Registered Nursing

There are four ways of becoming a registered nurse in the State of Texas: (1) complete a three-year non-degree program associated with a hospital school of nursing, (2) complete a two-year associate degree program offered by a junior or community college, (3) complete a four-year baccalaureate degree program offered by a college or university, or (4) complete a three-year master's in nursing degree program for individuals with baccalaureate and higher degrees in disciplines other than nursing. All programs combine academic study with clinical practice. A graduate of these programs must successfully pass the comprehensive examination to be licensed as a registered nurse. The Department of Nursing at Lamar University can be contacted for more information.