Everything is bigger in Texas—including the opportunities in healthcare. From the sprawling Texas Medical Center in Houston (the largest in the world) to the rapidly expanding health systems in Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, the Lone Star State is a land of opportunity for aspiring nurses. However, before you can earn your RN license, you must first clear the hurdle of Texas Nursing Prerequisites.

In 2026, Texas nursing schools have reached record-breaking application numbers. Whether you are aiming for the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or a high-quality community college ADN program, the prerequisite phase is where most applicants win or lose their spot. This guide serves as your comprehensive roadmap to mastering these requirements and explains how prereqcourses.com can help you stay ahead of the competition.

1. Understanding the Texas Nursing Landscape

Texas is unique because of its Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS). This system makes it easier for students to transfer credits between Texas public colleges and universities. If you see a course labeled “BIOL 2401,” you can be confident it will be recognized as Anatomy & Physiology I at almost any public institution in the state.

However, “transferable” doesn’t always mean “competitive.” Texas nursing schools often use a formula-based admission process. They look at your “Science GPA” and your score on entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI A2. Understanding the specific Texas nursing prerequisites required by your target school is the first step toward a successful application.

2. The Science Foundation: The “Big Five”

While many states focus on four core sciences, Texas programs—especially Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tracks—frequently require a “Big Five” sequence.

Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with Labs)

  • TCCNS Codes: BIOL 2401 & BIOL 2402
  • The Standard: These must include a 4-credit hour lab. In 2026, many Texas schools (like UT Health San Antonio) require these to be completed within the last 5 to 7 years.
  • Pro-Tip: Aim for an “A.” Many Texas programs will not even look at an applicant with a “C” in these core sciences.

Microbiology (with Lab)

  • TCCNS Code: BIOL 2420 or 2421
  • The Focus: This course covers the study of bacteria, viruses, and the immune system. It is a critical prerequisite for the Pathophysiology and Pharmacology courses you will take later in nursing school.

General Chemistry (with Lab)

  • TCCNS Code: CHEM 1405 or 1411
  • The Requirement: While some ADN programs may waive chemistry, nearly all BSN programs in Texas require at least one semester of General Chemistry with a lab.

Human Nutrition

  • TCCNS Code: BIOL 1322
  • The Texas Difference: Unlike some states, Texas frequently lists Nutrition as a mandatory prerequisite for entry, rather than a course you take during nursing school. Programs like Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and UTMB Galveston require this for all pre-licensure students.

3. The Texas General Education Core

To earn a BSN in Texas, you must complete the “Texas Core Curriculum,” which is a 42-hour block of general education. If you complete this block at one Texas public institution, it is guaranteed to transfer to any other public university in the state.

CategoryTypical CoursesCredits
CommunicationEnglish Composition I & II6
HistoryU.S. History I & II6
GovernmentFederal Govt & Texas Government6
MathematicsStatistics (MATH 1342)3
Social ScienceGeneral Psychology & Lifespan Development6
Philosophy/ArtsEthics or Fine Arts Elective6

Note on Texas Government: If you are moving to Texas from out of state, be aware that you must take a Texas-specific government course. A general “American Government” credit from another state usually will not satisfy the state’s legislative requirement for a degree.

4. Accelerated Nursing Programs in Texas (ABSN)

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is your fastest path to an RN. Texas is home to some of the top-ranked accelerated tracks in the country.

Top Texas ABSN Programs

  • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC): Their 12-month ABSN is available in multiple locations, including Lubbock, Odessa, and Abilene. It is a hybrid program that is perfect for career changers.
  • Baylor University (Louise Herrington School of Nursing): Located in Dallas, Baylor offers a prestigious 12-month “Distance ABSN” that allows for flexibility while maintaining rigorous clinical standards.
  • UT Health Houston (Cizik School of Nursing): Their “Pacesetter BSN” is an accelerated 15-month program that is highly competitive and integrated within the Texas Medical Center.
  • Texas Christian University (TCU): Offers a 15-month accelerated track in Fort Worth with a strong emphasis on clinical leadership.

ABSN Entry Requirements

For Accelerated Nursing Programs in Texas, the prerequisite requirements are often stricter. Because the program moves so fast, schools like Texas Tech require a “Science GPA” of at least 3.0, and they often require CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification or training before you can even apply.

5. Entrance Exams: TEAS vs. HESI A2

Most Texas nursing schools require an entrance exam to filter the thousands of applications they receive.

  • HESI A2: Preferred by many “heavy hitters” like Texas A&M and UT Health Houston. You typically need a composite score of 80% or higher, with specific minimums in Anatomy and Math.
  • ATI TEAS: Used by UT Austin, TWU, and many community colleges. In 2026, a “competitive” score in Texas is generally considered 85% or higher.

One-Attempt Rule: Be careful—some Texas schools only allow you to take the entrance exam once per application cycle. If you don’t hit the target score, you have to wait an entire year to try again.

6. Competitive GPA Standards in 2026

In Texas, the “minimum” GPA is rarely the “admitted” GPA.

  • Cumulative GPA: Most schools require a 2.5 to 3.0.
  • Competitive GPA: To get into a top-tier BSN program, you should aim for a 3.6 to 3.8.
  • The “Retake” Penalty: Some Texas institutions, such as The University of Houston, will only consider the first two attempts at a science prerequisite. If you have to take A&P three times to get an “A,” you might be disqualified.

7. Texas Board of Nursing Compliance: The Blue Card

One unique aspect of the Texas application process is the “Blue Card.” Before you can start clinicals, you must undergo a criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).

  1. Fingerprinting: You will complete a digital fingerprinting process.
  2. The Blue Card: Once cleared, the BON mails you a blue postcard. You must provide a copy of this card to your nursing school before you are allowed to enroll in clinical courses.
  3. Declaratory Order: If you have any criminal history (even minor issues from years ago), you must file a “Declaratory Order” with the BON to determine your eligibility for licensure. Do this before you finish your prerequisites!

8. How prereqcourses.com Helps Texas Students

Navigating the Texas nursing prerequisites can be a logistical nightmare, especially if local community colleges have waitlists for science labs. prereqcourses.com is designed to help you bypass these bottlenecks.

  • Affordable: The courses are priced at a significantly lower rate than any other online option.
  • Self-Paced: Don’t wait 16 weeks to finish Chemistry. These courses are 100% full paced; you have a maximum of 6 months, but there is no minimum time frame.
  • Transfer Certainty: We ensure the courses you take are from regionally accredited institutions that meet the rigorous standards of the Texas BON and the CSU/UC systems.

Summary of Texas Nursing Requirements

SchoolPrimary PrereqsEntrance ExamMin Science GPA
UT AustinBig 5 Sciences + Texas CoreATI TEAS3.0 (3.8+ Competitive)
Texas A&MBig 5 Sciences + EthicsHESI A23.3
Texas Tech (ABSN)Sciences + Patho + CNAHESI A23.0
Lone Star CollegeA&P I/II, Micro, PsychHESI A22.7 (ADN Track)

Final Thoughts

Mastering Texas Nursing Prerequisites requires more than just intelligence—it requires a strategy. By maintaining a high Science GPA, preparing early for the HESI or TEAS, and ensuring your “Texas Government” credits are in order, you can secure your spot in one of the nation’s top nursing programs.

The Texas healthcare field is waiting for you. Don’t let a missing prerequisite stand in your way. Visit prereqcourses.com to find your next course and start your journey today!