About The Aprn Certificate Programs
The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certificate programs are designed for those nurses who have a masters in nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice and wish to complete the course work necessary to sit for national certification as an APRN. Students choose a certificate track as a 1) Family Nurse Practitioner, 2) Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, 3) Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, 4) Family Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner or 5) Adult Gerontology – Clinical Nurse Specialist. Students in the APRN Certificate Programs will complete the didactic and clinical hours necessary to take the national exam in their specialty area. They will not, however, earn a second graduate degree.
Advanced Practice Nursing : Visit Advance Practice Nursing to learn about APN programs.
What Can I Do As A Nurse Practitioner In Texas
Aside from performing surgery, NPs’ duties mirror those of physicians, consisting of primary care tasks like assessing patients and diagnosing illnesses, conducting medical tests, formulating treatment plans, and prescribing medication. NPs can pursue careers in numerous specialty areas and healthcare settings and continue to be in-demand across the country, including in Texas.
Nurse Practitioner Programs In Texas
Nurses practitioners are professional nurses who have high levels of education and are able to carry out advanced roles in health management. Among the duties they may perform: carrying out comprehensive assessments and ordering diagnostic tests. In Texas, nurse practitioners are licensed as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, or APRNs. Nurse practitioner is not the only APRN role, but it is the most common one. In 2016, more than 73% of Texas APRNs had a nurse practitioner role. The total number of ARNs was well over 20,000. 78% of these professionals had prescriptive authority they could write prescriptions.
Nurse practitioners tend to work in ambulatory settings like family practices, specialty practices, clinics, and hospital outpatient centers. Sometimes they help manage care in hospital in-patient units.
Scope of practice is set at the state level, but there is a good deal of consensus about educational standards. Texas recognizes nurse practitioner scope as being dependent on the population focus of national certification. The most common population focus is also the broadest: family practice. Sometimes policies change to conform with what national standards setters are doing . In 2013, Texas recognized two new categories, Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Acute Care and Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. This change came because accredited schools had begun educating nurse practitioners in these roles.
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How Much Does Nursing School In Texas Cost
Tuition for a nursing school in Texas will cost between $3,000 to $5,000 per year for state residents seeking a two year Associate degree, an ADN or ASN, for example. The larger public four year colleges and universities in Texas cost more between $6,000 to $9,000 per year for state residents seeking their Bachelor Degree in Nursing, a BDN or BSN.
To help reduce the cost of nursing school in Texas, a student can generally take their pre-nursing courses at a smaller two year college. Then, transfer those credits into the larger four year college or university of your choice. Each college has their own method of awarding transfer credits for pre-nursing coursework. You will need to plan ahead and question the receiving school before you start your first pre-nursing class.
What To Look For In An Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Be wary when NP programs offer a fast track to a six-figure salary. While NPs enjoy high pay, they earn their role through rigorous study. Classwork and clinical rotations prepare them to administer effective care, shape healthcare policies, and maintain professional standards. Candidates searching for a quality NP program should prioritize the following factors.
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Doctor Of Nursing Practice
DNP programs are the doctorate level programs that prepare nurses to be NPs. In these programs you will be trained to provide nursing care at the expert level and will also be able to teach in most universities. DNP programs are becoming more popular as the entry pathway into becoming an NP. Program length varies from 3 to 5 years depending on whether or not you already have your masters. The eligibility requirements vary a little between the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs.
BSN to DNP: These programs are for bachelors level trained nurses.
- You must be a licensed Texas nurse and have had a GPA of at least 3.0 or better.
- The BSN to DNP programs will take about 5 years depending on the university.
- Your application will need to include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts, and more.
- You will need to complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences.
- Some programs will require you to have nursing experience.
MSN to DNP: These programs take into account that you are already a nurse trained at the masters level. Depending on the program you may be required to already be an NP in Texas.
About Nursing Schools In Texas
The health care reform is pushing for safe, high quality, and inexpensive care. Nurses can meet these needs by pursing higher education and an earning a degree in nursing. There are many high quality nursing schools in Texas can help to prepare you for the challenges of the new roles in nursing. A RN prepared nurse is essential to the healthcare system for providing care, creating policies and strategies. Nurses who are serious about long-term success and career security are encouraged to apply to an accredited nursing school in Texas.
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University Of Texas Medical Branch
- Galveston, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 100%
The University of Texas Medical Branch offers a strong nurse practitioner program in Galveston. Its MSN program offers tracks in FNP and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. UTMB is known for having some of the most advanced health simulation facilities of any institution.
School Overview
- Irvine, California
- Graduation Rate: 75%
School Overview
- Lubbock, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 100%
Lubbock Christian University is a private institution with a great nurse practitioner program. LCUs MSN program offers a Family Nurse Practitioner program. Students can also get a post-masters FNP certificate. Their Nurse Practitioner graduation and board certification pass rates are both 100%.
School Overview
- Belton, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 48%
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is a small private institution that is known for its nursing programs. Its MSN offers an FNP track and a gerontology nurse practitioner track. A DNP program is also offered.
School Overview
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 56%
Texas Wesleyan University is a private institution with a solid nurse practitioner program. It is a Christian institution, though students of all faiths can attend. The school recently began offering an FNP program within its MSN degree.
School Overview
Msn To Np Certificate
If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can complete a certificate program to train you to be an NP. This may be the right path for you if you have your MSN in something like nursing education, nursing administration, or if you are a clinical nurse specialist. In general MSN to NP certificate programs take about one year and to enter and to complete your NP to Certificate program requires the following:
- You must be an RN in Texas to be eligible to apply for these programs
- Typically you are not required to take the GRE again for these programs
- You will have to submit an application with your resume, references, past transcripts and more
- Complete 500 to 700 clinical hours depending on the school and your population focus
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Best Public Nursing Schools In Texas
The state of Texas is home to one of the nations top public universities, the University of Texas at Austin. Several other public Texas colleges rank among the top 100 colleges in the nation. These public institutions are also home to some of Americas best nursing schools. Choosing public nursing school education in Texas offers benefits that go beyond reputation. First, public colleges and universities cost less. Public universities are funded primarily through state government subsidies, so Texas residents pay an average tuition of $8,522 per year. Private school students paid an average tuition of $29,750 for the same school year. Next, because public institutions typically cater to a larger student body, they offer more degree program options. Finally, while some public colleges are just as selective as their private counterparts, most are far more accessible.
The University Of Texas Of The Permian Basin
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers a BSN degree through their college of nursing. Students that currently hold a RN certification can apply for the accelerated RN to BSN degree path. The traditional BSN program takes four years to complete. Students can opt for a hybrid delivery method where coursework can be taken online while the clinical and skills portion will be done on campus in state of the art labs. Students can apply for scholarships to decrease the cost of their education, along with federal and state grants students will have help in creating a plan for them to afford college. With two BSN tracks students can choose what is right for them and apply today.
At A Glance
- Delivery Method: On campus and Hybrid are available
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Applying To An Online Nurse Practitioner Program
Admissions qualifications and materials depend on the NP program and the applicant’s educational background. While the following list does not represent every NP program’s admission process, we have outlined a few common requirements below.
Admission Requirements:Program Length:Clinical Requirements:GPA Requirement:
University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, Texas
- Graduation Rate: 40%
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is one of the lesser-known campuses in the UT system, but it offers a leading nurse practitioner program. The FNP track within the MSN program is offered at both the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses. UTRGV even offers a unique mental health nurse practitioner program.
School Overview
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Texas A& m University Commerce
Texas A& M University Commerce is a larger institution for higher learning and provides a few paths for students seeking to earn a BSN or more advanced nursing degree. There are two tracks for students desiring a BSN, the traditional four year track and an accelerated RN to BSN track. Those wishing to apply for the accelerated route will need to have a RN degree or certificate prior to applying. Graduates will demonstrate high levels of knowledge integrated with skills and nursing theory. Students seeking an advanced degree will also find an MSN degree at Texas A& M University Commerce.
At A Glance
- Delivery Method: On campus
Prospective Student Information Sessions
Interested students are invited to attend a Prospective Student Information Session to learn more about our programs leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing , a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice . These sessions will provide details on admission requirements, prerequisite coursework, student life, clinical experiences and other opportunities. Students are required to attend a PSIS prior to requesting an individual appointment.
- Reservations are required to attend a session
- Guests of registered attendees are welcome
- Sessions last approximately an hour to an hour-and-a-half
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Where Do Nurse Practitioner Typically Work
As an NP the world is at your fingertips. You can work in a variety of settings and will have the flexibility throughout your career to change it up. Here are some examples of where you may work.
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP: Cardiology, neurology, emergency departments, intensive care units, medical surgical units, military settings, and more.
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP: primary care clinics, nursing homes, correctional facilities, college health, occupational health, military settings, and more.
- Family NP: Primary care clinics, community health, urgent care, college health, occupational health, military settings, dermatology, shelters, and more.
- Neonatal NP: neonatal intensive care units , emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and more.
- Pediatric Acute Care NP: Emergency departments, specialty units in childrens hospitals, urgent care.
- Pediatric Primary Care NP: community health centers, schools, childrens hospitals, private practices.
- Psychiatric Mental Health NP: outpatient therapy, inpatient psychiatric units, partial hospitalization units, nursing homes, and more.
- Womens Health NP: Community health centers, womens prisons, private practices, urogynecology practices, adolescent health, and more.
What Can You Do As A Nurse Practitioner
Thanks to their advanced training and education, NPs hold more clinical autonomy than RNs. NPs make key decisions in patient care and serve as primary caregivers, much like physicians. They hold hospital admitting privileges and may prescribe medication in collaboration with a physician, although NPs may prescribe independently in some states.
While some 47% of these advanced practice registered nurses work in physicians’ offices, others find jobs in hospitals, outpatient care centers, educational services, and health practitioners’ offices. Around 90% are certified to work in specialized primary care areas like family, adult-gerontology primary care, and acute care.
An NP’s earning potential depends on their specialty area and their work setting. Emergency departments are the top-paying setting for NPs, offering $135,000 a year. Read about other lucrative career options on this page.
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Direct Entry Msn Programs
Direct Entry MSN programs or accelerated MSN programs give people who are not nurses but have a bachelors degree in something else the opportunity pursue nursing. These programs prepare you to be an NP without having you repeat non-nursing college courses that you have already taken. There are a handful of these programs in Texas. Direct entry programs take between 2 and 3 years to complete. After the program you will be an RN and an NP. General requirements to enter and to complete your accelerated MSN program in Texas include:
- A 3.0 GPA or the equivalent of a B average
- Completion of pre-requisites such as anatomy and physiology, developmental psychology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and more
- Complete about ## credits of classroom work
- Complete 500 to 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience depending upon the University
Faqs About Online Nurse Practitioner Programs In Texas
Can I earn my nurse practitioner degree in Texas completely online?
For the most part, yes. There are MSN and DNP programs in Texas where you can complete all academic and some specialized training online. You will need to complete your programs clinical hours and other hands-on learning requirements at an approved facility in-person, however.
I reside and hold my RN license in a different state, but I want to work in Texas after I graduate. Am I still eligible to enroll in an online NP program in Texas?
Yes, you can still apply to an online NP program in Texas even if you hold an out-of-state RN license. You will need to meet Texass licensure requirements before you can officially work in the state as an NP. To work as an NP in Texas, you will need to apply for Texas RN licensure using the nurse endorsement application. The endorsement is only for RNs who havent previously held Texas licensure. You can also check to see if your state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, which will save you some steps along the way.
I plan on working in a different state after graduating. Will my online Texas NP degree meet licensing requirements there?
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How To Get A Licensed Vocational Nurse License In Texas
A Texas Licensed Vocational Nurse license requires graduating from an approved LVN training program. All applicants are required to undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. Once the appropriate nursing program has been completed, aspiring LVNs should request that their school directly send notification of graduation. Then they can fill out an application either online or on paper and submit it with a $100 application fee.
In order to get a Texas nursing license, applicants must also pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, along with the NCLEX-LN exam. But first, they must receive an authorization to test after submitting their application materials.
Texas LVN license renewal occurs once every two years. Along with the license renewal form, licensees must submit a fee of $42. LVNs must also complete the continuing competency requirements, which includes 20 contact hours. Renewal forms take two weeks to complete and must be postmarked by the last day of the month before the expiration in order to avoid late fees.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
FNP, PMHNP, PCPNP, and AG-CNS Programs:
Application Deadline: November 1Program Start: Fall, once a year onlyLength of Program: 1.5 – 2 years full-time Part-Time Study Available? YESDistance Learning Available? Not at this time
ACPNP Program:
Application Deadline: September 15 Extended to Dec. 31, 2021 for Jan. 18, 2022 start.Application Available: May 1Program Start: Spring, once a year onlyLength of Program: 4 consecutive semesters, part-time study Program Format: HybridACPNP Information Sessions
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Texas A& m University College Of Nursing Round Rock
Texas A& M University College of Nursing offers a Second Degree BSN track. It is a 15-month, accelerated program available only to applicants with a previous bachelors degree in a non-nursing field of study. Prior to entry, students must complete approximately 59 semester credit hours of prerequisite courses in the humanities and biological, physical and behavioral sciences to provide a foundation for growth in the nursing major if not completed in their first degree. Prerequisite coursework may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university. The four-semester Accelerated Second Degree BSN degree track is delivered on the Round Rock Campus while the five-semester Traditional BSN degree track is delivered on the Bryan-College Station campus.
- The tuition & fees are $12,340 for residents , $39,750 for nonresidents
- The acceptance rate is 31% for January 2021
- The graduation rate is 83% for the overall university