The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas
- Best Texas NP Programs
- What to Look For
- Applying to Texas NP Programs
- Program Accreditation
- Career Opportunities
- FAQ
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Kruck20 / Getty ImagesNow is a great time to become a nurse practitioner (NP) in Texas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas NPs earn an average salary of $130,010.
This page provides information about Texas NP programs, including guidance on what to look for in a program, application procedures, ways to pay for your degree, and careers you can pursue post-graduation.
Explore our rankings to learn about advancing your nursing credentials and employment opportunities.
Popular Online MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Learn More About the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,448
- Out-of-state$40,032
- In-State$12,028
- Out-of-state$22,886
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled50,476
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,233
- Out-of-state$17,049
- In-State$6,458
- Out-of-state$13,820
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled32,441
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment97%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M University-College Station
- College Station, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,395
- Out-of-state$36,849
- In-State$6,775
- Out-of-state$19,048
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled70,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
Texas A & M International University
- Laredo, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,818
- Out-of-state$13,634
- In-State$3,350
- Out-of-state$10,712
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled8,525
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston
- Houston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,449
- Out-of-state$20,665
- In-State$8,539
- Out-of-state$17,681
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled47,090
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Texas State University
- San Marcos, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,326
- Out-of-state$19,778
- In-State$6,946
- Out-of-state$15,127
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled37,812
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,665
- Out-of-state$19,344
- In-State$6,360
- Out-of-state$16,176
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled5,274
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,446
- Out-of-state$22,512
- In-State$5,682
- Out-of-state$14,906
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled24,879
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,910
- Out-of-state$26,056
- In-State$8,739
- Out-of-state$21,571
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled48,072
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Galveston, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,090
- Out-of-state$20,710
- In-State$6,552
- Out-of-state$15,397
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,458
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in a Texas Nurse Practitioner Program
Focusing on specific metrics may help narrow your choices for an NP program in Texas. Find out if the program holds accreditation, how long it takes to complete coursework, and what board certification pass rates are for graduates.
Minimum GPA and test score requirements, available specialization areas, and clinical rotation formats are also metrics to consider.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements include meeting the program’s application criteria, which improves your chances of acceptance. All prospective students must have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and a nursing license with no restrictions or limitations.
Program Tracks and Specializations
According to the Texas Board of Nursing, advanced practice nursing programs should provide advanced nursing courses. These courses include advanced health assessment, physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, and diagnosis and management of diseases and conditions across practice settings.
Specializations vary by program.
Clinical Experience
Every program requires clinical experience. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, NP programs require a minimum of 500 supervised clinical hours.
Consider whether the format, timing, and location work for your schedule. You should also inquire whether the school will assist you in securing clinical placements.
Accreditation
Graduating from an accredited NP program is important for several reasons. State licensure and potential employment depend on whether you attended an accredited program.
NP credentialing bodies will not grant board certification if you graduate from an unaccredited program.
Program Length
Ensure that the programs you’re interested in offer the number of credits and clinical hours that meet the Texas Board of Nursing requirements for licensure. Also, ensure that the degree timeline works for your schedule.
School NCLEX Pass Rate
Top programs often list their board certification rates to indicate their success in preparing students for advanced practice nursing. Checking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate can also offer insight into the nursing school’s academic effectiveness.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Texas
Applying to an NP program in Texas generally comprises the same process as applying to other NP programs. It is important to collect all information and materials before applying to avoid missing deadlines.
- Admission Materials: Transcripts from previous academic programs, reference letters, a resume or CV, a personal statement, proof of clinical hours, and admission fees. Some schools require GRE or GMAT scores.
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 GPA or higher
- Other Requirements: Applicants must hold a BSN or be willing to enroll in an RN-to-master of science in nursing (MSN) program. They must also possess an active RN license. Many schools require a background check and a certain amount of nursing experience.
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
Accreditation of NP programs is important because if a school does not hold proper accreditation, students risk losing financial aid, the ability to transfer credits, and the ability to sit for state boards. An accredited program shows that the institution meets certain standards in line with the nursing industry.
There are three accrediting bodies for NP programs.
- The Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
The CCNE, ACEN and NLN CNEA validate that a program meets the highest of standards. Without confirming the quality of the program, the accrediting bodies will not provide an institution with accreditation.
Exclusive programs often accept credits only from other accredited programs, making it difficult for students from unaccredited programs to transfer in. In addition, institutions are more likely to accept degrees from accredited programs as a prerequisite for graduate program admittance. Accredited degrees can also lead to higher earning potential.
Schools generally include accreditation information on their websites, or you can go directly to the accrediting body to find out which programs are accredited.
Paying for Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas
Paying for an NP program in Texas is an investment. You may also begin your graduate study with undergraduate student loans that you have to pay back. According to a 2017 debt report from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 76% of students have undergraduate loans.
Your need for financial assistance may depend on the cost and length of the program, whether you’re a Texas state resident, whether the school is public or private, or whether you can continue working while you study. Luckily, there are many resources to help. Financial aid sources include public and private loans, grants and scholarships, and loan repayment or forgiveness programs. Scholarships are also available for specific schools, community affiliations, and specialty areas.
Take advantage of tuition reimbursement programs your hospital or facility may offer. Make sure to see what the requirements may be after you graduate. Some facilities may want you to maintain specific grades or work at the facility for a time after graduation.
Federal loan payment programs help you repay part or all of your debt for your commitment to work in underserved areas. Many major private employers also offer loan forgiveness, tuition remission, or tuition reimbursement for RNs who pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) careers.
What Can You Do with a Degree from a Texas Nurse Practitioner Program?
The growth outlook for NPs is strong at 38%, higher than average for all occupations. In addition, BLS data from May 2023 shows the average annual NP salary in Texas at $130,010.
Texas NP programs result in an MSN or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP). An MSN is currently the minimum degree required to become an NP. However, in 2018, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties called for a DNP to become the entry-level requirement for NPs by 2025. NP programs are increasingly offering DNP programs in anticipation of that change.
Graduates apply for board certification in their specialty, where they must sit for and pass a national certification exam.
Prospective Texas NP students can choose from several NP specialties. Popular specializations include acute care, adult gerontology, family, neonatal, pediatric, and psychiatric-mental health.
The table beolow shows the averages for these specific NP salaries according to ZipRecruiter data accessed in June 2024.
| Occupation | Hourly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Adult-gerontology primary care NP (AGNP) | $58 | $119,670 |
| Psychiatric-mental health NP (PMHNP) | $44 | $91,590 |
| Family NP (FNP) | $52 | $107,880 |
| Pediatric NP (PNP) | $56 | $116,240 |
| Emergency NP (ENP) | $54 | $112,050 |
BLS data from May 2023 showed the mean annual salary for NPs in the U.S. was $128,490.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Nurse Practitioner Programs
An MSN program usually takes two years to complete. You will first need to earn your undergraduate nursing degree to become a registered nurse. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) program often takes two years, and a BSN program spans four years. Most NPs can expect to spend at least six years in nursing school.
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