Evening and Weekend Nursing Programs in Texas

Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by NAMS Editor

Have you dreamed of becoming a nurse but struggled to find the time for a traditional daytime nursing program? If so, you’ll be happy to know that some institutions in Texas offers a variety of flexible evening and weekend nursing degree programs designed for working adults and others with daytime commitments.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore four top institutions in Texas that offer accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs with evening, weekend, hybrid, and online formats. We’ll cover admission requirements, accreditation details, tuition costs, and more to help you make an informed decision about the school and program that best fits your unique needs and career goals.

By the end, you’ll understand the diverse and innovative opportunities available right here in Texas for earning your nursing credentials while maintaining your current work or family responsibilities. Let’s get started!

Chamberlain University College of Nursing

One of the most established names in flexible nursing education is Chamberlain University College of Nursing. With multiple campuses located across Texas including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Chamberlain offers both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs with classes held primarily in the evenings and on Saturdays. Their accelerated BSN is designed to be completed in as little as 16 months.

Admission Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for pre-requisite courses
• Completion of pre-requisite general education courses (can be done concurrently in first semester)
• TEAS admission exam – scored Proficient Level or higher is recommended
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement essay
• Two letters of recommendation

The evening/weekend schedule is particularly beneficial for those looking to fast-track their career. Classes typically meet two evenings per week, along with every other Saturday. Clinical rotations are often on Fridays or Saturdays as well to better accommodate students’ availability. Chamberlain’s hybrid online/on-campus format also provides scheduling flexibility by allowing some coursework to be completed remotely on the student’s own time.

Texas Woman’s University

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) is the largest university in the nation dedicated solely to the education of women. In addition to their main campus in Denton, TWU offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) degree at their Houston campus through an evening/weekend program. The accelerated 12-month curriculum is highly structured yet accommodating for working learners.

Admission Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum college GPA of 2.5
• Completion of admission exam
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II courses completed with grades of B- or higher
• Interview with program advisor
• Physical exam and immunizations
• Criminal background check

Classes at TWU Houston are scheduled two evenings per week (Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday) from 5PM to 10PM. Clinical experiences typically occur on Friday evenings or Saturdays. Anatomy lab may fall on some Saturdays as well. With this evening/weekend format, students can maintain employment or other responsibilities during traditional daytime hours while efficiently working towards their nursing degree and licensure.

Lone Star College

As one of the largest community college systems in the country, Lone Star College offers various associate degree and certificate programs throughout several campuses based in the Houston area. Their Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) available through Lone Star College-Kingwood and Lone Star College-Montgomery capitalizes on evening and weekend scheduling to remain accommodating for working students.

Admission Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses
• Complete TEAS admission exam by specified deadlines
• Prerequisite courses completed (Anatomy & Physiology I/II, etc.)
• Application and acceptance to the nursing program
• Criminal background check
• Proof of current CPR certification

Lone Star structures its evening/weekend AASN curriculum to be completed seamlessly in five semesters. Core science and general education requirements are taken online or on-campus during evening hours, while clinical experiences usually involve twelve-hour shifts every other Friday or Saturday to maximize face-time in real healthcare environments. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.

Texas Health School

For those residing in North Texas, Texas Health School located in Hurst is a private career college offering an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with evening and weekend classes held on a trimester schedule. Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), their versatile programming is centered around providing educational accessibility for working adult students.

Admission Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 2.0 GPA in prerequisite courses
• Completion of admission exam
• Selective interview process
• Criminal background check
• Basic computer literacy
• American Heart Association CPR certification

Texas Health School arranges its two-year ADN curriculum with all core academic and science classes occurring in the evenings from 5PM to 10PM, Monday through Thursday. Nursing clinical practicums are arranged with local healthcare partners on alternating Fridays and Saturdays to give students real-world experience under faculty supervision outside of traditional daytime hours. Their streamlined schedule is focused on timely degree completion within two years for busy adults balancing career and family responsibilities.

Comparing Programs and Making the Right Choice

For those considering a return to school for a career in the rewarding field of nursing, exploring flexible evening and weekend programs can seem the ideal solution to balancing competing priorities in life. When weighing options, it’s important to carefully research admission criteria, accreditation, program outcomes, total costs, and match curriculums to personal circumstances and long-term career goals.

While community college associate’s degrees may involve lower direct tuition costs but could prolong the timeline to graduation, accelerated bachelor’s completion options at Chamberlain and TWU Houston aim to get students working as a registered nurse more quickly. Alternatively, Texas Health School’s modest admission standards open the door for adult students without extensive academic history to gain a foothold in the healthcare field.

No single solution exists as each person’s situation differs, so prospective nursing students would benefit from directly contacting representatives at programs of interest to have questions answered and concerns addressed. With careful planning and commitment to rigorous coursework, any one of these four Texas schools profiled provide accessible paths to fulfilling careers. By leveraging flexible evening and weekend schedules, dedicated learners can seamlessly attain nursing degrees to make a true difference in their communities and the lives of future patients.

In Conclusion

Pursuing higher education and new career potentials will always require balancing priorities and managing commitments in life. For those who feel a calling to nursing yet cannot attend a traditional daytime program, these innovative Texas schools open doors to follow passion and purpose on one’s own terms. By catering class schedules outside standard workday hours, accredited institutions like Chamberlain, Texas Woman’s University, Lone Star College, and Texas Health School empower busy adults across the Lone Star State to continue growing professionally without having to put other responsibilities on hold. With determination and strong time management skills, anyone seeking to enter the essential and rewarding field of nursing has accessible options. Dreaming big but having to juggle other commitments should never stand in the way of positively serving communities through an equally fulfilling healthcare career.