[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link] in Texas can be a strong career move for registered nurses (RNs) looking to increase their professional responsibilities — and their salaries. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS), Texas ranks second among all states for employing the most NPs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read more to learn about the best nurse practitioner programs in Texas, including application procedures, ways to pay for your degree, and careers you can pursue after graduation.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas: At a Glance[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program/Specializations[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Format[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Program Tuition[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]The University of Texas at Austin[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]Family nurse practitioner, primary pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 92% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]In-state: $1,418 per credit; Out-of-state: $2,035 per credit[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]Family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 97% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]In-state: $724 per credit; Out-of-state: $1,132 per credit [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]Texas A&M University – College Station[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]Family nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 33% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]In-state: $8,026 per semester; Out-of-state: $17,558 per semester[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]Texas A&M International University[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]Family nurse practitioner, with primary care subspecializations[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 57% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]In-state: $3,686 per semester; Out-of-state: $9,572 per semester [/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”School”]University of Houston[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program/Specializations”]Family nurse practitioner, with potential emphases on informatics, population health, biostatistics, and education[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Format”]Campus and online, 96% online enrollment[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Program Tuition”]In-state: $619 per credit; Out-of-state: $1,127 per credit[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online NP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Using Our Rankings: What to Look for in a Texas Nurse Practitioner Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Focusing on specific metrics can help narrow your options for an NP program in Texas. Find out if the program holds accreditation, typical completion timelines, and board certification pass rates for graduates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additional considerations include minimum GPA and test score requirements, available specialization areas, and clinical rotation formats.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Texas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Applying to an NP program in Texas generally covers the same process as NP programs in other states. ([hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/np-practice-authority-by-state/”]NP practice authority[/hen-ui-link] can vary by state, however. Texas is one of 11 states with restricted practice authority, meaning NPs must work under the supervision of a physician.)[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Collect all information and materials before applying to avoid missing deadlines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]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.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Minimum GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]3.0[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Each applicant must hold a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] or plan to pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] in an [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-masters-in-nursing-without-bsn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN program[/hen-ui-link]. They must also possess an active RN license. Many schools require a background check and professional experience.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are three accrediting bodies for NP programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CCNE, ACEN, and NLN CNEA validation means that programs meet strict nursing education standards. Without confirming the program’s quality, the accrediting bodies will not provide an institution with accreditation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The accreditation process can take years, and schools applying for accreditation remain unaccredited until approved. For example, some nursing schools in Texas are currently [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation/find-programs-seeking-accreditation” target=”_blank”]seeking CCNE accreditation[/hen-ui-link] and have up to two years to complete the application process. During this time, these schools are still considered unaccredited by CCNE.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools generally include [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/what-is-accreditation/”]accreditation information[/hen-ui-link] on their websites. You can also contact the accrediting body for details on a program’s accreditation status.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While paying for an NP 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. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]Scholarships are also available[/hen-ui-link] for specific schools, community affiliations, and specialty areas.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your need for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/financial-aid/paying-for-your-nursing-degree/”]financial assistance[/hen-ui-link] 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 [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa” target=”_blank”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)[/hen-ui-link] form allows you to apply for federal grants and loans to attend college. Graduate students are welcome to apply.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with a Degree from a Texas Nurse Practitioner Program?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Texas [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/”]NP programs[/hen-ui-link] can confer an MSN or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degrees. An MSN is currently the minimum degree required to become an NP. However, in 2018 and 2023, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/dnp/04_12_23_reaffirming_the_dnp.pdf” target=”_blank”]National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates apply for board certification in their specialties, where they must sit for and pass a national certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The table below shows the average salaries for NPs employed in these specific settings per [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/” target=”_blank”]BLS data[/hen-ui-link] from May 2024.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest Paying NP Work Settings[/hen-ui-table-caption][hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Setting[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Hourly Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Setting”]Mental Health Residential Care[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Salary”]$78[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$163,000[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Setting”]Research[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Salary”]$75[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$155,150[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Setting”]Mental Health Acute Care[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Salary”]$70[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$144,860[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Setting”]Ambulatory Care[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Salary”]$69[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$144,240[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Setting”]Outpatient Care[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Hourly Salary”]$69[/hen-ui-table-cell][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Annual Salary”]$143,600[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Texas?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can NPs practice independently in Texas?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurse practitioners in Texas do not have full practice authority. While they may perform many of their job functions with a high level of independence, they must work in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much do NPs make in Texas?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average annual NP salary in Texas was $130,930 as of May 2024. The lowest 10% of earners reported an average wage of $97,960 annually, while the highest 10% earned an average of $169,950.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Texas a good state for nurse practitioners?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although NPs in Texas have restricted practice authority, they are highly employed and well compensated. Texas ranks second among all states for NP employment and is among the top third for NP salaries.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]