Best BSN to DNP Programs in Texas

The BSN to DNP Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston prepares students for inpatient care through a hybrid format combining online coursework with on-campus clinical requirements. This flexible option for working nurses offers affordable tuition and clinical experiences in the Texas Medical Center and other top hospitals. Graduates are eligible for national certification exams and APRN licensure in Texas. The program admits students in Spring and Fall terms with an average completion time of 10 semesters, accommodating both full- and part-time study. No entrance exam is required for this doctorate-level program.

• Hybrid program format
• Affordable tuition rates
• Spring and Fall admission
• 10 semesters average completion
• Online and on-campus learning
• Clinical experiences in Texas
• Eligible for national certification
• APRN license preparation
• Flexible for working nurses
• Part-time study option

Cizik School of Nursing's Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP program focuses on caring for adults from adolescence through the lifespan, emphasizing healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and illness management. This hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning with one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas, making it an affordable choice for career advancement. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it prepares graduates for national certification. Note that admissions are on hold starting Fall 2023. No entrance exam is required for this doctorate-level program.

• Hybrid learning format
• Focus on adult/gerontology care
• Prepares for national certification
• Low tuition rates
• Accredited by CCNE
• Admissions on hold Fall 2023
• 10 semesters average completion
• 79 hours for BSN-DNP
• 29-30 hours for post-graduate
• Online and on-campus

The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration in the BSN to DNP program at Cizik School of Nursing provides flexible, affordable hybrid education for working nurses, focusing on primary care for individuals and families across the lifespan in outpatient settings. It combines online coursework with in-person labs and simulations, requiring 79 credit hours and 1,140 clinical hours over 10 semesters. Graduates achieve a high first-time certification pass rate of 94-100%, with tuition among the lowest in Texas and scholarships available. No entrance exam is required for this doctorate-level program.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on primary care
• High first-time pass rate
• 79 credit hours required
• 1,140 clinical hours
• 10 semesters completion
• Lowest tuition in Texas
• Scholarships available
• BSN degree required
• Spring and Fall admission

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP program at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston uses a hybrid model with online courses and clinical rotations, preparing graduates for PMHNP certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It focuses on psychotherapeutic techniques and psychopharmacotherapy, featuring a 100% first-time pass rate in 2023 and affordable tuition with financial aid options like scholarships and HRSA traineeships. Clinical opportunities in the Texas Medical Center and other settings enhance learning over an average of 10 semesters. No entrance exam is required for this doctorate-level program.

• Hybrid learning model
• 10 semesters average completion
• 100% first-time pass rate
• Affordable tuition
• Financial aid available
• Focus on psychotherapeutic techniques
• Clinical rotations in Texas Medical Center
• Prepares for PMHNP certification
• Flexible for working nurses
• Scholarships and HRSA traineeships

Texas Christian University's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced practice roles focusing on family care across lifespans. This hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning, covering advanced nursing practice, leadership, and evidence-based care. It requires a BSN, RN license, and competitive GPA for admission. The program emphasizes clinical excellence and prepares graduates for certification and leadership in healthcare settings. Admission does not require an entrance exam, and financial aid options are available to align with private university tuition costs.

• Hybrid learning format
• BSN to DNP pathway
• Focus on family care
• Advanced nursing practice
• Leadership and evidence-based care
• Requires BSN and RN license
• Competitive GPA needed
• Private university tuition
• Financial aid available
• Prepares for certification

Texas Christian University's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program addresses critical healthcare shortages by preparing advanced practice nurses to provide essential mental health services. This three-year hybrid program combines online coursework with practical training, equipping BSN-prepared nurses with one year of experience with advanced clinical skills and leadership training. Graduates can significantly impact underserved communities, helping to close the mental health provider gap affecting millions of Americans. Admission does not require an entrance exam, offering a flexible pathway to becoming a high-demand, well-compensated healthcare professional.

• Three-year DNP program
• Online interactive learning platform
• Addresses mental health provider shortage
• BSN with one year experience required
• Leadership skill development

Baylor University's online DNP - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, CCNE-accredited, prepares RNs for acute care of adults and older adults through online coursework with on-campus immersions. It focuses on complex acute, chronic, and critical care needs, requiring a BSN, 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience, with no GRE or MAT exam needed. The program spans three years for BSN holders, includes 1,125 practicum hours, and emphasizes evidence-based practice and leadership in acute healthcare settings, supported by clinical placement and nationally recognized faculty.

• CCNE-accredited program
• Online coursework with immersions
• 1,125 practicum hours
• 3 years to completion for BSN holders
• No GRE or MAT required
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• 75 total credits
• 15-week courses
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Clinical placement support

Baylor University's online Family Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP program, a 75-credit curriculum, focuses on serving underserved populations across all age groups with an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, and advanced clinical management. It uses hybrid learning with virtual immersions and comprehensive clinical experiences, preparing graduates for national certification and culturally sensitive primary care. Admission requires a BSN, but no entrance exam is specified as required or waived in the provided data.

• 75-credit online DNP program
• Focuses on underserved populations
• National certification eligibility
• Hybrid learning with virtual immersions
• Comprehensive clinical experiences

Baylor University's online BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program, CCNE-accredited, trains nurses to provide high-quality mental healthcare across lifespans, covering individual, family, and group psychotherapy, pharmacological interventions, and holistic care. It requires 77 credits, 1,125 clinical practicum hours, and admission with a BSN, 3.0 GPA, current RN license, and one year of experience, with no GRE exam required. The program addresses critical mental health needs through evidence-based techniques and leadership development, supported by expert faculty and clinical placement assistance.

• 100% Online Coursework
• CCNE Accredited Program
• 1,125 Clinical Practicum Hours
• 15-week Courses
• No GRE Required
• 3.0 Minimum GPA
• 77 Total Program Credits
• Clinical Placement Support
• Expert Nationally Recognized Faculty

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's Doctor of Nursing Practice program specializes in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner preparation. This hybrid format combines online coursework with intensive clinical experiences, focusing specifically on managing critical, acute, and chronic conditions in adult patients. The program develops expertise in complex disease processes and high-acuity patient care, preparing graduates for advanced practice roles in emergency departments, ICUs, and other acute care settings. While a BSN is required for admission, no entrance exam is specified for this doctoral-level program. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making for improved health outcomes in critically ill adult populations.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on acute care
• BSN required for admission
• Flexible for professionals
• Clinical hands-on experience

UT Health San Antonio offers a Family Nurse Practitioner-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice program designed for BSN-prepared nurses seeking comprehensive family care expertise. This hybrid program blends online learning with clinical rotations, emphasizing evidence-based practice and health policy leadership across patient lifespans. The FNP concentration specifically prepares graduates to provide primary care to individuals and families from pediatrics through geriatrics. Admission requires a BSN, Texas RN licensure, minimum 3.0 GPA, and clinical experience, with no entrance exam mandated for this doctoral program. CCNE accreditation ensures rigorous standards while the flexible format accommodates working professionals advancing their careers in family-centered healthcare delivery.

• Hybrid program format
• FNP concentration available
• Requires BSN and RN licensure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Clinical experience required
• Accredited by CCNE
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Family-centered care focus
• Online and campus components

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP concentration at UT Health San Antonio prepares nurses for advanced mental health practice through a comprehensive 76-credit curriculum. This hybrid program spans 3-5 years with full-time or part-time options, requiring 1,080 clinical hours focused on psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based mental health interventions across patient lifespans. Students develop expertise in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders while gaining leadership skills in health policy and informatics. Admission mandates a BSN, 3.0 GPA, current RN licensure, and one year of clinical experience, with no entrance exam required for this doctoral program that emphasizes both clinical excellence and systemic healthcare advocacy.

• 76 semester credit hours
• Full and part-time options
• 1,080 clinical hours
• Hybrid program format
• Advanced mental health practice
• Leadership and policy focus
• Requires 1 year RN experience
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Comprehensive psychotherapy training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

Texas Tech University's BSN to DNP Program with an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice in acute care settings. This hybrid program blends online coursework with hands-on clinical experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals. Students gain expertise in managing complex health conditions in adults and the elderly, emphasizing evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient-centered care. Admission requires a BSN degree, RN licensure, and meeting specific GPA and prerequisite criteria; no entrance exam is mentioned as required. Graduates are equipped for high-demand roles across healthcare settings.

• Hybrid learning format
• Focus on acute care
• Flexible for professionals
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership skills development
• Patient-centered care emphasis
• BSN degree required
• RN licensure needed
• GPA prerequisites apply
• Financial aid available

Texas Tech University's BSN to DNP Program with an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration focuses on preparing nurses for advanced practice in primary care. This hybrid program combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences, providing flexibility for working professionals. Students develop expertise in managing the health of adults and older adults, with an emphasis on chronic and acute conditions, evidence-based practice, leadership, and quality improvement. Admission requires a BSN degree, RN licensure, and meeting GPA and prerequisite course requirements; no entrance exam is specified. Graduates are prepared for the AGPCNP certification exam and diverse healthcare roles.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on adult-gerontology care
• Prepares for AGPCNP certification
• Flexible for working nurses
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Leadership and quality improvement focus
• Requires BSN and RN licensure
• Clinical experiences included
• Diverse healthcare career opportunities

Texas Tech University's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is designed for nurses seeking advanced practice roles in family care. This hybrid program blends online and campus learning, offering flexibility for working professionals. It prepares graduates for leadership with a focus on family practice, covering advanced nursing practice, patient care, and healthcare policy. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and meeting specific GPA criteria; no entrance exam is indicated as required. The program enhances clinical skills for higher responsibilities in nursing, with financial aid options available.

• Hybrid learning format
• BSN to DNP pathway
• Focus on family practice
• Advanced nursing curriculum
• RN license required
• GPA criteria for admission
• Financial aid available
• Leadership in healthcare focus
• Flexible for working professionals
• Prepares for advanced practice roles

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner provides a hybrid pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced acute care specialization. This 12-semester program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and one year of nursing experience, featuring 1,020 clinical hours in acute and critical care settings. Students develop expertise in healthcare transformation, policy, and leadership while working with nationally recognized faculty. The program does not require entrance exams and focuses on improving healthcare access and equity through flexible online coursework combined with hands-on clinical experiences.

• Online flexible curriculum
• 12 semesters total program length
• 1,020 clinical practice hours
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Advanced clinical specialty training
• Focuses on healthcare transformation
• One year nursing experience needed
• High-quality, affordable education

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston offers a fully online Doctor of Nursing Practice with Family Nurse Practitioner concentration designed for working nurses. This 12-semester program prepares graduates for primary care roles through advanced diagnostic and assessment training, requiring 1,020 clinical hours and a 3.0 GPA minimum. With no entrance exam requirement, the curriculum emphasizes healthcare transformation for diverse populations through small interactive classes and a scholarly practice project. Students must have one year of nursing experience and benefit from nationally recognized faculty in this flexible pathway to national certification.

• Fully online 12-semester program
• 1,020 total clinical hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year nursing experience needed
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Flexible curriculum for working nurses
• Small, interactive class sizes
• Scholarly practice project focus
• Prepares for national certification

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston's Doctor of Nursing Practice with Dual FNP-AGACNP concentration provides a comprehensive online pathway for nurses seeking dual certification in family and acute care. This innovative 13-semester program requires 1,380 clinical hours, a 3.0 GPA, and one year of nursing experience without entrance exams. Students develop advanced skills in pathophysiology and pharmacology while focusing on healthcare equity through affordable tuition and nationally recognized faculty. The flexible curriculum prepares graduates for diverse practice settings through scholarly projects and interactive online classes.

• Dual Family and Acute Care Certification
• Fully online, flexible curriculum
• 12-13 semester program length
• 1,380 total clinical hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• One year nursing experience needed
• Nationally recognized faculty
• Small, interactive online classes
• Affordable doctoral-level education
• Scholarly practice project focus

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses for advanced family health practice through a hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. This concentration focuses on comprehensive family care, requiring a BSN, valid RN license, and minimum two years of nursing experience. Admission preferences include a 3.0 GPA, completed research and statistics courses, and TOEFL scores for non-native English speakers. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional collaboration, and systems leadership, with graduates eligible for national certification. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this doctoral-level program.

• Hybrid program format
• BSN to DNP pathway
• Family Nurse Practitioner concentration
• National certification eligibility
• Minimum 2 years RN experience
• Preferred 3.0 GPA
• Valid RN license required
• Research and statistics prerequisite
• TOEFL for non-native speakers
• Evidence-based practice focus

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso offers a BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program that provides a direct pathway from bachelor's to doctoral preparation. This hybrid program blends online and face-to-face learning with supervised clinical experiences, meeting rigorous national standards for mental health specialization. Graduates are prepared for national certification exams, focusing on evidence-based psychiatric care, interprofessional collaboration, and healthcare leadership. Admission requires a valid RN license, with preference for a 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, computer literacy, and BLS certification. No entrance exam is specified as required for this doctoral program.

• Professional doctorate program
• Hybrid online/in-person learning
• National certification preparation
• Meets AANC educational standards
• 3.0 GPA preferred
• Valid RN license required
• Three letters of recommendation
• Computer literacy essential
• BLS certification needed

The University of the Incarnate Word's three-year BSN to DNP program with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration prepares nurses for advanced practice through a hybrid format blending online coursework with on-campus sessions. This program emphasizes cultural competence, inter-professional collaboration, and evidence-based practice while integrating the university's core values of faith, service, innovation, truth, and education. Students develop close faculty relationships and receive comprehensive preparation for NP certification. The program does not require an entrance exam.

• Three-year full-time program.
• Hybrid learning format.
• Focus on Family Nurse Practitioner.
• Prepares for NP certification.
• Cultural competence emphasis.
• Inter-professional collaboration focus.
• Close faculty relationships.
• UIW core values integrated.
• Blended online and on-campus.
• Flexible for working nurses.

This Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner BSN to DNP program at University of the Incarnate Word delivers specialized mental health training through a three-year hybrid curriculum combining online and face-to-face instruction. Students develop expertise in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment while focusing on cultural competence and inter-professional collaboration. The program prepares graduates for advanced practice certification and leadership roles in mental health nursing without requiring an entrance exam.

• Three-year full-time program
• Blended learning format
• Two concentration options
• Prepares for NP certification
• Face-to-face and online instruction
• Focuses on cultural competence
• Emphasizes inter-professional collaboration

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's BSN to DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program is a hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person sessions and clinical experiences. It prepares nurses for advanced practice by meeting national FNP certification standards, focusing on evidence-based practice, leadership, and interprofessional collaboration. Admission requires a BSN, RN license, and a preferred 3.0 GPA, with no entrance exam specified. Clinical partners mandate COVID-19 vaccination. This program is ideal for those advancing in family care with hands-on clinical training.

• Hybrid program format
• Meets national FNP standards
• Requires BSN and RN license
• Preferred 3.0 GPA for admission
• COVID-19 vaccination required
• Focus on evidence-based practice
• Leadership and collaboration emphasized
• Prepares for FNP certification
• Combines online and in-person learning
• Clinical experiences included

The BSN to DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a direct hybrid pathway from BSN to DNP, blending online and face-to-face learning. It equips nurses for national certification, emphasizing advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and person-centered care across diverse populations. Admission prerequisites include a BSN, valid RN license, preferred 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, computer literacy, and BLS certification, with no entrance exam mentioned. Graduates lead transformative healthcare initiatives in mental health.

• Professional doctorate program
• Hybrid online/face-to-face learning
• National certification preparation
• BSN to DNP direct pathway
• 3.0 GPA preferred
• Valid RN license required
• Three recommendation letters
• Computer literacy needed
• BLS certification mandatory

Concordia University Texas in Austin delivers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a Nurse Leadership concentration, tailored for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced executive roles. This 36-month online curriculum focuses on healthcare policy, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based practice to foster leadership skills. Students engage in a collaborative cohort model, enhancing peer support and learning. At $800 per credit with tuition locked upon enrollment, the program is affordable and does not require an entrance exam. Graduates are equipped to drive healthcare improvements, advocate for social justice, and assume positions as educators or policymakers, with faith-infused learning enriching the experience.

• 36-month program
• Online format
• $800 per credit
• BSN to DNP path
• Nurse Leadership concentration
• Collaborative cohort model
• Focus on healthcare policy
• Interprofessional leadership training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Social justice advocacy