Dallas Nursing Institute offers two nursing career tracts. The shortest program is completed in 51 weeks and leads to a certificate in vocational nursing and prepares graduates to take the state's practical nursing examination for licensure. The Associate in Applied Science degree is achieved after 80 weeks of study and prepares graduates to take the state's registered nursing examination for licensure. Applicants must have high school diplomas or hold general education development diplomas. Licensed practical or vocational nurses who seek to become registered nurses are also accepted into the associate's program. As of February 2011, standard tuition at Dallas Nursing Institute is $600 per credit hour.
Brookhaven College's 72 credit hour nursing program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in the field and prepares graduates for state registered nurse licensure. Successful applicants submit high scores from the Health Education Systems, Inc. assessment examination. Admissions staff also review previous school transcripts for better than average grade point averages in biology, English, psychology and chemistry. Pre-enrollment academic requirements include completion of Brookhaven support courses in nursing, attendance of a nursing information session and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Non-academic enrollment prerequisites include completing a medical physical exam and passing a criminal background check and a drug test. As of February 2011, Dallas county residents pay $585 per credit hour. Out-of-county Texas residents pay $1,079 and out-of-state students pay $1,716 per credit hour.
El Centro College offers a 71 credit hour Associate in Applied Science degree program in nursing and a 10 credit hour certificate in perioperative nursing. Associate program graduates are prepared for state registered nurse licensure. Successful degree program applicants must complete core classes in anatomy and physiology, English composition, algebra, psychology and basic health profession skills with grades of "C" or better. Certificate seekers must already hold associate degrees in nursing. As of February 2011, Dallas residents pay $45 per credit hour. Out-of-county Texas residents are charged $83 per credit hour while out-of-state students pay $132 per credit hour.
Hearts in Training prepares students for nursing aide certification after a combined 80 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical training. Successful program applicants must be at least 18 years of age with no criminal convictions. Academic requirements include ownership of a high school diploma or general equivalence development diploma. Prior to enrollment, attendees must take a campus tour and be present for a 20 minute program information session. As of February 2011, total program tuition is $1,100.