Best DNP Programs in Texas
- Program Overview
- How do DNP Programs Work
- What to Look For
- Applying to DNP Programs
- Program Accreditation
- Top DNP Programs in Texas
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: usefacegravityThe Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is the highest level available in the nursing field. There are other nursing degrees considered terminal, such as a Ph.D in Nursing, and a DNS (Doctor of Nursing Science) degree.
DNP programs in Texas focus on advanced clinical practice, whereas other terminal nursing degrees are associated with research, scholarly education, and specialty skills. This guide will help you find the best nursing programs in Texas that offer DNP degrees.
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best DNP programs in Texas, making it easier 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.
Keep reading to learn more about DNP programs, or go straight to our list of the best DNP programs in Texas.
How do DNP Programs Work?
The DNP program builds on master-level nursing curriculum. Most DNP programs in Texas require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as part of admission requirements, but there are some BSN-to-MSN bridge programs.
Programs often require around 33 to 43 credits and at least 500 clinical practice hours. Full-time master level nurses can usually complete the program in 18 months to two years, while it takes three years on average for part-time students. For BSN students, it takes three to six years on average for DNP bridge program completion.
Common course topics include statistics and data analysis, epidemiology and health promotion, nursing philosophy, and leadership and advanced clinical skills.
What To Look For in a Texas DNP Program
- 1
Admission Requirements
The admission requirements detail education level prerequisites, and whether nurses need to provide minimum graduate school admission test scores, such as the MAT or GRE tests. The admission requirements section will also include any course prerequisites and the minimum GPA required for admission.
- 2
Program Curriculum
There are 15 specialty areas to choose from at the doctoral level in nursing. Most institutions do not offer all 15 areas of practice. Before researching schools that offer DNP programs, select an area of practice, then ensure the institution offers your preferred practice area. Learn more about potential DNP specialties.
- 3
Clinical Experience
While most accredited DNP programs in Texas require 500 hours of clinical practice, the time spent performing clinical rotations can vary from program to program. Online students should check out where, geographically, the clinicals are scheduled.
Some programs allow you to set up clinical practicums in your home state, others require clinicals near the campus, which involves travel time and expenses. Be sure to explore institutions that provide help with scheduling clinical placements.
- 4
Accreditation
Accreditation is perhaps the most important factor when searching for DNP programs in Texas. Accreditation offers a guarantee that the program curriculum meets the criteria for certification for APRN and other certifications. Overall, accreditation equates to a quality education.
- 5
Program Length
Consider the program length, particularly if you are working, and/or have family, or other obligations. The longer the program, the higher the cost when factoring in living expenses, loss of earning potential while away from work, and other factors.
- 6
School Graduate Rate
The institution’s graduation rate informs prospective students of their chances of completing the program, based on the number of prior students who completed the program requirements.
Applying to a DNP Program in Texas
Once you have selected the DNP program you want to attend, submit your application. The application process includes several steps:
- Complete an admission application (often online)
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Submit a current resume
- Provide copies of RN license and professional certifications
- Provide a professional education statement and/or a personal essay
- Participate in a phone or in-person interview
Admission Materials
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) or Master of Science (MSN) from an accredited nursing school, one year full-time RN job experience, a current and an unencumbered RN license.
GPA Requirement
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Other Requirement
Additional documents or proof of specific experience may be required, depending on the track/concentration selected.
Why Is DNP Program Accreditation Important?
A DNP program becomes accredited after passing a review of curriculum, instructors, and NCLEX-RN test pass rates. Accreditation of a DNP program in Texas has many benefits, including:
- Assurance of the overall program quality
- Earning transferable credits (school credits may not be transferable from non-accredited institutions)
- Qualifying for financial aid (non-accredited programs may not qualify for federal student financial aid)
- Gaining knowledge to pass certification tests, such as the APRN nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist certification exams (non-accredited courses may not provide the curriculum required to pass exams)
- Qualifying for better job prospects (accredited program often result in opportunities for better jobs)
Paying for DNP Programs
Earning a DNP degree is a wise financial investment, but you may wonder how to pay for your DNP graduate degree. Many factors can affect ability to pay for DNP programs in Texas, including yearly income, program cost and length of program, tuition (i.e., private institutions, vs. in-state or out-of-state tuition) and travel expenses for distance students traveling to on-campus requirements.
Despite the cost of DNP programs in Texas, there are many financial aid programs available that can help you pay for your graduate nursing degree. Not all institutions offer the same financial aid programs; do your due diligence and check out what is available at each school you are considering. Examples of sources of financial aid include:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Private lenders’ loans
- Federal student loans and grants
- Non-profit organizations
- Nurse associations
- Colleges and universities
Learn More About the Top DNP Programs Schools in Texas
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX- 4 year
- Campus
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-State$23,220
- Out-of-state$23,220
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Christian University
- Fort Worth, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$49,160
- Out-of-state$49,160
- In-State$30,780
- Out-of-state$30,780
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate47%
- Students Enrolled11,024
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment3%
- AccreditationYes
Texas Woman's University
- Denton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,430
- Out-of-state$15,559
- In-State$4,973
- Out-of-state$12,569
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled15,886
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- San Antonio, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,875
- Out-of-state$18,306
- In-State$3,114
- Out-of-state$11,772
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,386
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment3%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,624
- Out-of-state$25,713
- In-State$8,474
- Out-of-state$21,206
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled48,635
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,824
- Out-of-state$38,326
- In-State$11,998
- Out-of-state$22,966
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate32%
- Students Enrolled51,090
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,193
- Out-of-state$22,556
- In-State$5,497
- Out-of-state$14,766
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled25,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Belton, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$25,620
- Out-of-state$25,620
- In-State$16,830
- Out-of-state$16,830
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled3,846
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
Frequently Asked Questions About DNP Programs in Texas
What can you do with a DNP in Texas?
Direct patient care affords graduates an opportunity to work in their chosen fields, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists. Nurse practitioners can focus on a particular area of practice, such as acute care, family care, adult-gerontology, women’s health, and more.
Non-APRN career options include the fields of nurse leadership and administration (such as Directors of Nursing and Nurse Managers), Nurse Educators, and Public Health Nurses.
How much do nurses make in Texas?
The salary for graduate nurses in Texas varies depending on many factors, such as the area of practice, whether nurses are APRN certified, the workplace environment (e.g., clinics, acute care or urgent care settings, etc.).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for nurse practitioners in Texas is $117,890. Nurse Midwives earn around $85,030 annually and nurse anesthetists, the highest paid of all the APRNs, make $197,540 per year on average. Learn more about DNP graduate salaries.
Is now a good time to earn a DNP?
Yes. A DNP degree can elevate your salary potential, giving you an edge in the nursing job market. Some institutions are requiring a DNP for specific Certified Nurse Practitioner tracks, such as the Family Practice Nurse Practitioner certification.
The future of advanced practice is shifting from a master’s level to a doctoral degree (DNP). As the number of nurses with DNP degrees increases, it’s necessary to pursue a DNP to keep up with the competitiveness of the nursing job market.
How long does it take to earn a DNP in Texas?
The program length depends on how many credits are required, whether you have a BSN or an MSN degree when starting the DNP program, and the rate at which you complete the program (i.e., part-time, half-time or full-time). It can take between 18 months to three years.
