The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas

Becoming 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.

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 generally covers the same process as NP programs in other states. Collect all information and materials before applying to avoid missing deadlines.

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.

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.

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.

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.