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 is one of the strongest markets in Texas for nurse practitioner education, with programs based in the city and within easy commuting distance. The options below span MSN, DNP, and post-graduate pathways, so nurses can match a school to their specialty goals and schedule.
Details
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
University of Houston
University of Houston anchors NP education inside the city, with family nurse practitioner tracks at both the MSN and DNP levels. The hybrid format pairs online coursework with limited on-campus days at Sugar Land or Katy, and clinical experiences draw on Houston-area health systems and community clinics. It is a practical choice for working RNs across the metro who want to stay close to home.
- Hybrid format building on a BSN degree
- Family nurse practitioner track for care across the lifespan
- Evidence-based practice and leadership focus
- Clinical experiences in Houston-area health systems
- CCNE accredited, 8-semester post-master's program
- Part-time schedule designed for working nurses
- Two face-to-face days per term
- 585 additional clinical hours in FNP track
- Minimum 1,000 clinical hours total
- DNP project and portfolio capstone
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Cizik School of Nursing sits inside the Texas Medical Center, giving students direct access to one of the world's largest clinical complexes. It offers MSN, BSN-to-DNP, and post-graduate pathways spanning family, psychiatric-mental health, adult-gerontology acute care, and emergency specialties. Programs are built around Texas APRN licensure and Houston-based clinical sites.
- Hybrid format with rolling admissions
- Spring and fall start terms
- Requires BSN, 3.0 GPA, and one year clinical experience
- Texas residency and Texas RN license required
- Basic statistics prerequisite
- Prepares for FNP certification
- 33-39 credit hour completion program
- Hybrid format for nurses adding a specialty
- Primary care focus across the lifespan
- Optional emergency department concentration
- 33-39 credit hour hybrid certificate
- Emphasis on psychotherapy and psychopharmacology
- Covers individuals, groups, and families
- Interprofessional clinical experiences
- 20-40 credit hour hybrid program
- Up to 360 clinical hours
- Admissions currently on hold
- Non-degree completion pathway
- CCNE accredited, 79-credit BSN-to-DNP
- 10 semesters full-time or part-time
- 1,140 clinical hours
- 96% licensure pass rate reported
- Spring and fall starts
- Clinical sites in the Texas Medical Center
- 79-credit, 10-semester BSN-to-DNP
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Simulation lab and Texas Medical Center clinicals
- 79-credit, 10-semester BSN-to-DNP
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- Training in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology
- HRSA traineeship opportunities for underserved areas
- 10 credit hours, mostly online
- Complete in 2-3 semesters
- Student stipends up to $10,000 available
- Prepares for emergency department practice
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate: Emergency Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
UTMB has prepared family nurse practitioners for the Houston-Galveston coast since 1988. Its graduate programs run part-time and hybrid, with just a few campus days per semester, and clinical placement support spans the Houston and Galveston region. The school also offers Texas's first dual FNP-AGACNP DNP track.
- CCNE accredited, 49 credit hours over 7 semesters
- Part-time hybrid with 2-3 campus days per semester
- Requires BSN, 3.0 GPA, and one year RN experience
- Clinical placement support in Houston and Galveston
- Fall admission only
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- 49 credit hour hybrid MSN
- 7 semesters part-time
- Small class sizes
- Clinical practicum in your geographic location
- 49 credit hour, 7-semester hybrid MSN
- Requires one year acute care experience
- Prepares for ANCC or AACN certification
- Includes geriatric syndromes and complex critical care courses
- 7-semester part-time program
- Requires 2+ years RN experience
- Prepares for national certification
- Advanced simulation labs included
- 540 clinical hours across three courses
- FNP to AGACNP or AGPCNP to AGACNP pathways
- Spring start; hybrid delivery
- CCNE accredited, 75 credit BSN-to-DNP
- 12-semester part-time plan
- 1,020 clinical hours
- One campus visit per semester
- Small class sizes and faculty advisors
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Campus visit once per semester
- Small online classes
- Part-time pacing for working nurses
- Prepares for AACN or ANCC certification
- 87 credits over 13 semesters
- First dual FNP-AGACNP track in Texas
- 1,380 clinical hours
- ICU or acute care experience highly preferred
- Prepares for ANCC, AANP, and AACN certification
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Master's Certificate: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice: Dual Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Texas A & M University-College Station
Texas A&M offers NP pathways designed for Texas nurses who need flexibility. The hybrid MSN-FNP requires limited campus visits and local clinical placements, while the online post-graduate PMHNP certificate can be completed from anywhere in the state. Both require Texas residency and an active Texas RN license.
- 48 total credit hours across 13 courses
- 6-semester full-time or 8-semester part-time plan
- Mostly online with limited on-campus visits
- 671 clinical hours completed in your local area
- Requires Texas residency and active Texas RN license
- 1,500 BSN practice hours and 3.0 GPA required
- Starts fall; apply by January 15
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- 26 credit hour online program
- Requires graduate nursing degree and Texas RN license
- Covers adult, child, and older adult mental health
- Includes psychopharmacology coursework
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- Fall start; priority deadline in January
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
University of St Thomas
University of St. Thomas offers a focused MSN in psychiatric-mental health nursing from its Houston campus. The 43-credit hybrid curriculum includes clinical practicums in adult, child-family, and integrated care settings, with coursework spanning psychopharmacology and telehealth. It is a strong option for nurses drawn specifically to mental health care.
- 43 total credits in MSN curriculum
- Hybrid format with clinical practicums
- Practicums in adult, child-family, and integrated care
- Includes psychopharmacology and telehealth courses
- BSN and RN license required
Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Houston Christian University
Houston Christian University prepares registered nurses for pediatric primary care through a 38-credit MSN. Students complete clinical practicums in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and community health settings, with an emphasis on family-centered care. It is one of the few pediatric-focused NP options in the immediate Houston area.
- 38 total credit hours
- Hybrid format with clinical practicums
- Pediatric primary care focus from infancy through adolescence
- No grade below B accepted
- Transfer up to 6 credits
- Degree completion within five years
Master of Science in Nursing: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Primary Care — Hybrid
Prairie View A & M University
Prairie View A&M, an HBCU within commuting distance of Houston, offers a campus-based MSN-FNP with substantial clinical training in both urban and rural settings. Its DNP pathway focuses on health care leadership and data analysis. The school emphasizes care for culturally diverse and underserved communities.
- 53 credit hours with 780 clinical hours
- Thesis or capstone option
- Clinical experiences in urban and rural settings
- Focus on culturally diverse populations
- Prepares for national certification exams
- 39 credit hour DNP program
- Part-time option with fall, spring, and summer starts
- Includes DNP project and practice residency
- Emphasis on health care leadership and data analysis
Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice — 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 |
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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.
