Most important takeaways…
- Houston-area schools offer six NP specialties including FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP at both MSN and DNP levels.
- The Houston metro employed roughly 4,680 nurse practitioners with salaries above state and national averages.
- Texas requires physician collaboration agreements, shaping every step of the NP licensure process.
- Commuters from Galveston, College Station, and Beaumont can access programs within a one to two hour drive.
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical complex in the world, with more than 60 institutions employing tens of thousands of nurses and advanced practice providers. That scale creates both opportunity and competition: strong hiring demand, excellent clinical placement sites, and a wide variety of NP programs to choose from.
Nurse practitioner programs in the Houston metro area span all major specialties, including family (FNP), adult-gerontology primary care (AGNP), psychiatric-mental health (PMHNP), pediatric (PNP), women's health (WHNP), and acute care (AGACNP). Degree options range from entry MSN tracks to post-master's certificates to terminal online DNP programs in Texas, many offered fully online with local clinical placements.
Texas requires NP collaboration agreements with physicians, a licensing constraint that makes program location and clinical network strength particularly important. Tuition at Texas public universities varies widely by residency status, and the number of seats in some specialty tracks remains tight despite rising demand.
NP Programs in the Houston Metro Area
Houston-area nurses have access to a strong mix of NP programs, from schools embedded in the Texas Medical Center to statewide online options that let you complete clinicals close to home. The programs below span multiple degree levels, specialties, and delivery formats, so you can find a path that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals. Note that graduation rates listed are institution-wide figures and net price estimates reflect approximate sector averages after financial aid, so your actual cost may differ.
- Academic quality indicators
- Program breadth and specialties
- Clinical placement flexibility
- Regional relevance to Houston
- Tuition affordability
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Located inside the Texas Medical Center, UTHealth Houston's Cizik School of Nursing gives students direct access to one of the world's largest medical complexes for clinical training. The school offers MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-graduate completion pathways across FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP, and even a distinctive Emergency Nurse Practitioner track. A 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and Texas residency requirement mean small cohorts of locally committed nurses. In-state tuition starts at roughly $11,367 per year, and the median graduate debt of about $13,063 is among the lowest on this list.
- Hybrid format with Houston-area clinical placements
- Rolling admissions with spring and fall starts
- Requires BSN, 3.0 GPA, and one year clinical experience
- Texas RN license and state residency required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification exams
- Post-graduate FNP completion option also available
- 79 credit hours over approximately 10 semesters
- 1,140 clinical hours in Houston-region sites
- Hybrid delivery with on-campus components
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Scholarships and HRSA traineeships available
- High first-time certification pass rate reported
- Hybrid learning with Texas Medical Center rotations
- 10-semester average completion timeline
- Focuses on psychotherapeutic techniques and psychopharmacology
- 100% first-time pass rate reported for PMHNP certification
- Financial aid and traineeship funding available
- Flexible schedule designed for working nurses
- CCNE-accredited 79-credit-hour DNP program
- 10-semester hybrid curriculum
- Hands-on lab and simulation experiences
- Clinical rotations at Texas Medical Center facilities
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Enrollment coaches available for advising
- 33 to 39 credit hours with a 3-year completion window
- Hybrid format with interprofessional clinical experiences
- Covers psychopharmacotherapy and psychotherapeutic techniques
- Serves patients across the lifespan
- Designed for MSN-prepared nurses adding a specialty
- Clinical settings include community and inpatient options
- Hybrid post-graduate certificate for MSN holders
- 20 to 40 credit hours depending on equivalency review
- Advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology coursework
- Clinical hours up to 360 in local placements
- Prepares for AGPCNP advanced practice role
- Nondegree option for specialty expansion
- Unique Texas-based ENP specialty track
- 10 credit hours completed in 2 to 3 semesters
- Mostly online education with clinical components
- $10,000 student stipends available
- Two enrollment pathways offered
- Prepares NPs for emergency department practice
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate PMHNP Completion Certificate — Hybrid
Post-Graduate AGPCNP Completion Certificate — Hybrid
Emergency Nurse Practitioner Post-Graduate Program — Hybrid
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Just 50 miles southeast of downtown Houston, UTMB Galveston has been training primary care NPs since 1988 and explicitly supports clinical placements across the Houston-Galveston corridor. Its hybrid MSN tracks in FNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, and Neonatal NP require only two to three campus days per semester, making the program realistic for Houston commuters. UTMB also offers BSN-to-DNP pathways, including a dual FNP-AGACNP track that is the only one of its kind in Texas. In-state tuition runs approximately $12,759 per year, with a low median graduate debt near $13,396.
- CCNE-accredited 49-credit-hour, 7-semester program
- Hybrid format with 2 to 3 campus days per semester
- Clinical practicum in Houston or Galveston area
- Part-time schedule designed for working RNs
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Up to 12 transfer credits accepted
- 75 credit hours over 12 semesters part-time
- 1,020 clinical hours with faculty advisor support
- One campus visit per semester, rest online
- Small class sizes with interactive peer learning
- CCNE accredited and Texas BON approved
- Fall admission with capstone scholarly project
- Only dual FNP-AGACNP DNP track in Texas
- 87 credit hours over 13 semesters
- 1,380 clinical hours across primary and acute care
- Prepares for ANCC, AANP, and AACN certification
- ICU or acute care experience highly preferred
- Up to 12 transfer credit hours accepted
- CCNE-accredited 49-credit-hour hybrid program
- 7 semesters with fall-only admission
- Clinical placement support in Houston and Galveston
- Holistic family and community health focus
- Small class sizes with experienced faculty
- Leadership immersion opportunities included
- Hybrid format, 7 semesters part-time
- Requires one year of acute care RN experience
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Advanced pharmacology and geriatric syndromes coursework
- Clinical practicum in student's local area
- BLS and ACLS certification required
- Hybrid post-MSN certificate starting each spring
- 540 total clinical hours across three courses
- FNP-to-AGACNP and AGPC-to-AGACNP pathways available
- Requires current APRN authorization
- Advances acute care assessment and management skills
- Tuition information available through UTMB enrollment
- 7-semester hybrid part-time program
- Requires 2 or more years of RN experience
- Advanced clinical simulation labs on campus
- National NNP certification eligible upon completion
- Experienced faculty with neonatal expertise
- Clinical placement support provided
Family Nurse Practitioner MSN — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN-to-DNP Dual FNP and AGACNP — On-Campus
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP MSN — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN — Hybrid
Post-MSN AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
University of Houston
The University of Houston sits at the heart of the metro and draws its clinical experiences from the city's diverse health systems, community agencies, and primary care clinics. UH offers both an MSN FNP and a post-master's DNP FNP through its College of Nursing, with hybrid delivery that limits campus trips to its Sugar Land instructional site. In-state tuition is approximately $10,051 per year, and the institution-wide average net price after aid is around $14,276, making it one of the more affordable options in the city.
- Hybrid program building on BSN foundations
- Emphasizes evidence-based healthcare and leadership
- Clinical placements drawn from Houston-area health systems
- Focus on culturally responsive care for diverse populations
- Prepares graduates for advanced practice or educator roles
- Financial aid available for eligible students
- CCNE-accredited 8-semester post-master's DNP
- 585 additional clinical hours in the FNP track
- Minimum 1,000 total clinical hours required
- Two face-to-face days per term, rest online
- Capstone and portfolio required for completion
- Part-time schedule designed for working nurses
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M's College of Nursing offers a 48-credit hybrid MSN FNP and an online post-graduate PMHNP certificate. The FNP program is available to Texas residents and features mostly online coursework with limited campus visits to College Station, while 671 clinical hours can often be arranged in the Houston area. The institution-wide graduation rate is about 83.9%, and in-state tuition is approximately $11,748 per year.
- 48-credit hybrid program, 6 semesters full-time
- Synchronous and asynchronous coursework options
- 671 clinical hours completable in your local area
- Limited on-campus visits to College Station required
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification exams
- Texas residents only, 1,500 BSN practice hours needed
- 26-credit fully online program
- Requires active Texas RN license and graduate nursing degree
- Covers family psychiatric health across the lifespan
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Prepares for PMHNP national certification
- Fall start with priority January deadline
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Certificate Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
The University of Texas at Arlington
UT Arlington delivers one of the broadest NP program portfolios in Texas, spanning FNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, Pediatric NP (primary and acute care), and Neonatal NP across MSN, post-master's certificate, and RN-to-MSN tracks. Most programs are fully online with asynchronous 8-week courses and clinical placement assistance in the student's local community, including Houston. Total MSN FNP tuition is published at $30,084 with a locked per-credit rate of $654 and six start dates per year.
- 46 credit hours, completable in 32 to 36 months
- Fully online with no campus visits required
- $654 per credit with tuition guarantee
- 720 clinical hours with local placement assistance
- Six start dates per year in spring, summer, fall
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
- CCNE-accredited fully online accelerated pathway
- 81 total credit hours, $38,308 total tuition
- Multiple start dates annually
- Flexible clinical placement in diverse settings
- Prepares for FNP certification exams
- Designed for ADN-prepared RNs
- Fully online format with clinical preceptorships
- Covers mental health across children, adults, elderly
- Prepares for ANCC board certification
- Evidence-based medication management and psychotherapy
- Collaborative clinical placement support
- Financial aid resources available
- Online program with clinical placement assistance
- Focus on health promotion from adolescence to end of life
- Prepares for national AGPCNP certification exam
- Scholarships and financial aid available
- Study time recommendation of 5 hours per credit hour
- Academic advising for all MSN students
- Online delivery with full-time and part-time options
- Focus on complex illness and acute care management
- Prepares for national AGACNP certification
- Texas Board of Nursing recognized
- Flexible study schedules for working nurses
- Graduate nursing specialty curriculum
- 18 credit hours, fully online, $654 per credit
- Curriculum tailored through individual gap analysis
- Prepares for PPCNP-BC certification
- Clinical placement assistance available
- Multiple start dates with 8-week course terms
- CCNE accredited with locked tuition rate
- Fully online, as few as 5 courses
- $654 per credit with locked tuition
- Prepares for CPNP-AC certification
- Gap analysis determines required coursework
- Clinical placement assistance provided
- 8-week course structure with multiple starts
- Campus-based program at UT Arlington
- Prepares for national NNP certification
- Manages high-risk neonatal care in acute settings
- Evidence-based healthcare approach
- Advanced practice nursing focus
- Covers community and hospital-based settings
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
RN-to-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
MSN Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP — Online
MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP — Online
Post-Master's Pediatric Primary Care NP Certificate — Online
Post-Master's Pediatric Acute Care NP Certificate — Online
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers MSN and BSN-to-DNP tracks in FNP, PMHNP, and Pediatric NP (primary and acute care), plus post-graduate certificates in FNP, PMHNP, and AGACNP. Programs use hybrid and online formats with clinical hours completed in the student's home area, and the school's 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports close mentorship. In-state tuition is roughly $7,153 per year, one of the lowest among Texas public health science centers.
- 48-credit hybrid program with fall and spring admission
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification exams
- Serves rural and underserved area populations
- Requires BSN, 3.0 GPA, one year RN experience
- Financial aid, loans, and scholarships available
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- Hybrid online and on-campus doctoral pathway
- Meets AACN and NONPF standards
- Supervised clinical experiences in your area
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Faculty interview required for admission
- Summer start with one admission cycle per year
- 49 credit hours, 100% online coursework
- Clinical hours completed in student's home area
- Focus on rural health and telemental health training
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- Full-time or part-time options available
- CCNE accredited
- Hybrid professional doctorate program
- BSN-to-DNP direct pathway
- National PMHNP certification preparation
- BLS certification mandatory
- 3.0 GPA preferred for admission
- Three recommendation letters required
- 49 credit hours with hybrid delivery
- Requires two years pediatric RN experience
- PALS certification required for admission
- Holistic admission review process
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Fall and spring start options
- 51-credit hybrid program
- Two years pediatric or critical care experience needed
- Eligible for CPNP-AC certification exam
- PALS certification required
- Occasional campus visits to Lubbock
- CCNE accredited
- Hybrid format for MSN holders
- Prepares for ANCC and AANP certification
- One year RN experience required
- Transfer credit possible
- Clinical hours in student's community
- Tuition information available online
- 100% online coursework, up to 30 credit hours
- Clinical hours in home area
- Focus on rural health and telemental health
- Dual DNP option available
- Individualized study plans provided
- CCNE accredited program
- 36-credit hybrid post-graduate certificate
- Requires one year ICU or ER experience
- ACLS or PALS certification needed
- Prepares for acute care certification exams
- Occasional travel to Lubbock campus
- CCNE accredited
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
BSN-to-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
BSN-to-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
MSN Pediatric Primary Care NP — Hybrid
MSN Pediatric Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Graduate AGACNP Certificate — On-Campus
The University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin's School of Nursing offers an APRN DNP pathway with an Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track, preparing nurses to care for patients from birth through age 21 in complex and critical-care settings. The campus-based program features hands-on skills labs, simulation, and 750-plus clinical hours with assigned preceptors across Texas. Admission is competitive, with a 26.6% acceptance rate and an institution-wide graduation rate of 88.9%. In-state tuition is about $12,006, with out-of-state costs near $22,954.
- Campus-based DNP within the APRN program
- Focuses on pediatric acute, chronic, and critical care
- Includes skills labs and simulation experiences
- 750-plus preceptored clinical hours across Texas
- Prepares for PNCB certification eligibility
- Requires BSN and two years full-time RN experience
- Meets national curriculum guidelines and Texas BON standards
DNP Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
The University of Texas at El Paso
UTEP provides one of the widest NP specialty selections in the UT System, including MSN tracks in FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, Pediatric NP (primary and acute care), and Neonatal NP, along with six post-master's certificate concentrations. Programs use a hybrid format with a flexible seven-week course structure. In-state tuition is approximately $7,166 per year ($552 per credit hour at the graduate level), and the institution-wide net price is around $9,403.
- 49 credit hours over 7 semesters, hybrid format
- $552 per credit for Texas residents
- 775 clinical clock hours required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Seven-week course format for scheduling flexibility
- Fall and spring admission cycles
- 49 credit hours, hybrid with weekend face-to-face sessions
- 675 clinical clock hours across the lifespan
- Resident tuition $552 per credit hour
- Eligible for national PMHNP certification
- Curriculum aligned with AACN standards
- Two admission cycles per year
- Hybrid format, 49 credits over 7 semesters
- 720 clinical clock hours required
- Critical care RN experience required
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Campus visits up to three times per semester
- Follows APRN Consensus Model standards
- 49 credit hours with hybrid delivery
- 675 clinical hours with simulation lab experiences
- Prepares for PCNB certification
- Fall and spring starts available
- Seven-week course format
- May require travel for some clinical placements
- 49 credits with 765 clinical clock hours
- Two-year hybrid completion timeline
- Prepares for PACNP certification
- Focus on hospital, ICU, and ED settings
- $552 per credit for residents
- Fall and spring admission
- 77 total credit hours, campus-based
- 765 clinical training hours
- Advanced neonatal assessment training
- Evidence-based clinical curriculum
- Interprofessional healthcare skills emphasized
- Policy and advocacy training included
- Available in FNP, PNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, and more
- 28 to 40 credit hours depending on track
- 630 to 775 clinical practicum hours
- Accepts APRN and non-APRN applicants
- Hybrid or online format by concentration
- Designed for MSN-prepared nurses expanding scope
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
MSN Pediatric Primary Care NP — Hybrid
MSN Pediatric Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN — On-Campus
Post-Master's NP Certificates (6 concentrations) — On-Campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
UTRGV emphasizes multicultural and bilingual care for South Texas communities and offers an MSN FNP (campus-based), a post-master's FNP certificate, and a fully online PMHNP post-master's certificate. While the campus is in Edinburg, the online PMHNP option is accessible to Houston-area nurses statewide. In-state tuition is approximately $8,589 per year, and the institution-wide net price of about $4,831 is the lowest among schools on this list.
- Campus-based program in Edinburg, TX
- Emphasizes critical thinking for multicultural communities
- UTRGV Graduate Select Scholarship up to $1,000
- Prepares for advanced practice nursing roles
- Career opportunities across diverse healthcare settings
- Financial aid available
- 15 credit hours with three specialized courses
- 605 total clinical hours
- Requires MSN from CCNE-accredited program
- 3.0 GPA and active Texas RN license required
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Campus-based delivery
- 100% online with accelerated 1-year format
- Affordable tuition rates
- Preceptor placement assistance provided
- CCNE-accredited program
- Includes medication prescribing and psychotherapy training
- No application fee
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's FNP Certificate — On-Campus
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
Texas A & M International University
Texas A&M International University in Laredo offers an online MSN FNP and a post-master's PMHNP certificate, both oriented toward serving Texas border communities. The FNP program totals 48 credits at $367 per credit for in-state students ($17,616 total tuition) and reports a 100% first-time certification exam pass rate. Clinical hours are arranged in the student's local area, which can include Houston for nurses who reside there. The institution-wide net price of approximately $3,637 is remarkably low.
- 48 credits at $367 per credit, $17,616 total in-state tuition
- Online with two on-campus visits per course in Laredo
- 100% first-time certification exam pass rate reported
- ACEN accredited with fall and spring starts
- 405 clinical hours in student's local area
- Requires Texas RN license and one year inpatient experience
- Fully online delivery format
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- Requires Texas RN license and two years nursing experience
- FNP background is a prerequisite
- Fall and spring admission cycles
- Emphasis on psychiatric care for diverse populations
MSN Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate — On-Campus
How Much Do Houston NP Programs Cost?
Tuition at Texas public universities varies widely depending on whether you qualify for in-state rates, and the average net price after financial aid can be significantly lower than the sticker price. The table below compares annual tuition and net price figures for NP programs accessible to Houston-area nurses, sorted from lowest to highest net price. Keep in mind that total program costs will depend on credit hours, program length, and clinical fees.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Average Net Price | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M International University | Laredo, TX | $6,650 | $15,490 | $3,637 | $15,000 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX | $8,589 | $15,971 | $4,831 | $12,950 |
| University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria, TX | $8,315 | $15,535 | $8,109 | $18,973 |
| UT El Paso | El Paso, TX | $7,166 | $16,621 | $9,403 | $18,000 |
| Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, TX | $8,198 | $9,498 | $11,656 | $21,030 |
| East Texas A&M University | Commerce, TX | $7,338 | $14,718 | $11,841 | $20,500 |
| Texas Woman's University | Denton, TX | $8,520 | $15,900 | $11,963 | $19,218 |
| UT Tyler | Tyler, TX | $8,480 | $17,264 | $13,323 | $17,137 |
| Prairie View A&M University | Prairie View, TX | $7,993 | $17,378 | $13,570 | $27,000 |
| UT Arlington | Arlington, TX | $11,249 | $26,073 | $13,951 | $17,527 |
Related Articles
NP Specialties Available in the Houston Area
Houston-area nursing schools offer a broad range of nurse practitioner specialty tracks at both the MSN and DNP levels. The table below compares six common NP specialties by their patient focus, typical practice settings, and local program availability. For detailed track listings, visit each school's graduate nursing page or check the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) specialty fact sheets.
How to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Houston
Texas requires nurse practitioners to work under physician collaboration agreements, a detail that shapes every step of the licensure process. Here's the full pathway from RN to practicing NP in Houston.
Earn Your Graduate NP Degree
Start with an active Texas RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.1 Most Houston-area programs require at least one year of recent clinical RN experience, though some accept new graduates into entry-level MSN tracks. Plan on two to three years for a traditional MSN program, or three to four years if you choose a BSN-to-DNP pathway. All programs approved by the Texas Board of Nursing must include a minimum of 500 direct patient-care clinical hours, though most FNP and specialty tracks require 600 to 750 hours to meet national certification standards.1 Your clinical rotations will take place in Houston-area hospitals, clinics, and community health centers, and many programs help arrange preceptor placements.
Pass National Certification
Once you complete your program, you'll sit for a national board certification exam in your specialty.1 The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) both offer FNP exams. Specialty certifications for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs Texas, AGACNP, PNP, and WHNP tracks are administered by ANCC or the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Texas accepts certification from any nationally recognized body, and you must hold active certification before the Board of Nursing will issue your APRN license.
Apply for Texas APRN Licensure
Submit your completed application, official transcripts, proof of national certification, and verification of your Texas RN license to the Texas Board of Nursing.1 Processing typically takes four to six weeks if you submit all documents together. Texas does not grant full practice authority; it operates under a nurse practitioner practice authority by state model classified as restricted practice.2 You will need a written protocol or delegation agreement with a supervising physician before you can begin clinical practice, and the Board requires you to identify your collaborative physician during the application process or shortly after licensure.
Secure Prescriptive Authority
Prescriptive authority is a separate credential in Texas. You'll apply for it at the same time as your APRN license, and you must have a formal prescriptive delegation agreement with your supervising physician.1 Texas NPs may prescribe Schedule III, IV, and V controlled substances under that delegation.3 Schedule II medications (such as oxycodone and Adderall) are tightly restricted and generally allowed only in specific inpatient or specialty settings with explicit physician oversight.3 Gabapentin, which is not federally scheduled but is monitored in Texas, may be prescribed by NPs with standard prescriptive authority and a valid delegation agreement.3 There have been no changes to Texas practice authority laws as of 2026, so collaboration and delegation remain mandatory.2
Maintain Your License
Texas requires 20 continuing education hours per two-year renewal cycle, and you must maintain active national certification and an updated physician collaboration agreement throughout your career.1 Many Houston employers handle the collaboration paperwork as part of onboarding, but it remains your responsibility to ensure the agreement is current and on file with the Board of Nursing.
Salary and Job Outlook for NPs in Houston
Houston's large medical center ecosystem and sprawling network of clinics help keep NP compensation above state and national averages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Houston metro area employed roughly 4,680 nurse practitioners as of the most recent data, and median pay ran well above the Texas statewide figure of $117,890. The table below compares NP wages in Houston with other major Texas metros and with registered nurse earnings locally, so you can see the salary jump that an NP credential delivers.
| Role or Metro Area | Total Employment | 25th Percentile Wage | Median Annual Wage | 75th Percentile Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPs, Houston Metro | 4,680 | $118,610 | $133,140 | $143,760 |
| NPs, Dallas Fort Worth | 5,300 | $114,990 | $131,910 | $154,240 |
| NPs, Austin Metro | 2,570 | $119,670 | $132,530 | $156,000 |
| NPs, San Antonio Metro | 1,830 | $109,170 | $125,530 | $136,090 |
| NPs, Texas Statewide | 17,810 | $108,000 | $117,890 | $132,000 |
| Registered Nurses, Houston Metro | 65,300 | $79,640 | $97,810 | $105,970 |
Nearby Cities and Commuter-Friendly Options
The Texas Medical Center anchors NP education in the region with 63 member institutions, including 21 hospitals and 7 nursing programs, producing roughly 10 million patient encounters each year.12 For NP students, that scale translates into one of the deepest preceptor networks in the country, and it shapes which commuter pathways make sense.
Inner-Ring Suburbs
Sugar Land, Pearland, Katy, and The Woodlands sit within 30 to 45 minutes of the TMC. Students living in these suburbs typically enroll in Houston-based programs (UTHealth, Texas Woman's University Houston, Prairie View A&M, University of St. Thomas) and complete clinicals at TMC member hospitals or local outpatient sites. Online and hybrid formats from these schools make the commute manageable for working RNs. If you are comparing options statewide, our overview of nurse practitioner programs in Texas covers additional schools worth considering.
Regional Options Within Two Hours
- Galveston (UTMB): The University of Texas Medical Branch offers MSN and DNP tracks across FNP, AGNP (primary and acute), PMHNP, and neonatal NP, with a long-standing reputation in acute care and rural health.
- College Station (Texas A&M): Texas A&M's College of Nursing offers FNP and PMHNP pathways, drawing students from Brazos Valley and northwest Houston.
- Beaumont (Lamar University): Lamar runs an online MSN-FNP that serves students across Southeast Texas, including Houston commuters who prefer fully distance-based coursework.
Clinical placement remains the practical advantage of staying near Houston: the density of TMC affiliates means preceptors in nearly every specialty are within driving range. Students pursuing online FNP programs in Texas or online AGNP programs in Texas can leverage these regional clinical sites while completing most didactic coursework from home.
All Houston-Area NP Programs to Explore
Beyond the top-ranked NP programs, Houston-area nurses have many other strong options across Texas. This directory lists additional schools offering MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificates in various NP specialties.
Greater Houston
University of St Thomas Houston, TX · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Houston Christian University Houston, TX · Hybrid
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
DFW Metroplex
Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX · Online
- Post-Graduate APRN Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Baccalaureate DNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Texas Woman's University Denton, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Certificate: Nurse Practitioner (Women's Health)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science in Nursing (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-master's Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Austin Area
Texas State University San Marcos, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-Master's Certificate)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (M.S.N.)
San Antonio Area
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio San Antonio, TX · On-Campus
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Graduate Certificate (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
East Texas
The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler, TX · Hybrid
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Certificate
- MSN Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
Central Texas
Baylor University Waco, TX · Online
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care, Acute Care)
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP Track), BSN to DNP Degree
- BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
South Texas
University of Houston-Victoria Victoria, TX · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing family nurse practitioner track
West Texas
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso El Paso, TX · Hybrid
- Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Graduate Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- MSN Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
- BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Angelo State University San Angelo, TX · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Texas Panhandle
West Texas A & M University Canyon, TX · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner MSN Degree
- Post Masters Family Nurse Practitioner Certification
- Post-Master's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
North Texas
Midwestern State University Wichita Falls, TX · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Hill Country
Schreiner University Kerrville, TX · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner
