Discover Top-rated MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs near Fort Worth, Texas

Last Updated/Verified: Jul 19, 2025

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An acute care nurse practitioner works with an older patient.

Fort Worth, Texas, a city where modern medicine meets southern heritage, has emerged as a regional leader in advanced nursing education. As the healthcare sector experiences a nationwide surge in demand for acute care nurse practitioners (ACNPs), the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is answering the call. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner employment is expected to grow by 45% between 2022 and 2032, outpacing nearly every other occupation in the country. This trend is especially relevant in Texas, where hospitals are expanding critical care services to meet the needs of a growing and aging population.

This surge in demand has made Fort Worth an appealing destination for registered nurses aiming to transition into acute care leadership roles. Top-rated Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs with an acute care focus in this region are designed to develop critical thinking, diagnostic expertise, and hands-on clinical skills needed in today’s high-acuity environments. With strong institutional support, a rich network of clinical sites, and respected academic partners, Fort Worth is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of acute care nurse practitioners.

2025 Top-rated MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs near Fort Worth, Texas

Looking for the best MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner programs near Fort Worth, Texas in 2025? You're in the right place. At nursepractitioneronline.com, we've done the homework to bring you a list of top-rated programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your nursing career or aiming to advance, our rankings highlight the programs that can help you reach your goals. We focus on what matters to you, from hands-on training to flexible schedules. Ready to find your perfect match? Check out our picks and start planning your future today. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX - Public 4-Year - uta.edu

Master's - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Texas at Arlington offers a distinguished online Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP) program, designed for healthcare professionals aiming to specialize in acute care for adults and the elderly. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that addresses the management of acute and chronic conditions, focusing on health restoration and the care of technologically dependent patients. With options for both online and classroom study, it prepares graduates for national certification and recognition by the Texas Board of Nursing. Notably, this program is military-friendly, offering flexibility for service members. Entrance exams are required, details of which can be obtained from the admissions office.

Online and classroom study options
Prepares for national certification
Advanced practice nursing focus
Manages complex patient health needs
Recognized by Texas Board of Nursing

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), tailored for nurses aiming to excel in high-stakes medical settings. This program demands applicants to have at least one year of acute care experience, an unencumbered RN license, and a BSN from an accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Unique to Texas residents, it combines remote coursework with clinical placements within the state, emphasizing advanced care techniques for critically ill adult and elderly patients. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for qualified nurses ready to advance their expertise in acute care.

Texas residents only
One year acute care experience required
Remote learning with Texas clinicals
Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Unencumbered RN license needed

*Information from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 dataset.

Why Fort Worth Is a Strategic Choice for ACNP Education

The Fort Worth area is home to several major healthcare employers, including Texas Health Resources, Cook Children's Health Care System, and Medical City Fort Worth. These facilities not only serve diverse patient populations but also provide clinical placement opportunities that are essential for MSN students specializing in acute care.

Fort Worth also benefits from its proximity to Dallas, giving students access to one of the largest medical hubs in the country. This dual-city advantage means more hospital systems, more preceptors, and more diverse clinical experiences—all of which are crucial for building competence in acute care practice.

What to Expect from an MSN ACNP Program

An MSN Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares experienced registered nurses for advanced practice roles in high-intensity healthcare settings. These programs combine rigorous coursework with immersive clinical training to equip students with the skills necessary to manage complex and rapidly changing patient conditions.

Key components of MSN ACNP programs include:

Core Nursing Courses: Topics such as advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment form the foundation.
Specialty Coursework: Acute care-focused content includes diagnostic reasoning, critical care procedures, and disease management across the adult and geriatric lifespan.
Clinical Rotations: Fort Worth's healthcare network enables rich hands-on experiences in trauma centers, ICUs, and surgical recovery units.
Evidence-Based Practice: Emphasis on using the latest research and clinical guidelines to deliver high-quality patient care.

Most programs are designed for working RNs and offer flexible scheduling formats such as hybrid or part-time study options.

Local Career Outlook for Acute Care NPs

Acute care nurse practitioners in Fort Worth are well-positioned for long-term career success. With the expansion of specialty care services and an aging population, acute care roles are becoming more essential across a variety of clinical settings.

Opportunities for ACNPs in Fort Worth include a wide range of dynamic roles that demand clinical expertise and strong decision-making in high-stakes environments. With multiple Magnet-designated hospitals and specialty centers in the metroplex, acute care nurse practitioners can choose from positions that match their interests and strengths. The area’s healthcare systems continue to expand their service lines, offering new avenues for practice in both hospital and specialty clinic settings.

Emergency medicine: ACNPs play vital roles in trauma response and rapid diagnostics within emergency departments, often collaborating closely with physicians during critical interventions.
Cardiovascular intensive care: Fort Worth has several cardiac specialty centers where ACNPs manage patients with heart failure, post-surgical recovery from bypass procedures, and complex arrhythmias.
Oncology inpatient units: With institutions like Texas Oncology and Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, nurse practitioners manage chemotherapy protocols, symptom control, and palliative care.
Post-operative recovery: ACNPs are instrumental in monitoring post-surgical patients, managing pain control regimens, and preventing complications during early recovery phases.
Pulmonary and critical care units: Managing ventilated patients and conducting invasive procedures such as central line placement or arterial line monitoring are often within the scope of ACNPs.
Hospitalist co-management teams: Some acute care nurse practitioners work within hospitalist groups to manage high-acuity patients, contribute to discharge planning, and coordinate specialty referrals.

These roles highlight the importance of acute care nurse practitioners in improving outcomes and supporting continuity of care in Fort Worth’s evolving healthcare landscape.

The following table offers a snapshot of local compensation and employment projections:

Category	Details
Projected NP Job Growth (2022-2032)	45% (National)
Average Salary (DFW Area)	$110,000 to $135,000 annually
High-Demand Practice Areas	Trauma, Cardiology, Oncology, Surgery

Healthcare systems such as Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital, and John Peter Smith Hospital frequently recruit acute care NPs to address staffing shortages and expand specialized services.

Admissions Requirements and Considerations

Admission into an MSN ACNP program is a competitive process, especially in a healthcare-rich city like Fort Worth. Programs typically look for candidates with strong academic backgrounds, clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to acute care nursing.

Typical requirements include:

BSN from an accredited institution
Unencumbered RN license in Texas
Minimum GPA (typically 3.0 or higher)
Clinical experience in acute or critical care settings
Letters of recommendation and a personal statement

Additional criteria may include GRE scores, an admissions interview, or a writing sample. Nurses are encouraged to apply early and be mindful of application deadlines, particularly for institutions with limited clinical placements.

Preparing for Licensure and Certification

Graduates of MSN ACNP programs are eligible to pursue national certification and Texas licensure, enabling full practice within acute care settings. Certification verifies readiness to practice and is a prerequisite for APRN credentialing in the state.

Recognized certification options include:

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC): Administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Adult/Gerontology (ACNP-AG): Offered through the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)

Following certification, applicants must submit documentation to the Texas Board of Nursing for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licensure. Texas regulations continue to evolve, with growing support for expanded scope-of-practice privileges in certain care environments.

Take the Next Step in Fort Worth

The path to becoming an acute care nurse practitioner is rigorous, but Fort Worth offers a solid foundation for success. From its respected MSN programs to its nationally ranked hospitals, the region fosters a learning environment that blends academic excellence with practical, hands-on training.

Nurses who choose Fort Worth gain access to dynamic healthcare ecosystems, mentorship opportunities, and a professional community committed to advanced practice growth. For those ready to meet the challenges of high-acuity care and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives, the next step begins with choosing the right MSN ACNP program in Fort Worth.

Learn more about nurse practitioner programs in Texas.

Lou Lynch