The Best Texas Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs

With so many Texas acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) programs to choose from, how do you pick the best one for your needs? This guide outlines the top programs, providing information on coursework, program expectations, and admission requirements. We also cover frequently asked questions students may have.

Explore the top academic options that can lead you to a rewarding career as an ACNP in Texas.

We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best acute care nurse practitioner programs in Texas, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.

ACNP programs in Texas (or any other state) comprise a mix of classroom and laboratory work. Students participate in clinical experiences in healthcare settings to apply academic learning. Beginning coursework covers standard nursing core, while advanced classes focus specifically on acute care.

After you graduate, you will apply for board certification and take the board examination. Once licensed, you receive authorization to order tests, diagnose patients, and prescribe treatment. However, Texas does not offer full practice authority for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), so you must practice under a physician’s supervision.

Most Texas acute care nurse practitioner programs require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree, but if you have an associate degree in nursing, some programs offer a bridge option. Similarly, some schools include an accelerated pathway for students with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, provided that they have taken certain prerequisite courses.

All ACNP programs in Texas included in this ranking are accredited, as are all nursing programs featured on this website. A diploma from an accredited school is vital to your career success. To practice as an ACNP, you must receive board certification, and only graduates of accredited programs are eligible to apply for this.

During accreditation, a group of experts reviews every factor in a program to determine if its graduates have the knowledge and skills to practice nursing at the relevant level.

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) provides preventive treatment to patients, as well as treating specific illnesses and injuries. FNPs typically see the same patient multiple times for different healthcare needs. Acute care NPs respond to specific illnesses or injuries, and the relationship typically ends when that condition is treated. An FNP may act as a primary care provider, while an ACNP does not.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual ACNP salary in Texas is $103,270. Half of all ACNP salaries are between $86,540 (25th percentile) and $123,440 (75th percentile). Salaries vary based on experience, local demand, and cost of living.

Most ACNP programs in Texas take two years to complete for students with a BSN. If you have an ADN or another degree, or plan to attend on a part-time basis, you can expect to take three years or longer to complete the program.

This is always a personal decision, based on your career, personal, and financial goals. Many Texas ACNPs earn six-figure salaries, and demand for nurse practitioners is high across the country, including Texas, so this can be a financially rewarding career.