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 ImagesBecoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Texas can be a strong career move for registered nurses (RNs) looking to increase their professional responsibilities and pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas ranks second among all states for employing the most NPs.
Read more to learn about nurse practitioner programs in Texas, including application procedures, ways to pay for your degree, and careers you can pursue after graduation.
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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
The University of Texas at Austin's nurse practitioner program offers three specializations — family nurse practitioner, primary pediatric nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Each concentration requires the completion of 48 credit hours divided into core, concentration, advanced practice registered nurse, and specialty courses.
Outside of the specific specialization courses, the program requires all MSN students to complete coursework in healthcare quality and safety, the application of healthcare research, health systems (i.e., policy and evaluation), and leadership development.
The program is offered on campus only and can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: Austin, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $1,418 per credit for in-state residents; $2,035 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN or a non-nursing bachelor's degree and an ADN or nursing diploma; active RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 18-24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 90% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,650 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The family nurse practitioner program at theUniversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley comprises 48-51 credit hours and is offered in both part-time and full-time formats. Full-time students typically complete the program in two years, while part-time students can complete it in three years.
The curriculum comprises 30 credit hours of required courses and 15 hours of practice courses. Required coursework includes theoretical foundations, research, statistics, pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, informatics, health promotion, and rural health nursing.
The university also offers family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner post-master's certificate programs.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Edinburg, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $724 per credit for in-state residents; $1,132 per credit four out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active Texas RN license; a score of 900 on the APRN HESI if previous coursework is older than three years
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 93.4% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,420 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The online family nurse practitioner program at Texas A & M University - College Station comprises 48 credit hours and 646 clinical learning hours across six semesters for full-time students or eight semesters for part-time students.
Students must complete 45 clinical hours in advanced health assessment in two separate on-campus visits. They must also come to campus 1-2 times per semester for a diagnostics and procedures course and four primary care courses.
Applicants must live in Texas to be eligible for enrollment.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: College Station, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $8,026 per semester for in-state residents; $17,558 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active RN license; 1-2 years of experience as an RN (preferred)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 98.2% (2021)
- 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
Texas A & M International University offers an online and in-person family nurse practitioner programcomprising 48 credits of core courses, nursing theory, and practicums, including 675 clinical hours. Typically, students complete two courses per semester (fall, spring, and summer) over three years.
The program includes specialization courses in areas, such as the primary care of adults, geriatrics, and families; primary care of pediatrics and families; and primary care of adults and women's health. Practicum courses focus on advanced health assessment, diagnostic reasoning and clinical procedures, and integrated family care.
The university also offers a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner post-master's certificate program.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Laredo, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $3,686 per semester for in-state residents; $9,572 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active Texas RN license; minimum 2.7 GPA minimum on previously completed coursework; completion of an undergraduate statistics course; a minimum of one year of inpatient work experience as an RN
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 86.1% (2021)
- 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
The 47-credit family nurse practitioner program at theUniversity of Houston offers an online and on-campus option that students can complete on a full- or part-time basis. The online track requires students to participate in labs, practicums, and clinical courses on or near campus.
The curriculum emphasizes coursework in the following: healthcare informatics, population health, biostatistics, advanced nursing research and integrated evidence based practice.
Those interested in earning their nurse education certification can do so by completing an additional nine credit hours along with their family nurse practitioner coursework.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Houston, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $619 per credit for in-state residents; $1,127 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active Texas RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA on previously completed coursework; minimum of one year of RN work with a BSN
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 96.9% (2021)
- 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
Texas State University's family nurse practitioner program comprises 48 credits and 705 clinical hours that can be completed in five semesters for full-time students and eight semesters for part-time students. Clinicals are a combination of on-campus experiences and time spent with individual preceptors.
While the coursework is offered online, students are also required to attend learning intensives approximately two times per semester at St. David's School of Nursing in Round Rock, Texas.
Outside of core MSN courses, the family nurse practitioner curriculum includes primary care in pediatrics and adolescents; young and middle-aged adults; adult-gerontology; and psychiatric mental health.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: San Marcos, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $257 per credit hour for in-state residents; $458 per credit hour for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active Texas RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA in previously completed undergraduate and nursing coursework; completion of an upper-level statistics course
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 100% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $104,190 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers nurse practitioner programs in various concentrations, including pediatrics, adult-gerontology, family, and psychiatric mental health. The credit hours needed to complete the programs range from 48-51. Coursework takes place online with approximately 4-6 on-campus visits, depending on the chosen specialty.
Regardless of their specialization, all students complete a core curriculum that focuses on population health essentials for advanced nursing practice; scientific foundations of advanced nursing practice; informatics, quality, and safety; and leadership for healthcare.
- Program(s): Acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: Lubbock, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $265 per credit for in-state residents; $673 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA in previously completed undergraduate coursework; completion of undergraduate courses in statistics and research
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 90.2% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $98,940 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The nurse practitioner programs offered atThe University of Texas El Paso include concentrations in neonatal, adult-gerontology, family, pediatrics, and psychiatric mental health. Each specialization requires 49 credit hours and 775 clinical hours, except for the neonatal nurse practitioner concentration, which requires 48 credit hours.
Students can expect to complete their program within 30 months, with the exception of those focusing on acute care pediatrics, which takes 24 months to finish.
Outside of the specialized classes for each concentration, the curriculum includes coursework in nursing theory, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, research appraisal and application, health policy and advocacy, and advanced health assessment/practicum.
- Program(s): Neonatal nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: El Paso, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $524 per credit for in-state residents; $1,049 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA in previously completed undergraduate coursework; relevant clinical experience in the chosen specialty
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 95.9% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $100,520 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The University of Texas at Arlington's nurse practitioner program offers concentrations in adult-gerontology, family, pediatric, neonatal, and psychiatric mental health. Each specialization requires 41-46 credit hours and 720 clinical hours.
The adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs can be completed either on campus or online. The primary care pediatric nurse practitioner and neonatal nurse practitioner programs are only available on campus.
The school also offers two dual program options. One combines theprimary and acute care adult-gerontology specialization and the other combines the primary and acute care pediatric specialization. Both dual programs are only available in an on-campus format.
- Program(s): Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, acute care pediatric nurse practitioner, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
- Campus: Arlington, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $1,318 per credit for in-state residents; $2,260 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 hours BSN previously completed undergraduate coursework; at least two years of clinical experience in the chosen specialty
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30-36 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 92.4% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $106,420 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston provides program options for adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner.
Programs comprise 46-49 credit hours, which can be completed within seven semesters. Each track only offers part-time coursework. Students must visit campus for orientation and an additional 2-3 days per semester.
Regardless of their chosen concentration, all students must complete core coursework in the following: foundations of research and theory; pathophysiology; public policy; pharmacological principles and clinical therapeutics; informatics and quality improvement; professional role and business principles; and public health principles.
- Program(s): Adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, neonatal nurse practitioner
- Campus: Galveston, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $253 per credit for in-state residents; $458 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN; active RN license; minimum 3.0 GPA in previously completed coursework; at least one year of clinical experience in the chosen the specialty
- Minimum Time Commitment: 28 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (YEAR): 98.4% (2021)
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $103,750 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- 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
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2023.
Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in a Texas Nurse Practitioner Program
Focusing on specific metrics can help narrow your options for a nurse practitioner program in Texas. Find out if the program holds accreditation, typical completion timelines, and board certification pass rates for graduates.
Additional considerations include minimum GPA and test score requirements, available specialization areas, and clinical rotation formats.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Texas
Applying to a nurse practitioner program in Texas generally covers the same process as NP programs in other states. Collect all information and materials before applying to avoid missing deadlines.
- Admission Materials: Candidates need to provide 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.
- Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0
- Other Requirements: Each applicant must hold a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or plan to pursue a master of science in nursing (MSN) in an RN-to-MSN program. They must also possess an active RN license. Many schools require a background check and professional experience.
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
If a school does not hold proper accreditation, students risk losing financial aid, the opportunity to transfer credits, and the ability to sit for state board exams. Accreditation demonstrates 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)
CCNE, ACEN, and NLN CNEA validate that programs meet strict nursing standards. Without confirming the program’s quality, 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. Institutions are also more likely to accept degrees from accredited programs for graduate program admittance. Accredited degrees can also lead to higher earning potential.
The accreditation process can take years, and schools applying for accreditation remain unaccredited until approved. For example, some nursing schools in Texas are currently seeking CCNE accreditation and have up to two years to complete the application process. During this time, these schools are still considered unaccredited by CCNE.
Schools generally include accreditation information on their websites. You can also contact the accrediting body for details on a program’s accreditation status.
Paying for Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas
While paying for a nurse practitioner program in Texas is a career investment, you can lower program costs upfront or after graduation through various means. Financial aid sources include public and private loans, grants, loan repayment or forgiveness programs, and tuition reimbursement programs. Scholarships are also available for specific schools, community affiliations, and specialty areas.
Your need for financial assistance may depend on the cost and length of the program, your state residency, the school’s public or private status, and whether you can continue working while you study. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form allows you to apply for federal grants and loans to attend college. Graduate students are welcome to apply.
After completing school, you can repay part or all of your debt through federal loan repayment programs in exchange for your commitment to work in underserved areas. Tuition reimbursement programs at your hospital or facility may also be an option. Some facilities may want you to maintain specific grades or work at the facility for a specific period after graduation.
What Can You Do with a Degree from a Texas Nurse Practitioner Program?
The BLS reports a 46% employment growth projection from 2023-2033, outpacing the national average for all occupations by more than 40%. In addition, BLS data from May 2024 indicates an average annual NP salary in Texas of $130,930, placing Texas among the top third of all U.S. states and territories with the highest NP salaries.
Texas NP programs can confer MSN or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees. An MSN is currently the minimum degree required to become an NP. However, in 2018 and 2023, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties pushed for a DNP to become the entry-level requirement for NPs by 2025. NP programs increasingly offer DNP degrees in anticipation of the change.
Graduates apply for board certification in their specialties, where they must sit for and pass a national certification exam.
While prospective Texas NP students can work in various NP settings, the highest-paying settings include mental health residential and acute care, research, ambulatory care, and outpatient care.
The table below shows the average salaries for NPs employed in these specific settings per BLS data from May 2024.
| Setting | Hourly Salary | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Residential Care | $78 | $163,000 |
| Research | $75 | $155,150 |
| Mental Health Acute Care | $70 | $144,860 |
| Ambulatory Care | $69 | $144,240 |
| Outpatient Care | $69 | $143,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas NP Programs
Including clinical training as an RN, nurse practitioners typically spend a minimum of eight years to qualify for NP jobs. RNs with BSNs and 1-2 years of clinical experience can become NPs in as little as two years.
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