The University of Houston Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing offers an RN to BSN completion program at the Katy Campus in a face-to-face learning environment.
The innovative track combines excellent faculty instruction with practical value. Lab and clinical course requirements utilize face-to-face learning for hands-on practice and demonstration to meet course objectives and accreditation requirements.
RN-to-BSN Admission Requirements
Application Details:
- Application Deadline: July 15 (previously July 1 in some materials)
- Application System: NursingCAS (centralized national application service)
- No early/priority admission; all applications reviewed after deadline
Academic Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative transfer GPA of 2.5
- Minimum 2.5 GPA or above in natural, physical, and behavioral sciences
- Graduated from accredited associate degree or diploma nursing program
- Official transcripts from EACH college/university attended sent directly to NursingCAS (submit at least one month before deadline)
Important Note: International nursing diploma programs not affiliated with a university may not satisfy the Associate Degree requirement due to non-academic nature of coursework. Contact University of Houston Admissions Office International Student Advisor for guidance.
Professional Requirements:
- Evidence of unencumbered, current Texas Registered Nurse license (required)
- Must satisfy Gessner College of Nursing Policy for Clinical Readiness Requirements prior to enrollment each semester
Prerequisite Coursework (Lower Division BSN Requirements): All courses must be completed prior to enrolling:
- 3 semester hours of Statistics
- 8 semester hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology
- 4 semester hours of Microbiology
- 3 semester hours of Physical Science (Chemistry preferred)
- 6 semester hours of Psychology:
- PSYC 2301: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
- HDFS 2314: Introduction to Human Development and Interventions (3 credits)
Texas Core Curriculum: Must satisfy all Texas Core Curriculum requirements for undergraduate degree. Students completing core curriculum at one Texas institution of higher education can transfer that block to UH; it must be substituted for UH’s core curriculum. Highly recommended students are core complete prior to enrolling.
Advanced Placement Credit:
- 33 semester credit hours awarded for successful completion of nursing courses and current, unencumbered Texas RN license
- Credits awarded after registration for first course
Application Materials:
- Complete NursingCAS online application
- Official transcripts sent directly from each institution to NursingCAS at:
- NursingCAS, P.O. Box 9201, Watertown, MA 02471
- NursingCAS Customer Service: 617-612-2880 or nursingcasinfo@nursingcas.org
Curriculum Structure
Total Credits Required: 120 minimum (standard undergraduate degree)
Advanced Placement Credits: 33 credits (awarded for RN licensure and prior nursing coursework)
Upper Division Nursing Courses (30 credits required):
NURS 3310 – Professional Role Development and Practice Issues
Explores the roles, historical foundations, philosophies, and standards defining professional nursing. Prepares students for professional practice by addressing the socialization process and baccalaureate essentials.
NURS 3311 – Health Assessment Across the Life Span
Covers health and cultural assessment techniques for individuals and families. Includes history-taking, data collection, and critical analysis of health and illness, with practice in a laboratory setting.
NURS 3315 – Pathophysiology
Focuses on the pathophysiological processes underlying diseases, symptoms, and treatments. Provides a foundation for evidence-based nursing practices across the lifespan.
NURS 4212 – Informatics in Health Care
Introduces tools and concepts for managing and communicating information in healthcare. Emphasizes clinical information systems, electronic health records, and telecommunication technologies for nursing practice.
NURS 4312 – Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing Practice
Examines leadership theories and management principles in nursing. Addresses contemporary workplace issues and prepares students for professional nursing administration roles. Core: Writing in the Disciplines.
NURS 4314 – Nursing Research
Introduces the research process and methodologies used in nursing. Emphasizes critical appraisal and application of research findings to enhance professional practice.
NURS 4322 – Policy and Ethics in Professional Nursing Practice
Focuses on policy, legal, ethical, and advocacy issues influencing healthcare and nursing practice. Prepares students to navigate professional nursing within complex regulatory environments.
NURS 4520 – Concept Integration in Patient Care Management
Integrates interdisciplinary principles for managing patient care across various settings. Emphasizes evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and professional role development through individualized clinical instruction.
NURS 4521 – Community Health Nursing
Introduces community-focused nursing care within a public health framework. Provides opportunities to apply the nursing process to diverse populations in community-based and public health settings. Includes clinical instruction with a focus on culturally appropriate care.
Additional Requirements:
- Texas Core Curriculum courses (if not already completed)
- Lower division prerequisite courses listed above
More curriculum details available here: https://publications.uh.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=56&poid=19012&returnto=21412
Program Goals & Outcomes
Upon graduation, students will be able to:
- Synthesize knowledge from biological sciences, social sciences, behavioral sciences, humanities, and nursing to provide culturally sensitive care to individuals, families, and communities
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication, collaboration with other professionals, and leadership/management skills
- Critically analyze and apply research findings to nursing practice related to disease prevention, health promotion, illness care, and restoration of health
- Utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate nursing care outcomes
- Serve as client advocates by providing health education and monitoring/promoting access to cost-effective care
- Encourage lifelong learning and create foundation for graduate study
- Integrate professional values and ethical, moral, and legal aspects of nursing into practice in structured and unstructured settings
Clinical Requirements & Facilities
Location: All instruction takes place at the University of Houston Katy Campus in a face-to-face environment.
Clinical Courses:
- NURS 4520: Concept Integration in Patient Care Management (includes clinical component)
- NURS 4521: Community Health Nursing (includes clinical component)
Clinical Readiness: Students must satisfy the Gessner College of Nursing Policy for Clinical Readiness Requirements prior to enrollment each semester. Specific requirements not detailed in provided materials but typically include background checks, drug screenings, immunizations, CPR certification, and health insurance.
Lab and clinical requirements utilize face-to-face learning environment for practice and demonstration to meet course objectives and accreditation requirements.
Tuition and Costs
Fiscal Year 2026 Tuition Rates (per semester credit hour):
Texas Residents:
- Nursing program: $484.82 per credit hour
- 30 upper division nursing credits × $484.82 = $14,544.60
Non-Residents:
- Nursing program: $1,020.57 per credit hour
- 30 upper division nursing credits × $1,020.57 = $30,617.10
Fixed Tuition Rate Plans (for 2025 Cohort Transfer Students in Nursing):
- Residents: $7,596.19 per term (Fall/Spring), $2,532.06 per term (Summer)
- Non-Residents: $15,723.65 per term (Fall/Spring), $5,241.21 per term (Summer)
Additional Required Fees (not included above): Consolidated fees do not include:
- Student Services Fee
- Extended Access Fee
- Recreation and Wellness Center Fee
- UC Fee
Important Notes:
- Tuition calculated for 30 nursing credits only; total program cost will be higher if core curriculum or prerequisite courses still needed
- Registration not complete until tuition bills paid by term’s due dates
- Fixed tuition rate available for those who qualify under UH’s Four Year Graduation Plan
See the official tuition page for more details: https://www.uh.edu/financial/undergraduate/tuition-fees/tuition/
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Houston Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing holds appropriate nursing program accreditation (specific accrediting body not mentioned in provided materials, but nursing programs typically accredited by CCNE or ACEN).
The University of Houston is a Tier One research university, providing students with nationally recognized educational credentials and research opportunities.
Program Features & Distinctions
Tier One University Benefits:
- Excellent faculty instruction
- Strong academic reputation
- Research opportunities
- Great educational value
Face-to-Face Learning:
- All instruction at UH Katy Campus
- Hands-on lab experiences
- Direct faculty interaction
- Clinical practice in real healthcare settings
Career Advancement:
- Prepares graduates for leadership roles
- Management skill development
- Foundation for graduate study
- Broader understanding of nursing profession
Related Programs at University of Houston
The Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing offers three BSN tracks:
1. Traditional BSN Track:
- Designed for incoming UH freshmen with no college credits
- Students eligible to apply after completing 45 semester credit hours in residence at UH
2. Second Degree BSN Track:
- 12-month intensive, full-time course of study
- For individuals holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees in other fields
- Accelerated track designed for career changers
- Facilitates transition for more mature and experienced students
3. RN to BSN Track (Completion Program):
- Specifically for registered nurses with associate degrees and RN licensure
- Face-to-face instruction at Katy Campus
Graduate Programs: The program creates foundation for graduate study in nursing, suggesting advanced degree options available (specific graduate programs not detailed in provided materials).
More Online RN to BSN Programs in the Houston Area
- College of the Mainland - Texas City
- Denver College of Nursing - Houston
- Galen College - Houston
- Lone Star College - Conroe
- Prairie View A&M - Prairie View, TX
- Sam Houston State - Huntsville, TX
- San Jacinto College - Pasadena, TX
- Texas Woman’s University - Houston
- UHCL - Houston
- UTMB - Galveston, TX