The University of Texas at Arlington Nursing Program: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has emerged as a leading institution in nursing education, particularly known for producing the highest number of baccalaureate-educated nurses in Texas. This article delves into various facets of the UTA nursing program, its growth, offerings, and its role in addressing the nursing shortage in Texas.

A Look Inside UTA's Nursing Education

UTA's College of Nursing and Health Innovation provides a multifaceted approach to nursing education. A clinical experience can be a daunting prospect for nursing students, as described by UTA nursing student Caroline King: "I was so scared that I was going to mess it up." King's experience highlights the importance of simulation in nursing education. The University of Texas at Arlington provides these experiences, such as simulated emergency rooms where students learn how to respond to critical situations like a "code blue" medical emergency on a mannequin.

Simulated Learning Environments

Simulated medical events are a signature element of the nursing program. UTA boasts a “smart” hospital, equipped with mock patient rooms and approximately 80 mannequins. These resources allow nursing students to hone their skills in a safe and controlled environment, practicing procedures ranging from inserting IVs to assisting in childbirth. The smart hospital also features a virtual reality immersion room. Here, students can practice responding to diverse scenarios, enhancing their decision-making and critical thinking abilities.

Mobile Simulation Lab

Recognizing the needs of online students, particularly those in rural areas, UTA has introduced a mobile simulation lab. This initiative extends the reach of hands-on training, ensuring that students across the state have access to essential learning experiences.

Clinical Assignments

In addition to simulated learning, students receive clinical assignments at health care settings throughout the state. These real-world experiences provide invaluable opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.

Growth of the UTA Nursing Program

Between 2010 and 2020, UTA's nursing program experienced rapid expansion, with enrollment quadrupling to 25,000 students across all nursing programs. According to spokesman Drew Davison, much of this growth is attributed to the introduction of online nursing programs.

Online BSN Program

The 51 credit-hour online BSN program is an accelerated program with courses that vary in length from 5 to 14 weeks. While course content is delivered in an online format, students will be assigned to complete their required supervised clinical experiences at a clinical site located in one of the following Texas metropolitan areas.

Tanya Sudia, the interim dean and chief nursing officer of UTA’s College of Nursing and Health Innovation, noted that online programs have enabled the school to educate students across the state. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Online program offers multiple start dates to accommodate your professional and personal schedule. Residents of certain states may not be eligible to enroll in all UTA accelerated online programs.

High Graduation and Licensure Rates

UTA's high-quality nursing online curriculum has one of the state's highest graduation and licensure rates. This success can be attributed to the program's rigorous standards, experienced faculty, and comprehensive support services.

Addressing the Nursing Shortage in Texas

The nursing shortage in Texas is a pressing issue, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies reported that the state's demand for full-time registered nurses in 2018 exceeded supply by approximately 28,000 and predict this gap is predicted to increase to more than 57,000 by 2032. Stephen Love, the president and CEO of the Dallas-Fort Worth Hospital Council, emphasized the urgent need for more nurses in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and schools.

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UTA is playing a crucial role in addressing this shortage. Texas recently approved more than $5 million in funding to UTA through its Nursing Shortage Reduction Program. The university produces more baccalaureate-educated nurses than any other program in Texas. Last year, more than 2,000 students graduated with bachelor’s degrees in nursing from UT Arlington, out of a total of 11,550 graduates statewide, according to the board. The school has been the largest producer of baccalaureate-educated nurses in the state since 2014.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program have a vast array of employment opportunities available to them. Nurses and healthcare professionals are constantly needed as the healthcare industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. The right degree gives you skills and credentials that allow you to impact patient outcomes, influence the industry in a positive way, and make a real difference in your community.

Program Options

The College of Nursing offers an innovative, accelerated BSN program. Students receiving the majority of clinical experiences in the healthcare partner's facilities. The undergraduate program was recognized by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as a “high performing” school.

Traditional BSN Program

The traditional BSN program is designed for students that desire to be licensed and practice as a Registered Nurse (RN). This pre-licensure program will prepare the student to utilize the vast knowledge gained and safely practice evidence-based nursing.

RN-BSN Program

The RN-BSN program is designed for nurses who currently have a Diploma in Nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing and are looking to further their education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

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MSN Programs

The MSN programs offered at the University of Texas at Arlington are diverse in selection and complex in their difficulty. The Nurse Practitioner programs are available as MSN degree programs as well as post-MSN certificate programs. To be qualified to complete a certificate program, Nurse Practitioners must have completed an MSN from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited program.

PhD Programs

Program options are available for BSN-PhD and MSN-PhD. The program prepares nurse scientists to improve health outcomes for diverse and vulnerable populations by reducing health disparities. The 36 credit doctorate level Nursing Practice program builds upon the Master's degree knowledge for nurses interested in advancing into leadership, clinical experience, and innovation. The program is based upon evidence-based research. Unlike other university Nursing programs, the University of Texas at Arlington offers a mentoring program for students who are attending a doctorate level course.

Admission Requirements

Basic admission requirements must be met before a student can be accepted. Prospective students must apply to the university through the Office of Admissions, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts to the UT Arlington’s Admission’s Office. The Admission’s Office is also responsible for calculating the admission GPA. All steps necessary to complete an application (i.e. Official transcripts record all courses taken at a regionally or nationally accredited institution. Completion of the application requirements does not guarantee admission to the BSN Prelicensure program. Applicants will be ranked and admitted based on space availability.

After admission to the University, a College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) Undergraduate Academic Advisor will review the application file for nursing specific requirements. Students should review the CONHI undergraduate program specific requirements.

TEAS Exam

All students are required to take a standardized entrance exam to evaluate prospective students and their potential for successful program completion. Nursing and Health students admitted to UT Arlington as freshman or transfer students - are required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam for their standardized admission exam to the BSN Prelicensure program. BSN Prelicensure students admitted to UTA Fall 2017 and after-as freshmen or transfer students-are required to take the TEAS exam for their standardized admission exam to the BSN Prelicensure program. Students advised by their BSN Academic Advisor prior to the Fall 2017 semester can take the TEAS exam. The TEAS exam is an assessment of a student’s academic preparedness for health science-related programs. UT Arlington's BSN Prelicensure program requires student meet a proficiency score in each section to be eligible to apply. Proficient scores range from 58.7%-77.3%. If the TEAS exam is repeated, all sections must be re-taken.

Criminal Background Check

All students accepted to the upper division nursing program must complete their Board of Nursing (BON) criminal background check (CBC) and receive their results by the first week in March (fall applicants) or the first week in September (spring graduates). All requests are submitted by completing a BON CBC Form in MyMav. Once received, the information is reviewed to determine if a prior request has been sent or if this is a new request. After this determination is made, your information will be submitted to the BON on a roster, or we will contact you for more information. It takes the BON 7 to 10 business days to process these requests. Once the BON receives your criminal background check results, it takes at least 10 business days (sometimes longer) before you will receive the results in the form of a blue postcard or outcome letter. You will be instructed where to upload The CBC process takes at least 3 to 4 weeks from start to finish. Keep your blue postcard or outcome letter in a safe place. Students are encouraged to take a picture of the letter or side of the card with your name and address to keep as a backup copy just in case it is misplaced. Note: The BON communicates directly with students and does not relate personal student information to the College.

Curriculum and Learning Experiences

The BSN Prelicensure curriculum is divided into four semesters to provide continuity, and integration in the learning experiences. Once accepted in the BSN Prelicensure program, lab and clinical experiences are faculty supervised and delivered at partner hospital systems and other healthcare facilities. Accepted applicants have a variety of clinical experiences in hospitals and other healthcare facilities around Dallas/Ft.

Honors Program

The UT Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation, in conjunction with the Honors College, offers the opportunity to earn an Honors Degree. To earn this degree, a student must have at least 24 hours of Honors coursework, including at least 12 hours of honors coursework in nursing at UTA. The 12 hours in nursing must include 3 hours in Research (a required course), and a 3-hour Senior Project (Thesis/Creative Activity, Service Learning, Study Abroad, or Internship). The remainder of the student’s Honors hours can be earned in any of the nursing courses in which a student contracts for an Honors project.

Student Success Program

The Student Success Program was initially implemented in 2004 to increase retention and graduation rates of nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds (including racial and ethnic minorities underrepresented among registered nurses) by providing activities to support their success. With the launching of the online program in 2010, the program was conceptualized to address the unique needs of online students. All pre-licensure nursing students can benefit from Student Success services. Beginning during JR I Orientation and continuing until graduation, the Student Success Coordinators assist students with the transition into nursing school, provide stress management strategies, and support students through classroom and online presentations that focus on clinical course content. Peer mentors are coordinated through Student Success. Students may be referred to the Student Success Center by faculty or they may seek assistance directly with the coordinator and faculty. The most common areas of student need include: study skills, time management, test-taking strategies, math, HESI comprehensive exam and course preparation sessions. A course, Learning Professional Nursing and Life Skills (NURS 2232), is offered to assist students who experience challenges with testing, time management, study habits, and/or professional behavior. This course is required for students who fail a nursing course and/or score below a preset standard on the course HESI tests.

Resources and Support

Undergraduate education requires students to have dedicated time to devote to studying, completing assignments, preparing for, and other course work. Students are encouraged to consider their work schedules and commitments considering the demands of the nursing program and adjust accordingly. Commitments which compete with undergraduate study may result in suboptimal academic performance and place the student in academic jeopardy. In general, for every-one semester credit hour of enrollment a student should allocate 3 hours of study time outside of class. It is recommended that a student’s employment not exceed 16-20 hours per week in either regular or summer semesters. Limit the number of hours you work to 16 per week. Study EVERY Plan to study a minimum of 20-30 minutes EACH day for EACH course. Use the resources available to you. This includes clinical faculty, lead teacher, peer mentors, student success, family, and friends. To be the most successful on nursing school tests, you must know the material and understand how to apply the information on a test. Good test taking strategies DO NOT replace knowledge, but they can enhance your ability to do well on tests when you are well informed.

E-Tutoring

E-tutoring is available for all undergraduate students experiencing academic difficulty.

Student Success Center

The Center has relocated to the second floor of Pickard Hall, room 220. There are five computers housed in the area, a large open room for group studying or meetings, and resources that can be checked for current student use.

Guided Pathway in Nursing-Field of Study

The guided pathway in Nursing-Field of Study will provide a foundation for you to move on toward a fulfilling nursing career. This pathway is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing Nursing. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. Following this pathway will help you earn an A.S. degree with a Field of Study in Nursing, which will increase your chances of transfer to bachelor's level programs at UT Arlington. Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours (15 hours) required for graduation through instruction by Dallas College. All plans can be modified to fit the needs of part-time students. This is not an official degree plan. See the catalog for official degree requirements. The Nursing program at UT Arlington may have specific GPA requirements.

Core Courses

ENGL 1301 - Composition I This is a Core course.
MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods This is a Core course.
CHEM 1406 - Introductory Chemistry I (Allied Health emphasis) There are several options to fulfill this requirement. See your success coach for a specific list.
ENGL 2326 - American Literature* This is a Core course. * There are several options to fulfill this requirement.
DRAM 1310 - Theater Appreciation* This is a Core course. * There are several options to fulfill this requirement.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The displayed tuition figure represents an estimated tuition cost at The University of Texas at Arlington. For a breakdown of nursing program costs please review Programs list below.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Begin applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships. Selected scholarships & grants offered through the University are not available to accepted applicants enrolled in the Accelerated Online BSN program. The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to providing students with a quality, affordable education. That's why this online program offers pay-by-the course options. Did you know if you enroll now and complete your program without interruption, you can lock in your tuition rate?

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