An adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) works with adult patients of all ages, from teenagers to senior citizens. Generally, they can specialize in acute or primary care, ultimately working in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, and nursing homes.
AGNPs are highly trained advanced practice nurses, but their scope of practice is largely dictated by the state where they work. In Texas, FNPs must practice and prescribe medication under the supervision of a physician.
Nurses who want to pursue a career as an AGNP have plenty of program options in the Lone Star State, including MSN programs, DNP tracks, and post-graduate programs. Here are the AGNP programs available in the great state of Texas.
AGPCNP vs. AGACNP: choosing your track before you apply
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs split into two distinct tracks that require separate board certifications: Primary Care (AGPCNP) and Acute Care (AGACNP). Most Texas applicants end up at schools that offer only one of the two. The exception is UT Arlington, which runs both tracks with the same core MSN structure. If you already know which setting you want to practice in, start your shortlist with programs that specialize in that track rather than programs that offer it as one of many.
Texas’s 65+ population is projected to pass 6 million by 2030, and rural Texas already has a severe primary-care-for-aging-adults shortage. For applicants drawn to that demand signal, the AGPCNP route opens more primary care practice opportunities, including outpatient clinics and long-term care. The AGACNP route opens more hospital-based and critical care opportunities in metro Texas markets, though the job market is more concentrated geographically around Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Texas AGNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 12+ CCNE-accredited AGNP programs — Texas offers both Adult-Gerontology Primary Care (AGPCNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP) tracks across public and private institutions.
- AGPCNP vs. AGACNP — Primary care NPs (AGPCNP) practice in outpatient clinics and long-term care; acute care NPs (AGACNP) work in hospitals, ICUs, and specialty services. The two require separate certification.
- Reduced practice authority — Texas AGNPs must maintain a collaborative practice agreement with a physician under Texas Occupations Code § 157.0512.
- National certification — AGNPs sit for the AANP AGPCNP or AGACNP exam, or ANCC equivalents. Texas APRN licensure follows through the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Broadest program menu — The University of Texas at Arlington offers both AGPCNP and AGACNP tracks with over 720 clinical hours required (46-credit MSN).
- Newest AGNP program — St. Edward’s University in Austin launched an MSN-AGPCNP track in 2025 to fill a regional gap in primary care for aging adults (47 credits, 600 clinical hours).
- Aging population context — Texas’s 65+ population is projected to surpass 6 million by 2030, driving strong demand for adult-gerontology primary and acute care providers.
- Post-master’s AGNP certificates — West Coast University-Dallas, UT Arlington, and UT Tyler offer post-master’s AGPCNP/AGACNP certificates for FNPs or other APRNs adding an adult-gerontology specialty.
- Job growth — BLS projects 40% employment growth for NPs from 2023 to 2033. AGNP demand is among the fastest-growing segments due to the aging U.S. population.
Texas AGNP Program Comparison (2026)
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner programs in Texas compared side-by-side: modality, credits, clinical hours, tuition, and which specialty track (AGPCNP vs. AGACNP) is offered. Dashes indicate data not publicly listed in a standard format.
| Program | Track | Modality | Credits | Clinical | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | AGNP (via BSN-DNP) | Online | 77 | 1,125 | $1,150/credit |
| St. Edward’s University | AGPCNP | Online + intensives | 47 | 600 | Contact program (MSN rate not publicly listed) |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | AGNP Clinical | Hybrid | 49 | 630 | $506/credit |
| Texas Christian University | AGNP (via DNP) | Hybrid | 68–70 | 1,000+ | $2,210/credit |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | AGACNP | Online | 48 | 630 | ~$22–$25k total |
| Texas Woman’s University | AGNP | Online | 45 | 780 | $634.70/credit |
| University of St. Thomas – TX | AGPCNP | Hybrid | 47–50 | 500 | $1,243/credit |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | AGPCNP + AGACNP | Online | 46 | 720 | ~$26,814–$30,084 total |
| The University of Texas at Austin | AGNP (via DNP) | Hybrid | 45 | 840+ | $1,418 resident / $2,035 non-res per credit |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | AGNP | Online | 33–49 | 675–775 | ~$552/credit |
| UT Health Science Center at Houston | AGNP (via BSN-DNP) | Hybrid | 79 (BSN-DNP) | 1,000+ | $248/credit resident |
| UT Health Science Center at San Antonio | AGNP (via BSN-DNP) | Hybrid | 76 | 1,000+ | ~$9,558/yr in-state |
| UT Medical Branch at Galveston | AGNP | Online/blended | 44–49 | 720+ | $339.61 resident / $747.61 non-res per credit |
| West Coast University-Dallas | AGACNP + AGPCNP (post-master’s) | Online | 45 | 500+ | $700–$810/credit |
Recently Added AGNP Programs
The following AGNP programs have been added in our 2026 audit update. Each has been verified via direct school-of-nursing site.
St. Edward’s University
- Austin, Texas
- Online + Intensives
Modality: Online with periodic on-campus clinical intensives
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 600 (540 supervised + 60 lab)
Tuition: Contact program for current rates
Program Overview:
St. Edward’s is the only MSN-level NP program in Texas built exclusively around adult-gerontology primary care. Larger Texas schools bundle AGPCNP with FNP and PMHNP concentrations. St. Edward’s focused its 47-credit curriculum entirely on aging-adult primary care, with a clinical-hour breakdown of 540 supervised patient-care hours plus 60 dedicated clinical laboratory hours. One caveat: the program is pursuing initial CCNE accreditation, so current applicants are entering before the first graduating cohort has completed the full review. Verify your target certification body’s policy with admissions before depositing.
University of St. Thomas (Houston)
- Houston, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid online coursework with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 47-50
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: Contact program for current rates
Program Overview:
The Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing offers AGPCNP as one of three MSN NP specialties, alongside FNP and PMHNP. The 47-50 credit program puts students adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, which opens clinical rotation access to adult-gerontology practices at Methodist, Memorial Hermann, and MD Anderson affiliates. For Houston RNs who aren’t certain whether they want AGPCNP vs. FNP vs. PMHNP, UST offers the flexibility of choosing between specialties within the same school.
Texas RN to AGNP Programs
For diploma- or associate-prepared nurses, RN-to-AGNP programs are a convenient and often more affordable way to pursue a career as an AGNP. These programs integrate both BSN and MSN courses, so RNs do not have to complete a separate BSN degree before applying for an AGNP program. South University-Austin and West Coast University-Dallas offer the only RN-to-MSN programs in Texas in this field.
South University-Austin (Campus Closed)
- Austin, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 227
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $660 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
This RN to AGNP offers online courses with in-person clinicals. South University has a number of campuses throughout the south and southeast and has significant experience with distance learning. Students access flexible learning opportunities via the university’s Brightspace online classroom.
West Coast University-Dallas
- Richardson, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 154 to 155
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $680 to $785 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
West Coast University-Dallas offers two AGNP options for RNs: an RN to AGNP Acute Care and an RN to AGNP Primary Care program. The acute care track can be completed in seven full-time or 11 part-time trimesters; the primary care track in six and 11 trimesters, respectively.
Texas BSN to AGNP Programs
BSN-prepared nurses have many options when considering pursuing a career as an AGNP.
Baylor University
- Waco, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 75
Clinical Hours: 1,125
Tuition: $1,150 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to AGNP DNP program at Baylor University offers online coursework with on-campus residences and immersions. Courses are 15 weeks long, and students complete three terms a year. BSN students will need about three years and four months to finish the program. Those with MSN degrees interested in pursuing a DNP at Baylor may be admitted to the program and can complete the coursework in 18 to 24 months.
Texas Christian University
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 70
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $2,145 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
TCU’s BSN to AGNP DNP program offers online courses with on-campus intensives where students receive hands-on learning in the university’s state-of-the-art simulation lab. Students can apply to start the program in the spring or fall and complete clinical hours in facilities close to home.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
- Lubbock, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,003.69 per credit including fees for residents; $1,413.69 per credit including fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to AGNP Acute Care program at TTUHSC is primarily online, with occasional travel to the Lubbock campus for in-person skills labs and learning. This school also offers a 36-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP in acute care, but transfer credits are accepted.
Texas Woman’s University
- Dallas, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $323 per credit + fees for residents
Program Overview:
There are multiple options at Texas Woman’s University for those interested in becoming an AGNP, but all are only available to Texas residents. BSN-prepared nurses can choose between the BSN to AGNP Acute Care and BSN to AGNP Primary Care tracks, both of which consist of 45 credits and 780 clinical hours. There is also a Post-Graduate MSN to AGNP Acute Care option and a Post-Graduate MSN to AGNP Primary Care track.
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, Texas
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $654 per credit + fees for online; $3,456 for one 6-credit semester hybrid + fees or about $576 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
There are multiple AGNP options at the University of Texas at Arlington: a BSN to AGNP Acute Online program, a BSN to AGNP Acute On-Campus option, a BSN to AGNP Primary Online option, and a BSN to AGNP Primary On-Campus program. There are also four post-graduate certificates available: Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP Acute Online, Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP Acute On-Campus, Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP Primary Online, and Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP Primary On-Campus. This school also offers a unique BSN to AGNP Dual Acute/Primary option for nurses who wish to specialize in two areas.
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $522 per credit + fees for residents; $782 per hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of El Paso BSN to AGNP Acute Care program has primarily online classes with up to three required campus visits every semester for evaluations and hands-on learning in the school’s simulation lab. There are two admission cycles a year, so students can start in the spring or fall.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- San Antonio, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 76
Clinical Hours: 1080
Tuition: $398 per credit + fees for residents; $1,106 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The AGNP program at UT Health San Antonio offers a BSN to AGNP DNP Acute Care option for those who wish to pursue a terminal degree. This program is a hybrid format, with students expected to be on campus between one and three days a week, depending on whether they are full or part-time. UT Health San Antonio also offers a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP in acute care, which is 28 credits and 660 clinical hours.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Galveston, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,555.14 per credit including fees for residents; $2,031.14 per credit including fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
UTMB Galveston offers two MSN programs for BSN-prepared nurses: a BSN to AGNP Acute Care and a BSN to AGNP Primary Care program. Both tracks are 49 credits and require students to be on campus two to three days every semester. UTMB Galveston also has a BSN to DNP Dual FNP/AGNP Acute Care, a unique program allowing nurses to dual specialize while obtaining a doctorate.
West Coast University-Dallas
- Richardson, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49 to 50
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $680 to $785 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
West Coast University-Dallas has options with a BSN or MSN degree. BSN-prepared nurses have a BSN to AGNP Acute Care and a BSN to AGNP Primary Care track to choose from. There is also a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP Acute Care track and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to AGNP Primary Care track available for MSN-prepared nurses.
Texas Online AGNP Programs
Every Texas AGNP program requires in-person clinical hours, but didactic coursework ranges from fully asynchronous online to hybrid with required campus sessions.
The most online-forward Adult-Gerontology NP options in Texas are UT Arlington (AGPCNP + AGACNP, online MSN), Texas Woman’s University (AGNP online MSN), UT El Paso (AGNP online), and West Coast University-Dallas (post-master’s certificates online). St. Edward’s AGPCNP runs online with periodic on-campus clinical intensives. Most BSN-to-DNP AGNP options (Baylor, TCU, UT Health Houston, UT Health San Antonio) are hybrid with regular on-campus sessions.
Best AGNP Programs in Texas
“Best” depends on which AGNP setting you want to practice in.
If you want both AGPCNP and AGACNP options at the same school, UT Arlington is the only Texas program running both as MSN concentrations (46 credits, 720 clinical hours, online).
If you want the terminal clinical degree, the BSN-to-DNP AGNP tracks at Baylor (77 credits, 1,125 clinical), Texas Christian University (68-70 credits, 1,000+ clinical), UT Health Houston (79 credits), and UT Health San Antonio (76 credits, 1,000+ clinical) deliver AACN-recommended doctoral preparation.
If you want AGPCNP-specialty focus at the MSN level, St. Edward’s University is the only Texas program built exclusively around adult-gerontology primary care (47 credits, 600 clinical hours). University of St. Thomas-Houston offers AGPCNP alongside FNP and PMHNP options, which gives flexibility for applicants still choosing between specialties.
Texas Most Affordable AGNP Programs
UT Health Houston’s BSN-to-DNP charges $248 per credit for Texas residents, the lowest published rate for a Texas AGNP pathway. UT Health San Antonio runs roughly $9,558 per year in-state for its BSN-to-DNP (about 76 credits). TAMU-Corpus Christi charges $506 per credit, and UTEP runs about $552 per credit.
Texas Woman’s University at $634.70 per credit is mid-range for a public AGNP MSN. Private AGNP options (Baylor at $1,150/credit, TCU at $2,210/credit) cost significantly more per credit, though their program structures are doctoral-level with correspondingly more clinical hours.
Private programs tend to bundle more into the per-credit rate; public programs often add course fees, technology fees, and clinical-placement fees separately.
Texas AGNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between AGPCNP and AGACNP?
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners (AGPCNPs) work in outpatient, ambulatory, and long-term care settings, managing chronic and acute conditions for adolescents through older adults. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) work in hospitals, ICUs, and specialty services, managing critically and acutely ill patients. The two are separate certifications with different scope and clinical focus.
How long does it take to earn an AGNP in Texas?
MSN-AGNP programs typically take 2 to 3 years full-time. BSN-to-DNP AGNP tracks (Baylor, TCU, UT Health Houston, UT Health San Antonio) run 3 to 4 years. Part-time pathways extend completion by 1-2 additional years.
Which Texas programs offer AGNP as a standalone MSN track?
St. Edward’s University (AGPCNP), University of St. Thomas-TX (AGPCNP), Texas Woman’s University, UT Arlington (both AGPCNP and AGACNP), UT El Paso, TTUHSC (AGACNP), and UTMB Galveston all offer AGNP as a standalone MSN concentration. Other programs (Baylor, TCU, UT Austin, UT Health SA, UT Health Houston) embed AGNP tracks within a BSN-to-DNP pathway.
What’s the demand for AGNPs in Texas?
Texas’s 65+ population is projected to surpass 6 million by 2030, driving strong demand for adult-gerontology primary and acute care providers. BLS projects 40% employment growth for NPs nationally from 2023 to 2033, with adult-gerontology demand among the fastest-growing segments due to the aging U.S. population.
Can I add AGNP to an existing FNP credential?
Yes. Several Texas programs offer post-master’s AGPCNP or AGACNP certificates for currently-certified NPs adding an adult-gerontology specialty. West Coast University-Dallas, UT Arlington, and UT Tyler all offer post-master’s pathways that typically run 12-18 credits plus specialty-specific clinical hours.
What is the AGNP scope of practice in Texas?
Texas is a reduced practice state for NPs. Under Texas Occupations Code § 157.0512, AGNPs must maintain a collaborative practice agreement with a physician to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. AGNPs can diagnose, order and interpret tests, and manage treatment plans, but the collaboration requirement limits fully independent practice.