Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas

The RN to MSN in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at UT Arlington combines BSN and MSN coursework in an accelerated, CCNE-accredited pathway. This 76-credit program, completable in as few as 42 months, eliminates redundancy and prepares RNs for advanced practice. The curriculum includes advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and pediatric primary care management, with clinical preceptorships in pediatric clinics and school-based settings. Graduates are eligible for national pediatric nurse practitioner certification and can work in primary care, school health, or palliative care. The program offers pay-by-the-course tuition, a tuition lock guarantee, 8-week courses, and multiple start dates, providing flexibility for working nurses.

• CCNE accredited
• $35,038 total program tuition
• 42-Month program
• Locked tuition rate
• 76 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-07-24
• Starts summer/fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prepares for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification
• Pay-by-the-course tuition

The University of Texas at Arlington offers an online Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. This post-master's program concentrates exclusively on pediatric primary care, requiring 18 credit hours that can be completed in as few as five courses. The curriculum covers health promotion, disease prevention, and case management for children from infancy through adolescence, with clinical placements in pediatric clinics and community settings. Admissions require an MSN from an accredited program, an active RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and an undergraduate statistics course. The program is CCNE accredited, features a tuition guarantee, multiple start dates, and prepares graduates for the PPCNP-BC certification and advanced roles in pediatric primary care.

• Online program format.
• Post-master's certificate.
• Pediatric primary care concentration.
• 18 credit hours required.
• As few as five courses.
• $654 per credit hour.
• MSN from accredited program needed.
• Active RN license required.
• 3.0 GPA in MSN program.
• Undergraduate statistics course required.

UTA's online post-master's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses pursuing PPCNP-BC certification. Through a gap analysis, the curriculum is individualized, covering advanced pediatric primary care, chronicity, and clinical practice across 18 credit hours. Courses address health promotion, disease management, and case management, while clinical practicums take place in pediatric clinics, school-based health centers, and palliative care settings. The program features 8-week terms, multiple start dates, and a locked tuition rate of $654 per credit. With CCNE accreditation and clinical placement assistance, graduates are prepared for expanded roles in pediatric primary care with a focus on leadership and evidence-based practice.

• CCNE accredited
• $654 per credit
• Locked tuition rate
• 18 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-05-22
• Starts summer/fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PPCNP-BC)
• 100% online program

The online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate at the University of Texas at Arlington equips MSN-prepared nurses for CPNP-AC board certification. This post-master's program uses a gap analysis to create an individualized curriculum of as few as five courses. Students study advanced management of acute, complex, and chronic pediatric conditions, with clinical placements in the PICU and subspecialty clinics. Taught by the same faculty as on-campus, the program offers flexible 8-week courses, multiple start dates, and pay-by-course tuition with a locked rate. Accredited by CCNE, this certificate prepares graduates to improve children's health outcomes in acute care settings, emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership.

• CCNE accredited
• $654 per credit
• Locked tuition rate
• 5 total courses
• Apply by 2026-05-22
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for CPNP-AC
• 100% online program

Baylor University’s online DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) prepares RNs for advanced practice across both primary and acute care settings. Students can tailor the program through a primary care track or a dual primary/acute care track, covering pediatric health from normal development to complex chronic conditions. The curriculum integrates 100% online coursework with on-campus immersions, totaling 75 credit hours and 1,125 clinical hours. CCNE-accredited and ranked #3 by Nurse.org, the program includes clinical placement support, a dedicated student success advisor, and a cohort-based structure. No entrance exam is required, making it an accessible pathway for working nurses seeking leadership roles in pediatric hospitals, ICUs, and clinics.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• Complete in Just over 3 years to completion
• 75 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-07-28
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1125 clinical hours

Baylor University’s online DNP with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care) concentration focuses on comprehensive, family-centered care for children and adolescents. Students master health promotion, disease prevention, and management of common pediatric conditions across community settings. The 75-credit curriculum includes 1,125 clinical hours, delivered through 15-week online courses and on-campus immersions. CCNE-accredited, the program offers clinical placement support, three start dates per year, and a dedicated student success advisor. No GRE or MAT is required, allowing experienced RNs to advance without entrance exam barriers. Graduates are prepared for roles in pediatric clinics, community health centers, and primary care practices, with Baylor ranked #3 by Nurse.org.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• Complete in Just over 3 years to completion
• 75 total credit hours
• 3 start dates per year
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1125 clinical hours
• Work experience required

Baylor University’s online DNP in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care) prepares RNs to manage complex, acute, and critical conditions in children. This concentration combines the primary and acute care curricula, requiring 1,725 clinical hours to build advanced procedural and clinical judgment skills. Coursework is delivered fully online via 15-week terms, with three starts per year and on-campus immersions for hands-on learning. The CCNE-accredited program includes clinical placement support and a dedicated student success advisor. No entrance exam is required. Ranked #3 by Nurse.org and featured in U.S. News Best DNP Programs, graduates are equipped for leadership in pediatric ICUs, emergency departments, and hospital settings, with availability in 24 states.

• CCNE accredited
• 2 concentration options
• No entrance exam required
• Apply by 2026-07-28
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• 1725 clinical hours
• Work experience required
• Financial aid available

UTEP's MSN in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC) is a hybrid, 49-credit program designed for working nurses. Delivered in seven-week online sessions with three on-campus intensives per semester during specialty courses, it balances flexibility with hands-on simulation. Students complete 675 clinical clock hours across diverse placements, preparing to manage well-child visits, acute illnesses, and chronic conditions in ambulatory and subspecialty settings. The curriculum aligns with AACN Essentials and NONPF standards, and graduates are eligible for certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PCNB). With two start dates per year (fall and spring), this program offers an accessible pathway to primary care certification.

• 7-Semester program
• 49 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-07-10
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• 675 clinical hours
• Prepares for PCNB
• Flexibility for working professionals
• Innovative simulation lab experiences
• Eligible for PCNB certification

For nurses seeking acute care specialization, UTEP offers an MSN concentration in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program spans two calendar years and includes 49 credit hours and 765 clinical clock hours, with flexible seven-week didactic courses suited for working professionals. The curriculum covers complex acute, chronic, and critical conditions across infancy through young adulthood, with clinical experiences in hospitals, ICUs, emergency departments, and subspecialty clinics. Graduates are eligible for PACNP certification via the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Tuition is $552 per credit hour for Texas residents and $782 for non-residents, plus a nurse practitioner major fee. The program requires travel up to 200 miles for clinical placements.

• Pediatric Acute Care concentration
• Hybrid program format
• 49 credit hours
• Two-year completion time
• 765 clinical clock hours
• Flexible seven-week courses
• For working professionals
• Two admission cycles yearly
• Fall and Spring starts
• Simulation lab experiences

UTEP's Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate with a Pediatric Primary Care concentration offers a hybrid learning format for MSN-prepared nurses. The program requires 28-40 credits and 630-775 clinical practicum hours, accommodating both APRN-certified nurses seeking a new specialty and non-APRN MSN graduates. Applicants must hold a Master's in Nursing, a current RN or NP license, submit a resume, and provide a 500-word professional statement. Coursework emphasizes pediatric primary care competencies, including health promotion and management of common acute and chronic conditions. With rolling admission through the Graduate School, this certificate prepares nurses for advanced pediatric practice roles.

• Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate.
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration.
• Hybrid program format.
• 28-40 total credit hours.
• 630-775 clinical practicum hours.
• Requires Master's in Nursing degree.
• Current RN or NP license needed.
• Submit resume or curriculum vitae.
• 500-word professional statement required.
• Online application to Graduate School.

For registered nurses with an MSN, UTEP delivers a Post-Master's Certificate in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner via a flexible hybrid format. This concentration prepares clinicians to manage acutely ill and critically injured children in hospitals, emergency departments, and subspecialty clinics. Students complete 630-775 clinical hours, with coursework covering complex assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric conditions. The program accepts both APRNs expanding into acute care and non-APRN MSN holders, offering six concentration options within the certificate. Graduates gain the expertise needed for roles in pediatric intensive care and acute care settings, emphasizing evidence-based, patient-centered practice.

• 6 concentration options
• Designed for nurses with MSN degree
• Accepts APRN and non-APRN applicants
• Clinical hours range 630-775

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, this campus-based program provides advanced training in pediatric primary care, with credit-hour requirements varying by track. Admissions open each spring, and applications must be submitted by August 1 through NursingCAS, following the School of Nursing's instructions. Official transcripts are required, and the program does not specify an entrance exam requirement. Students can access sample degree plans and university catalog resources. This certificate prepares nurses for advanced practice roles, focusing on comprehensive, family-centered care for children.

• Post-Graduate Certificate program.
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care concentration.
• For MSN-prepared nurses.
• Campus-based learning format.
• Multiple specialization areas available.
• Varies by track credit hours.
• Spring admissions only.
• August 1 application deadline.
• NursingCAS application required.
• Follow School of Nursing instructions.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care concentration is a hybrid program for RNs. This CCNE-accredited doctorate requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least 2,000 hours of RN experience, and three letters of recommendation. Candidates need a Texas or compact RN license and must complete an online interview; applications are due by April 1. The curriculum covers health assessment, pharmacology, and evidence-based practice for pediatric care. Four NP specializations are offered. No entrance exam is specified for admission. Graduates are prepared for careers in clinics, hospitals, and community health settings.

• CCNE accredited
• 4 concentration options
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• $45 application fee
• BSN to DNP pathway
• Minimum 1 year RN experience required
• Online interview required
• Application deadline: April 1

The University of Texas at Austin offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) concentration in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, preparing advanced practice nurses to manage pediatric patients from birth through age 21 with acute, complex, chronic, and critical conditions. Delivered in a campus-based format, this program integrates hands-on skills labs, high-fidelity simulation experiences, and expert-led lectures alongside clinical rotations in real-world acute care settings. Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and have at least two years of full-time RN experience prior to enrollment. The curriculum aligns with national guidelines and Texas Board requirements, culminating in eligibility for the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) acute care exam. The program does not list an entrance exam requirement in its published materials.

• Focuses on pediatric acute care.
• Covers birth to age 21 patients.
• Includes skills labs and simulations.
• Expert-led lecture components.
• Clinical rotation requirements.
• Prepares for quality improvement projects.
• Doctorally prepared faculty guidance.
• Leads to PNCB certification eligibility.
• Meets national curriculum guidelines.
• Aligns with Texas Board requirements.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's MSN in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-PC) prepares RNs for comprehensive care of children and adolescents via a hybrid format with online coursework and occasional Lubbock campus visits. The 49-credit curriculum covers well-child exams, developmental screenings, immunizations, and common pediatric illness management. Graduates qualify for PNCB and ANCC certification exams. Admission requires two years of pediatric RN experience and a holistic review—no GRE or other graduate entrance exam is required. PALS certification, a computer literacy test, and TOEFL for non-native English speakers are mandatory. Career paths include pediatric clinics, schools, community health centers, and private practice, with financial aid and scholarships available.

• 49 total credit hours
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Online with occasional campus visits
• Requires two years pediatric RN experience

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's MSN in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner prepares BSN-prepared RNs for high-acuity pediatric settings. This hybrid, 51-credit program requires a valid RN license, 3.0 GPA, and two years of pediatric experience. Through a holistic admissions review, no GRE is required. Critical care experience is preferred, and PALS certification, a computer literacy test, and TOEFL for non-native speakers are required. The curriculum culminates in eligibility for the Pediatric Nursing Credentialing Board Acute Care CPNP exam. CCNE-accredited with fall and spring starts, graduates work in intensive care, emergency, and specialty pediatric settings.

• 51 credit hour program
• Hybrid online/campus format
• Requires BSN and RN license
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Two years pediatric experience needed
• PALS certification required
• Eligible for CPNP exam
• Tuition information available online
• Financial aid options available
• Holistic admission review process

The hybrid MSN in Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso prepares RNs for advanced practice in pediatric primary care. This 49-credit curriculum covers well-child exams, developmental screenings, diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses, immunizations, and health maintenance. Students complete online coursework with occasional on-campus visits, offering flexibility for working nurses. Graduates are eligible for PNCB and ANCC certification. Admission requires a BSN, unencumbered RN license, two years of pediatric experience, PALS certification, and a 3.0 GPA. Three letters of recommendation are required. Aside from a computer literacy test, no GRE or other entrance exam is required. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program starts in fall and spring and considers transfer credit.

• 49 total credit hours
• Starts fall/spring
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• 2 years pediatric experience required
• PALS certification required

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers a 51-credit hybrid MSN in Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for RNs seeking advanced skills in managing acutely ill children. The curriculum emphasizes acute care and requires prerequisites in research and statistics. Applicants must hold a BSN and unencumbered RN license, have two years of pediatric experience, and maintain PALS certification. The program leads to eligibility for the Acute Care CPNP exam. Admission is holistic, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, personal statement, and three professional references. A computer literacy test is required; no GRE or other entrance exam is needed. Fall and spring admissions are available, with application deadlines in February and August. The program is CCNE accredited and accepts transfer credit. Tuition details and financial aid options are accessible online.

• Hybrid program format.
• 51 semester credit hours.
• Requires BSN and RN license.
• Two years pediatric experience needed.
• PALS certification required.
• Eligible for CPNP exam.
• Tuition information online.
• Financial aid available.
• Fall and spring admissions.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.

Texas Woman's University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care concentration, delivered in a hybrid format that combines online coursework with clinical placements across Texas. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care for children and adolescents with common acute and chronic conditions, integrating physiological, behavioral, and family theories. Graduates are prepared for roles in pediatric clinics, community health centers, and private practices. Admission requires a BSN from a nationally accredited program, a minimum 3.0 GPA (provisional admission possible for 2.5-2.99), one year of pediatric experience, prerequisite courses including basic statistics, and two letters of recommendation. The program offers three start dates (fall, spring, summer), graduate assistantships, transfer credit up to 12 hours, and is restricted to Texas residents. No entrance exam is required.

• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Work experience required
• Prerequisite courses required
• $50 application fee
• Financial aid available
• Texas residents only
• Online coursework, Texas clinicals

Houston Christian University offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing with a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care concentration, designed for registered nurses to deliver comprehensive care to children from infancy through adolescence. The 38-credit curriculum integrates advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment with specialized pediatric content, emphasizing evidence-based practice and family-centered approaches. Students complete clinical practicums in primary care settings and benefit from a Baptist-affiliated, military-friendly environment. Up to six transfer credits are accepted, and the degree can be completed within five years. A minimum grade of B is required in all courses. Graduates are prepared for national certification and careers in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and community health centers.

• 38 total credit hours
• No grade below B allowed
• Transfer up to 6 credits
• Complete degree in five years