As a nurse, you know how important it is to keep up with the latest advances in healthcare. It can be hard to stay on top of new developments when you work a busy schedule. If you’re interested in taking your education to the next level to provide excellent healthcare to your patients, you may want to pursue your doctor of nursing practice degree. These often-flexible degree programs focus on patient care, and train nurses to be leaders in their field.
A doctor of nursing practice degree is different from a Ph.D. in nursing. Both are considered to be the top level of education a nurse can achieve. A DNP degree focuses on patient care and the performance of advanced medical techniques, as well as healthcare policy and organizational leadership. A Ph.D. in nursing is research-based. Many nurses who earn the DNP continue working in direct patient care or go on to work in healthcare administration. Nurses who earn their Ph.D. in nursing often go on to work in nursing education or nursing research.
SEE ALSO: Texas DNP Salary
Many DNP programs appreciate the busy schedules that nurses keep, and offer online and hybrid scheduling to allow you to do your coursework at times that make sense for you. Many programs are available both full and part-time. Let’s take a look at five of the most popular doctor of nursing practice programs offered in Texas.
1. Baylor University
At Baylor University, both RNs who have their BSN and RNs who have already completed their MSN may apply to the DNP program. Graduates emerge from Baylor University ready to create change in healthcare while providing excellent care with improved outcomes to their patients.
- Campus: Dallas, Texas
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $1,100 per credit hour, the total number of credit hours will depend on student’s prior education
- Minimum time commitment: One year
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, and at least one year of experience working as an RN.
- Programs: Students have several track options, including family nurse practitioner, executive nurse leadership, neonatal nurse practitioner, nurse-midwifery, and pediatric nurse practitioner.
- School Site: Baylor University – Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Texas Christian University
At Texas Christian University, graduates of the DNP program are well-prepared to take on leadership roles both in direct patient care and in healthcare administration. Students also have the option of taking additional classes to prepare to become nurse educators.
- Campus: Online only
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $1,150 per credit, the total number of credit hours will depend on student’s prior education
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN, with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0, a nursing license, a personal statement, three references, and an in-person interview.
- Programs: Students have the option of taking extra classes to prepare for a role in nursing education.
- School Site: Texas Christian University – Post-Master’s DNP
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
The DNP program at Texas Tech offers nurses two options for specialization. Nurses who specialize in advanced practice will learn the latest techniques in providing state of the art medical care. Nurses who specialize in the executive leadership track will learn how to take their nursing knowledge and use it to create long-term change in healthcare settings.
- Campus: Lubbock, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $750 per credit hour, the total number of credit hours will depend on student’s prior education
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants to the advanced practice nursing track must have a nurse practitioner license, a BLS certification, and at least one year of experience as a nurse practitioner. Applicants to the executive leadership track must have at least one year of experience in a healthcare administration or leadership role.
- Programs: Students may specialize in advanced practice nursing or executive leadership.
- School Site: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Post-Masters DNP
4. University of Texas at Arlington
The DNP program at the University of Texas at Arlington blends online and traditional in-classroom learning to create a unique and flexible graduate school experience for nurses. While it’s possible to complete the program in as little as two years, it’s also acceptable to work through the courses on a part-time basis, as your schedule allows.
- Campus: Arlington, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $1,300 per credit, the total number of credit hours will depend on student’s prior education
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Students must have their MSN. While there is no GPA requirement, unconditional admission is granted to applicants who are eligible for the program and have earned their MSN with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- School Site: University of Texas at Arlington – Doctor of Nursing Practice
5. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
At the University of Texas Health and Science Center at Houston, the DNP program educates nurses on how to make evidence-based choices for patients that create positive patient outcomes. The program admits nurse practitioners, certified nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, nurses focused on informatics, and nurse directors.
- Campus: Houston, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $875 per credit, the total number of credit hours will depend on student’s prior education
- Minimum time commitment: Three years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, successful completion of a graduate-level nursing or equivalent research course, a minimum of one year of work experience as an APRN, three letters of recommendation, a statement of interest.
- Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- School Site: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Cizik School of Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice