Phillip EdwinTexas is home to a robust and highly competitive landscape for Nurse Practitioner (NP) education, with programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation. These advanced practice nursing programs prepare registered nurses for roles as primary and specialty care providers, addressing the state’s critical need for healthcare professionals.
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting NP job growth of 46% from 2023 to 2033 and U.S. News & World Report naming nurse practitioners the #1 job for 2025, the demand for qualified NPs has never been higher . Texas schools offer a range of program formats, including online, hybrid, and on-campus options, with many featuring flexible schedules designed for working nurses .
Top 15 NP Schools In Texas
1. Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston
Cizik School of Nursing offers the only Family Nurse Practitioner program in Texas ranked in the prestigious U.S. News & World Report specialty rankings. In the recent edition, the FNP program was ranked No. 1 in Texas and tied for No. 12 nationally, based on nominations from nursing school deans across the country. The BSN-to-DNP FNP track requires 79 credit hours and 1,140 clinical hours, with a 96% first-time certification exam pass rate for 2024 graduates. The school also offers an Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP track and the only Emergency Nurse Practitioner track in Texas, making it a comprehensive destination for advanced practice nursing education.
2. UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing
UT Health San Antonio’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program was ranked second overall in Texas and named the “Best for Hybrid Learning” by Allnurses in a recent guide, recognized for its peer reviews, clinical support, and affordability. The BSN-to-DNP program can be completed in 36 months, with a 20-month post-graduate option available, and in-state tuition runs approximately $30,200, making it one of the most cost-effective DNP pathways in the state. The program’s hybrid model, combining online coursework with on-campus training, is designed for RNs who are already working bedside while pursuing advanced practice credentials.
3. University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington’s NP program offers concentrations in adult-gerontology, family, pediatric, neonatal, and psychiatric mental health, with each specialization requiring 41-46 credit hours and 720 clinical hours. The adult-gerontology acute care NP, family NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, acute care pediatric NP, and psychiatric mental health NP programs can be completed either on campus or online, providing flexibility for working nurses. In-state tuition is $1,318 per credit, and the program requires at least two years of clinical experience in the chosen specialty, with completion time ranging from 30-36 months.
4. University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
UTMB Galveston provides NP program options for adult-gerontology acute care, adult-gerontology primary care, family, and neonatal nurse practitioners. Programs comprise 46-49 credit hours, which can be completed within seven semesters on a part-time basis only. Students must visit campus for orientation and an additional 2-3 days per semester, and in-state tuition is $253 per credit, making it one of the most affordable options in the state. At least one year of clinical experience in the chosen specialty is required for admission.
5. Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University offers multiple NP tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (hybrid), Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, and Women’s Health NP. The MSN programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework and a current, unencumbered US RN license. The Family NP program is offered in a hybrid format, while the Adult/Gerontology Primary Care program is currently limited to Texas residents with clinical experiences required within the state.
6. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M launched its Doctor of Nursing Practice program for Fall 2026, marking the first DNP program in the Texas Panhandle region and addressing the critical need for advanced practice nurses in rural communities. The university also added a post-master’s Emergency Nurse Practitioner certificate for family nurse practitioners who want to expand their expertise in emergency and urgent care, only the second such program in the state. Both programs were made possible in part through a $5 million gift from the High Plains Christian Ministries Foundation and are designed to serve rural and underserved communities.
7. MSU Texas
MSU Texas offers a Family Nurse Practitioner program through its Wilson School of Nursing, designed for RNs who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and are committed to caring for the healthcare needs of families. The curriculum comprises 18 hours of nursing core, 24 hours of clinical, and 6 hours of thesis or evidence-based project courses, for a total of 48 credit hours. The program meets the requirements for advanced practice nursing established by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas, and graduates are eligible for national certification examinations.
8. The University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin offers NP programs through its School of Nursing, preparing advanced practice nurses for leadership roles in primary and specialty care. The programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offer flexible formats designed for working professionals. UT Austin’s School of Nursing is recognized for its research excellence and strong clinical partnerships.
9. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M offers NP programs through its College of Nursing, providing advanced practice education for RNs seeking to become family nurse practitioners and other specialty roles. The programs combine online coursework with clinical experiences at sites across Texas, and the College of Nursing is known for its commitment to serving rural and underserved communities.
10. University of Houston
The University of Houston offers NP programs through its College of Nursing, providing advanced practice education with a focus on primary care and health promotion. The programs are designed for working RNs and offer flexible scheduling options. UH’s location in the Texas Medical Center provides exceptional clinical opportunities.
11. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC offers NP programs through its School of Nursing, with a focus on serving West Texas and rural communities. The programs offer flexible online and hybrid formats, and the school is committed to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations in the region.
12. Texas State University
Texas State offers NP programs through its School of Nursing, providing advanced practice education for RNs seeking careers as family nurse practitioners. The programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and offer flexible scheduling options.
13. University of Texas at Tyler
UT Tyler offers NP programs through its School of Nursing, providing advanced practice education with a focus on primary care and health promotion. The programs are designed for working RNs and offer online and hybrid format options.
14. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV offers NP programs through its School of Nursing, serving the Rio Grande Valley region with a focus on addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. The programs offer flexible scheduling and clinical experiences in the region.
15. Texas Christian University
TCU offers NP programs through its School of Nursing, providing advanced practice education in a private university setting. The programs are known for their strong clinical partnerships and focus on leadership development.
Comparison Table
| No | School Name | Key NP Programs | Format | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston | FNP (BSN-DNP), AGACNP, ENP | Hybrid | #1 FNP in TX, #12 nationally, 96% pass rate |
| 2 | UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing | PMHNP (BSN-DNP) | Hybrid | Best Hybrid Learning, ~$30,200 tuition, 36 months |
| 3 | UT Arlington | AGACNP, FNP, Pediatric, Neonatal, PMHNP | Online/On-Campus | 30-36 months, $1,318/credit in-state |
| 4 | UTMB Galveston | AGACNP, AGPCNP, FNP, Neonatal | Hybrid/Part-Time | $253/credit in-state, 7 semesters |
| 5 | Texas Woman’s University | FNP, AGNP, PNP, PMHNP, WHNP | Hybrid/Online | Multiple tracks, Texas resident requirements |
| 6 | West Texas A&M University | DNP, ENP Certificate | Hybrid | New DNP program, Panhandle region focus |
| 7 | MSU Texas | FNP | Campus | 48 credit hours, Board of Nurse Examiners approved |
| 8 | UT Austin | Multiple NP Programs | Flexible | Research excellence, CCNE accredited |
| 9 | Texas A&M University | FNP and Other Tracks | Flexible | Rural health focus, CCNE accredited |
| 10 | University of Houston | Multiple NP Programs | Flexible | Texas Medical Center access |
| 11 | TTUHSC | Multiple NP Programs | Online/Hybrid | West Texas focus, rural health |
| 12 | Texas State University | FNP | Flexible | CCNE accredited |
| 13 | UT Tyler | Multiple NP Programs | Online/Hybrid | East Texas focus |
| 14 | UTRGV | Multiple NP Programs | Flexible | Rio Grande Valley focus, underserved communities |
| 15 | Texas Christian University | Multiple NP Programs | Flexible | Private university, leadership focus |
Success Tips for Choosing an NP Program
Start by determining which NP specialty aligns with your career goals, as Texas schools offer a wide range of options including Family NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, and Emergency NP. For the highest-ranked FNP program, UTHealth Houston’s Cizik School of Nursing is the only program in Texas included in the U.S. News & World Report FNP specialty rankings.
Consider the program format and your current work schedule; many Texas NP programs offer online or hybrid formats designed for working nurses, including UT Health San Antonio’s hybrid PMHNP program and UTHealth Houston’s flexible DNP tracks.
Evaluate the cost and financial aid options; UTMB Galveston offers some of the lowest tuition at $253 per credit, while UT Health San Antonio’s DNP program costs approximately $30,200 total.
Check each program’s clinical hour requirements and certification exam pass rates; UTHealth Houston’s FNP program reports a 96% first-time pass rate.
For rural-focused careers, consider West Texas A&M’s new DNP program, which was created specifically to address healthcare needs in the Panhandle region.
Closing
Texas offers a world-class and highly competitive selection of NP programs, anchored by the top-ranked Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, whose FNP program holds the #1 spot in Texas and #12 nationally . The state’s schools provide a wide range of specialties, from family and psychiatric-mental health to emergency and adult-gerontology acute care, with flexible hybrid and online formats designed for working nurses.
With exceptional career opportunities, strong earning potential, and a growing demand for advanced practice nurses, Texas NP programs offer a pathway to a rewarding and impactful career in healthcare. Note that all information, including rankings, tuition, and program details, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.