, Costs, and Financial Aid for Austin Nursing Schools
When you start contacting nursing schools in Austin, Texas, you can get a feel for which programs are available and which ones are a good fit for your situation. Many students begin with a diploma, Associate’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree is a popular option, since it permits you to work in many different specialties and lays the groundwork for future graduate study. Several colleges and universities in the Austin area offer this program.
Some of the courses you may take on your way to becoming a registered nurse in Austin include:
- Data Analysis for Health Sciences
- Communication in Healthcare
- Patient-Centered Nursing Care
- Health Assessment Skills
- Clinical Nursing Skills
- Adult Health Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Care of Children and Families
- Genetics in Healthcare
- Contemporary Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Complex Nursing Care
There’s a lot of variation in tuition rates, especially if you start comparing community colleges, public universities, and private colleges. However, don’t eliminate options immediately based on cost. Financial aid options often equalize the playing field and make it possible to attend the nursing school of your dreams. The average cost of tuition in Dallas is $9800 per year.
Upon selecting from the available nursing programs, Austin, TX organizations and associations may allow you to start applying for scholarships. A statewide organization for nursing students is the Good Samaritan Foundation, which awards several nursing scholarships each year.
To become a nurse in Texas, you have to go through the licensing process. This is regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing.
With the right training and education, you could use your career to make a real difference in your city.
Life and Career Options for Nurses in Austin, TX Area
Perhaps you are considering moving to Austin to continue your nursing career, or maybe you are an Austin resident taking the first step toward a career in this field. Either way, the variety of employers in Austin can help you make the leap. Several major healthcare employers have on-site nurse education centers, making the transition from student to nurse fairly simple. If you secure employment with a healthcare facility before starting your education, you may qualify for tuition assistance and reimbursement benefits. Some local employers that have these programs include St. David’s Hospital, Seton Healthcare, and University of Texas.
You may be interested in working for a Magnet facility. Magnet institutions have been recognized for their commitment to quality, their dedication to evidence-based care, and the opportunities they give nursing staff. The city of Austin has quite a few Magnet facilities, including Dell Children’s Hospital, Seton Medical Center, Seton Northwest Hospital, and University Medical Center Breckenridge.
If you’ve been considering working in this field for some time, this is the time to start looking at nursing programs. Austin has all the options you could want, and becoming licensed now could allow you to benefit from the excellent nursing community in Texas.
A recent report indicates that Texas is the third best state in the country for nurses (News Reporter, 2016). You may build your skills and learn about different opportunities by joining local groups, such as the Texas Nurses Association and the Texas Nursing Students’ Association.
