University of Texas at El Paso

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational biomedical science with professional nursing theory and extensive supervised clinical practice. Core topics include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment, together with nursing-specific modules that cover medical–surgical nursing, maternal and child health, mental health nursing, community and public health, and gerontology.

• Clinical nursing: assessment and management of acute and chronic conditions across lifespan, clinical decision-making and hands-on skills in simulation and practicum placements.
• Nursing administration: leadership and management in healthcare organisations, quality improvement, healthcare policy, staffing and finance basics for nurse managers.
• Nursing research: research methods, statistics, evidence-based practice, translating research into practice and opportunities to participate in faculty-led or community research projects.
• Professional topics: ethics, legal issues in nursing, interprofessional practice, informatics and cultural competence—emphasising care for diverse and border-region populations.
• Clinical practicum: progressive hands-on placements in hospitals, community clinics and other care settings, supported by simulation laboratory experiences.

Entry requirements

Applicants will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; applicants with an associate degree in a related field may be eligible for advanced standing or an RN-to-BSN pathway where available. Required prerequisite coursework commonly includes college-level biology with lab, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, statistics and English composition. Admissions also consider academic record in prerequisite courses, overall college or high-school performance, and relevant healthcare or volunteer experience.

Additional requirements for nursing programmes often include background checks, immunisation records, and compliance with clinical site requirements. Some cohorts may require a programme-specific assessment or standardised test and an interview as part of the selection process—applicants should consult the university for the exact admissions steps.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit the national licensure examination to become Registered Nurses and to practise in a wide range of settings. Typical roles include:

• Staff Registered Nurse in acute care, medical–surgical, emergency, critical care, maternity, paediatrics or mental health settings.
• Community and public health nurse working in clinics, schools, public health departments and outreach programmes.
• Clinical nurse specialist or research nurse supporting clinical trials and evidence-based practice initiatives.
• Nursing administration and management roles, such as charge nurse, unit manager or care-coordination lead (often pursued after gaining clinical experience).
• Further study and specialisation: many graduates progress to master’s-level or doctoral programmes to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, health services researchers or executive leaders.

Why study at University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso offers nursing education grounded in a strong regional healthcare context and a commitment to serving diverse, often bilingual communities on the US–Mexico border. Students benefit from clinical partnerships with local hospitals and community health providers, which provide varied practicum placements across urban, community and specialty settings.

UTEP emphasises hands-on learning through simulation labs and clinical skills training, and faculty typically bring both clinical and research experience to teaching. The university also provides pathways for student engagement in applied research, community health initiatives and leadership development, supporting graduates who aim to enter clinical practice, administration or research.