Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas: Comparing Top Schools
Thinking of becoming a nurse practitioner in Texas? Take a look top online nurse practitioner programs in the state, learn more about educational and licensure requirements, and review salary projections for this nursing career. Also, get the inside scoop and compare some of the best online NP programs in Texas today.
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NursingNursing Ed.Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in Texas
Graduating from an online nurse practitioner (NP) program in Texas can help you satisfy state licensure requirements while building valuable professional connections before you graduate. With Texas ranking among the top states in the nation for NP employment, the career outlook remains strong for advanced practice nurses across a range of specialties.
Online nurse practitioner programs in Texas generally fall into three primary categories:
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Designed for BSN-prepared RNs seeking initial NP licensure.
- Post-Master’s Certificate – For nurses who already hold a graduate degree and want to add a new NP specialty.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – A terminal practice degree focused on leadership, advanced clinical expertise, and systems-level impact.
While online coursework allows you to balance your education with your current job, all accredited NP programs require in-person clinical hours to build hands-on skills. Some schools also include brief on-campus intensives or lab experiences, paired with flexible online classes you can complete on your schedule.
Keep reading to explore Texas online NP degree options, common admissions requirements, and key details about state licensure and certification.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
MSN programs prepare nurses for advanced nursing roles in practice, research, education, and leadership. Three types of MSN degrees are available in Texas:
- RN-to-MSN programs (a type of bridge program)—for students who already have an RN license and an associate degree (ADN)
- Standard or traditional MSN programs (sometimes called BSN-to-MSN)—for students who possess a bachelor’s degree and an RN license
- Direct-entry MSN programs—for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Duration: 32-36 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $30,084
Post-Master’s Certificate
With post-master’s certificates online, students who have already earned an MSN or higher can expand their knowledge in a specialized area.
It is common for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to gain some work experience after their master’s degree and then realize they enjoy working with a specific patient population.
Post-master’s certificates help develop the skills needed to work in a particular niche area without having to commit the time to another graduate degree program.
Texas A&M International University
- Duration: 12 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $9,542
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees prepare students for roles in healthcare leadership and advanced clinical practice. Two DNP programs are available to RNs:
- Standard or traditional DNP programs (often referred to as an MSN-to-DNP)—for students who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing.
- BSN-to-DNP programs—for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing; students complete the coursework and training typically offered by a master’s program while completing other requirements for earning the DNP credential
Texas Woman’s University
- Duration: Four years
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $323-$733/credit
Expert Insight
If you already have an idea what you want to do, you can bypass certain degrees through bridge programs. For example, if you currently have a BSN, but you know you want to one day lead in health policy, you can bypass an MSN program and enroll in a BSN to DNP program instead. A doctoral degree is the highest nursing degree you can earn, which will expand your career opportunities in health policy.
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FAQs About Online NP Programs in Texas
Can I earn my nurse practitioner degree in Texas completely online?
For the most part, yes. There are MSN and DNP programs in Texas with academic and some specialized training online, but it’s also important to apply classroom knowledge to real-world practice during clinical hours.
Nurse practitioner degrees are no different. You will need to complete your program’s clinical hours and other hands-on learning requirements in person at an approved facility.
I reside and hold my RN license in a different state, but I want to work in Texas after I graduate. Am I still eligible to enroll in an online NP program in Texas?
Yes, you can still apply to an online NP program in Texas even if you hold an out-of-state RN license.
You will need to meet Texas licensure requirements before you can officially work in the state as an NP. This includes applying for Texas RN licensure using the nurse endorsement application. The endorsement is only for RNs who haven’t previously held Texas licensure.
I plan to work in a different state after graduating. Will my online Texas NP degree meet licensing requirements there?
It depends on the state. Your Texas NP degree and licensure is valid in about 25 other states through the Nurse Licensure Compact. Some states included in the compact include Texas-bordering states like Arkansas and New Mexico and highly populated states like Arizona and Virginia.
The number of states is expected to grow, as there is pending legislation in several other states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
Expert Insight
Fortunately, Texas is one of many states that allow their licensed nurses to practice in certain other states without being required to earn a whole new license in that other state. Applying for a compact nursing license is great for RNs who want to become travel nurses as you can move between states seamlessly. Keep in mind though that you may need to complete continuing education requirements specific to each state before traveling.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Texas?
It depends on your current level of education and degree goal. Nurse practitioners need a master’s or doctoral degree to qualify for licensing and certification and these programs typically take three to four years, provided you already have a BSN.
If you have an ADN, add an additional one to two years to earn a BSN before getting an advanced degree. If you’re a recent high school graduate who dreams of becoming an NP, then count on eight to 10 years of schooling.
What can NPs do in Texas?
In Texas, NPs have the authority to perform many high-level medical functions under the supervision of a physician, including:
- Diagnosing and treating illness
- Ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic work
- Prescribing medication
Licensing and Certification for Texas Nurse Practitioners
To become an NP in Texas, you’ll need to earn a graduate nursing degree first, then apply for licensure and certification. The process is fairly straightforward as long as you are prepared and meet every deadline. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Steps to become an NP in Texas:
- Earn an ADN or BSN degree at an accredited institution.
- Take and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) exam to obtain RN licensure.
- Enroll in and complete an MSN or a DNP program at an accredited school approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Take and pass the certification exam specific to your specialty within two years of completing your degree; exams are offered by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
- Apply for NP licensure in Texas, pay the $100 fee for the standard NP license ($150 for those who will be writing prescriptions), and meet a list of eligibility requirements.
Something to keep in mind when enrolling in a graduate program: The Texas Board of Nursing requires that candidates complete coursework in pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, and physical evaluation/assessment. You’ll also be required to complete 500 supervised clinical hours of direct patient care or client management in a healthcare setting.
Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Texas
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Texas | $96,140 | $129,880 | $165,530 |
| Abilene, TX | $92,630 | $125,420 | $157,980 |
| Amarillo, TX | $98,100 | $112,310 | $156,920 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $108,790 | $132,530 | $165,730 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $103,780 | $132,230 | $166,790 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $76,030 | $118,850 | $165,030 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $102,880 | $124,860 | $156,530 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $97,740 | $127,600 | $163,590 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $76,820 | $131,910 | $166,400 |
| El Paso, TX | $98,530 | $126,120 | $168,740 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $93,750 | $133,140 | $165,260 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $104,640 | $133,390 | $157,830 |
| Laredo, TX | $92,870 | $109,220 | $172,500 |
| Longview, TX | $97,650 | $125,760 | $161,010 |
| Lubbock, TX | $97,660 | $119,990 | $144,030 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $96,560 | $114,080 | $156,900 |
| Midland, TX | $108,300 | $125,940 | $171,420 |
| Odessa, TX | $107,080 | $123,790 | $169,870 |
| San Angelo, TX | $98,020 | $125,320 | $157,050 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $99,800 | $125,530 | $163,530 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $105,150 | $127,100 | $200,720 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $95,770 | $126,000 | $161,650 |
| Tyler, TX | $100,260 | $128,980 | $159,230 |
| Victoria, TX | $102,690 | $136,550 | $176,800 |
| Waco, TX | $100,070 | $123,970 | $161,040 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $98,120 | $125,490 | $181,520 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Texas | 19,060 | 30,490 | 11,430 | 60.00% | 2,240 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas
Knowing which schools rank as the best of the best helps you choose the right one for you. We’ve ranked schools offering online NP programs in Texas based on availability of online programs, percentage of students in online education, tuition costs, and more. If you’d like to read more about our full ranking methodology, you can see our full criteria in the “About the Rankings” section.
