Texas Christian University

Established in 1873, Texas Christian University (TCU) offers innovative nursing programs that equip students with the essential knowledge and skills for thriving in the healthcare sector. Through a blend of hands-on learning opportunities and cutting-edge teaching techniques, TCU fosters the development of well-rounded nursing professionals.

Discover Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, Texas

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School Ranking: B+
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Texas Christian University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, CNL, DNAP, CRNA, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Student Demographics

  • 20 Average Age
  • 38% Men
  • 62% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 79% White
  • 15% Hispanic
  • 8% Black
  • 3% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $46,155 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $95,299 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Texas Christian University, a private institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), was founded in 1873.

Undergraduate

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The total time for the traditional BSN program is four years.

The number of students accepted into the program is 72. Through the program, you will start your clinical time beginning in your sophomore year. In your freshman year, you will receive curriculum for liberal arts and pre-nursing. Once you meet selective criteria, you will be added into the clinical placement freshman year. Senior year, you will be able to obtain advanced, specialized experience in maternity, pediatrics, community health, or psychiatric care.

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

The total number of credits needed to graduate includes 124 semester hours; 62 Nursing and 62 Non-Nursing.  

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

This program is a fast paced program that is finished in 16-months and provides the same number of clinical hours as our traditional students.  There are 59 credit hours of nursing coursework over four semesters.

Admission Criteria (not all inclusive)

To be qualified for the accelerated bachelor's degree, applicants must have a GPA requirement of at least 3.0 in either your previous degree or in your nursing science and math courses.

Those without a bachelor's degree will be considered for this program with a preferred GPA of at least 3.5 in either all undergraduate coursework (cumulative GPA) or in nursing science and math courses (A&P1, A&PII, Micro, & Stats).

You must be able to pass the HESI A2 entrance exam.

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers an exclusive all online Master of Science in Nursing.

MSN Tracks

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric

38-hour curriculum including: 29 semester hours of didactic coursework, nine semester hours of clinical practicum, and 540 supervised clinical hours.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

33-hour curriculum including: 27 semester hours of didactic coursework, six semester hours of clinical practicum/residency, and 400 supervised clinical hours.

Nursing Administration and Leadership

36-hour curriculum including: 29 semester hours of didactic coursework, seven semester hours of clinical practicum, and 420 supervised clinical hours.

Nursing Education

36-hour curriculum comprises 31 semester hours of didactic coursework, two semester hours of clinical practicum, three semester hours of teaching practicum, and 240 supervised clinical hours.

Post-Master's Certificates

  • Adult/Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  • Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) 
  • Nursing Administration and Leadership
  • Nursing Education
  • Master's Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Receiving a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from TCU will enable the student to assume a leadership role as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) solving complex health care issues and assisting in developing new health care opportunities.

BSN to DNP Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Program prepares the advanced practice nurse to provide care for the Adult-Gerontology or Pediatric population.

The CNS leader provides leadership in nursing practice, clinical expertise, and systems innovation. As an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), the CNS can diagnose, develop medical and nursing management plans of care, treat, and provide ongoing management of complex patients.

At the completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for national certification exams offered for the role by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation.

Requirements include a total of 65 credit hours and 1020 clinical hours. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average throughout the program.

The length of the program for the full-time student is three years (36 months). Part-time options are available.

BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

The Family Nurse Practitioner prepares the advanced practice nurse to provide comprehensive primary health care to individuals and families throughout the lifespan and across the continuum of health.

At the completion of the program, students will be eligible for national certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Program (AANPCP).

Requirements include a total of 69 semester hours of coursework for completion. The curriculum comprises 50 hours didactic coursework and 19 hours of clinical practicum. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average throughout the program.  Full-time students may complete the degree in three years (36 months) with part-time options available.

Post-Master's DNP – APRN & Nursing Administration

Our current students include clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.

A master's degree in nursing and current recognition as an advanced practice nurse by the appropriate certification and licensing boards are required for admission.

Students must maintain their advanced practice recognition through practice requirements defined by appropriate certification and licensing boards.

Nurse Administrators

Our current students include department directors, vice presidents, chief nursing executives, and chief nursing officers. Nursing administration certification is recommended.

The length of the program is two years. Part-time study is also available. The program is delivered in an online format.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesia (DNP-A)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice-Anesthesia post baccalaureate degree program (DNP-A) prepares nurse anesthetists to assume clinical leadership positions in a variety of health care, business, government, and educational organizations.

This is a 36-month doctoral program beginning each January and includes 20 months of coursework.

Accreditation and Approval

The Nursing programs at TCU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accredited the Doctor of Nursing Practice-Anesthesia at TCU's School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Texas Christian University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Nursing programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2018 and 2019)

  • #80 (tie) in National Universities
  • #29 (tie) in Nursing-Anesthesia
  • #46 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #75 in Best Value Schools
  • #65 (tie) in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #105 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #30 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Christian Colleges in America #11
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #23
  • Top Private Universities in America #94
  • Best Colleges in America #131
  • Most Conservative Colleges in America #301
  • Best Value Colleges in America #314
  • Best College Locations in America #416
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #826
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in Texas #1
  • Best Christian Colleges in Texas #2
  • Top Private Universities in Texas #4
  • Best Colleges in Texas #6
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Texas #6
  • Best Value Colleges in Texas #11
  • Best College Locations in Texas #19
  • Most Conservative Colleges in Texas #26 of 47
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Texas #41
  • Best Colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth Area #2
  • Best Value Colleges in Dallas-Fort Worth Area #3

Forbes (2018)

  • #170 Top Colleges
  • #121 in Private Colleges
  • #88 in Research Universities
  • #33 in the South
  • #254 America's Best Value Colleges

MONEY ranked TCU #377 in Best Colleges For Your Money (2018).

The Princeton Review listed TCU in The Best 384 Colleges and the Best Western categories (2018).

Texas Christian University ranked #36 in College Factual's Best Colleges for the Money in Texas (2018).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) expected?

The minimum GPA is 2.5.

Is the HESI A2 required?

Yes. TCU provides availability for the HESI or you may choose another site.

Once I graduate from TCU, will I be able to get a job somewhere other than a hospital?

Yes. Nurses have a variety of options available including, clinics, insurance companies, home health care, private duty, churches, and/or large corporations. 

I have been told I need critical care experience prior to being accepted into the anesthesia program. Which areas?

Examples of critical care units accepted (not all inclusive):

  • Surgical Intensive Care
  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Cardiothoracic Intensive care
  • Coronary Intensive Care

How many nurse-anesthesia students does TCU accept?

This number varies from year to year based on qualified applicants and slots available, but typically we accept approximately 55 to 65 students per year.

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