---
title: "Become an RN | FAQs at Dallas Nursing Program Campus"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/faq/"
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# Become an RN | FAQs at Dallas Nursing Program Campus

![Nursing Program FAQs](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Nursing-Program-FAQs.webp)

Dallas

![](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/themes/arizona-college/assets/svg/hero-bars.svg)

# Become an RN in Texas: FAQs at our Dallas Campus

Become an RN with a BSN degree at Arizona College of Nursing – Dallas. Below you
will find some of the frequently asked questions that future Registered Nurses
often ask our campus faculty and staff.

[EXplore Program Details ](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/)

Classes begin May 4th

![Nursing School With NCLEX Exam Prep](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Nursing-School-With-NCLEX-Exam-Prep.jpg?w=940)

![Best Nursing Colleges Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/health-metrics.svg?w=1024)

[Campus Overview](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/)

![Icon for a Nursing Program Near Me](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/icon-shield-user.svg?w=1024)

[Campus Life](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/location/)

![Nursing School Requirements Icon](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/checklist-solid.svg?w=1024)

[Admissions](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/)

[
![Texas Nursing Program Student Learning How to Become a Registered Nurse](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BSn-Program-Degree-Post-2.jpg?w=1024)![Texas Nursing Program Student Learning How to Become a Registered Nurse](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BSn-Program-Degree-Post-2.jpg?w=1024)
[

[Nursing Careers FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/faq/#salary)

[
![Dallas Nursing School Clinicals](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nursing-School-Clinicals-768x544-1.webp?w=768)![Dallas Nursing School Clinicals](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Nursing-School-Clinicals-768x544-1.webp?w=768)
[

[Nursing Program FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/faq/#npfaq)

[
![How long does it take to become a registered nurse for pediatric nursing](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pediatric-Nursing-Career.webp?w=1024)![How long does it take to become a registered nurse for pediatric nursing](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Pediatric-Nursing-Career.webp?w=1024)
[

[General Nursing College FAQs ](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/faq/#gnursing)

## How long does it take to become a registered nurse (RN)?

The length of time it takes to become an RN with a BSN can vary depending on the
program and the student’s prior educational background. Bachelor’s degrees often
take 4 years to complete, but with our 3-year BSN program, you can complete your
Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in as few as 3 years.

If you have completed some college credit or have a degree in another field,
qualifying transfer credits can shorten your program length. To learn more about
the pathway to becoming an RN with a BSN degree in Texas, contact an admissions
representative at our Dallas campus.

[Contact Us ](https://arizonacollege.edu/request-more-information/)

##  Nursing Career Frequently Asked Questions

Registered Nurses in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington area of Texas have a median
nursing salary of $98,740 per year.

As you will be newly entering the workforce, it’s important to know that you
will likely not start at the median rate but would likely increase your earnings
with experience. To view our Dallas nursing market outlook
[click here](https://arizonacollege.edu/dallas-nursing-school/job-outlook-for-nurses-in-dallas/)
.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Registered Nurses in Texas have a
nursing salary that ranges from a low rate of $64,660 per year to the
highest-paid nurses earning as much as $122,060 per year.

_Updated May 2025._ Source:
[https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=75243](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/29-1141.00?zip=75243)

One of the great benefits of working as an RN is that you have many different
options for work environments. As of 2023, registered nurses held about 3.3
million nursing jobs across the United States.

The largest employers of registered nurses were as follows:

Hospitals (58%)
Ambulatory healthcare services (19%)Nursing and residential care facilities
(6%)Government (5%)Educational services; state, local, and private (3%)

_Updated 2024._ Source:
[https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3)

As of 2022, there were 233,850 RNs employed in Texas.

Registered nurse jobs in Texas are projected to grow by 15% between 2022 and
2032.

RN employment in the United States is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034,
creating approximately 189,100 new nursing jobs each year.

_Updated August 2025._ Data Source:
[https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=TX](https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/29-1141.00?st=TX)

Yes, nurses can work in other states after graduation, though the process
depends on where you’re licensed and where you want to practice. Some states
participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows registered nurses
to practice across member states without obtaining additional licenses. Other
states require nurses to apply for licensure by endorsement, which involves
submitting documentation and fees to the new state’s board of nursing.

Graduating from a CCNE-accredited BSN program like Arizona College of Nursing 
prepares you to apply to sit for the national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN, in
the state in which you live. Once you pass, you’ll have options for where and
how you build your nursing career. Our admissions team can help you understand
how licensure works in Texas and what to expect if you’re planning to relocate
after graduation.

##  Nursing Program Questions at Arizona College of Nursing – Dallas

Students can progress through our BSN program in Dallas in three years or less
with qualifying general education transfer credits. Transfer credits could be a
way to help you graduate in less time and at a lower cost.

For questions about transfer credits, including credits associated with
college-level credit test scores, visit our
[Campus Locations](https://arizonacollege.edu/campus-locations/) page for
details to contact your local campus. Our admissions team will review your
current transcripts and give you specific feedback on how past education might
be eligible to be applied toward a BSN degree.

Read more about
[Arizona College of Nursing’s credit transfer requirements](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/credit-transfer-info/)
.

Students of all ages and backgrounds who qualify may be eligible for a variety
of financial aid programs and payment options including:

- Federal student loans
- Federal PELL and SEOG grants
- Eligible State-based grant programs
- Private educational loans
- Military veteran educational benefits (ex: Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®)

In addition to financial aid, Arizona College of Nursing offers scholarship
opportunities. For more information on financial aid and scholarships, visit
[https://www.arizonacollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid/](https://arizonacollege.edu/admissions/financial-aid/)
.

Yes. While every student’s schedule may vary due to prior academic experience,
you’ll start your BSN degree program with evening general education courses. In
addition, some general education courses are offered in a convenient
on-campus/online hybrid format.

We offer general education courses in the evening because we know students are
busy and often can’t immediately change their entire schedule when starting
nursing school.

Once you begin your core nursing courses, your schedule will shift to daytime
classes.

Our BSN program curriculum covers important topics like clinical thinking,
community health, critical care, gerontology, leadership, surgical care,
obstetrics, pediatrics, and psychiatric care.

Arizona College of Nursing – Dallas does not offer an LVN to BSN or an LVN to RN
bridge program. However, you still have the ability to enroll in our program and
earn your BSN degree in just three years!

Your prior LVN nursing experience will serve you well as you complete the
coursework, and it will be especially helpful during the clinical training
portion of the program.

We encourage you to contact our admissions team and mention your prior nursing
experience. They’ll tell you more about how your LVN experience can help you in
the BSN program.

Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Dallas is not a 100% online nursing program
in Texas. However, most of our campuses offer some online nursing courses. The
AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At
the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered
asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical
component are held in person.

Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience,
including night and virtual classes, providing flexibility for our students.
Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course
formats at AZCN Dallas and how you can earn a BSN degree in just three years.

Comparing nursing schools can feel overwhelming, but there are a few key factors
that can help you narrow down your options. Look at program length and format to
make sure it fits your schedule, especially if you’re working or managing family
responsibilities. Check whether the schools you’re considering have clear
admissions processes or long waitlists that could delay your start. Ask about
clinical partnerships and hands-on training, since the quality of your
real-world experience matters for your confidence and career readiness. Finally,
consider the support you’ll receive as a student, from academic resources to
assistance with financial aid.

At Arizona College of Nursing in Dallas, we offer a three-year BSN program with
flexible scheduling, a streamlined admissions process with no waitlist, and
clinical rotations with healthcare partners across Texas. If you’re comparing
nursing schools in Texas, our admissions team is here to answer your questions
and help you take the next step.

##  General Nursing College FAQs

Understanding the differences between a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) program
and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is crucial to planning your
nursing career path. LPN / LVN programs prepare you to become a Licensed
Vocational Nurse (also known as Licensed Practical Nurse in certain states). BSN
programs prepare you to become a registered nurse (RN).

An LVN program typically takes about one to two years to complete. It is
intended to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic
nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.

BSN programs typically take three to four years to complete and are built to
prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. The programs provide a
comprehensive nursing education that enables you to work in a variety of nursing
areas. While BSN programs take more time, they put you on a path toward more
career advancement opportunities as an RN.

See a more detailed comparison between an LVN and a BSN at 
[https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-lpn-and-a-bsn/](https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-lpn-and-a-bsn/)

Students must enroll in an approved program in Texas. Most Texas programs
culminate in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The state boasts one
hospital-based diploma program. A majority of Texas hospitals surveyed (58.1%)
consider the bachelor’s degree important.

Source:
[https://www.nursinglicensure.org/nursing-paths/rn-texas.html](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/nursing-paths/rn-texas.html)

There are various parts of the cost to become a nurse in the state of Texas.
First, you must complete an accredited nursing program.

Next, RNs in Texas must pay the necessary fees ($100 for APRN or $150 for APRN
with prescriptive authority).

Source:
[https://nursejournal.org/licensing/texas-nursing-requirements/](https://nursejournal.org/licensing/texas-nursing-requirements/)

Candidates are allowed to retake the NCLEX-RN exam as many times as needed.
However, they must continue to turn in an application to the Texas BON and pay
applicable fees. A U.S.-educated candidate must pass within four years of
graduation. The last application must be made at least 120 days before
eligibility ends.

Source:
[https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-texas.html](https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-texas.html)

Unlike public colleges that are primarily publicly funded and run, private
colleges operate as non-governmental entities. Our BSN program is accredited by
the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (
[https://www.aacnnursing.org](https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation))
and institutionally accredited through the Accrediting Bureau of Health
Education Schools (ABHES). We’re also approved by the Texas Board of Nursing to
prepare students for an RN career.

Our accelerated 3-year BSN program is designed to meet rigorous accreditation
and industry standards, setting you up for future success. We accept
applications on an ongoing basis with new sessions starting about every 8 weeks.
Contact us today to apply!

The length of nursing school can vary depending on the program and the student’s
prior educational background. A typical Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
program takes 4 years to complete if you are starting from scratch.

But at Arizona College of Nursing in Dallas, you can earn your BSN degree in
just 3 years. If you’ve completed prior college courses, you may be able to use
transfer credits and complete your degree even faster.

Our admissions team can give you a more specific answer on how long our BSN
program would take for you, given your education background. Contact us to get
started.

Source:
[https://www.arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/)

The comparison of an LVN vs. RN primarily comes down to education and scope of
practice. An LVN typically focuses on providing basic nursing care under the
supervision of an RN or physician.

On the other hand, an RN typically requires an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). RNs have a wider scope of practice,
including patient care planning and diagnostic testing. Choosing between these
roles depends on your career goals, with RNs generally having more opportunities
for advancement and higher earning potential.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about how our three-year BSN program
in Dallas can help prepare you for a career as an RN.

[Read our blog post comparing an LVN Program with a BSN Program](https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/lpn-program-vs-bsn-program-what-is-the-difference/)

To become a nurse, you first need to choose the type of nursing role you want to
pursue, such as a registered nurse (RN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), or
nurse practitioner (NP). Generally, you will need to complete the relevant
nursing education program and obtain the necessary certification for licensure.
For example, RNs typically need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Each type of nurse
has specific educational and licensing requirements, so it’s important to know
what applies to your chosen nursing path.

To become an RN, you need to complete an accredited nursing program, such as our
BSN program at Arizona College of Nursing – Dallas, which includes coursework,
clinical experience, and NCLEX-RN exam preparation integrated into the
curriculum. After graduating, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain
your RN license. For detailed steps and specific requirements, please contact
our admissions office.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate college degree
designed to equip students with the training and studies needed for a successful
career in nursing. The BSN curriculum includes both general education and
advanced nursing studies. To increase your chances of finding a position in your
state and city of choice, you should consider earning a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing (BSN).

The primary difference between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the level of training and education.
Earning a BSN offers a more extensive educational foundation and practical
clinical exposure compared to an ADN. Key benefits of the BSN are its appeal to
employers and access to additional job growth opportunities such as employment
with Magnet-designated hospitals.

Magnet hospitals, which earn their designation from the American Nurses
Credentialing Center (
[ANCC](https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet/)), are
highly sought after for their excellence in nursing, patient care, and
professional development. These prestigious healthcare institutions often hire
nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher as part of their
commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care and achieving better
patient outcomes.

To learn more about the difference between these nursing degrees visit our page
“
[What’s the Difference Between an ADN and a BSN?](https://arizonacollege.edu/answers/whats-the-difference-between-an-adn-and-a-bsn/)
“

A nurse manager is a registered nurse who has moved into a leadership role after
gaining clinical experience. In this position, you can work in various
healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient
care centers, skilled nursing facilities, and home health care services. The
nurse manager position represents an exciting career advancement opportunity for
registered nurses who want to move into leadership roles. To become a nurse
manager in Texas, you’ll first need to work as a registered nurse to gain the
clinical experience needed for management responsibilities.

Nurse manager positions require a BSN degree as the minimum educational
requirement. Before becoming a nurse manager in Texas, you must first become a
licensed registered nurse by passing the NCLEX-RN examination and obtaining
state licensure. You’ll need to gain clinical experience working as a registered
nurse before you can apply for nurse manager positions. Many healthcare
facilities require at least five years of experience for nurse manager roles.

A nursing assistant provides basic patient care under the supervision of
registered nurses and other healthcare professionals. Your duties typically
include helping patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and
assisting with mobility. The nursing assistant role serves as an entry point
into healthcare for many people considering nursing careers. You can find local
positions in Texas in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare
settings. Many nursing assistants eventually pursue further education to become
registered nurses through BSN programs.

No, you don’t need nursing assistant experience to begin our BSN program. Many
successful nursing students start their BSN education without any prior
healthcare experience. Your BSN program provides all the foundational knowledge
and clinical training you need to become a registered nurse. Some students
choose to gain nursing assistant experience before or during their studies, but
it’s not a prerequisite for BSN admission. What matters most is your passion for
helping others and dedication to learning.