Department of Nursing

Nursing majors at Houston Christian University can expect small classes, individual attention, and high-tech support for superior education and preparation for a career in Nursing. Under the direction of the Department of Nursing in the Linda Dunham School of Nursing, qualified and experienced faculty members guide students to apply critical thinking, learn the latest skills, and show care and compassion to patients.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program became part of Houston Christian University (then College) in 1968. HCU’s BSN program is widely respected throughout Houston’s healthcare community and statewide. Employers in our nursing and medical communities are eager to hire HCU nursing graduates because of their comprehensive education, giving our students distinct advantages over graduates from other colleges for nursing majors.

HCU Nursing students are committed to being “clock-builders, not time-tellers.” This means that HCU Nursing faculty teach our Nursing majors to lead and create healthcare delivery systems to fully meet the needs of individuals, families, and groups in society. HCU Nursing students don’t learn to just function within current systems. HCU’s Nursing program is rigorous and challenging: Nursing majors can expect to work hard, learn as much as possible, and love the field of Nursing.

You will receive a comprehensive Christian education which also blends the arts and sciences to help you perform effectively as a Registered Nurse in a global society. Because of HCU’s strong reputation, you will have opportunities to gain valuable experience at some of the world’s best hospitals in the Texas Medical Center and beyond.

Top Nursing Programs

Houston Christian University offers outstanding academic degree programs for undergraduate Nursing majors and graduate Nursing students who want to advance their careers. Explore the following degree programs to choose your pathway to a future in Nursing:

Student Advantages

Hands-on Opportunities. In addition to an excellent classroom experience, HCU Nursing majors also receive top clinical experiences in the hospitals and other agencies of the Texas Medical Center and throughout the Greater Houston area. Additional experiences and networking are also available through the Nursing Student Association’s meetings and events, as well as during visits to Austin for “Nurse Day at the Capitol” sponsored by the Texas Nurses Association and other professional groups. Nursing students are mentored to take advantage of various professional situations, which prepares them well to thrive in future healthcare settings.

Financial Support. Scholarships for nursing majors offer important support when students have financial need. Scholarships are offered through HCU and the Linda Dunham School of Nursing. Students also can explore other scholarship opportunities from outside groups and associations. Learn more about your scholarship opportunities.

Nursing Faculty

Department of Nursing faculty are Registered Nurses who hold a master’s degree or a doctorate. They are members of the various professional nursing organizations. Faculty volunteer their time, talents, and treasure to many education, community, and advocacy efforts to improve the quality and safety of patient care locally, nationally, and globally.

For More Information

To learn more about the Department of Nursing and Nursing academic programs:

Read Nursing FAQs
Email: nursing@HC.edu
Call: (281) 649-3300

Linda Dunham School of Nursing
Houston Christian University
7502 Fondren Road
Houston TX 77074-3298

Degrees in Nursing

Bachelor's Degrees

  • On Campus
    The BSN program prepares graduates to promote health and healing through direct care, management, and coordination of care for individuals, families, groups, and communities. The program prepares graduates to take the examination for Registered Nurse (R.N.) licensure offered by the Texas Board of Nursing.
  • On Campus
    Students completing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program may concurrently complete Honors College requirements. The Honors College places a more rigorous framework of reading, writing, questioning and thinking upon courses. Graduates are academically advanced, skilled nurses in their practice areas of choice.

Master's Degrees

  • Online
    The MSN FNP track prepares graduates to function as primary health care providers for clients of all ages.  FNPs conduct health promotion, perform health assessment, and manage well, acutely ill, and chronically ill clients of all ages in ambulatory and sub-specialty settings.  Graduates will meet the criteria for the FNP certification exam.
  • Online

    The MSN in Nurse Education empowers learners to take on new and expanded leadership roles as a nurse. This program equips nurses to take on educator roles in community college or hospital settings. Students receive professional development in clinical and academic settings.

  • Online

    The MSN in Nurse Leadership equips learners with the critical competencies needed to take on top-level, nonclinical leadership roles. Graduates are equipped with a foundation of ethical decision making which will help them succeed.

  • Online
    The MSN PNP-PC track prepares graduates to function as primary health care providers for children and adolescents. PNP-PCs conduct health promotion and child development, perform developmental and health assessment, and manage well, acutely ill, and chronically ill children and adolescents in ambulatory and sub-specialty settings.
  • Online
    The PSM in Health Professions online program is for students with medical or dental school prerequisites to bolster skills and build credentials to excel in the health professions, or to pursue further education in schools for health professions. Students learn the MCAT and DAT content, healthcare processes, and overall professional school curriculum.
  • Online
    Jumpstart your nursing career and get equipped to serve with a Master of Science in Nursing. The online accelerated RN-to-MSN program empowers you for expanded leadership roles and improving patient outcomes and allows you to earn a BSN and an MSN at the same time. Expand your knowledge of ethical care practices and develop advanced skills in leadership, community health, research, assessment, and more.