Online Nursing Degrees


Nursing Program Benefits


Expand your impact, advance your career and hone your skills with an RN-MSN or MSN degree at Houston Christian University. HCU’s School of Nursing and Allied Health offers a program for everyone, with an online RN-MSN degree and four MSN degree tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, Nurse Leadership, and Nurse Education. HCU’s online nursing programs produce highly-skilled and passionate nursing professionals who are trained to provide quality care in diverse healthcare settings.

Designed for the working nurse, students can earn their accredited BSN or MSN without having to travel to class. Our flexible curriculum provides students with 100% online, asynchronous courses to ensure that our programs can fit into even the most demanding schedules.


Industry-Aligned Curriculum

Industry-aligned coursework and hands-on clinical experiences ensure you are prepared for real-world scenarios in healthcare.

Flexibility & Affordability

Our tuition is priced to deliver a strong ROI, no matter the program. Through a blend of 100% online, asynchronous courses and a practicum experience near you, further your education while rebalancing your busy lifestyle.

Personalized Support

Dedicated faculty mentor students and provide quick, personalized feedback while success coaches offer one-on-one support and encouragement throughout the program.

Tight-Knit Community

At HCU, your connections with your professors and your peers extend beyond the walls of the classroom.

Faith-Based Education

Our Christian values make up the heart of our institution. The curriculum at HCU encourages students to be passionate nurses who are dedicated to serving their patients and community.


Carol Lavender, RN DNP, DNP

Message from the Dean
HCU’s Linda Dunham School of Nursing

 

 

Houston Christian University’s nursing programs are holistic programs rich in hands-on, applied learning experiences. Our rigorous curriculums are built upon strong Christian values and combine general studies with hundreds of hours of clinical nursing experiences, creating students who are prepared to meet the needs of their patients and communities.

At a time when the need for competent nurses has never been greater, HCU is proud to be training the next leaders in healthcare. At HCU, we don’t just produce the most technically skilled nurses, we develop compassionate healthcare professionals who approach nursing from a strong set of values and ethical principles. Our students go above and beyond to treat their patients holistically – mind, body, and spirit.

We also take this holistic approach when teaching our students – ensuring that we provide them with a well-rounded education while considering that our students are working professionals with busy lives. Our faculty support the individual needs of each student and create classroom environments enriched with comradery, encouragement and faith.

As you prepare to take this next step in your career, I hope you consider HCU’s Linda Dunham School of Nursing and Allied Health. This program will nurture you to your fullest potential so that you can then move out into the world and nurture your patients.

I look forward to speaking with you about our programs.

Best,
Carol Lavender

What Our Students And Faculty Are Saying

Accreditation

The RN-BSN program is accredited by the Texas Nursing Board. All MSN programs are CCNE accredited.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

655 K Street, NW, Ste 750
Washington, DC 20001
AACNnursing.org/CCNE

Texas Board of Nursing

Texas Board of Nursing

1801 Congress Avenue #10-200
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7400
www.bon.texas.gov

Have Questions?

Visit the Online Tuition and Fees page for the latest information.

No, there is no deposit required.

Yes, a range of payment plans are available to accommodate students’ personal finance and employer reimbursement needs.

Yes, students have to pay per semester for the Online Student Fee.

Depending on your specific program level, you may also need to pay the Malpractice Fee (applies to courses NURS 3316, 5305, 5223, 5400), fees per clinical course (once per term if they follow progression), and per course Amplify Fee (NURS 5501).

Visit the Online Tuition and Fees page for the latest program-specific information.

You need a valid RN license.

For the RN to BSN to MSN, MSN Nurse Leader, MSN-PNP it does not have to be specific to Texas.

For MSN-FNP, you need a valid, Texas-specific, RN license.

All BSN level courses are 8 weeks in length and the bridge and MSN courses are 16 weeks in length.

MSN in Nurse Education courses are 16 weeks each semester.

The RN-MSN program has 6 start dates offered per year: January, March, May, July, August, and October.

The MSN-FNP, MSN Nurse Educator, and MSN Leader programs have two start dates per year (January and August).

The MSN-PNP program has one start date per year (May).

You have the ability to move through the program at your own pace.

The RN to BSN to MSN  program can be completed in as little as 3 years. Students have 5 years to complete the RN-MSN program. The BSN level courses must be completed within 3 years.

The MSN programs can be completed in as little as two years, or within 24-26 months.

The MSN-PNP programcan be completed in seven semesters.

You must maintain a cumulative 2.75 GPA at the end of each semester to enroll in an upper level nursing course. If your GPA falls below this, you can enroll in general education courses and resume nursing courses as soon as a cumulative GPA of 2.75 has been reached. You must have a 3.0 GPA to continue into MSN level courses.

The BSN level courses are accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing.

The MSN curriculum, which includes the bridge courses, is CCNE accredited.

Nursing courses are asynchronous without live class meetings, meaning you can complete work at your convenience, though you still need to respect weekly due dates. All clinical hours take place in person at an approved facility near you.

Consider your career goals when deciding between the Nurse Education and Nurse Leadership tracks. Nurse educators train and evaluate new nurses at their organization to make sure everyone can uphold high standards. Nurse leaders need to understand operations and finance so they can effectively manage their facility’s nursing staff.

We designed our programs for working nurses, so you can complete coursework at your convenience. HCU seeks to keep nurses working while they study for their next degree. All coursework is asynchronous, and program administrators try to place students in clinical rotations with their current employer or in a nearby facility for maximum convenience, enabling working nurses to retain their current jobs while earning their degrees.  Administrators will work with your employer to let you complete your clinical hours at your facility.

The FNP program has no live class meetings. You can do all coursework on your own time, but you’re still responsible for adhering to deadlines. Your clinical supervisor will work with you to set hours when you need to be present for clinical practice.

This MSN-FNP program teaches students to be generalists in the advanced practice registered nurse community. They learn to treat patients across the lifespan with a range of medical issues. FNP roles make up nearly three-quarters of the rapidly expanding NP job field, so they are in high demand.

The PNP program features a two-course sequence specific to this specialty. The PNP Pediatric Health courses cover the diagnosis, treatment, and management of illnesses and injuries commonly encountered in children. Students need to earn a B or above in both classes to graduate.

You can sign in to our learning management system at any time of day to access class materials. You’re free to connect with classmates for group projects but you never need to be online for a live class meeting. However, all clinical hours take place in person at scheduled times.

Admissions and Aid

Applicants must be graduates of an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing program and hold an unencumbered RN license. They also need at least one year of professional nursing experience. Our admissions team works closely with each student to help them maximize transfer credits.

Take the next steps towards your nursing career:

Take the Next Steps in Your Nursing Career

Join a community of future nurses who share your passion for compassionate healthcare at one of the most respected nursing schools in Houston, Texas. The BSN program at Houston Christian University welcomes dedicated individuals ready to embrace the calling of nursing with both professional excellence and spiritual purpose.

Contact your program coordinator for specific questions related to the nursing curriculum.
Carol  Lavender, RN DNP, DNP
Professor of Nursing
Dean, School of Nursing and Allied Health