8 Best ACNP Programs in Texas (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Are you an RN who stays calm even when working with a patient who’s decompensating quickly? Then you may have what it takes to become an acute care nurse practitioner. Graduates of ACNP programs in Texas earn $131,680 annually on average, and their employment opportunities are expected to increase by 66 percent within the next decade. As an ACNP, you’ll find numerous employment opportunities in hospitals, medical centers, outpatient surgical centers, and emergency departments. Is this a healthcare role that appeals to you? You’ll learn more by reading the descriptions below of the 8 best ACNP programs in Texas for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 8 BEST ACNP PROGRAMS IN TEXAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 8 best campus-based and online ACNP programs in Texas.)


1. Texas Tech University - Lubbock


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: When you graduate from one of the best ACNP programs in Texas, not only will you obtain exceptional professional clinical skills, but you will also be desired by employers across the state. Texas Tech University offers some great ACNP programs that should be on your shortlist if you are planning to complete your ACNP training in the ‘Lone Star State’. A Center of Excellence in nursing education, here you will obtain high-quality training under the expert guidance of its faculty. You can apply either to it MSN, or the post-master’s certificate program, based on your previous nursing degree.

MSN Program Details: If you want to enroll in an ACNP program in Texas, then this MSN program can be considered. Through this program, you can complete your training in acute care of adult gerontology or pediatrics, depending on the track you choose.

The AGACNP track requires the completion of 48 credits. By completing this course, you will gain skills in the healthcare management of critical and acutely ill adults and elderly patients.

The pediatric acute care track which requires the completion of 51 credits prepares you for improving the quality of healthcare for pediatric patients. You will be evaluating and treating complex, acute, and chronic health conditions in newborns, children, and adolescents.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This ACNP certificate program is designed for students with an MSN and an active RN license. The program leads to the adult gerontology acute care NP certification and requires the completion of 36 credits. The coursework is mainly online, with limited visits to the Lubbock campus.


2. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston - Houston


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP, and Post-Graduate Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: A consistent topper among the U.S. News & World Report’s graduate nursing programs, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston offers some of the best ACNP programs in Texas. Here, whether you choose the BSN to DNP or the post-masters certificate, you can specialize in the acute care of adults and the geriatric patient population.

As an ACNP student of this college, you will not only have access to the world’s largest medical center but you will be mentored by experts in an interdisciplinary learning environment. Also, because of the excellent reputation this school enjoys, students are at an advantage in practicing clinical skills at some of the prominent healthcare facilities, including Magnet hospitals.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: If you desire admission into this BSN-to-DNP program, then you must foremost have an accredited BSN and an active RN license. This acute care nurse practitioner program in Texas is a 79-credit curriculum that spans 10 semesters of full-time study. The program is offered twice a year, in fall and spring.

Your coursework mainly comprises advanced practice core courses, DNP core courses, and AGACNP-related courses. You will learn about advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, clinical reasoning & diagnostic skills, advanced health assessment, and evidence-based practice. You will also master skills in healthcare informatics, and improvement of healthcare delivery. In addition, you will gain proficiency in adult gerontology acute care advanced practice nursing.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: As such, this post-graduate certificate is open to MSN graduates. Now, if you enter this program as a certified AGNP, FNP, Nurse Educator or Nurse Leader, your credit burden will be quite low as you will be able to graduate by leveraging your previous education. Whereas, for MSN graduates with any other certification, the credit requirements will be greater, needing you to complete anywhere around 25 to 30 credits.


3. University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Do you know that the University of Texas at Arlington is one of the largest producers of high-quality nursing professionals in the state? Among the best ACNP programs in Texas, the college offers one of the few pediatric acute care programs in the state, so if you are someone with an inclination towards the care of critically ill pediatric patients, then this can be a great place to start. A Nursing Center of Excellence, here regardless of whether you choose the MSN or the post-graduate program, you will be trained for academic as well as professional success.

MSN Program Details: This acute care nurse practitioner program in Texas offers two specialty tracks of adult-gerontology acute care and pediatric acute, so based on your interests you can enroll.

The adult gerontology acute care track which focuses on the healthcare management of critically and acutely ill patients from adulthood through old age requires the completion of 41 credits and 720 clinical hours.

On the other hand, the pediatric acute care track prepares graduates for the treatment and management of pediatric patients, suffering from acute, complex and critical health conditions. To graduate from this program, you must complete 45 credits and 720 clinical hours.

Both the specialty tracks comprise common courses that build your knowledge in core topics of advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, principles of nursing research, evidence-based practice, and understanding of the role of a nurse in advanced practice. In addition, depending on the chosen specialty track, you will take courses either in adult gerontology acute clinical practice or pediatric acute care clinical practice. Aside from this, the pediatric track also includes a course in primary pediatric care that focuses on the management of chronic health conditions in pediatric patients.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This ACNP program in Texas which is offered in the form of a post-master’s certificate, is available in two specialties, adult gerontology acute care and pediatric acute care. Regardless of the specialty track you choose; your coursework will be tailored to suit your individual academic needs. Upon completion of the program, you will be prepared to take the national certification exam within your chosen population focus.


4. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - San Antonio


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: The best ACNP programs in Texas are not only accredited but also provide training that employers seek in ACNP practitioners. Well, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, listed among the U.S. News & World Report’s top-ranking graduate nursing schools offers such ACNP programs.

Here, the training is designed in partnership with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to ensure you are equipped with an in-demand skill set. To achieve proficiency in clinical training the school provides ample clinical practice. First, you start with simulations at its state-of-art simulation center and then transition to clinical experiences at its Wellness 360, its clinic, and at a site out of its 400 clinical partners. In addition, the college also secures preceptors for your clinical training and maintains a small student-to-faculty ratio to ensure students can make the most out of their clinical training. Based on your past academic degree, you can enroll either in its BSN to DNP or post-masters certificate program.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This ACNP program in Texas is ideal for BSN-prepared registered who are keen on achieving the highest level of skills in acute care gerontology. The program trains you with exceptional leadership skills to impact change at an organizational level. On a full-time basis, you can complete this program within three years. You will complete credits anywhere from 75 to 80 in courses, including MSN core, AGACNP-specific courses, and DNP courses. In addition to excellent training opportunities, the college also offers a range of scholarship and financial aid opportunities, which eligible AGACNP students can avail of.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you have completed your MSN and are working as a registered nurse, then you are an ideal candidate for this post-master’s certificate program. By completing a minimum of 28 credits, you will gain specialized skills in adult gerontology acute care. However, you may require more credits, based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts.


5. University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston


Programs Offered: MSN and BSN-to-DNP

MSN Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Dual Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) & Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Are you searching for online ACNP programs in Texas that combine training in primary care? If so, you must look no further as the University of Texas Medical Branch may have what you’ve been looking for. The college offers the state’s first and only such dual track of FNP and AGACNP, combining training in acute care with that of primary care. Through this unique dual specialty track, you will gain exceptional skills in two in-demand areas of advanced practice nursing.

Further, here, an online coursework is delivered in small-sized virtual classes, thereby providing you with a personalized online learning experience. As a working nurse, the flexibility of online classes easily allows fitting a study schedule into your work life. What’s more, you can achieve your dream NP career without breaking the bank as the college offers affordable tuition costs. You can apply either to its MSN or BSN to DNP program, depending on your career goals.

MSN Program Details: This MSN offers the Adult/Gerontology Acute Care specialty track. With this online MSN program, you need to visit the campus for orientation only for 2 to 3 days each semester. The college’s robust support ensures you have a seamless online learning experience at all times. The coursework spans seven semesters and consists of 14 courses. To graduate, you require completing 43 credits in courses, some of which include pathophysiology, public policy, geriatric syndromes, healthcare informatics, and adult gerontology acute care healthcare management.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN-to-DNP program offers two options, a single AGACNP track, and a dual FNP-AGACANP track. To be eligible for either of these acute care nurse practitioner programs in Texas, you must have an active RN license, a BSN, and a minimum GPA of 3.0.

If you enroll for the dual track, you must complete 84 credits in FNP and AGACNP courses. The program spans 13 semesters during which you complete 26 courses. Some of the courses that form a part of this dual-track curriculum include population health, economics & business, diagnostic reasoning, primary care of adults, and primary care of infants & children. You also take courses that train you in the healthcare management of complex and critical health conditions in adults and old patients. Your training also includes completing clinical experiences in primary care and acute care. Upon graduation, you will be able to take the certification exam for both, FNP and AGACNP certifications.

On the other hand, the adult-gerontology acute care track spans 12 semesters and requires the completion of 24 courses. The curriculum comprises 72 credits and trains you to provide the highest level of care to acutely and critically ill adults and elderly patients. Upon completion of this program, you will be eligible to take the AGACNP certification exam.


6. Texas Woman's University - Denton


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Concentrations: Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: If you are cut out for working in a challenging advanced practice nursing field, then you must consider launching your career as an AGACNP. To start with, you must apply to some of the reputable acute care nurse practitioner programs in Texas. One of the options on your list must be Texas Woman's University’s AGACNP program. An excellent pass record on the certification exam and a faculty that is invested in your success are some of the reasons you may want to apply to this school. Moreover, as a graduate you will be part of a strong alumni network, encompassing its three campuses of Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

MSN Program Details: This MSN-ACNP program in Texas is open to BSN graduates with active RN license. To graduate from this program, you must complete 45 credits in required core courses and in AGACNP courses. You will master topics such as advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, evidence-based practice, and health policy. The emphasis during your training remains on the healthcare management of critically ill adults and geriatric patients.


7. Texas Christian University - Fort Worth


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and Post-Graduate Certificate

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: If you are seeking enrollment in one of the faith-based ACNP programs in Texas, then the acute care pathways offered by Texas Christian University can be a great option. By providing NP education grounded in Christian values of compassion and service, the college trains acute care practitioners to transform global health. Through its BSN to DNP and post-graduate certificate, the college prepares you for the healthcare of adults and the geriatric population. Further, to accommodate the needs of working students, the college offers its coursework mainly online, with barely any visits required to the campus.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This acute care nurse practitioner program in Texas takes your BSN to the doctorate level, rather seamlessly. If you’ve always been ambitious about completing your doctoral education, then through this online coursework, you can either complete your studies part-time or full-time, depending on your convenience. The program starts once a year in the summer.

To be eligible for this program, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Upon enrolment, you must complete 66 credit hours and a minimum of 1000 hours of clinical training. To break it down, 52 of these credits comprise didactic courses and 14 are in clinical training. Some of the courses you take include pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, and diagnostic methods & procedures for the NPs. You also learn about healthcare policy & politics and healthcare informatics.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: If you are an APRN, prepared at the master’s or doctoral level, you can complete this post-masters certificate program and add the AGACNP specialty to your nursing practice. The coursework required for graduation is determined after a gap analysis of your previous transcripts. All didactic courses are offered online and you can complete the clinical training within your geographical location. Upon completion of this program, you will eligible to take the AGACNP certification.


8. University of Texas at El Paso - El Paso


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: The field of adult gerontology acute care is a promising advanced practice nursing field, considering the large aging population that needs specialized care. If you are keen on entering the AGACNP workforce in the ‘Lone Star’ state, then you must consider obtaining your training from one of the reputable ACNP programs in Texas. University of Texas at El Paso can be an option you may want to consider to launch your career as an adult-gerontology acute care NP. Alternatively, should you be inclined towards pediatric acute care, then here, you can enroll in the pediatric acute care NP track.

Regardless of your chosen population focus, through an evidence-based curriculum and extensive clinical experiences, you will gain exceptional skills in the healthcare management of critically ill patients in various types of acute care settings.

MSN Program Details: This acute care nurse practitioner program in Texas prepares you to become an AGACNP or a PNP-AC, depending on the track you choose. To be eligible for this MSN program, you must be a registered nurse with a BSN.

If you enroll in the AGACNP program, you must complete 49 credits and 720 clinical hours. Whereas for the PNP-AC track, you must complete 54 credits and 765 clinical hours. Some of the courses that are common to both these tracks include nursing theory, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, health policy & advocacy, and diagnostic skills.

The AGACNP specialty-specific courses train you to become a competent health provider for adults and elderly patients suffering from critical and acute health conditions. The pediatrics track, on the other hand, focuses on the healthcare management and treatment of critically ill patients up to 21 years of age.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: Through this acute care nurse practitioner program in Texas, you obtain specialized skills in either adult-gerontology care or pediatric care, depending on what you choose. To complete this post-graduate certificate, you require to complete a minimum of 28 credits, regardless of the track you choose. The exact credit requirements will be determined after a review of your previous graduate nursing transcripts.


VIEW OUR RANKING METHODOLOGY



Best ACNP Programs in Other States