University of Texas of the Permian Basin, The

The University of Texas Permian Basin School of Nursing provides a rigorous pathway into professional practice through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program follows a 2+2 model: students spend the first two years completing 60 hours of general education and pre-nursing prerequisites—including microbiology, anatomy, and chemistry—before applying for the competitive two-year professional nursing sequence. For currently licensed nurses, UTPB offers a 100% online RN-to-BSN track that can be completed in as little as 12 months, focusing on leadership, research, and community health. The curriculum is built on the pillars of "Caring, Scholarship, and Imagination," ensuring students develop the clinical judgment necessary for complex healthcare environments.

Practical training is a cornerstone of the UTPB experience. Students utilize the Center for Interprofessional and Experiential Learning, a high-tech simulation lab where lifelike manikins can breathe, bleed, and respond to medications, allowing for risk-free mastery of skills like IV insertion and emergency drills. Clinical rotations occur at premier regional sites, including Medical Center Hospital and Midland Health. A unique partnership with Midland Health even allows senior interns to be compensated for their work while completing their required clinical hours. After a period of "Conditional Approval" due to fluctuating test scores, the program has demonstrated significant improvement through targeted faculty support, with the Spring 2025 cohort achieving a 96.5% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. Compared to other regional options, UTPB stands out for its "Falcon Free" program, which can cover 100% of tuition and fees for eligible students, making a high-quality BSN exceptionally accessible.