Why Become a Nurse in Texas

Why should you become a nurse in Texas? The answer can be summed up in one word — opportunity.

According to CNBC, Austin, TX ranks the second-fastest growing city in the U.S., and Dallas is close behind at No. 5 for growth. Whether you choose the ABSN program in Austin or Dallas, you’ll be starting your career in a living city with a booming economy.

Texas hires the second-highest number of nurses of any state in the U.S., with more than 217,000 employed as of 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And the state is projected to see 88,800 new registered nurse jobs by 2030.

A Good Living Wage

Not only is it possible to earn a comfortable living as a registered nurse in Texas — they earned a mean annual wage of $79,120 in 2021, according to the BLS — many Texas healthcare employers are offering sign-on bonuses and other incentives to recruit qualified nurses.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Are you looking to grow your career and expand your scope of practice as a nurse? If so, becoming an advanced practice nurse in Texas is an excellent way to advance professionally. Advanced practice nurses, like nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists, have more autonomy in making diagnoses and treatment decisions.

Texas is an excellent place to pursue an advanced nursing career. Texas is the No. 1 employer of nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists, with average yearly salaries of $117,890 and $197,540, respectively.

Nurse Licensure Compact State

Another huge benefit to becoming a nurse in Texas is that it is a nurse licensure compact (NLC) state. Under the NLC, nurses can practice in other NLC states without having to obtain additional licenses.

The Nurse Licensure Compact began in 2000 to expand the mobility of nurses as part of the nation’s healthcare delivery system. To view a map of all the states currently included in the Nurse Licensure Compact, visit the NLC.

To be eligible for a Texas Compact License, nurses must:

  1. Reside in Texas as their legal residence.
  2. Hold an active RN/LVN license without current disciplinary action.
  3. Declare Texas as their primary state of residence.
  4. Meet Texas licensure requirements.

Please contact an admissions counselor to find out if earning a nursing degree in Texas is the right fit for you.

Loading Form