Texas has five institutions offering Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs across eight tracks spanning MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate options at both primary care and acute care levels.
Resident tuition ranges from approximately $11,144 for UT Health San Antonio’s post-graduate certificate to $41,767 for UT Austin’s DNP, with program completion spanning roughly 1.5 to 3 years depending on degree level and enrollment pace.
Quick Overview: Texas PNP Programs
| School | Est. Cost — Resident (Rounded) | High-Level Program Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | MSN PNP-PC: $22K–$25K MSN PNP-AC: $23K–$26K | – primarily online with periodic campus intensives – preceptor-guided clinicals near student’s community |
| Texas Woman’s University | MSN PNP-PC: $26K Post-Master’s Certificate: $16K | – 100% online – 13 practicum credits across three clinical courses; |
| University of Texas at Arlington | MSN PNP-PC: $27K MSN PNP-AC: $30K Dual MSN PNP-PC/AC: $36K Post-Master’s Cert PNP-PC: $12K–$13K Post-Master’s Cert PNP-AC: $16K | – 100% online; – campus-based option also available – flat $654/credit — no out-of-state surcharge |
| UT Austin | DNP PC PNP: $41.5K DNP AC PNP: $41.8K | – hybrid with regular in-person attendance required – 1,020 supervised hours (PC PNP); 1,080 hours (AC PNP) |
| UT Health San Antonio | BSN-DNP PNP-PC: $30K Post-Grad Certificate PNP-PC: $11K | – hybrid with regular in-person attendance – guaranteed clinical placement through 400+ affiliated sites |
Compare Texas PNP Programs
Texas Tech University Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Lubbock | $280 cpc | MSN
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing offers two MSN-level Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks for experienced pediatric nurses seeking a flexible path to advanced practice.
- Tracks offered: Primary Care (PNP-PC) and Acute Care (PNP-AC).
- Format: Both tracks are delivered primarily online.
- Clinical experience: Preceptor-guided clinicals are completed in or near the student’s home community.
- Best for working nurses: The online format is designed to support full-time employment.
- Admission timing: Both tracks admit in fall and spring.
- Experience required: Applicants must have two years of pediatric RN experience before admission.
- Best fit: These programs are intended for experienced pediatric nurses ready for an advanced practice role, not new graduates moving into pediatrics.
TWU Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Denton | $576 cpc | Certificate / MSN
Texas Woman’s University offers two online Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks, an MSN and a Post-Master’s Certificate, designed for Texas-based nurses seeking a distance-learning pathway.
- Tracks offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate.
- Delivery format: Both programs are offered online through distance education.
- Clinicals: Clinical experiences are completed in Texas.
- Best fit: Ideal for Texas pediatric nurses who want a fully online option at a competitive in-state tuition rate.
- Who can apply: The MSN is open to BSN-prepared nurses, and the certificate is open to MSN-prepared APRNs.
- Experience required: One year of pediatric experience is required for admission.
- Residency: The program is currently limited to Texas residents only.
UT Austin Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Austin | $581 cpc | DNP
The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing offers two Doctor of Nursing Practice-level Pediatric Nurse Practitioner tracks in a hybrid format with required in-person study in Austin.
- Tracks offered: Primary Care PNP and Acute Care PNP.
- Format: Hybrid, with in-person requirements in Austin, Texas.
- Cohort size: Each program admits only 4 to 6 students per year.
- Faculty: Students learn from doctoral-prepared faculty.
- Program strength: UT Austin is the #1-ranked DNP program in Texas.
- Best fit: Ideal for nurses seeking a rigorous, academically intensive, in-person DNP experience.
- Degree path: Both tracks lead directly to the DNP degree, with no separate MSN awarded.
UT Health San Antonio Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
San Antonio | $398 cpc | Certificate / DNP
UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing offers two Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner tracks in a hybrid format with guaranteed clinical placement.
- Tracks offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate.
- Format: Hybrid delivery with one to three days per week on campus in San Antonio.
- Clinical placement: Guaranteed clinical placement is supported by more than 400 clinical affiliates.
- Best fit: Strong option for nurses who want a DNP pathway without the stress of finding placements on their own.
- Tuition: Texas resident per-credit tuition is approximately $398.
- Value: The BSN-DNP PNP track is one of the more affordable terminal practice degree options in Texas.
UTA Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs
Arlington | $654 cpc | Certificate / MSN
The University of Texas at Arlington College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers five Pediatric Nurse Practitioner pathways, including three MSN tracks and two Post-Master’s Certificates.
- Pathways offered: Three MSN tracks and two Post-Master’s Certificates.
- Program history: UTA launched one of the first PNP-PC programs in Texas and one of the first PNP-AC programs in the United States in 2004.
- Tuition: All online programs are priced at a flat $654 per credit.
- Tuition lock: Students who enroll and remain continuously enrolled can qualify for a tuition lock guarantee.
- Dual option: The Dual PNP-PC/AC MSN prepares students for both the CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC certification exams in one program.
- Accreditation: All programs are CCNE-accredited.
- Clinical placement: Students help identify a preceptor, with program support available if needed.
- State authorization: Some residents may not be eligible to enroll, so state authorization should be verified before applying.
Which Texas PNP Program Is Right for You?
TLDR Quick Choice
Choose Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center if you want the lowest-cost MSN in Texas for either primary or acute care, prefer primarily online delivery, and have two years of pediatric RN experience.
Choose Texas Woman’s University if you want a fully online MSN or post-master’s certificate in primary care at a competitive price point with fall, spring, and summer admission windows.
Choose The University of Texas at Arlington if you want the widest range of PNP tracks in Texas — including the only Dual PNP-PC/AC MSN and the only acute care post-master’s certificate in the state — with a flat $654/credit rate, no out-of-state surcharge, a tuition lock guarantee, and multiple start dates throughout the year.
Choose UT Health San Antonio if you want the lowest-cost DNP or post-graduate certificate in Texas with guaranteed clinical placement through a 400+ affiliate network.
Choose UT Austin if you want the most prestigious DNP program in Texas — ranked #1 in the state — and can commit to in-person attendance in Austin for a highly selective 4–6 student cohort.
DNP Pediatric Nurse Programs in Texas
Two Texas schools offer BSN-to-DNP PNP pathways. UT Health San Antonio is the clear cost leader at ~$30,248 resident — roughly $11,000 less than UT Austin — and guarantees clinical placement through its 400+ affiliate network.
UT Austin’s programs log more clinical hours (1,020–1,080 vs. 1,080 combined with DNP project hours at UTSA) and carry the distinction of being ranked #1 in Texas for DNP nursing by U.S. News, but admit only 4–6 students per year and require in-person attendance in Austin.
| School | Track | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Health San Antonio | BSN-DNP | $30K | 3 years FT / 4 years PT | 1,080 hrs |
| UT Austin | DNP PC | $41.5K | 3 years FT | 1,020 hrs |
| UT Austin | DNP AC | $41.8K | 3 years FT | 1,080 hrs |
UT Austin’s AC PNP is the only DNP-level acute care PNP track in Texas with a hard two-year RN experience requirement by the first day of enrollment.
UT Health San Antonio offers primary care only at the DNP level, but its guaranteed placement model removes a significant logistical burden for students who prefer not to self-arrange preceptors.
Texas nurses seeking an online DNP option may consider Maryville University (~$74K–$77K BSN-DNP, 100% online, 750 hours, 6 start dates/year) or Walden University (~$71K–$76K, Practicum Pledge® placement support).
DNP Admissions at a Glance
| School | Program | Min. GPA | Application Deadline | Notable Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Austin | DNP PC PNP | 3.0 | Nov. 1 (Fall only; window opens Sep. 1) | – 1 year RN experience with children recommended – undergraduate statistics required before enrollment – 4–6 students admitted per year |
| UT Austin | DNP AC PNP | 3.0 | Nov. 1 (Fall only; window opens Sep. 1) | – 2 years full-time RN experience required by day one of enrollment – 4–6 students per cohort |
| UT Health San Antonio | BSN-DNP PNP-PC | 3.0 (last 60 cr.) | April 1 (Fall only) | – 1 year (2,000 hours) RN experience required – embedded online interview via NursingCAS – BLS required |
MSN Pediatric Nurse Programs in Texas
Texas has three in-state MSN options — and UTA adds a fourth track unique to the state.
TTUHSC remains the lowest-cost MSN at ~$22,000–$25,000 and covers both primary and acute care tracks. TWU is fully online with no campus requirements and is the most flexible on admission timing.
UTA is the only Texas school offering an online MSN in acute care alongside primary care, plus a Dual PNP-PC/AC track that prepares students for both certification exams in a single streamlined program.
All three schools price their MSN programs in a similar range ($22K–$35K), but the differences in track availability, format, preceptor support, and experience requirements are meaningful for applicants narrowing their options.
| School | Track | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTUHSC | MSN PNP-PC | $22K–$25K | ~2–2.5 years | Primarily online + campus intensives |
| TTUHSC | MSN PNP-AC | $23K–$26K | ~2–2.5 years | Primarily online + campus intensives |
| TWU | MSN PNP-PC | ~$26K | ~2–2.5 years | 100% online |
| UTA | MSN PNP-PC | $26,814 | 29–33 months | 100% online; campus option available |
| UTA | MSN PNP-AC | $29,430 | 31–33 months | 100% online; campus option available |
| UTA | Dual MSN PNP-PC/AC | ~$35,316 | Est. 36–40 months | 100% online; campus option available |
TTUHSC’s curriculum transitions to 45 credits effective Summer 2026 for the PC track — nurses applying to the AC track should confirm the final credit count directly with the program, as the catalog shows a discrepancy.
TWU accepts one year of pediatric experience (vs. TTUHSC’s two and UTA’s two), making it more accessible to nurses earlier in their careers. Both TWU and TTUHSC limit clinicals to Texas. UTA’s state authorization varies by state — check the program map before applying.
UTA’s Dual PNP-PC/AC MSN is unique in Texas — it is the only program in the state that prepares students to sit for both the CPNP-PC and CPNP-AC certification exams within a single MSN program. At 54 credits and 1,260 clinical hours, it is the most intensive MSN option in this comparison but delivers dual certification eligibility that would otherwise require two separate programs.
For nurses who want an online MSN without Texas residency restrictions, Maryville University (~$42K, 750 hours, 6 start dates/year) and Rasmussen University (~$51K, competency-based pacing, Title IV aid eligible) are CCNE-accredited alternatives.
MSN Admissions at a Glance
| School | Program | Min. GPA | Application Deadline | Notable Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TTUHSC | MSN PNP-PC | 3.0 | Feb. 15 (Fall) / Aug. 1 (Spring) | 2 years pediatric RN experience required – PALS before clinical – statistics + research undergrad courses – TTUHSC Computer Literacy Test – $175 placement fee upon accepting admission |
| TTUHSC | MSN PNP-AC | 3.0 | Feb. 15 (Fall) / Aug. 1 (Spring) | – 2 years pediatric RN experience required – acute care/ICU/ED experience preferred – PALS before clinical – same requirements as PNP-PC |
| TWU | MSN PNP-PC | 3.0 (last 60 cr.) | Feb. 15 (Fall) / Sep. 15 (Spring) / Open (Summer) | – 1 year pediatric experience required before clinicals – Texas residents only; provisional admission possible for 2.5–3.0 GPA |
| UTA | MSN PNP-PC | 3.0 (last 60 cr. BSN) | Multiple start dates; check academic calendar | – 2 years RN experience required – unencumbered RN license (NURSYS verified) – statistics with C+; CPR; – probationary admission available for 2.8–2.99 GPA with qualifying GRE |
| UTA | MSN PNP-AC | 3.0 (last 60 cr. BSN) | Apply by June 5, 2026 for June 29, 2026 start | – 2 years RN experience – 2 years high-acuity direct care in last 5 years required – TOEFL min. 79 (internet-based) or IELTS 7.0 for international applicants – all other requirements same as PNP-PC |
| UTA | Dual MSN PNP-PC/AC | 3.0 (last 60 cr. BSN) | Contact CONHI Graduate Advising for current deadlines | – 2 years pediatric nursing experience required – all other requirements same as MSN PNP-PC – confirm online vs. campus availability before applying |
PNP Certificate Programs in Texas
Three Texas schools now offer post-master’s certificates — and UTA breaks the primary-care-only pattern that defined this tier until now.
UT Health San Antonio remains the most affordable primary care certificate at ~$11,144 resident for a minimum of 28 credits, with the same guaranteed placement guarantee as the DNP program.
TWU’s primary care certificate costs ~$15,552 for 27 credits, but nurses who need the three prerequisite “Ps” will add up to $5,184, pushing the total to ~$20,736.
UTA offers both a primary care and an acute care post-master’s certificate — the only acute care certificate available from a Texas institution. The PC certificate runs ~$12K–$13K and the AC certificate runs ~$16K, both subject to gap analysis adjustments that could reduce the final credit load and cost. Both are 100% online with multiple start dates and the same $654/credit flat rate as UTA’s MSN programs.
| School | Track | Est. Tuition (Resident) | Duration | Clinical Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UT Health San Antonio | PNP-PC | ~$11K (28 cr. minimum) | ~2 years (5 semesters) | 660 hrs |
| TWU | PNP-PC | ~$16K (prereqs not included) | ~1.5–2 years | Not published (13 practicum credits) |
| UTA | PNP-PC | ~$12K–$13K (gap analysis applies) | As few as 5 courses | Not published separately |
| UTA | PNP-AC | ~$16K (gap analysis applies) | As few as 5 courses | Not published separately |
UTSA and TWU both require current APRN licensure and completion of the three prerequisite “Ps” with a grade of B or better before specialty coursework begins. TWU’s pharmacology prerequisite must be current within 6 years of anticipated completion — nurses with older graduate pharmacology coursework should verify eligibility before applying.
UTA’s certificates are individually tailored through a gap analysis — the program evaluates each student’s MSN transcript to determine which courses may be waived, which means the final credit load and cost may be lower than the published baselines. UTA’s AC certificate is the only option in Texas for certified NPs seeking to add acute care pediatric scope without enrolling in a full MSN program.
For nurses seeking an online certificate without Texas residency requirements, Maryville University (~$32K, 750 hours) and Rasmussen University (~$29K, competency-based pacing) are both CCNE-accredited alternatives.
Post-Master’s Certificate Admissions at a Glance
| School | Program | Min. GPA | Application Deadline | Notable Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWU | Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC | 3.0 (master’s) | Feb. 15 (Fall) / Sep. 15 (Spring) | Current APRN licensure required; 3 prerequisite “Ps” with B or better; pharmacology current within 6 years; Texas residents only |
| UTA | Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-PC | 3.0 (MSN) | Apply by May 22, 2026 for June 29, 2026 start; multiple start dates | MSN from NLNAC- or CCNE-accredited program; active unencumbered RN license; statistics with C+; gap analysis required before enrollment |
| UTA | Post-Master’s Certificate PNP-AC | 3.0 (MSN) | Apply by May 22, 2026 for June 29, 2026 start; multiple start dates | Same as PNP-PC certificate + 2 years high-acuity direct patient care in last 5 years required; gap analysis required before enrollment |
| UT Health San Antonio | Post-Graduate Certificate PNP-PC | 3.0 (master’s) | August 1 (Spring only) | Current APRN licensure required; 3 prerequisite “Ps” with B or better; pharmacology current within 6 years; Kira Talent interview + writing sample required; spring-only admission |
Clinical Placements and Preceptor Support
Clinical placement support varies more in Texas than in most states — ranging from a full guarantee to student-led self-sourcing.
UT Health San Antonio guarantees clinical placement for both DNP and certificate students through a network of 400+ clinical affiliates. Students do not self-source preceptors or sites. This is the strongest placement commitment of any Texas PNP program and extends across all three levels of clinical application coursework.
UT Austin arranges clinical placements within Texas through its School of Nursing network. The AC PNP track includes hands-on skills labs and simulation alongside precepted rotations. Specific placement coordination details are not published — students should contact the program directly for current placement support practices.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center arranges clinicals near the student’s home community through preceptor-guided experiences. Each clinical course requires periodic on-campus skills lab visits at the Lubbock campus. Out-of-state students must confirm program availability in their state before applying.
Texas Woman’s University does not publish specific clinical placement coordination details. All placements must occur within Texas. Total supervised clinical hours are also not published — contact the program coordinator before applying to clarify both the hour requirement and placement support available.
The University of Texas at Arlington asks students to locate their own preceptors aligned with program requirements as the primary effort, with program assistance available when students experience difficulty. Clinical placement is managed through the Exxat clinical management system. Students should begin identifying preceptor candidates early given the self-sourcing expectation. State authorization varies by state — verify your state’s eligibility on the UTA program map before applying.
No Texas PNP program requires a GRE. UT Austin’s application window is the narrowest in the state — just 62 days (September 1–November 1) with fall-only admission and cohorts of 4–6 students, making it the most competitive to time correctly.