Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC)

In 1923, Texas Tech University, a public institution, was founded.

In 1979, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing successfully graduated the first nursing class and became the only school in West Texas to offer the BSN, MSN and DNP educational programs.

Undergraduate

Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

After successfully completing prerequisite courses, the Bachelor of Science (BSN) program plan can be completed in four consecutive semesters. The program is held on the Lubbock, Abilene, and Odessa campuses.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Non-nursing course prerequisites must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better
• Applicants must have either completed all 60 of the required non-nursing prerequisites or have completed at least 40 of the required non-nursing prerequisites with proof of enrollment of the remaining prerequisites
• Applicants must have completed at least three of the five required science classes which include Chemistry with Lab (4 hours), Human Anatomy I (4 hours), Physiology II (4 hours), Microbiology with lab (4 hours) and/or Pathophysiology (3 hours)
• TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) V (or most current) examination with a minimal proficiency level in the following areas: Reading, Math, Science, English and Language usage; exam must be taken no more than one year prior to application submission
• Science courses GPA 2.75
• Letter of academic good standing if prior enrollment in nursing program
• Criminal background check and drug screening

RN to BSN

After completing the required prerequisite courses, the RN to BSN courses are able to be completed in 2-3 semesters or 30 semester credit hours. Online access is available for obtaining your nursing degree online and can be conveniently accessed from any computer. The School of Nursing has articulation agreements made community colleges to promote a seamless transition between associate's degree graduates and their move to a university.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Current unencumbered, unrestricted RN License
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Minimum cumulative nursing GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Prerequisite courses completed with a grade of 'C' or better
• NCLEX results prior to enrollment
• Criminal background check and drug screening

Accelerated Second Degree BSN

This accelerated BSN program can be completed in 12 months with online classes and clinical instruction. Campus locations include:  Abilene, Amarillo, the Austin-Hill Country area, Dallas, Lubbock and Permian Basin.

Admission (not all inclusive)

• Bachelor's degree in Science or Arts from accredited college or university
• Completed all 55 credit hours (SCH) of lower-division general education courses as outlined in the SON Catalog OR completed at least 40 of non-nursing prerequisites with proof of enrollment for the remaining prerequisites
• Prior to admission offer applicants must have completed at least 3 of the 5 required science classes
• Prerequisites must be completed prior to the first day of class
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Science GPA of 3.00 in courses including Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and Pathophysiology
• Completion of 3 of the 5 lab Sciences
• TEAS V or most current version
• Completion of medical terminology course
• Completion of certified nursing assistant training
• American Heart Association BLS certification
• Performance interview

Accelerated Veteran to BSN (VBSN)

The VBSN track is designed for Veterans from any branch of the military to expand their education and experiences as a Veteran that allows advanced placement in the curriculum based upon demonstration of knowledge and skill. This accelerated 12-month track has a combination of online and clinical classroom time offered at the following campuses: Abilene, Amarillo, the Austin-Hill Country area, Dallas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Permian Basin.

Admission - Academic Consideration (not all inclusive)

• Completion of 59 credit hours (SCH) of lower-division general education courses as outlined in SON Catalog
• Minimum overall cumulative GPA of 2.5; preference for overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Preference for science GPA of 3.0 or higher in core courses
• Completion of 3 of the 5 required lab sciences
• TEAS V (or most current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• Current American Heart Association BLS Certification
• Face-to-face interview (by invitation); written essay will be required

Admission - Non-Academic Consideration (not all inclusive)

• Health Care Specialist Rating (I.e. medic, corpsman, LPN/LVN) while in the service (if accepted into the VBSN track, a DD214 showing proof of a medical rating required)
• Documentation of recent health care experience (within the past 3 years) either in military or as civilian
• One-page resume
• US citizenship or Green Card holder
• Texas resident or documented willingness to relocate
• Active reservists must provide signed letter from reserve commanding officer indicating allowance to participate in program with completion of two-week annual training prior to and after VBSN track
• VBSN Reservist Agreement
• VBSN Active Military Agreement

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Administration - The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares nurses to work in the managerial roles in various settings. The RN must have one year of experience before applying to the program (effective Spring 2018).

Education - After completing this degree program, graduates are prepared to teach nursing programs in colleges.

Nursing Informatics - The degree is an online track. This degree requires travel to the Lubbock campus for field experience or immersion work on technical and analytic competencies.

Upon successfully completing the requirements, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Board Certification and the HIMSS Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIMS) Exams.

Nurse Midwifery - This program is an online and clinical component program. It is required that students complete 51 clinical hours. The online programs are web-enhanced. The Nurse Midwifery Track requires travel to the Lubbock campus. Graduates qualify to take the American Midwifery Certification Board exam. Applicants should have at least one (1) year labor and delivery experience or comparable OB clinical experience within the last five (5) years.

Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nursing Credentialing Board Acute Care CPNP exam. The program does require the RN to have two (2) years of RN pediatric experience prior to admission. For applicants to the PNP Acute Care track, RN pediatric experience in critical care, ER, or acute care is preferred. PALS certification is required.

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - The AGACNP is an online and clinical component program that requires occasional travel to the Lubbock campus. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam or the American Association of Critical Care Nurses' Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam. Nurses must have at least one (1) year of RN experience in an acute care, intensive care, or emergency department setting within the past (5) years.

Family Nurse Practitioner - The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is an online track that has clinical and classroom components requiring occasional travel to the Lubbock campus. Graduates are eligible to sit for the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner and AANP Certification Exams. Nurses must have one (1) year of RN experience prior to application.

Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - Graduates are eligible to sit for the Pediatric Nurse Certification Board (PNCB) Exam and the ANCC Exam. The PNP-PC is an online program that requires occasional travel to the Lubbock campus. Students are required to have two (2) years of RN pediatric experience prior to admission. PALS certification is required.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - The MSN to DNP is available for NPs currently certified in a specialty track who want to add the PMHNP specialty with the DNP. A separate application for the DNP program and offer of admission to the DNP program is required while dually enrolled in the PMHNP program.

Upon completion of course requirements, graduates are eligible to take the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam.

Students must submit three (3) letters of reference. Interviews are conducted on an invitation only basis after a review of submitted applications. A Critical Analysis Essay must also be submitted.

Admission - Administration, Education, Informatics, Acute Care Pediatric NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric Primary Care NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP (not all inclusive)

• Valid unencumbered RN License
• BSN from regionally accredited college/university; nursing program accreditation from the CCNE or ACEN
• Undergraduate courses in research and statistics with a grade of 'C' or better
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last 60 credit hours of the baccalaureate program
• Personal statement/essay
• Professional letters of reference (3)
• Official transcripts
• Criminal background check/drug screening

Post-Masters

• Nursing Education
• Nursing Informatics
• Nurse Midwifery
• Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Interprofessional

Global Health - This program is designed for professionals who are practicing or plan to practice in developing countries.

Rural Community Health - This program is designed for professionals who are practicing or plan to practice in rural counties.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed for working master's prepared Nurses. Classes are both exclusive online sessions over 3 - 4 days and on-campus 3 times during the semester. The program is 45 credit hours and can be completed over six consecutive semesters. A Capstone project is required.

BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner - Graduates will meet all qualifications to sit for national certification to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Graduates will meet all qualifications to sit for national certification to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

All DNP Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

• Current licensure as RN in the U.S.
• MSN from regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the CCNE or from the NLN Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
• BSN or ADN to MSN degree from regionally accredited college or university with nursing program accreditation from the CCNE or from the NLN Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
• Official transcripts from each institution of higher education attended
• 3.0 GPA or higher for master's degree
• 3 letters of reference
• Personal statement
• Interview with a DNP admissions committee faculty member
• Current CV or resume

Advanced Practice Nursing Requirements (not all inclusive)

• Approval by a state Board of Nurse Examiners to practice as an NP
• Current certification by nationally recognized credentialing body as an NP
• Minimum of one year's experience as an NP
• BLS certification

Executive Leadership Requirements (not all inclusive)

Minimum of one-year experience in a healthcare leadership position

Accreditation and Approval

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredited Texas Tech University.

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the Traditional BSN, RN to BSN, Second Degree Accelerated BSN, master's degrees, and Doctorate in Nursing Practice programs.

The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited the TTUHSC School of Nursing Nurse Midwifery program.

The Texas Board of Nursing approved the School of Nursing.

Rankings

US News & World Report (2023-2024)

• # 96 in Best Medical Schools: Research (tie)
• #19 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care (tie)
• #66 in Most Diverse Medical Schools
• #44 in Most Graduates Participating in Medically Underserved Areas
• #35 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields
• #33 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas

US News & World Report (2019)

• #187 (tie) in National Universities
• #100 (tie) in Top Public Schools
• #91 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: Master's
• #109 (tie) Best Nursing Schools: DNP
• #35 (tie) in Nursing-Midwifery
• #84 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
• #50 (tie) in Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans
• #471 (tie) Best Global Universities

MONEY Magazine ranked TTU #242 Best Colleges For Your Money (2018).

Nursing Schools Almanac ranked Texas Tech #2 in the Top 50 nursing schools in the Southwest.

In 2017, Best Nursing Colleges ranked Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center nursing program in the Top 20 in the USA and The Second Best in Texas.