Best 10 DNP Programs in Texas in 2024

The DNP program at Texas Woman’s University sets students up for a career in both primary and acute care settings, generally to fill the role of a clinician.  In fact, the enhancement of clinical practice is the main focus of this program. It also prepares students to work in a capacity where they can help aging patients.

At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, the curriculum for the DNP program was chosen to meet the standards of both the National Organization of Nurse Practitioners and the AACN Essentials of Doctorate Education for Advanced Nursing Practice. The program takes clinical scholars and teaches them how to use scientific principles and theories to treat the health of the general population.

The College of Nursing DNP program at Prairie View A&M University teaches students how to become leaders in the healthcare industry. The curriculum is focused on leadership skills, academia, and the transformation of the healthcare system. Students that graduate from this program will be able to use evidence-based science in their treatment of patients

At the University of Texas – Houston Cizik School of Nursing, DNP students learn collaboration skills. The program is designed for students who already work in positions like nurse practitioners and directors, informatics nurses, and clinical nurses. Students train at the school’s Texas Medical Center, in its health science center.

The School of Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio features leadership courses that teach the following subjects:

• scientific inquiry
• public policy advocacy
• health informatics
• financial and business management
• improving organizational effectiveness

In addition to the regular subjects, students can choose to follow one of three leadership tracks; Advanced Practice Leadership, Public Health Nurse Leader, and Executive Administration Management.

The School of Nursing at the University of Texas – Austin prepares students to teach nursing to others. A significant part of this program involves practice-oriented exercises. More specifically it teaches students how to mentor those who come after them. The main goal of this program is to prepare graduates to work as professors at nursing schools.

The University of the Incarnate Word – San Antonio’s Ila Faye Miller School of Nursing and Health Professions is where students can go to become nurse practitioners. They can stick to basic studies or choose one of the two offered concentrations; which are Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Family Nurse Practitioner.

Some of the most important concepts taught in the program include collaboration with other professionals, and developing cultural competence.

At the Baylor University Louise Harrington School of Nursing, students must complete 1000 hours of clinical work in order to graduate from the DNP program. The program furthers students’ clinical skills and is generally considered a follow-up program suitable for students who already have Advanced Practice Nurse certification.

Depending on their background, some students must also take advanced courses in health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

The School of Nursing at the University of Texas at El Paso teaches students technology and information skills. Though any qualified student can enroll in this program it is meant for those that are already certified as Nurse Practitioners. The program prepares them to teach their profession to others. It also prepares its students to work in rural areas and other areas where medical care is difficult to get.

The Baylor College of Medicine School of Health Professions provides students with the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia. Students who have either a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing can complete this program. It prepares students to work not only in clinics, but also in healthcare education, policy, and research.