Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas

Baylor University's Online DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program provides advanced nursing professionals a comprehensive pathway to specialize in pediatric healthcare. This rigorous doctoral-level program offers two distinct tracks—Primary Care and Acute Care—preparing nurses to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care for children from birth to adolescence. Students can complete the program in approximately three to four years, with 75 total credits for the Primary Care track. The curriculum emphasizes clinical expertise, health promotion, and complex pediatric health management, leveraging 100% online coursework with strategic on-campus immersions. With a practicum requirement of 1,125 clinical hours and support from nationally recognized faculty, graduates are equipped to meet the growing demand for specialized pediatric nurse practitioners.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 1,125 Clinical Practicum Hours
• Two Specialized Tracks Available
• No GRE Required
• 3.0 Minimum GPA
• BSN to DNP Pathway
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Clinical Placement Support
• Nationally Recognized Faculty

Baylor University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track offers an advanced online program designed for registered nurses seeking to specialize in pediatric healthcare. This comprehensive program prepares nurses to provide high-quality, patient-centered care for children and adolescents in primary and acute care settings. Students can choose between Primary Care and Primary/Acute Care tracks, gaining extensive clinical experience through 1,125 practicum hours. With no GRE required and a competitive 3.0 GPA threshold, the program offers a flexible pathway for working nurses, taking approximately three to four years to complete. Graduates emerge as expert pediatric healthcare providers with advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 1,125 Clinical Practicum Hours
• BSN to DNP Pathway
• No GRE Required
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Clinical Placement Support
• Two Track Options Available
• Primary and Acute Care Focus

Baylor University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with an Acute Care concentration offers advanced healthcare professionals a cutting-edge pathway to specialize in pediatric acute care. Designed for experienced registered nurses, this fully online program prepares students to deliver complex, high-quality care to critically ill children in demanding healthcare settings like intensive care and emergency departments. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning 75 credits and completed in approximately four years, students develop advanced clinical judgment, decision-making skills, and specialized procedural expertise. The program requires 1,125 primary care hours plus an additional 600 acute care hours, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for advanced practice roles. Ranked among top nursing schools by U.S. News & World Report, Baylor provides robust clinical placement support and expert faculty guidance, making it an exceptional choice for nurses seeking to elevate their pediatric healthcare career.

• 100% Online Coursework
• 75 Total Credits
• 1,125 Clinical Hours
• No GRE Required
• BSN to DNP Pathway
• 3.0 GPA Minimum
• One Year Pediatric Experience Required
• CCNE Accredited
• Clinical Placement Support

The University of Texas at Austin's Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to care for pediatric patients from birth to age 21 with acute, complex, chronic, and critical conditions. This campus-based DNP program features hands-on skills labs, simulation experiences, and expert-led lectures. Clinical rotations provide real-world acute care experience. Applicants need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and two years of full-time RN experience before enrollment. The program meets national curriculum guidelines and prepares graduates for certification exams.

• 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.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers a Post-Graduate Certificate in Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care for MSN-prepared nurses. This campus-based program provides specialized training in pediatric primary care, allowing experienced nurses to expand their clinical expertise. The program requires varying semester credit hours depending on the track. Admissions occur every spring with an August 1 deadline. Applicants must submit materials through NursingCAS and follow specific School of Nursing application procedures. This certificate prepares nurses for advanced practice roles in pediatric healthcare settings.

• 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 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UT Health San Antonio is a comprehensive doctoral program designed for Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates seeking advanced clinical expertise. With a specialized Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care concentration, students develop high-level pediatric healthcare skills. The rigorous program prepares nurses for complex clinical leadership roles, emphasizing evidence-based practice and advanced patient care. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and minimum clinical experience, offering a pathway to top-tier pediatric nursing positions.

• Doctoral degree for BSN graduates
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner track
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• 1-year clinical experience needed
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple specialization options
• Hybrid program format
• Professional references required
• NursingCAS application process

The University of Texas at El Paso's Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents. This hybrid program offers flexibility for working professionals, with 49 online credit hours spread across seven semesters. Students gain advanced skills in health promotion, developmental assessments, and managing pediatric health conditions. Graduates become eligible for certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, positioning them for rewarding careers in primary pediatric care settings.

• 49 credit hours online
• 675 clinical clock hours
• Innovative simulation lab
• Two admission cycles yearly
• Flexible for working professionals
• Curriculum meets national standards
• Pediatric nursing certification eligible

The University of Texas at El Paso offers a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner MSN concentration. This hybrid program prepares nurses to care for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults with complex acute, chronic, and critical conditions. The 49-credit hour program spans two calendar years with 765 clinical hours. It features flexible seven-week didactic courses for working professionals. Graduates qualify for PACNP certification through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. Tuition is $552 per credit hour for Texas residents and $782 for non-residents. The program follows AACN and NONPF standards and 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

The University of Texas at El Paso offers a Post-Master's Nurse Practitioner Certificate with a Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program requires 28-40 credits and 630-775 clinical hours. Applicants need a Master's in Nursing, current RN or NP license, resume, and a professional statement. The program prepares nurses for advanced pediatric care roles, focusing on primary care competencies. Admissions require submission through the Graduate School, with specific criteria for applicants with or without APRN recognition.

• 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.

Advance your nursing career with a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate. This program, designed for nurses with an existing master's degree, enhances your skills in acute pediatric care. The curriculum includes specialized coursework and clinical practice, ranging from 28-40 credit hours and 630-775 clinical hours, respectively, depending on experience. Applicants holding APRN recognition must submit proof of licensure and transcripts. Applicants without APRN recognition need an active RN license and transcripts. A statement of professional purpose is required for all applicants.

• Post-Master's Certificate
• Pediatric Acute Care
• For existing MSN holders
• 28-40 credit hours
• 630-775 clinical hours
• APRN applicants need licensure proof
• Non-APRN applicants need RN license
• Statement of Purpose required

The University of Texas at Arlington's RN to MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program offers a transformative pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced pediatric care expertise. This accelerated online program enables students to earn both BSN and MSN degrees efficiently, preparing them to provide comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents. With a total tuition of $35,038, the program spans approximately 42 months and requires 76 credit hours. Students gain advanced skills in pediatric care management, diagnostics, and pharmacology, positioning themselves for rewarding careers in primary care settings like pediatric clinics, school-based clinics, and palliative care environments.

• CCNE-accredited nursing program
• Online accelerated format
• 42-month program duration
• Total tuition $35,038
• 76 total credit hours
• Pediatric primary care focus
• Prepares for national certification
• Multiple clinical practice settings
• Advanced pathophysiology training
• Evidence-based practice curriculum

The University of Texas at Arlington offers an online Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate for MSN-prepared nurses. This post-master's program focuses on pediatric primary care, with a concentration in that area. It requires 18 credit hours and can be completed in as few as five courses. Tuition is $654 per credit hour. Admissions require an MSN from an accredited program, an active RN license, a 3.0 GPA, and an undergraduate statistics course. The program includes clinical placements and prepares graduates for certification and roles in pediatric clinics.

• 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.

The University of Texas at Arlington's online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate provides a specialized pathway for MSN-prepared nurses to advance their pediatric acute care expertise. Designed for experienced RNs, this accelerated program prepares healthcare professionals to manage complex pediatric health challenges across critical care settings. Students can complete the certificate in as few as five courses, focusing on advanced clinical skills, evidence-based interventions, and comprehensive patient care for children with acute and chronic conditions. Tuition is competitively priced at $654 per credit hour, with a flexible online format accommodating working professionals.

• 100% online certificate program
• As few as 5 courses
• MSN-prepared RNs eligible
• $654 per credit hour
• Two years clinical experience required
• CCNE accredited program
• Advanced pediatric acute care focus
• Clinical preceptorship included
• Specialized healthcare settings preparation

The Master of Science in Nursing Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare for children across diverse settings. Graduates gain expertise in well-child examinations, developmental screenings, childhood illness diagnosis, and health maintenance. The 49-semester credit hour online program offers flexibility, with occasional campus visits. Students with two years of pediatric nursing experience can develop advanced clinical skills and leadership capabilities. Tuition information is available through Student Business Services, and financial aid options include loans, grants, and scholarships. Successful completion enables certification through prestigious nursing boards.

• 49 semester credit hours
• Online with campus visits
• Two years pediatric RN experience required
• PALS certification needed
• Prepares for PNCB and ANCC exams
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• CCNE accredited program

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso offers an MSN in Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. This hybrid program prepares nurses for advanced pediatric care. It requires 51 credit hours. Applicants need a BSN, RN license, and two years of pediatric experience. PALS certification is required. The program leads to eligibility for the Acute Care CPNP exam. Costs vary, with tuition details available online. Fall applications open November 1 and close February 15. Spring applications open May 1 and close August 1. Financial aid options include loans and scholarships.

• 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's Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Master's program prepares advanced nursing professionals to deliver comprehensive healthcare for children and adolescents. This hybrid program focuses on developing expert skills in managing acute and chronic pediatric conditions through integrated physiological, behavioral, and family health theories. Prospective students must hold an unencumbered RN license, have a BSN, and possess a minimum 3.0 GPA. One year of pediatric clinical experience is preferred, with potential provisional admission for those without direct experience. The program currently limits enrollment to Texas residents, with remote learning and clinical placements exclusively within the state.

• Hybrid learning format
• Texas residents only
• Pediatric primary care focus
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• One year pediatric experience preferred
• Remote and clinical learning
• Advanced pediatric health management

The MSN Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program prepares advanced nursing professionals to provide comprehensive healthcare for children across all ages. Graduates develop specialized skills in pediatric health management, including well-child examinations, developmental screenings, childhood illness diagnosis, and health maintenance. The 49-semester credit hour online program requires occasional campus visits and offers robust preparation for national certification exams. Students with two years of pediatric nursing experience can develop advanced clinical expertise and leadership capabilities in pediatric primary care settings.

• Online with campus visits
• 49 semester credit hours
• Two years pediatric RN experience required
• PALS certification needed
• National certification exam eligible
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Valid unencumbered RN license
• CCNE accredited program
• Professional references required
• Computer literacy test mandatory

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner concentration. This hybrid program prepares nurses to care for children with acute and chronic conditions. It requires 51 credit hours and costs vary based on tuition rates. Applicants need a BSN, valid RN license, 3.0 GPA, and two years of pediatric experience. The program leads to eligibility for the Pediatric Nursing Credentialing Board Acute Care CPNP exam. Financial aid options are available for admitted students.

• 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

Houston Christian University's MSN Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care program prepares advanced nursing professionals to specialize in pediatric healthcare. The comprehensive 38-credit hybrid program equips students with advanced clinical skills, emphasizing pediatric health assessment, diagnostics, and patient care. Designed for experienced nurses seeking specialized pediatric expertise, the program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion within five years. Students gain advanced knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and leadership, positioning graduates for impactful roles in pediatric primary care settings.

• 38-credit hybrid MSN program
• Pediatric primary care focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Advanced clinical skills training
• Five-year degree completion
• No grade below B
• 6 transfer credits maximum
• Advanced pathophysiology courses
• Leadership and health policy
• Clinical practicum included