Top-Ranked Nursing Schools and Nurse Practitioner Programs in Texas

Texas is one of the best states in the nation to pursue a BSN to DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree or other advanced nursing credentials. With a rapidly growing population and major healthcare hubs in cities like Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio, the state provides excellent regional opportunities for career advancement. Currently, Texas employs more than 13,000 nurse practitioners, the fourth-largest employment rate in the country, according to Nursing Process.

West Texas A&M University: Ranked Best in Texas

West Texas A&M University has the best nurse practitioner program in Texas, according to independent researchers at Nursing Process. The website ranked WT’s family nurse practitioner programs, both master’s degree and post-master’s certificate options, above 10 other schools in the state. "Accolades like this are recognition of the passion and drive of our esteemed faculty and staff and show that we are ready to meet the regional demand for healthcare workers," said Dr. Holly Jeffreys, head of WT’s Department of Nursing.

The website’s researchers lauded WT for "its innovative and research-focused academic approaches." With an evidence-based curriculum, the school prepares future practitioners to provide holistic nursing care through its MSN and post-master’s certificate program that comes with a specialization in family health. Additionally, WT’s family nurse practitioner program was ranked No. 4 in the country by RegisteredNursing.org in August.

Texas State University: Excellence in Online Education

Texas State University's St. David's School of Nursing has been named among the Best Online Master's in Nursing programs for 2022 by U.S. News and World Report. Texas State was included at No. 43 nationally. In addition to online course work, students are provided face-to-face instruction and skills practice two weekends a semester to enhance their learning. The St. David's School of Nursing boasts a state-of-the-art simulation center and a standardized patient program where students are afforded personal attention by expert nurse practitioner faculty with low student to faculty ratios.

Premier Nursing Schools in Dallas

Choosing the right nursing school is a crucial step toward your career goals. This guide highlights top institutions offering a unique blend of academic excellence and practical training in the Dallas region:

• Texas Woman’s University: Recognized as one of the best nursing schools in Dallas, Texas, it offers various programs including Traditional BSN, RN to BSN, MSN with 6 tracks, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
• University of Texas at Arlington: Recognized as a Nursing Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing, UTA provides nursing education opportunities both online and on their Arlington campus.
• Texas Christian University: The Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences offers a range of nursing degree programs, including nurse educator, nurse leader, and BSN to DNP options.

Comparison of Dallas-Area Nursing Schools

Growth and Career Outlook

Demand for nurse practitioners is expected to grow significantly. According to Dr. Holly Jeffreys, "Within the next 10 years, demand for graduates from accredited nurse practitioner schools in Texas is expected to rise by nearly 44 percent." BSN to DNP programs are specifically designed for registered nurses who want to move directly from the bachelor's level into the terminal practice doctorate, skipping the MSN entirely. These programs are ideal for nurses looking to enter advanced practice roles such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) while completing one continuous, streamlined educational path.