UTA vs SAC Nursing: BSN or ADN Program?
UTA offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with higher tuition ($11,950/year) but better career advancement opportunities, while SAC provides a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with lower costs ($3,112-$6,592/year) for faster entry into nursing practice. Both programs prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | UTA BSN Program | SAC ADN Program |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Type | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | Associate Degree in Nursing |
| Program Length | 4 years | 2 years |
| Annual Tuition | $11,950 (in-state) | $3,112-$6,592 |
| Total Program Cost | ~$48,000+ | ~$6,000-$13,000 |
| Admission | Competitive | Competitive (limited seats) |
| Clinical Hours | More extensive | Focused on essentials |
| Career Entry | RN with leadership prep | RN with direct patient care |
| Advancement | Management/specialty ready | May need BSN later |
Program Structure and Requirements
UTA BSN Program Structure
UTA’s nursing program is a traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree program. Students complete general education requirements in their first two years before entering nursing courses. The program includes extensive clinical rotations and leadership training.
The BSN program requires completion of prerequisite courses before admission to the nursing sequence.
Students must maintain high GPAs and meet strict academic standards. Clinical experiences happen in major medical centers throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
| UTA BSN Timeline | Year 1-2 | Year 3-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Prerequisites & general education | Nursing courses & clinicals |
| Credits | 60 hours foundation | 60+ hours nursing specialty |
| Clinical Hours | Limited | 700+ hours |
SAC ADN Program Structure
SAC offers a 2-year associate degree program that gets students into nursing practice quickly.
The program focuses on essential nursing skills and direct patient care. Students can often work as RNs while pursuing further education.
The ADN program has limited enrollment with competitive admission. Students complete prerequisites before starting the nursing sequence. Clinical rotations occur at local San Antonio hospitals and healthcare facilities.
| SAC ADN Timeline | Year 1 | Year 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Prerequisites & nursing foundations | Advanced nursing & clinicals |
| Credits | 30+ hours | 30+ hours |
| Clinical Hours | 200+ hours | 400+ hours |
Admission Requirements and Process
UTA BSN Admission Requirements
UTA nursing admission is highly competitive with specific GPA requirements.
Students must complete prerequisite courses with high grades before applying to the nursing program. The school looks for well-rounded candidates with healthcare experience.
Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry courses. Students need strong math and science backgrounds. Many applicants take the TEAS entrance exam as part of the admission process.
SAC ADN Admission Requirements
SAC nursing admission has limited seats making it very competitive despite being a community college.
Students must complete prerequisites and meet specific criteria. The program often has waiting lists due to high demand.
Prerequisites are similar to BSN programs but may be completed faster. Students can often work while completing prerequisites. The HESI A2 entrance exam may be required for admission.
| Admission Factor | UTA BSN | SAC ADN |
|---|---|---|
| GPA Requirement | 3.0+ (competitive 3.5+) | 2.5+ (competitive 3.0+) |
| Prerequisite Credits | 60+ hours | 30+ hours |
| Entrance Exam | TEAS | HESI A2 |
| Application Deadline | Fall semester | Varies by cohort |
Cost Analysis and Financial Aid
UTA BSN Program Costs
UTA nursing students pay university tuition rates plus additional nursing program fees.
The total cost includes textbooks, uniforms, equipment, and clinical supplies. Financial aid is available through federal programs and university scholarships.
Living expenses in Arlington add to the total cost. Students may need to reduce work hours during intensive clinical rotations.
The investment is higher upfront but may pay off with better starting salaries.
SAC ADN Program Costs
SAC offers significantly lower tuition as a community college. Total program costs are much more affordable for most students. Many students can work while attending school to offset expenses.
Books and supplies costs are similar to BSN programs. Clinical requirements may limit work schedules during certain semesters. The lower cost makes nursing education accessible to more students.
| Cost Category | UTA BSN (4 years) | SAC ADN (2 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $47,800 | $12,000-$26,000 |
| Books & Supplies | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| Uniforms & Equipment | $1,500 | $1,200 |
| Living Expenses | $60,000+ | $30,000+ |
| Total Estimated | $115,000+ | $45,000+ |
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
UTA BSN Graduate Outcomes
BSN graduates typically have more career advancement opportunities from the start.
Hospitals increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses for leadership roles. The degree opens doors to specialty areas and graduate school programs.
Starting salaries may be higher for BSN graduates in some facilities. The broader education provides better preparation for complex healthcare environments. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for BSN completion.
SAC ADN Graduate Outcomes
ADN graduates can start working as registered nurses immediately after passing the NCLEX exam.
They provide direct patient care and gain valuable hands-on experience. Many continue education while working to earn BSN degrees.
Starting salaries are competitive for entry-level nursing positions.
ADN nurses often have strong clinical skills from intensive hands-on training. Career advancement may require additional education over time.
| Career Factor | UTA BSN | SAC ADN |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Salary | $60,000-$70,000 | $55,000-$65,000 |
| Leadership Roles | Available immediately | Requires experience/education |
| Specialty Areas | More opportunities | Limited initially |
| Graduate School | Direct entry | May need bridge program |
Clinical Training and Hands-On Experience
UTA BSN Clinical Experience
UTA provides extensive clinical rotations in major medical centers and specialty hospitals.
Students gain experience in various healthcare settings including ICU, surgery, pediatrics, and mental health. The program emphasizes leadership and critical thinking skills.
Clinical instructors are experienced nurses with advanced degrees. Students work with diverse patient populations in urban healthcare settings.
Technology integration and evidence-based practice are emphasized throughout clinicals.
SAC ADN Clinical Experience
SAC offers focused clinical training in essential nursing skills and direct patient care.
Students rotate through medical-surgical units, long-term care, and community health settings. The emphasis is on developing strong foundational nursing skills.
Clinical sites include major San Antonio hospitals and community healthcare facilities.
Instructors focus on practical nursing skills and patient safety. Students learn efficient patient care techniques and time management skills.
Prerequisites and Preparation
UTA BSN Prerequisites
Students must complete extensive general education and science prerequisites before entering the nursing program.
Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology courses require lab components. Math and English requirements ensure academic readiness.
Prerequisites often take 2-3 years to complete depending on student preparation.
Many students change majors to nursing after completing some college coursework. Strong science grades are essential for competitive admission.
SAC ADN Prerequisites
SAC requires focused prerequisites that can often be completed in one year.
The emphasis is on essential science courses and basic education requirements. Students can often work while completing prerequisites part-time.
Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and basic math and English courses.
Some students complete these at other institutions before transferring. The streamlined approach gets students into nursing courses faster.
| Prerequisite Area | UTA BSN Requirements | SAC ADN Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Science Courses | A&P I&II, Micro, Chemistry, Biology | A&P I&II, Microbiology |
| Math | College Algebra or higher | College-level math |
| English | Composition I&II | Composition I |
| General Education | 42+ hours | 15+ hours |
Transfer and Bridge Options
UTA Transfer Opportunities
UTA accepts transfer students from community colleges who have completed prerequisites.
Students can complete their first two years at a community college then transfer to UTA for the nursing program. This can reduce overall costs significantly.
The university has partnerships with local community colleges for seamless transfers.
Students must meet admission requirements regardless of transfer status. Credit evaluation ensures proper course alignment with UTA requirements.
SAC Bridge Programs
SAC offers RN-to-BSN bridge programs for ADN graduates who want to advance their education.
Students can work as nurses while completing their bachelor’s degree online or part-time. The program recognizes prior nursing experience and education.
Bridge programs typically take 12-18 months to complete. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for BSN completion.
This pathway allows career advancement without stopping work completely.
Location and Campus Resources
UTA Nursing Facilities
UTA’s nursing program is located in Arlington between Dallas and Fort Worth. The campus offers modern simulation labs and nursing learning centers.
Students have access to research opportunities and advanced healthcare technology.
The location provides access to major medical centers and healthcare networks. Transportation to clinical sites is often provided or coordinated.
Campus housing and student services support traditional college students.
SAC Nursing Resources
SAC’s nursing program is located in central San Antonio with easy access to major hospitals.
The college provides modern lab facilities and simulation equipment. Clinical sites are often within reasonable driving distance of campus.
The urban location offers diverse healthcare settings for clinical experience.
Many students live at home or in affordable off-campus housing. Support services help working students balance education and employment.
Final Thoughts
Choose UTA BSN if you want comprehensive nursing education with leadership preparation, can afford higher costs, and plan to pursue advanced nursing roles or graduate school.
Choose SAC ADN if you need affordable nursing education, want to start working quickly, and plan to continue your education while working as a nurse.
Both paths lead to RN licensure, but offer different timelines and career preparation approaches.