As advanced practice nurses, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide a range of patient services, including administering primary care, providing patient education, and assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients. FNPs can work with patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and typically work in patient-facing roles in clinics, health centers, private practices, and hospitals.
Although FNPs are highly trained, their scope of practice is dictated by the laws of the state where they practice. In Texas, FNPs have some limitations. They must practice under the supervision of a physician and are only allowed to prescribe medication under physician supervision.
Nurses wishing to pursue a career as an FNP in Texas have many choices for where to pursue their education. Here are the FNP programs available in the Lone Star State.
How to choose an FNP program in Texas
Family Nurse Practitioner is the largest NP specialty in Texas, offered at 32+ of the state’s 35 MSN and DNP programs. Two choices tend to drive most applicant decisions. The first is MSN vs. BSN-to-DNP. BSN-to-DNP pathways at Baylor, TCU, UIW, Texas Wesleyan, UT Health Houston, and UT Health San Antonio each run 70+ credits and 1,000+ clinical hours. That’s more investment, but it delivers the AACN-recommended terminal degree for advanced practice.
The second choice is online vs. hybrid. If schedule flexibility trumps credentials preference, Schreiner, UMHB, and Houston Christian each offer 100% online MSN-FNP tracks where all didactic coursework is asynchronous. Every other Texas FNP program requires some combination of synchronous online sessions, on-campus intensives, or in-person cohort meetings, which matters a lot for RNs working unpredictable shifts.
Texas FNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 32+ CCNE-accredited FNP programs — Family Nurse Practitioner is the most common NP specialty in Texas, offered at nearly every graduate nursing program in the state.
- Reduced practice authority — Texas FNPs must maintain a collaborative practice agreement with a physician under Texas Occupations Code § 157.0512.
- National certification — FNP graduates sit for the AANP FNP-C or ANCC FNP-BC exam and apply to the Texas Board of Nursing for APRN licensure.
- Job growth — BLS projects 40% employment growth for NPs from 2023 to 2033, with FNP being the largest specialty segment.
- Most affordable FNP option — West Texas A&M University at $50 per statutory credit hour for Texas residents (46 credits).
- Fastest FNP pathway — University of Mary Hardin-Baylor’s 100% online 20-month accelerated MSN-FNP track (45 credits, 7-week courses).
- Highest clinical-hour requirement — Texas Woman’s University (780 clinical hours) and Lubbock Christian University (750 clinical hours) exceed the 500-hour national minimum.
- Best 100% online FNP options — Schreiner University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Houston Christian University each offer fully online MSN-FNP programs, all CCNE-accredited.
- BSN-to-DNP FNP pathways — Baylor, TCU, UIW, Texas Wesleyan, UT Health Houston, UT Health San Antonio, and UT Arlington offer doctoral-level FNP tracks for nurses seeking direct DNP entry.
Texas FNP Program Comparison (2026)
Every Texas Family Nurse Practitioner program compared side-by-side: modality, credits, clinical hours, and tuition. Dashes indicate data not publicly listed in a standard per-credit format — contact the program directly for current rates.
| Program | Modality | Credits | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | Online | 49 | 600+ | $654–$920/credit |
| Baylor University | Online | 77 (BSN-DNP) | 1,125 | $1,150/credit |
| East Texas A&M University | Hybrid | 46 | 500+ | ~$18,768 total in-state |
| Hardin-Simmons University | Online | 44 | 500+ | ~$34,700 total (25–26) |
| Houston Christian University | Online | 46 | 733 | $530/credit |
| Lubbock Christian University | Hybrid | 46 | 750 | ~$535/credit |
| McMurry University | Hybrid | 44 | 500+ | Via Patty Hanks Shelton consortium |
| Midwestern State University | Online + visits | 48 | 512 | ~$9,601/yr in-state |
| Prairie View A&M University | Hybrid | 53 | 780 | ~$22,000 total in-state |
| Schreiner University | Online | 54 | 750 | $560/credit |
| Stephen F. Austin State University | Online | 46 | 720 | ~$11,128/yr |
| Texas A&M International University | Online | 48 | 405 | $77/credit resident |
| Texas A&M University-College Station | Online | 50.5 | 500+ | $661.50/credit |
| Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi | Hybrid | 49 | 630 | $506/credit |
| Texas A&M University-Texarkana | Hybrid | 49 | 500+ | ~$11–$13k total in-state |
| Texas Christian University | Hybrid | 68–70 (BSN-DNP) | 1,000+ | $2,210/credit |
| Texas State University | Online + intensives | 43 | 705 | ~$23,041 total |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Online | 48 | 630 | ~$22–$25k total |
| Texas Wesleyan University | Online + in-person | 48 (MSN) / 86 (DNP) | 855 / 1,035 | $747/credit |
| Texas Woman’s University | Online | 45 | 780 | $634.70/credit |
| University of Houston | Hybrid | 47 | 500+ | ~$29,095 total |
| University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Online | 45 | 630 | $1,160/credit |
| University of St. Thomas – TX | Hybrid | 47–50 | 500 | $1,243/credit |
| University of the Incarnate Word | Hybrid | 77 (BSN-DNP) | 1,152 | $1,060–$1,215/credit |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Online | 46 | 720 | ~$26,814–$30,084 total |
| The University of Texas at Austin | Hybrid | 45 (DNP) | 840+ | $1,418 resident / $2,035 non-res per credit |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | Online | 47 | 675 | ~$552/credit |
| The University of Texas at Tyler | Online + intensives | 47 | 675 | ~$25,720 total |
| UT Health Science Center at Houston | Hybrid | 79 (BSN-DNP) | 1,000+ | $248/credit resident |
| UT Health Science Center at San Antonio | Hybrid | 76 (BSN-DNP) | 1,000+ | ~$9,558/yr in-state |
| UT Medical Branch at Galveston | Online/blended | 44 | 720+ | $339.61 resident / $747.61 non-res per credit |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | Hybrid | 46 | 500+ | $741.35–$1,161.35/credit |
| West Coast University-Dallas | Online | 53 | 600+ | $700–$810/credit (~$52,210 total) |
| West Texas A&M University | Online/hybrid | 46 | 500+ | $50/credit resident (statutory) |
FNP Programs Accepting Texas Applicants
Texas RN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
RN-to-FNP programs are specially designed for nurses with a diploma or an associate’s degree. Rather than having to complete a separate BSN program, these all-in-one programs integrate BSN and MSN coursework to make achieving an FNP degree more simple, streamlined, and often more affordable.
South University-Austin (Campus Closed)
- Austin, Texas
- Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 233
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $660 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
South University has multiple locations across the south. The Austin campus offers an online RN to FNP program with flexible learning via the university’s online classroom, Brightspace, and other mobile services and experiences.
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 78
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $38,308 for program + fees; breaks down to about $491 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The RN to FNP program at the University of Texas at Arlington is an online program with clinical requirements that begin in the second year. Students work with the nursing department to find clinical experiences close to home that meet the school’s requirements. Full-time students can complete this program in as little as 42 months.
West Coast University-Dallas
- Richardson, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 158
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $680 to $785 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
West Coast University – Dallas RN to FNP program is primarily online, but students are required to come to campus twice during the program for immersive experiences that prepare them for clinical rotations. Eight-week trimesters allow for multiple start dates throughout the year, and the university offers an accelerated program that can be completed in 28 months or a working professional pace that can be completed in 44 months.
Texas BSN to Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Nurses with a BSN have multiple options for pursuing an FNP in Texas. For one, the Lone Star State is home to many top-ranked FNP programs, such as those offered by UT-Austin, UT-Health Science Center Houston, and UT-Arlington.
Meanwhile, Texas A&M International and Angelo State University offer affordable options for residents, while UT-Austin’s BSN-DNP program may be completed in as little as two years.
Whether you’re looking for an accelerated program or a more economical option, the list below should help you find the best program that suits your needs.
Angelo State University
- San Angelo, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: 550
Tuition: $7,508.90 for residents and $14,888.90 for non-residents for two nine-credit semesters + fees; breaks down to about $417 per credit for residents and $827 per credit for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
Angelo State University’s BSN to FNP program has minimal on-campus requirements, but most coursework is completed online. Clinical requirements can usually be completed in the student’s local area. This program also requires students to pass a comprehensive written exam to complete the degree. A 25-credit Post-Graduate MSN to FNP option is also available.
Baylor University
- Waco, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,150 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Baylor offers two pathways for those interested in pursuing a DNP: a BSN to FNP DNP and an MSN to FNP DNP. The BSN to DNP program is 75 credits with 1,125 clinical hours and takes just over three years to complete. The MSN to DNP program is 38 to 75 credits with 1,000 clinical hours and takes between two and three years to complete. All courses are 15 weeks long, with three terms every calendar year.
Hardin-Simmons University
- Abilene, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $995 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
In partnership with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing, Hardin-Simmons University offers a BSN to FNP program with online classes. Clinical experiences can be completed in the student’s community.
Houston Christian University
- Houston, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 733
Tuition: $23,690 for the program + fees; breaks down to about $515 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Houston Christian University is 100% online. There are no on-campus requirements, and classes are asynchronous, so students can attend at a time that fits their schedule. Students can complete this program in as little as 24 months.
Lubbock Christian University
- Lubbock, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $770 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Lubbock Christian University’s BSN to FNP program is hybrid, but students spend a lot of time attending lectures, labs, and clinical rotations in person. The program begins every summer and follows a cohort model. Full-time students can complete the program in two years, and part-time students in three. A 38-credit Post-Graduate MSN to FNP is also available.
McMurry University
- Houston, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 44
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $595 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
This BSN to FNP program from McMurry University is done in partnership with the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. Coursework is delivered entirely online, and clinical experiences are completed in the student’s local area.
Midwestern State University
- Wichita Falls, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 512
Tuition: $7,426 per year for residents + fees, or about $412 per credit + fees, $8,596 per semester for non-residents + fees, or about $478 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Midwestern State University’s BSN to FNP program includes primarily online classes with multiple on-campus requirements throughout the program. Mandatory on-campus workshops feature in-person learning focusing on diagnostics and assessment, and there are optional opportunities to come to campus for additional practice on Saturdays. A 33-credit Post-Graduate MSN to FNP is also available.
Prairie View A&M University
- Prairie View, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $7,992 per 9 credits for residents + fees, or about $888 per credit; $17,379 per 9 credits for non-residents, $1,931 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Prairie View A&M University offers two FNP tracks. The BSN to FNP option is 53 credits with 780 clinical hours, and the MSN to FNP DNP program has 39 post-master’s credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Some classes may have online components, but students are expected to be on campus regularly throughout the program.
Schreiner University
- Kerrville, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 54
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $560 per credit; no program fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP track at Schreiner University offers online courses that begin six times a year, providing maximum flexibility for working professionals. Sessions are seven weeks each, and students go through the program as a cohort, making opportunities for group projects, study groups, and networking more accessible.
South University-Austin (Campus Closed)
- Austin, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 62
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $660 per credit hour + fees
Program Overview:
South University’s Austin campus offers an online BSN to FNP track that allows students to complete clinical hours at locations close to their homes. Classwork is completed online via the university’s online classroom, Brightspace, and support and other services are offered online.
Stephen F Austin State University
- Nacogdoches, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $588.50 per credit for residents, including fees; $618.50 per credit for border state residents, including fees; $1,008.50 per credit for non-residents, including fees
Program Overview:
There are two FNP pathways at Stephen F Austin State University. The BSN to FNP option offers online courses with three on-campus sessions: an orientation session and two two-day skills seminars. A Post-Graduate MSN to FNP program is also offered online on a part-time basis. It consists of 46 credits and 720 clinical hours.
Texas A&M International University
- Laredo, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 675
Tuition: $367 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
This BSN to FNP program at Texas A&M International University offers a blend of online and in-person coursework. Most of the classwork is completed online, but students must come to campus twice per course for hands-on learning experiences. Students can complete the program in as little as 36 months.
Texas A&M University-College Station
- College Station, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $805.27 per credit for tuition and fees for residents; $1,346.78 per credit for tuition and fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Texas A&M University-College Station’s BSN to FNP program offers primarily online coursework with on-campus requirements. To meet program requirements, students must complete 45 clinical hours on campus during two separate campus visits. Clinical hours can be completed in facilities close to the patient’s home.
East Texas A&M University
- Commerce, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $3,669 for residents for nine credits including fees, or about $407 per credit; $7,341 for nine credits for non-residents including fees, or about $816 per credit
Program Overview:
East Texas A&M University offers two FNP options: a BSN to FNP and a Post-Graduate MSN to FNP. The BSN to FNP option takes about three years to complete part-time, and web-enhanced classes are taught on campus. The post-graduate program offers courses that are entirely online.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
- Corpus Christi, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $200.53 per credit + fees for residents; $652.82 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
At Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, students have multiple paths to becoming an FNP. The part-time BSN to FNP track is designed to allow students to work full-time throughout the program. It’s 49 credits with 630 clinical hours. For those who already have a master’s and are interested in pursuing a doctorate, the MSN to FNP DNP is 40 credits with 1,000 clinical hours, but up to 500 of these hours may be satisfied by clinical work done in an MSN program. Those with an MSN can also choose to pursue a 37-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP program.
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
- Texarkana, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 54
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $3,327 per semester for full-time residents + fees; non-resident rates unclear
Program Overview:
Students in the BSN to FNP program at Texas A&M University-Texarkana complete most coursework online, either synchronously or asynchronously, but are required to come to the school for on-site immersions throughout the program. There is also a 30-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option available.
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:
Texas Christian University’s BSN to FNP DNP program is mostly online, with some on-campus requirements for skill development intensives throughout the program. Students can complete this doctorate track in three or four years, and the university accepts admissions in both the spring and fall.
Texas State University
- San Marcos, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 705
Tuition: $803.86 per credit for residents + fees; $1,213.86 per credit for non-residents + fees
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at Texas State University combines online learning with on-campus intensives. Students meet with peers and faculty, attend guest lectures, and gain practical experience in the school’s simulation lab. These on-campus learning experiences take place at the St. David’s School of Nursing in Round Rock two weekends every semester.
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:
This BSN to FNP program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is primarily online, but students must come to campus multiple times throughout the program for on-campus skills labs. A 36-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option is structured similarly and requires students to travel to campus.
Texas Wesleyan University
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Online + In-person
Modality: Online with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $665 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
There are three options for those wishing to pursue an FNP degree at Texas Wesleyan University. The BSN to FNP path is 45 credits with 765 clinical hours; the BSN to FNP DNP option is 86 credits with 1,035 clinical hours; and the Post-Graduate MSN to FNP certificate is 48 credits with 855 clinical hours.
Texas Woman’s University
- Dallas, Texas
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 780
Tuition: $323 per credit + fees for residents; $733 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Texas Woman’s University offers two pathways for bachelor’s-prepared nurses, a BSN to FNP Online option and a BSN to FNP Hybrid option. The online option offers three start dates a year. Each course lasts 13 weeks, and students can complete the program in 2.5 to three years. Clinical placement support is also provided. The hybrid option is limited to Texas residents and includes in-person classes on the Dallas campus and asynchronous online class sessions. A 27-credit hybrid Post-Graduate MSN to FNP option is also available, but only to Texas residents.
The University of Texas at Arlington
- Arlington, Texas
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 720
Tuition: $654 per credit + fees for online; $3,456 for one 6-credit semester hybrid + fees or about $576 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a few flexible FNP options. For BSN-prepared nurses, there is the BSN to FNP Online program and the BSN to FNP On-Campus. Both have the same number of credits and clinical hours. There is also a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP Online option and a Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP On-Campus option available.
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, Texas
- Campus + In-person
Modality: On-campus with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 645
Tuition: $1,418 per credit + fees for residents, $2,035 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP program at the University of Texas at Austin offers students an opportunity to attend classes on-campus and experience hands-on, face-to-face learning. This program starts every year in the fall and can be completed in two years full time. Part-time options are also available, as well as a 30-credit Post-Graduate Certificate FNP program.
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: 775
Tuition: $522 per credit + fees for residents; $782 per hour + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Texas at El Paso’s BSN to FNP program offers online courses in a seven-week format over seven semesters. On-campus experiences in the university’s state-of-the-art simulation labs are also required. Students can start the program in either the fall or spring.
The University of Texas at Tyler
- Tyler, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements an in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,032 per credit including fees for residents; $1,520 per credit including fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
In the BSN to FNP program at the University of Texas at Tyler, all but three courses have a clinical component, so students get significant hands-on experience to prepare them for their clinical experiences and future careers. Most of the coursework is completed online, but students are required to come to campus one or two days per semester. A Post-Graduate MSN to FNP option is also available.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Houston, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $18,947 total for MSN track, or about $462 per credit including fees; $35,168 for DNP track, or about $445 per credit including fees
Program Overview:
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has options for BSN-prepared nurses interested in pursuing either a MSN or DNP. The BSN to FNP track is 41 credits with 660 clinical hours, and the BSN to DNP track is 79 credits with 1,140 clinical hours. Classes are primarily online, with some in-person lab and simulation requirements on campus.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
- San Antonio, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 76
Clinical Hours: 1080
Tuition: $398 per credit + fees for residents; $1,106 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The BSN to FNP DNP at UT Health San Antonio is a hybrid program where students are required to be on-campus one to three days a week, depending on whether they are enrolled part- or full-time. The Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option is 28 credits with 660 clinical hours and is delivered in the same hybrid format.
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:
The BSN to FNP coursework at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is mostly online, but students are required to come to campus multiple times throughout the program for orientation, skills assessments, and testing. This university also offers a BSN to FNP DNP track and a unique BSN to DNP Dual FNP/AGNP Acute program where students can prepare to become dual certified as FNPs and AGNPs.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Brownsville, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $749.40 per credit + fees for residents; $1,159.40 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has two FNP programs. The BSN to FNP option features online classes with some on-campus requirements to give students an opportunity to practice hands-on skills. UTRGV also offers a Post-Graduate MSN to FNP option with only 15 credits and 605 clinical hours.
University of Houston
- Houston, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
There are two FNP options at the University of Houston, an MSN and a DNP. The BSN to FNP is 47 credits and costs about $29,095 for residents for the entire program. MSN students typically have to meet on campus on Wednesdays for labs, practicums, testing, and practical demonstrations. Other coursework is completed online. The MSN to FNP DNP is 37 to 42 credits with 1,000 clinical hours. It costs $602.32 per credit for residents and $1,107.97 for non-residents. The DNP program offers online coursework with face-to-face classes meeting on campus twice a semester.
West Coast University-Dallas
- Richardson, Texas
- Online + Campus + In-person
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements and in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 53
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $680 to $785 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
West Coast University-Dallas’s BSN to FNP program can be completed in 20 months full time or 32 months part time, and the 32-credit Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP can be completed in 20 months. Both programs require on-site intensives where students prepare for their clinical rotations by learning and practicing hands-on skills and get feedback from their instructors.
West Texas A&M University
- Canyon, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Hybrid with in-person clinical
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 675
Tuition: $673.15 per credit + fees for residents; $1,101.24 per credit + fees for non-residents
Program Overview:
Courses in the BSN to FNP program at West Texas A&M University are hybrid. Most of the classwork is complete online, but students must come to campus three times a semester for certain classes. WTAMU also offers a hybrid Post-Graduate Certificate MSN to FNP option with similar on-campus requirements.
FNP Programs Accepting Texas Applicants
Texas Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Programs
Every Texas FNP program requires in-person clinical hours, but the didactic coursework ranges from fully asynchronous online to cohort-based hybrid schedules with required campus sessions.
Three Texas programs deliver all didactic coursework fully online with no on-campus class requirements: Schreiner University (54 credits, $560/credit), University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (45 credits, $1,160/credit), and Houston Christian University (46 credits, $530/credit). West Coast University-Dallas runs an online-first MSN-FNP as well.
Hardin-Simmons and McMurry deliver online coursework through the Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing consortium. Most other Texas FNP programs combine online lectures with periodic on-campus intensives. Angelo State, Stephen F. Austin, TAMIU, Midwestern State, Prairie View A&M, TTUHSC, UT Arlington, and UT Tyler all use this hybrid format. If your schedule can’t accommodate any on-campus time, the practical shortlist is Schreiner, UMHB, Houston Christian, and West Coast.
Best FNP Programs in Texas
“Best” depends on what you’re optimizing for.
If you want the terminal clinical degree in one pathway, the BSN-to-DNP FNP tracks deliver AACN-recommended doctoral preparation. Baylor runs 77 credits and 1,125 clinical hours. Texas Christian University runs 68-70 credits and 1,000+ clinical. UIW runs 77 credits and 1,152 clinical. Texas Wesleyan’s DNP-FNP is 86 credits and 1,035 clinical. UT Health Houston runs 79 credits; UT Health San Antonio runs 76. TAMU-Corpus Christi and UT Arlington also offer DNP options.
If cost is the primary constraint, West Texas A&M ($50 per statutory credit for Texas residents), Texas A&M International University ($77/credit resident), and UT Health Houston ($248/credit resident) offer MSN-FNP pricing among the lowest of any accredited program in the country.
If time-to-credential matters most, UMHB’s 20-month accelerated MSN-FNP is the shortest path. The 7-week course blocks pack more work per week than a traditional semester structure, which is a trade-off worth weighing against the shorter timeline.
Texas Most Affordable FNP Programs
West Texas A&M charges $50 per statutory credit for Texas residents, making it the cheapest accredited MSN-FNP pathway in the state by a wide margin. TAMIU runs $77 per credit resident. UT Health Houston runs $248 per credit resident.
Below $600 per credit: TAMU-Corpus Christi ($506), Houston Christian ($530), Lubbock Christian (~$535), UTEP (~$552), Schreiner ($560), Texas Woman’s University ($634.70).
Mid-range, roughly $660 to $820 per credit: TAMU College Station ($661.50), Texas Wesleyan ($747), UTRGV ($741.35-$1,161.35 depending on residency), West Coast-Dallas ($700-$810).
Above $1,000 per credit: Baylor ($1,150), UIW ($1,060-$1,215), UMHB ($1,160), UST-Houston ($1,243), UT Austin ($1,418 resident / $2,035 non-resident), TCU ($2,210).
Private programs (Baylor, TCU, UIW, UMHB, UST) typically bundle more into the per-credit rate. Public universities often add separate course fees, technology fees, and clinical-placement fees on top of the base rate. Full-program cost across Texas FNP programs runs from roughly $2,300 (West Texas A&M in-state) to $105,000 or more at private institutions.
Recently Added FNP Programs
The following FNP programs have been added in our 2026 audit update. Each has been verified via direct school-of-nursing site to confirm Family Nurse Practitioner track availability.
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
- Belton, Texas
- Online
Modality: 100% online with in-person clinicals
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: Contact program for current rates
Program Overview:
UMHB’s Scott & White College of Nursing runs one of only three fully asynchronous online MSN-FNP programs in Texas. The 45-credit track delivers all didactic coursework through 7-week accelerated blocks, and full-time students can finish in roughly 20 months. Clinical hours (630) happen in person at preceptor-supervised sites. For central Texas RNs who can’t travel to a cohort-based campus program, this format removes the biggest scheduling barrier. The trade-off is pace: the 7-week blocks compress material heavily, so students working full-time often shift to the 30-month extended track.
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 FNP as one of three MSN NP specialties, alongside AGPCNP and PMHNP. The 47-50 credit program puts students adjacent to the Texas Medical Center, which opens clinical rotation access at Methodist, Memorial Hermann, and MD Anderson affiliate sites. UST is a private Catholic institution, so tuition runs higher than Texas public options like Texas State or UT Tyler. Applicants should weigh private-school cost against the TMC clinical access when comparing.
University of the Incarnate Word
- San Antonio, Texas
- Hybrid + In-person
Modality: Blended (on-ground every first and third week + online)
Credit Hours: 77 (BSN-DNP)
Clinical Hours: 1,152
Tuition: Contact program for current rates
Program Overview:
UIW’s Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing runs its FNP track as a three-year, full-time BSN-to-DNP rather than a shorter MSN. The 1,152 clinical hours run about 50% above the typical MSN-FNP requirement, which is significant preparation but also a significant time commitment. This pathway fits RNs who want the terminal clinical degree from the start. RNs who prefer the shorter MSN-first route should look at Texas State or UT Arlington instead.
Texas FNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to earn an FNP in Texas?
Most MSN-FNP programs in Texas run 2 to 3 years full-time. BSN-to-DNP FNP tracks at Baylor, TCU, UIW, Texas Wesleyan, UT Health Houston, and UT Arlington take 3 to 4 years. Part-time pathways extend completion to 4 or 5 years. After graduating, candidates sit for the AANP FNP-C or ANCC FNP-BC certification exam, then apply for APRN licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing.
What is the FNP scope of practice in Texas?
Texas is a reduced practice state for NPs. Under Texas Occupations Code § 157.0512, FNPs must maintain a collaborative practice agreement with a physician to prescribe medications, including controlled substances. FNPs can still diagnose, order and interpret tests, and manage treatment plans for patients across the lifespan, but the collaboration requirement limits fully independent practice.
How many clinical hours does a Texas FNP program require?
National FNP certification requires a minimum of 500 direct patient care clinical hours. Most Texas FNP programs exceed this minimum — typical ranges are 600-780 hours for MSN tracks and 1,000-1,150 hours for BSN-to-DNP FNP programs. Texas Woman’s University (780), Lubbock Christian (750), and Schreiner (750) are among the programs with the highest MSN-level clinical requirements.
Which Texas FNP programs are available 100% online?
Schreiner University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and Houston Christian University each offer fully online MSN-FNP programs where all didactic coursework is delivered asynchronously. Clinical hours are always completed in person at preceptor-supervised sites, but can typically be arranged in the student’s home community. West Coast University-Dallas and Texas Wesleyan also offer strong online-forward FNP pathways.
What is the average FNP salary in Texas?
BLS OEWS data for Texas shows over 14,000 practicing nurse practitioners with mean annual wages above the national median. FNPs make up the largest NP segment, with compensation varying by metro (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin pay highest) and setting (hospitals and specialty clinics pay more than primary care offices).
Do any Texas FNP programs still require the GRE?
Most Texas FNP programs no longer require the GRE for admission, particularly public universities. Programs that waive the GRE typically require a BSN with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an unencumbered Texas RN license, and 1-2 years of clinical RN experience. Check with each program for specific admission policies as of the current application cycle.
Should I pursue an MSN-FNP or a BSN-to-DNP FNP program?
The MSN-FNP is a shorter, less expensive pathway that qualifies you for FNP certification and practice. The BSN-to-DNP FNP adds 20-30 more credit hours and 1+ years, but delivers the terminal clinical degree that the AACN recommends for advanced practice nursing. If you plan to teach, pursue leadership, or work in specialty/tertiary care long-term, the DNP is worth considering.