3 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

The Lone Star State has one of the highest preterm birth rates in the nation, and this is one of the reasons why there is such a high demand for graduates of neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Texas. Within the next decade, the number of available jobs for Texas NNPs is expected to increase by 66 percent. Texas neonatal nurse practitioners make good money, too: $134,120 annually. If you’re an RN who likes working with babies, neonatal nurse practice can be an excellent career track. Learn more by reading through these descriptions of the 3 best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Texas for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 3 NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN TEXAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025


1. University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

About the School: If you are searching for neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Texas, then you may want to look no further than the University of Texas at Arlington. As the largest not-for-profit nursing school in the nation, here you can expect affordable tuition costs as compared to other NNP programs in the Lone Star State.

Besides, recognition from the U.S. News & World Report is one of the many accolades the college has won for its excellent education. Also, the college is among the top recipients of funding from the NIH. This means as an NNP student, you will be nurtured in an environment of innovation and discovery.

MSN Program Details: The delicate care of neonates requires specialized skills which you can acquire through this MSN program. This neonatal nurse practitioner program in Texas requires completion of 42 credits and 600 clinical hours. You will learn about the theories for nursing, principles of nursing research, evidence-based practice, advanced pathophysiology, and advanced health assessment and diagnostics reasoning. The program also entails completing three clinical courses.


MSN Program Length: With full-time enrollment, you can complete this program within one year.

MSN Admission Requirements: To gain eligibility for admission, you must have a BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, your RN license must be valid in Texas. In addition, at least one year of work experience in an ICU is required.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: This post-master’s certificate is designed to build on your graduate nursing education. As such, there are no prescribed credits required for graduation. Upon enrollment, you will complete a tailored coursework based on a gap analysis of your transcripts. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the NNP certification exam.


Post-Master’s Certificate Program Length: The exact length of the program will vary and will depend on the number of courses you need for graduation.

Post-Master’s Certificate Admission Requirements: To be eligible for this post-master’s certificate, you must have an accredited MSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Interesting Highlights For Potential University of Texas at Arlington NNP Students

• The college’s Smart Hospital is one-of-a-kind simulation lab that offers ample opportunities to polish your NNP skills.

• Based on your interest and career goals, you can select electives from a wide range of options, either from nursing or any other department of the college. You can also transfer electives from other universities, provided you have the approval of the program advisor.


2. University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston


Programs Offered: MSN

About the School: Are you drawn to the adorability of newborns and infants? Do you have it in you to thrive in a challenging environment? If you’ve answered yes, then you may want to consider a career in neonatal care. Counted among the best neonatal nurse practitioner programs in Texas, University of Texas Medical Branch’s NNP program can help launch your career in this in-demand field of advanced practice nursing.

UTMB’s online classes complemented by intensive simulation training prepare you for the challenging role of a neonatal nurse practitioner. In addition, its distinguished and caring faculty stay committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals.

MSN Program Details: This MSN neonatal nurse practitioner program in Texas comprises 12 courses that take seven semesters to complete. Comprising 46 credits, the coursework starts with the foundations of research and theory and the public health principles in advanced practice nursing. You also learn about public policy, health assessment, pathophysiology, and informatics & quality improvement. Besides, you will master the healthcare management of neonates suffering from high-risk and low-risk health conditions. In addition to didactic courses, the coursework also entails completing three clinical courses in neonatal advanced practice nursing.


MSN Program Length: On a full-time basis, most students complete this program within two years.

MSN Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission into this MSN-NNP program in Texas, you must foremost have an unencumbered license in the state you plan to practice. In addition, your BSN must be accredited and your undergraduate GPA must not be lower than 3.0. Also, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, a personal statement, three references, and a resume.

Interesting Highlights For Potential University of Texas Medical Branch NNP Students

• UTMB boasts an excellent pass rate on the NNP certification exam as well as an impressive placement rate of its graduates. As a student of its NNP program, you can be rest assured of receiving training that yields results not only academically but also professionally.

• The college’s state-of-art simulation lab provides you with a close-to-real learning environment where you will practice skills in various scenarios that may come up in neonatal care.

• If approved, you may be able to transfer up to 12 credits taken at another nursing school. If you wish to request a transfer, ensure you discuss this with the program director.


3. Baylor University - Waco


Programs Offered: BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP

About the School: If graduating from one of the reputed online NNP programs in Texas is on your planner, then what better than starting with an application to Baylor University. Here, not only will you achieve the terminal nursing degree, entirely online, you can even complete your clinical training at a clinical site near your home. Well, this is because the college enjoys a vast network of more than 400 clinical affiliates. As an NNP student, you are saved the time and hassle of searching for a suitable site and preceptor for your clinical rotation as the college does this work for you.

To complete your NNP training, Baylor offers a doctorate degree with two entry points, a BSN-to-DNP and an MSN-to-DNP.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN-to-DNP-NNP program in Texas is a 75-credit coursework that builds on your baccalaureate in nursing education. One of the highly regarded DNP programs in the nation, the program equips you with the highest level of clinical skills in the care of neonates. In addition to a rigorous didactic coursework, the program also entails completing a minimum of 1000 clinical hours. You will gain proficiency in neonatal care, besides acquiring leadership skills to improve health through advanced practice nursing.


BSN-to-DNP Program Length: The full-time track takes three years to complete.

BSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The BSN-to-DNP track is open to BSN graduates posing a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Also, you must have an active RN license in Texas. The college also requires that you have at least one year of experience in a level 3 NICU.

MSN-to-DNP Program Details: This MSN-to-DNP neonatal nurse practitioner program in Texas requires completion of around 38 credits. However, the exact graduation requirements are based on a gap analysis. The coursework is offered entirely online with only on-campus visits required for immersions.


MSN-to-DNP Program Length: Depending on whether you enroll part-time or full-time, you can complete this program within 2 to 3 years.

MSN-to-DNP Admission Requirements: The MSN-to-DNP track is open to MSN graduates who hold an advance practice nursing certification. Your graduate GPA must not be lower than 3.0. Also, you must have had recent experience of working in an NICU.

Interesting Highlights For Potential Baylor University NNP Students

• The college takes pride in the impressive pass rate of its graduates on the NNP certification exam. Besides, it also reports a promising placement. No wonder, the college ranks among the U.S. News & World Report’s top graduate nursing schools.

• Baylor offers robust support to provide you with a seamless online learning experience. You will be able to take classes as per your convenience. Aside from this, because you progress through the program as part of a small cohort, you will be able to make meaningful connections with your peers and faculty.


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