WT’s Online RN-to-BSN Program Best in Texas, Top 10 in Country

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — One of West Texas A&M University’s essential nursing programs is the best in Texas and one of the best in the country, according to a respected analyst.

Nursing Process ranked WT’s online RN-to-BSN program No. 6 in the nation in a recent report. WT’s program is the only one in Texas to make the list.

“While many online programs have a one-size-fits-all approach, we do our best to connect with online students just as we would with our traditional on-campus students by offering an individualized learning experience for both the bachelor’s and master’s of science in nursing degrees,” said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, head of WT’s Department of Nursing. “The year 2022 has been designated as the ‘Year of the Nurse Educator,’ and we are excited to see many of our former students and local nursing leaders returning to enhance their preparation in education and leadership with our online master’s program.”

WT’s program was cited for its flexibility for working nurses and its affordability, as well as its accelerated track that allows students to earn an online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

Other schools in the Top 10 include University of Central Florida, Ohio State University, University of Arkansas, Fort Hays State University, University of South Florida, Pennsylvania State University, University of Oklahoma, Arizona State University and the University of Alabama.

In 2021, Nursing Process named WT’s nurse practitioner program as the best in Texas.

Established in 1972 and graduating its first students in 1974, WT’s Department of Nursing in its College of Nursing and Health Sciences currently provides about 70 percent of nurses employed throughout the Texas Panhandle.

WT nursing graduates, over the past five years, have averaged a 97 percent score on the National Council Licensure Examination, required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to test the competency of nursing school graduates in the United States and Canada. Nationally, the average is 85 percent; in Texas, it’s 87 percent.

Among other recent accolades, the online nursing program was ranked No. 7 in Texas and won a coveted Best Graduate Program ranking for 2022 from U.S. News & World Report. Previously, the family nurse practitioner program was ranked No. 4 in the country by RegisteredNursing.org. College Choice recently ranked the online RN to BSN program as the third best in the country, and Online-Bachelor-Degrees.com also recently named WT one of the 10 best online nursing schools in the country.

Meeting regional needs is a key focus of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 39 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—