Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Michael Tijani
Nursing programs offered over the weekends and in the evenings are designed for individuals who desire to become nurses but find it challenging to attend classes during the day owing to some other commitments (such as work or family responsibilities). These programs provide flexible scheduling alternatives, like online or hybrid classes, that help students finish some or all of their curriculum remotely and at their own pace whilst also enjoying the same top-notch education and training as conventional nursing programs.
Furthermore, weekend and evening nursing programs may be a good fit for students who are looking for a more flexible and convenient way to pursue a nursing degree or diploma, and who are willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed in the program. However, it is important to keep in mind that nursing programs can be demanding and require a significant time commitment, so it is important to carefully consider your schedule and responsibilities before deciding to enroll in a weekend or evening nursing program.
In this article, we have compiled a list of some institutions with the best evening and weekend nursing programs in Texas. This is specifically tailored to individuals who are residents here in Texas. Soon enough, we will look at other states, but before we dive right in, let’s answer some questions you might likely ask regarding the weekend/evening nursing program.
What are the Requirements for Evening Nursing Programs?
The requirements for evening and weekend nursing programs can vary depending on the specific program and school that you are considering. However, there are some common requirements that you may encounter. These may include:
- A high school diploma or equivalent: Many evening nursing programs require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
- Prerequisite coursework: Some programs may require applicants to have completed certain prerequisite coursework, such as biology, chemistry, and math.
- Minimum GPA: Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement, often around 2.5 or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Entrance exams: Some programs may require applicants to take entrance exams, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Nursing School Entrance Test (NET).
- Letters of recommendation: Some programs may require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from professors or other academic references.
- Personal statement: Many programs require applicants to write a personal statement or essay as part of the application process.
- Clinical experience: Some programs may require applicants to have previous clinical experience, such as volunteering in a healthcare setting.
Do Weekend and Evening Nursing Programs Provide Clinical Experience and hands-on training?
Yes, many weekend and evening nursing programs provide clinical experience and hands-on clinical training as part of the curriculum. Clinical experience and hands-on training are essential parts of a nursing program, as they provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real-world settings and gain practical experience working with patients and other healthcare professionals.
In a weekend or evening nursing program, clinical experience and hands-on training may be integrated into the coursework and may involve simulated or actual patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies.
Clinical experiences may be supervised by experienced nurses and may include activities such as observing and assisting with patient assessments, administering medications, performing procedures, and providing education and support to patients and families. The specific clinical experiences and hands-on training opportunities available in a weekend or evening nursing program may vary depending on the program and the individual student’s schedule and needs.
Are there any limitations or restrictions on the type of nursing job or career path that graduates of weekend and evening nursing programs can pursue?
Generally speaking, graduates of the weekend and evening nursing programs are free to choose whatever nursing position or career path they like. Graduates of weekend and evening nursing programs have the same career prospects as graduates of traditional nursing programs. They can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and home health agencies, as long as they have successfully completed the program and also passed the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses.
Additionally, they can pursue advanced education or nursing specialization in any discipline, including pediatrics, gerontology, or critical care, and they can also apply for leadership or management roles in any nursing environment.
However, it is worth noting that some nursing employers may have specified requirements or preferences for the type of nursing education or experience that they require, so it is always best to check with the employer or the job posting to determine if there are any specific requirements or limitations.
Can Credits Earned in a Weekend or Evening Nursing Program be Transferred to a Traditional Nursing Program or a higher degree program in nursing?
It is possible for credits earned in a weekend or evening nursing program to be transferred to a traditional nursing program or a higher degree program in nursing, but this depends on the policies and the transfer requirements of the receiving institution and the alignment of the courses and curriculum between the two programs. Many nursing schools and programs have transfer agreements in place that allows prospective students to transfer credits from one program to another, provided that the courses taken in the previous institution are equivalent and meet the requirements of the receiving institution.
However, not all courses or credits may be eligible for transfer, and some institutions may have regulations or restrictions on the number of credits that can be transferred. we strongly advise that you check with the receiving institution and the nursing program advisor to determine if and how credits earned in a weekend or evening nursing program can be transferred.
Do weekend and evening nursing programs offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities?
Yes, quite a number of institutions with weekend and evening nursing programs offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help their students pay for their studies and any related academic expenses. Financial aid for nursing students can come in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. It may be available from the federal government, state agencies, nursing schools and programs, professional nursing organizations, and private sources.
Nursing students can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and may be eligible for federal grants, such as the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), as well as federal student loans, such as the Direct Stafford Loan and the Direct PLUS Loan.
Are graduates of weekend and evening nursing programs eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed registered nurses?
Yes, graduates of weekend and evening nursing programs are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed registered nurses, provided that they have successfully completed the program and met all of the requirements for graduation. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the standardized exam that is required for licensure as a registered nurse in the United States. The exam is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to practice safely and effectively as a registered nurse.
To be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, a candidate must have completed an accredited nursing program, such as those offered on weekends or evenings, and have received a nursing degree or diploma. The candidate must also apply for licensure with the nursing board in the state where they wish to practice and meet any additional requirements, such as background checks and fingerprinting, that may be required by the state. Once the candidate has met all of the eligibility requirements and has received authorization to test (ATT), they can register for the NCLEX-RN exam and schedule a date to take the exam at a testing center.
Evening and Weekend Nursing Programs in Texas
Below is a list of some of the best institutions with evening and weekend nursing programs in Texas.
1. Chamberlain University College of Nursing
Chamberlain University College of Nursing is a Nursing School in Pearland, Texas that offers one of the best BSN evening and weekend nursing programs to help you kick-start your journey in the nursing profession. The program is duly accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Every BSN path at Chamberlain requires the same courses and credits, so the credit hours needed to complete the evening/weekend option are the same as those required to complete the daytime, weekday option. Both options have the same faculties and resources, and you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within three years.
No wait lists or prerequisites, intimate class sizes, one-on-one support and attention from faculty, and a 90% first-time NCLEX pass rate are some of the highlights of the evening and weekend nursing program at Chamberlain University.
Aside from the Pearland campus of Chamberlain University, you can also attend nursing school on nights and weekends, and still earn your bachelor’s degree in as few as three years on their other campuses located in Addison, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Irving, North Brunswick, Phoenix, Troy and Tyson’s Corner campuses.
Admission Requirements:
- Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation, with a minimum GPA of at least 2.75 or above; a GED® test score of at least 551 if taken between 2002-2013, or a minimum score of 600 if taken in 2014 or after.
- Applicants must have taken the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) Exam and must have acquired a minimum score of 73. Apply Here
2. Texas Woman’s University
The 6 semester evening and weekend Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program offered at Texas woman’s university provides students with professional knowledge, skills, and all the clinical experiences they need to function as a registered nurse in any healthcare setting. Classes start from 5-9 pm and are held two(2) evenings per week, while clinical and hands-on practices are held only on Saturdays and Sundays weekly.
3. Lone Star College
Lone Star College offers an evening and weekend nursing program for students who are unable to attend classes during traditional daytime hours. This flexible program allows students to complete their studies while still working or fulfilling other responsibilities. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of nursing and includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience.
Graduates of the program are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and begin their careers as registered nurses. Overall, the evening and weekend nursing program at Lonestar College is a great option for students looking to pursue a career in nursing while balancing other commitments.
4. Texas Health School
Texas Health School’s evening and weekend Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a convenient option for students who are unable to attend classes during traditional daytime hours. The program allows students to complete their studies while still working or fulfilling other responsibilities. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and to begin their careers as registered nurses. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience to give students the skills they need to succeed in their profession.
Texas Health School also has a strong focus on hands-on training, with clinical experience being an integral part of many programs. The school is dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals and has a strong track record of job placement after graduation.
Final Thoughts
Here are some take-home points you need to succeed as a prospective evening and weekend nursing student:
- Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding experience. Nursing school can be very demanding, and balancing school with other commitments can be a challenge. However, the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with becoming a nurse can be well worth the effort.
- Plan ahead and prioritize. With a busy schedule, it’s important to plan ahead and prioritize your time effectively. Create a schedule that allows you to manage your responsibilities and make time for studying and completing coursework.
- Stay organized. Keep track of important dates, assignments, and exams to ensure that you stay on top of your studies. Use a planner or a scheduling app to help you stay organized.
- Seek support. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. Your professors, classmates, and academic advisors can be valuable resources. In addition, many nursing programs offer tutoring or study groups to help students succeed.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of your physical and mental health while pursuing your nursing degree. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. It’s also important to set aside time for relaxation and self-care to avoid burnout.
Best Wishes!!
