Online NP Programs in Texas: Compare 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.
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Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in Texas
Earning your degree through an online nurse practitioner school in Texas can help you meet state requirements and connect with professional resources before you graduate. The outlook for NPs in Texas looks promising – the state has the third-highest employment level for NPs in the U.S.
Online NP programs in Texas fall into three main categories: master’s degrees, post-master’s certificates, and doctoral degrees. Online coursework makes it convenient to balance the next level of your education with your current job. As with most nursing programs, you’ll still need to perform clinical hours in person to gain hands-on experience. Some schools offer limited on-campus intensives throughout a program with online classroom learning on your schedule.
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: the RN-to-MSN is for students who already have an RN license and an associate degree (ADN), the standard MSN (sometimes called a BSN-to-MSN) that requires applicants to possess a bachelor’s degree and an RN license; and the Direct-entry MSN for students who have a bachelor’s degree in a subject 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 can expand their knowledge in a specialized area after completion of an MSN degree. It is common for 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 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. Standard DNP programs, often referred to as an MSN-to-DNP, are for students who have already earned a master’s degree in nursing. BSN-to-DNP programs are 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
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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 including 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. You won’t have any trouble meeting the licensure requirements in other states included in the compact, which includes Texas-bordering states like Arkansas and New Mexico and highly populated states like Arizona and Virginia. This number of states is expected to grow, as there is pending legislation in several other states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Texas?
It depends on your current level of education. Nurse practitioners need a master’s or doctoral degree to qualify for licensing and certification; 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, like diagnosing and treating illness; ordering, performing, and interpreting diagnostic work; and prescribing medication. However, they must work under physician supervision and have at least 10% of their patient charts reviewed each month.
Licensing and Certification for Texas Nurse Practitioners
To become an NP in Texas, you’ll need to earn an ADN or BSN degree and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX-RN) exam. Next, you’ll need to complete an MSN or a DNP degree from an accredited school approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The board requires that nursing candidates complete their education in three main categories: 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.
You must apply for national certification within two years of finishing your degree program and required clinical hours. Depending on your specialty area, you will choose from five different certification boards to sit for their certification exam: The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB), The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AANC) Certification Corporation, The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB), or National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Finally, you’ll need to apply for 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.
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.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lubbock Christian University
- Lubbock Christian University's Nurse Practitioner program features a sequenced cohort model that fosters strong academic and professional support networks throughout the program.
- The program boasts a 100% first-time success rate on licensure and certification exams, reflecting its high-quality preparation and student achievement.
- Graduates gain eligibility to sit for both ANCC and AANP national board certification exams, enhancing their credentialing and career opportunities.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 42% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Prairie View A & M University
- Prairie View A&M University’s Nurse Practitioner program offers comprehensive clinical experiences in both urban and rural settings, enhancing practical readiness and diverse patient care exposure.
- The program includes specialized training in care for women, children, adults, and geriatric patients, providing broad expertise across age groups within primary care.
- Students gain marketable skills such as advanced critical thinking, strong communication, leadership in primary care, and procedural skills like suturing, supported by opportunities to engage in legislative and professional conferences.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Midwestern State University
- Midwestern State University’s Nurse Practitioner program offers 100% first-time certification exam pass rates in Family, Adult-Gerontology, and Psychiatric Mental Health specializations, demonstrating program excellence and graduate readiness.
- The program delivers its Family Nurse Practitioner courses primarily online with flexible local clinical placements supervised by approved preceptors, minimizing campus visits and accommodating working professionals.
- Candidates benefit from specialized post-graduate certificate options for master's-prepared nurses seeking to advance into Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner roles, enhancing career flexibility.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 46% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stephen F Austin State University
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers multiple scholarships specifically for nursing students, providing significant financial support throughout their studies.
- Eligible San Francisco State University employees can benefit from a fee waiver and tuition reduction program, reducing overall educational costs.
- The program connects students with strong clinical placement opportunities, supported by faculty with extensive nursing expertise and community healthcare partnerships.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University
- Texas Woman's University offers competitive tuition and multiple financial aid and scholarship options, enhancing affordability for Nurse Practitioner students.
- The program provides dedicated clinical placement support through clinical placement coordinators, assisting students in securing convenient and appropriate clinical sites near their homes.
- TWU's Nurse Practitioner program boasts a 97% FNP first-time certification pass rate, reflecting strong student success and program quality recognition.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 17/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- The UTRGV Nurse Practitioner program offers preceptor placement assistance to support students in fulfilling clinical requirements, enhancing practical training opportunities.
- The program emphasizes preparing students to effectively serve an international, multicultural, and multilingual society, promoting culturally competent care tailored to diverse populations.
- Students benefit from faculty-guided development of advanced critical thinking and inter-collaborative skills essential for leadership in complex healthcare environments.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 51% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Angelo State University
- Angelo State University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program features a high 94% certification exam pass rate, demonstrating strong graduate success and program quality.
- The program offers primarily asynchronous online coursework for flexibility, combined with only three required on-campus immersions during the course.
- All clinical practicum hours (600 total) are completed locally in Texas, ensuring students gain relevant hands-on experience within the state’s healthcare system.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 45% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas A&M University
- The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program at Texas A&M offers primarily asynchronous online coursework with flexible full- and part-time options, allowing students to balance work and study effectively.
- The program facilitates clinical practicums locally with preferred preceptors and provides support in clinical placement, enhancing convenience and practical experience alignment.
- Graduates are eligible to take nationally recognized certification exams (ANCC and AANP) and earn the prestigious Aggie Ring, adding professional value and affiliation benefits.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 83% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of the Incarnate Word
- The Nurse Practitioner program features a blended learning format with on-campus classes only one day during the first and third weeks each month, combined with flexible online coursework.
- Students benefit from close, sustained faculty interaction throughout their doctoral studies, fostering strong mentoring and personalized academic support.
- The program offers two distinct NP concentrations—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)—allowing specialization aligned with diverse career goals.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Texas State University
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers small class sizes and immersive virtual learning experiences that enhance student engagement through simulations and mentored learning.
- Students complete all clinical practicum hours one-on-one with preceptors in their community, ensuring personalized and practical clinical training aligned with course objectives.
- The program features flexible online coursework combined with required on-campus intensives twice per semester to augment learning and assess advanced competencies.
Program Details
- SACSCOC Accreditation
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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