University of Texas

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year undergraduate programme that combines foundational sciences, nursing theory and extensive clinical experience. Core modules cover human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and lifespan health assessment to build a strong scientific base.

• Foundations of Nursing: introductory nursing practice, communication, professional ethics and basic clinical skills.
• Medical–Surgical Nursing: care of adults with acute and chronic conditions, clinical decision-making and complex care management.
• Mental Health and Community Nursing: mental health assessment and interventions, public health principles, community and home-based care.
• Maternal–Child and Paediatric Nursing: pregnancy, childbirth, newborn and child health.
• Geriatric Nursing: ageing, long-term care and management of comorbidities.
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics: medication management and safe prescribing principles for nurses.
• Evidence-Based Practice and Research Methods: introduction to quantitative and qualitative research, data interpretation and applying research to clinical practice.
• Leadership and Nursing Administration: healthcare systems, quality improvement, human resources, budgeting and legal/ethical issues relevant to managing nursing teams.
• Advanced Clinical Pathways: elective modules and practicum options for clinical specialisms such as critical care, emergency nursing or specialised outpatient services.
• Capstone and Practicum: final-year project or research dissertation, plus supervised clinical placements across hospitals, community clinics and specialised settings to meet clinical hour requirements.

Students will also use simulation suites and interprofessional learning activities to develop clinical judgement, communication and teamworking skills. Specialist pathways in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research or Clinical Nursing are typically achieved through targeted electives, practicum placements and a themed capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with strong passes in science subjects, typically including biology and chemistry. The university seeks evidence of academic readiness for a rigorous health sciences degree and may require a minimum school-leaving qualification or equivalent.

• Academic background: completion of secondary/upper-secondary qualification with required science and maths credits. Mature applicants with relevant prior learning or college-level coursework may be considered.
• Standardised tests and assessments: some campuses or admission pathways use nursing admission tests or consider standardised test scores; check the campus-specific admissions guidance for details.
• Practical requirements: up-to-date immunisations, basic life support/CPR certification and clearance from criminal background and health screenings are typically required before clinical placements.
• Additional requirements: applicants may need to submit a personal statement, references, and attend an interview or assessment day focused on communication, ethical reasoning and motivation for nursing.

Language proficiency must be demonstrated by applicants whose first language is not English through an approved test or evidence of prior education in English, as specified by the specific University of Texas campus.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to pursue registration as a professional nurse and work across a wide range of healthcare settings. Typical roles include:

• Registered Nurse: staff nurse positions in hospitals, community health services, primary care and outpatient clinics.
• Clinical Nurse Specialist / Advanced Clinical Roles: specialist practice in fields such as critical care, emergency, oncology or paediatrics (may require postgraduate study and additional certification).
• Nursing Administration and Management: charge nurse, ward manager or healthcare administrative roles overseeing teams, quality improvement and operational aspects of services.
• Nurse Researcher / Research Coordinator: roles supporting clinical trials, contributing to practice-based research and evidence synthesis, often progressing to postgraduate research degrees.
• Public Health and Community Nursing: health promotion, policy development, school nursing and outreach programmes.
• Further study: many graduates continue to postgraduate qualifications (Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Practitioner programmes, Doctoral research degrees) to expand clinical scope, leadership or academic careers.

Employers value the combination of clinical experience, leadership training and research literacy offered by the programme, which supports adaptable career trajectories across healthcare, education, policy and research sectors.

Why study at University of Texas

The University of Texas system offers nursing students access to extensive clinical networks across large urban and regional healthcare providers, ensuring a wide range of supervised placement experiences. Students benefit from modern simulation laboratories, interprofessional learning with allied health disciplines and faculty who maintain active clinical and research profiles.

• Clinical partnerships: established relationships with major hospitals and community health organisations provide diverse placement opportunities and exposure to high-acuity practice.
• Research and innovation: opportunities to engage in faculty-led research projects, evidence-based practice initiatives and quality-improvement work that can feed into the nursing research pathway.
• Support for professional development: structured mentorship, career services and pathways to postgraduate study help graduates move into specialist, management or academic roles.
• Community engagement: emphasis on culturally competent care and service to diverse populations, reflecting the varied communities across the state.

Prospective students should consult the specific University of Texas campus that offers the nursing programme for detailed admissions procedures, clinical requirements and available specialisms.