Texas is home to a wide range of nurse practitioner (NP) programs offered through both public and private institutions. With its size, regional diversity, and growing population, the state presents numerous opportunities for aspiring NPs to specialize and serve in areas ranging from major cities to rural communities.
This article offers an overview of NP programs in Texas, highlighting five respected institutions with graduate-level options and presenting a broader table of other accredited programs worth exploring. Whether you’re pursuing an MSN, DNP, or post-master’s certificate, Texas provides flexible pathways to meet your professional goals.
What to Know About NP Programs in Texas
Licensure and Scope of Practice
To become a nurse practitioner in Texas, candidates must earn licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Licensure requirements include graduating from an approved program, national certification in a specialty area, and meeting state-specific practice regulations.
Texas is currently classified as a reduced practice state, meaning NPs must maintain a collaborative agreement with a physician for certain aspects of patient care. However, legislation continues to evolve, and ongoing advocacy efforts aim to expand NP practice authority statewide.
Types of NP Programs Available
Texas institutions offer several academic routes to NP licensure, depending on a student’s current credentials and goals:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Standard entry-level degree for aspiring nurse practitioners
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): A terminal degree focused on advanced clinical practice and leadership
- Post-Master’s Certificate: Designed for RNs or APRNs who want to add or change an NP specialization
Students can pursue a variety of specialty tracks, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP). For a detailed breakdown of these roles, visit this guide to types of nurse practitioners.
Program Formats
Texas NP programs are available in a range of delivery formats to suit different lifestyles and learning preferences:
- Fully online, hybrid, and on-campus options
- Part-time, full-time, and even accelerated pathways for working nurses or career changers
Clinical hours are required for all NP programs and are typically arranged within the student’s local region, though support for placement can vary by institution.
Noteworthy Schools with NP Programs in Texas
Texas offers a broad selection of accredited nurse practitioner programs, but a few institutions stand out for their academic reputation, program variety, and flexible formats. The five schools below each offer NP programs in Texas with CCNE accreditation and a range of specialties to meet diverse student needs. While not ranked, these institutions represent strong options for prospective NP students seeking quality and support.
The University of Texas at Austin
Location: Austin, Texas
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing offers nationally ranked graduate programs in nursing and serves as a major hub for nursing education and research in Texas. Its nurse practitioner pathways include a DNP-Advanced Practice Nursing (DNP-APN) program with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (PNP-PC), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), as well as a post-master’s DNP and post-master’s certificates, including one for Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC PNP).
Texas Christian University (TCU)
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Texas Christian University (TCU) offers CCNE-accredited nurse practitioner programs through its BSN-to-DNP tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The school also provides post-graduate NP certificates and an MSN program in nurse education. All NP tracks are 100% online with local clinical practicums. Additional features include no GRE requirement, automatic tuition reduction, and eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.
Texas A&M University
Location: College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University’s College of Nursing offers CCNE-accredited nurse practitioner programs, including an MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and post-graduate certificates in FNP and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The MSN-FNP program follows a hybrid format and is available in both full- and part-time options. Post-graduate NP certificates are delivered fully online.
The college emphasizes clinical leadership, rural and population health, and offers a DNP in Leadership for nurses seeking advanced roles in health care systems. Students benefit from statewide clinical partnerships and a mission rooted in improving access to care.
University of St. Thomas (Houston)
Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing
Location: Houston, Texas
The University of St. Thomas offers CCNE-accredited nurse practitioner education through its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and post-master’s certificate programs. The MSN includes multiple concentrations, and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate is designed for APRNs seeking advanced mental health training and national certification eligibility. The nursing school emphasizes holistic care, critical thinking, and a supportive learning environment tailored to working nurses. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is also available for those pursuing the highest level of clinical leadership.
University of Houston
Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing
Location: Houston, Texas
The Gessner College of Nursing at the University of Houston offers CCNE-accredited nurse practitioner programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) includes an FNP track, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program focuses on advancing clinical expertise and healthcare leadership.
Students benefit from modern simulation labs, strong community health engagement, and a commitment to reducing healthcare disparities. The college emphasizes clinical readiness, with a high national ranking for NCLEX pass rates and a growing reputation in graduate nursing education.
Tips for Choosing an NP Program in Texas
Choosing the right NP program involves more than reviewing rankings or tuition rates. Here are key considerations to guide your decision:
- Verify Accreditation and State Approval
Look for programs accredited by CCNE or ACEN and approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) to ensure you’re eligible for APRN licensure. - Evaluate In-State Tuition and Residency Policies
Public universities often offer significant savings for Texas residents. Some online programs may extend in-state rates to nonresidents, so it’s worth asking about tuition structures. - Understand Clinical Placement Support
Clinical hours are a vital part of NP training. Some schools help coordinate placements, while others expect students to find their own. This can be especially important in rural or underserved regions.
FAQ
Are there fully online NP programs based in Texas?
Yes. Several Texas universities offer fully online NP programs with local clinical placements. Examples include the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Angelo State University. These programs are designed to accommodate working nurses and students outside major metro areas.
What are the most affordable public options?
Affordable public options include UT Arlington, West Texas A&M University, Angelo State University, and Midwestern State University. These schools typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents and are known for flexible online formats.
Do Texas NP programs offer assistance with clinical placement?
Some programs—especially those with hybrid or online delivery—offer support for clinical site placement, while others may expect students to secure their own preceptors. It’s important to ask about placement services and any geographic restrictions before applying.
Can I get licensed in another state with a Texas NP degree?
Yes, as long as your program is accredited and prepares you for national certification, your degree can typically support licensure in other states. However, licensure requirements vary, so you should check with the board of nursing in your target state to ensure compatibility.
Exploring Your Options
As you compare NP programs in Texas, start by reviewing the Texas Board of Nursing’s list of approved APRN programs. Visit school websites, connect with admissions advisors, and ask about clinical placement support, tuition, and format. With options ranging from online to on-campus and MSN to DNP, Texas offers flexible paths for a wide range of nursing professionals.
