7 Best Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas (Online & Campus) – 2025


Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

As a pediatric nurse practitioner in the Lone Star State, you’ll work in various practice settings, including hospitals, pediatricians’ offices, schools, and community organizations. You’ll focus on preventative services and wellness in addition to diagnosing and treating common childhood ailments. Pediatric nurse practitioners are well paid for their work; in Texas, they average $123,010 a year. Graduates of pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas are highly sought after, too; demand for their services is expected to increase by 65.99 percent within the next decade. Sound intriguing? Discover more by reading this list of the 7 best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas for 2025.


FOLLOWING ARE THE 7 BEST PEDIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN TEXAS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, we have ranked the 7 best campus-based and online Pediatric Nurse Practitioner programs in Texas.)


1. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock, TX


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Concentrations: Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center’s PNP program is counted among the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas because of the innovative learning environment it provides. Guided by professionalism, quality, and integrity, this PNP program boasts of excellent licensure exam pass rates. Further, if you prefer the convenience of the distance learning format, then here you can complete your training through well-designed online classes and take the clinical training within your geographical location.

To complete your pediatric NP education, the college offers an MSN with two specialization options.

MSN Program Details: This MSN pediatric nurse practitioner program in Texas is offered with specialization options in acute or primary pediatric care. While the acute care track requires completion of 51 credits, the pediatric primary care specialty is worth 49 credits. To be eligible for this MSN program, regardless of the track, you must have a BSN and a valid unencumbered RN license. Also, you must have at least two years of nursing pediatric experience. Besides, the college requires applicants to have the PALS certification.

Upon completion of the acute care track, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to meet the health needs of pediatric patients suffering from critical health conditions. On the other hand, the primary care specialization focuses on the management & treatment of chronic ailments and overall health improvement of newborns, children, and young adults.


2. University of Texas at Austin - Austin, TX


Programs Offered: MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate, and AE-MSN

MSN Concentrations: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

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

AE-MSN Concentrations: Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


About the School: University of Texas at Austin is a great choice for students aspiring to enter one of the best pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas. Recognized by the U.S. News & World Report for producing high-quality nursing professionals, this PNP school offers pathways for nurses as well as non-nurses who are keen on joining the pediatric NP workforce. To consider your options, here you have an MSN, a post-master’s certificate, and a direct entry MSN. Regardless of the path you take, the rigorous curriculum ensures you leave college with a strong base in theoretical and practical knowledge.

MSN Program Details: Out of all the pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas, this MSN program stands out for being the first in the country to offer training in Touchpoints. The touchpoints training emphasizes predicting an individualized health care plan by understanding the pediatric patient’s temperament and level of development. By completing the 48-credit coursework of this MSN degree, you will be able to improve the health outcomes for patients from birth through early adulthood. Offered on-campus, the program requires two years of full-time study. Also, for those who prefer a slower pace, there is a part-time option available.

To start with, the coursework strengthens your core in healthcare quality & safety, healthcare research, health systems, and healthcare leadership. Further, the APRN core courses advance your knowledge in pediatric health assessment, clinical pharmacology, and pathophysiology. In addition, the PNP-specific courses teach you mental health care in children and adolescents, ecological approaches to child health, and basic and advanced concepts in primary care pediatric nursing.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: Are you an RN, holding either an MSN or a DNP? Do you wish to expand your knowledge in pediatric nursing? If yes, then you are in the right place as this post-master’s certificate, open to APRNs, offers two specialty tracks in acute and primary pediatric care. While the exact number of credits required for graduation is based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts, the approximate number of credits range from 24 to 28, including about 540 to 720 hours of clinical training. This post-master’s coursework, besides emphasizing pediatric acute or primary care management, also includes courses in pediatric diagnostic reasoning & advanced invasive skills, and clinical pharmacology.

AE-MSN Program Details: This PNP program in Texas is meant for registered nurses who are holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. The full-time program starts in the fall and spans nine semesters. To graduate, you require completing around 86 credits.

The coursework starts with 38-credit foundation courses that strengthen your base in nursing foundations, aging & disability, child health nursing, perinatal nursing, and professional nursing management. The core courses comprise 12 credits in quality & safety in healthcare, policy, planning & evaluation, and leadership development. You also take 9-credits of APRN courses that take you through advanced pediatric health assessment, clinical pharmacology & therapeutics, and pathophysiology.

Finally, the 24 credits of PNP-specific courses prepare you to provide primary care to infants, children, and adolescents. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the national certification for the Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.


3. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio - UT Health San Antonio - San Antonio, TX


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

BSN-to-DNP Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care

Post-Graduate Certificate Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Primary Care


About the School: University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio offers some of the well-known pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas. With two pathways, you can enter either after your BSN or after completing your graduate nursing degree. The college boasts of a faculty of experts, comprising Fellows of the Academy of Nursing. Also, its vast student population creates an environment of diversity and cultural tolerance which greatly helps in producing culturally competent PNPs who are prepared to serve the state’s diverse patient population.

Moreover, being located in an academic health science center, this PNP school provides the advantage of enriching interprofessional learning experiences. Here, you will be supported at every step through your journey, be it the individualized attention in its small-sized classes or securing a preceptor for your clinicals, so that you can solely focus on your academic success.

BSN-to-DNP Program Details: This BSN to DNP program builds on your baccalaureate education and takes three years to complete. To be eligible for this program, you must have a BSN and an RN licensure in Texas or a compact state. The program starts in the fall and trains you to provide pediatric care at the highest possible level. The coursework focuses on leadership, public policy, health informatics, evidence-based practice, and advanced pediatric care. To graduate, you require completing approximately 85 credits and around 1000 clinical hours.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: To be eligible for this PNP program in Texas, you must have an MSN from an accredited school along with an active RN license. Also, the college requires you to have completed graduate-level courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology with a minimum grade of B. This post-master’s certificate requires completing 28 credits and comprises four clinical courses. You will take courses in pediatric NP primary care diagnosis and management, in addition to advanced health promotion, health protection, and disease prevention.


4. University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington, TX


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Acute & Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

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


About the School: Do you enjoy spending time with young children? If you are passionate about a career in pediatrics, then enrolling in one of the pediatric NP pathways at University of Texas at Arlington will be a good idea. Known among the well-known pediatric nurse practitioner programs in Texas, the college has been a major contributor not only to the state but also to the nation’s nursing workforce.

Graduates of the college are known to demonstrate competence in advanced practice nursing roles in various interdisciplinary healthcare environments. Whether you are interested in the acute care of infants or are more inclined toward primary care, the college offers single PNP tracks in acute and primary care as well as a dual pediatric track in acute and primary care.

MSN Program Details: This MSN program offers three options, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Dual Pediatric Acute & Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. While the dual track requires the completion of 54 credits and 1260 clinical hours, the acute care PNP program comprises 45 credits and 720 clinical hours. On the other hand, for the primary care track, you must earn 42 credits and complete 720 clinical hours. In addition to the core and PNP-specific courses, all three tracks allow electives either from nursing or from other departments of the university.

To start with, regardless of the track, you will take courses in the science and theories for nursing, principles of research in nursing and evidence-based nursing. Additionally, specialty-specific courses prepare you for your role in either acute care or primary care of infants, children, and young adults up to 21 years of age. Also, courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology prepare you for proficiency in advanced practice nursing.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: You can choose to complete this post-master’s certificate as either Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, based on your interests and goals. Graduation requirements for this program regardless of the track are based on a gap analysis of your previous transcripts.


5. Texas Woman's University - Denton, TX


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care


About the School: Are you seeking to enroll in an online pediatric nurse practitioner program in Texas? If so, you may want to consider Texas Woman's University’s online PNP programs as an option. Designed to fit into your busy life, the college offers its MSN and post-master’s certificate in the distance learning format.

The college has earned recognition and has been ranked among the nation’s top nursing schools by the U.S. News & World Report. Its dedicated and distinguished faculty stays committed to the success of its PNP students, no wonder the school reports an excellent pass rate on the pediatric nurse practitioner certification exam. Besides, here, you will be nurtured in an environment of innovation and excellence where an attitude of lifelong learning is imbibed.

MSN Program Details: You can advance your nursing career in pediatric care through this well-designed MSN program at TWU. This PNP program in Texas prepares you for the treatment and management of common ailments and chronic health conditions in pediatric patients. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to focus on the growth and development of newborns, children, and young adults.

Graduation requires the completion of 45 credits in core courses and PNP-specific courses. While the core courses train you in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, evidence-based practice, health policy & health care delivery, the PNP-specific courses focus on pediatric care management, common procedural interventions, and well-child concepts in pediatric primary care. In addition to the didactic courses, the coursework comprises three clinical courses.

Post-Master’s Certificate Program Details: A post-master’s certificate is a quick way to expand your advanced nursing practice. You can leverage your MSN to gain advanced practice skills in the care of the pediatric population. As such, this post-master’s certificate at TWU is 34-credit coursework, but exact degree requirements will vary based on an individualized gap analysis. Throughout your training, you will focus on health improvement and disease prevention by providing safe care to infants, children, and adults under the age of 21. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the national certification PNP exam.


6. University of Texas at El Paso - El Paso, TX


Programs Offered: MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

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


About the School: University of Texas at El Paso offers one of the well-known PNP programs in Texas. Here, the pediatric NP programs not only offer flexible schedules to accommodate working students but also provide personalized mentorship under the guidance of its experienced faculty. One of the largest contributors of nursing professionals, more than 60% of nursing professionals working in El Paso are graduates of this nursing school. If you are keen on joining the school’s large network of alumni, then here, you can enter either the MSN or post-master’s certificate to obtain your PNP training. Besides, at UTEP, you can choose from two PNP specialization tracks in acute or primary care.

MSN Program Details: You can enter either the acute care or the primary care track based on your preferred area of interest in nursing pediatrics. To be eligible for the MSN, you require an RN license and a BSN from an accredited university. Further, for the acute care track, you must have one or two years of experience in pediatric critical care.

Regardless of the specialization track you opt for; you require completing 46 to 49 credits and 675 to 775 clinical hours. Courses are offered in a seven-week format, so you can decide a suitable pace of taking courses based on your preference. Some of the courses you take include nursing theory, advanced pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, health policy & advocacy, advanced health assessment, and pediatric diagnostics and skills. In addition, your coursework comprises six clinical courses to allow the application of theoretical knowledge to practice.

Post-Graduate Certificate Program Details: This pediatric nurse practitioner program in Texas is designed for registered nurses prepared at the master’s level. The exact credit requirements for this program are based on the courses you may have completed in your MSN, however, around 28 credits and 630 clinical hours are the minimum requirements for graduation. You can complete this certificate program either in Pediatric Acute Care or Pediatric Primary Care, after which you will be eligible to take the certification exam within your chosen area of interest.


7. Houston Baptist University - Houston, TX


Programs Offered: MSN

MSN Concentrations: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner


About the School: Are you keen on enrolling in a faith-based pediatric nurse practitioner program in Texas? Do you prefer the convenience of online study? If so, Houston Baptist University’s PNP programs will be an excellent option. Producing PNPs with a holistic approach, the college’s training is grounded in the Christian values of service and compassion. Also, a 100% online coursework with classes offered asynchronously makes it rather feasible for working nurses to juggle classes with a job.

Moreover, here you will graduate without burning a hole in your pocket as the tuition costs are affordable compared to most other similar programs in the state. What's more, this nursing school is ranked among the top schools as per the U.S. News & World Report, indicating a high quality of education and a satisfying learning experience. To complete your PNP training, the college offers an MSN.

MSN Program Details: This MSN-PNP program in Texas is a two-year coursework that comprises 38 credits and 12 courses. The program is open to registered nurses with a BSN. The curriculum is designed to equip you with vital skills and knowledge in advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, research integration, leadership for quality, safety & health policy, and advanced health assessment. Additionally, courses in growth and development across the lifespan and advanced diagnostics and skills prepare you to provide competent care to pediatric patients suffering from acute and chronic health conditions. To hone practical skills, you will complete your practicum and immersion experiences within your community.


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