Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)Family Nurse Practitioner Track

top 5 best dnp programs in texas

Ranked #1 for Best DNP Programs in Texas by Nurse Journal

Ranked in the top 10% for Best DNP Nursing School

Ranked in the top 10% for Best DNP Nursing School by U.S. News & World Report

Ranked #2 for Best DNP Program in Texas

Ranked #2 for Best DNP Program in Texas by dnpprograms.com

[em]Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)[/em]Family Nurse Practitioner Track

Provide Exemplary Care for Patients of All Ages as a DNP FNP

Baylor University’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP FNP online) track prepares actively practicing RNs to lead the delivery of primary care to patients across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared as exemplary leaders and transformative DNPs who can innovate, provide care to underserved populations, implement new treatment methods and improve patient outcomes for individuals, families and entire communities.

Learn More

 

DNP-FNP Admission Requirements

The requirements to apply for the online BSN-DNP FNP program are:

  • BSN from a regionally accredited school of nursing
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • One (1) year of full-time experience as a practicing professional nurse by the first day of class
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Complete an acceptable written personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation, as follows: one must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse, and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse
  • No GRE or MAT Required

The requirements to apply for the online Post Master's DNP program are:

  • Verification of an unencumbered license to practice as an APRN
  • Master's degree with a major in nursing
  • Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Three letters of recommendation as follows: One must be from an immediate supervisor, one must be from a peer nurse and one must be from an MSN, DNP, or PhD-prepared nurse
  • Verification of total clinical hours obtained for the Master's degree
  • Complete a written personal statement
  • Current clinical practice within the last two years
  • Successful completion of graduate-level statistics course with a grade of B or better (must be completed prior to matriculation into the program)

Download a program guide for more information

Two Entry Options Are Available

To learn more about the entry options, download your digital program guide.

Baylor 

BSN to DNP

75 Credits
Just over 3 years to completion 

Baylor

Post-Master's DNP

38-75 Credits
2 to 3 years to completion

State Authorization

Applications for the online DNP-FNP program are accepted from the following states:

United States map with authorized states filled in green

  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • West Virginia

Have more questions? View our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about program eligibility.

DNP-FNP program features
  • CCNE-accredited** and U.S. News & World Report ranked program
  • Main coursework is online with on-campus immersions throughout the program
  • Practicum requirement total: 1,125 hours for BSN pathway and 1,000 hours minimum for MSN pathway
  • Courses are 15 weeks, with three terms per year
  • Students learn from nationally recognized faculty
  • Clinical placement support 
  • Total credits: 75 for BSN pathway and 38-75 for MSN pathway
Accreditation & Rankings
Best Grad Schools US News logo

 

Baylor University is distinguished in healthcare and business, preparing students with the skills and knowledge to stand out in the industry. 

The Louise Herrington School of Nursing is nationally recognized and:

  • Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing
  • Member of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
  • Recognized as one of the top educational institutions in the nation, ranking at #76 in National Universities on U.S. News & World Report 2021 list
  • Ranked by Best-Nursing-Colleges.com as the #10 Best Nursing College in Texas.

Am I Eligible for Baylor's Online DNP-FNP program?

  • Visit our FAQs Page for answers to questions regarding program eligibility.
  • Visit our State Authorization page for a list of states in which we accept applicants for the online BSN to DNP-FNP program.

Clinical Placement Support 

At Baylor University’s Louise Herrington School of Nursing, we strongly believe in setting our students up for success. That's why we collaborate with our students to identify clinical sites and preceptors for all clinical rotations. Additionally, clinical placement sites may be potential locations for future employment opportunities upon graduation. If you already have a placement site or preceptor in mind, we encourage you to refer them to our placement team to secure. Get your DNP-FNP guide for more information.

 

Securing clinical placement sites and preceptors can be a challenging and tedious undertaking. It is not uncommon for students to contact 400+ sites before a preceptor agrees. That's why at Baylor, we collaborate with online nursing students on the heavy lifting to help identify clinical sites and preceptors for all clinical rotations. We'd much rather you focus on:

  • Coursework
  • Developing core competencies
  • Current personal and professional obligations
How Does This Benefit You?

Securing clinical placement sites and preceptors can be a challenging and tedious undertaking. It is not uncommon for students to contact 400+ sites before a preceptor agrees. That's why at Baylor, we collaborate with online nursing students on the heavy lifting to help identify clinical sites and preceptors for all clinical rotations. We'd much rather you focus on:

  • Coursework
  • Developing core competencies
  • Current personal and professional obligations
How Does the Clinical Placement Process Work?

Shortly after enrollment, you will be provided with a placement intake form you are required to complete that captures your competencies, experience and placement preferences. Baylor University will collaborate with you to identify a quality placement site and preceptor. While the placement team is securing sites and preceptors, you will be responsible for completing clinical clearance requirements in preparation for placement, including:

  • Drug screening
  • Background check
  • Recommended vaccinations

You will not be permitted to begin your placement rotations without your clearances complete. Once the sites have been approved by the School of Nursing, Baylor University will share the placement site details with you prior to placement.

What is the Placement Experience Like?

During the placement experience, you will have access to faculty and other resources to support you:

  • Faculty will be available to mentor and support you throughout the rotation with specific questions about procedures, patient interactions and general proficiencies.
  • At the end of the placement rotation, you and your preceptor will review requirements, complete surveys and officially end the placement rotation.
  • If you have multiple rotations, you will receive the next preceptor/site details.
What Can I Expect from My Preceptor?

Your preceptor is your on-site role model and will help you develop as a nurse during your clinical rotation. They will:

  • Bridge the gap between theory and actual practice
  • Orient you to the practice setting (key personnel, organization, and institutional policies)
  • Help you plan clinical assignments
  • Provide one-on-one supervision and daily feedback
  • Review and co-sign all documentation in the clinical records

DNP FNP Curriculum At-A-Glance

The online DNP-FNP program track focuses on developing nurses as holistic caregivers through an advanced curriculum that includes an in-depth study of pathophysiology, assessment, informatics, pharmacology, healthcare policy and business, ethics, epidemiology and servant leadership. View sample courses below:

Important Dates

Next Application Deadline: Now accepting applications. Seating is limited

Next Start Date: September 5th, 2023

NUR 5211: Servant Leadership

Graduate-level standing. Application of nursing leadership theories and models in the delivery of advanced practice nursing care to culturally diverse clients (individuals, families, organizations, and global society).

NUR 5356: Family Healthcare Management II

Prepares the Family Nurse Practitioner to assume continued responsibility for evaluation and management of acute common and increasingly complex problems in primary care. A systematic approach to current evidence-based assessment, diagnostic testing, diagnosis, and management options is taught from a primary care perspective. Indications for collaboration, consultation, and/or referral to other health care providers are emphasized as an integral part of the nurse practitioner’s role.

NURS 5316: Transforming Health Care Organizations and Changing Outcomes

This course examines key factors used to assess complex health care organizations. Identification of optimal outcomes and development and implementation strategies that improve patient care quality and safety will be examined.

Baylor Nursing By The Numbers
%

90% of clinical placement sites provided to DNP students were within 125 miles of their home.

%

100% certification pass rate for Family Nurse Practitioners graduates.

%

Baylor University is ranked higher than 94% of Best Colleges in the Nation in 2021 - U.S. News and World Report .

%

Baylor’s DNP program is ranked higher than 88% of the Best DNP Programs in Texas in 2021 - dnpprograms.com.

Why Nurses Choose Baylor

expert faculty
Expert Faculty
At the heart of our school is an exceptional faculty, they are: researchers, authors, winners of countless awards, presidents of national organizations, and experts in their specialties.

1:1 support
1:1 Support
Our dedicated student advisors and faculty are always accessible and focused on the needs of their students. We are here to guide students through their education and beyond.

academic excellence
Academic Excellence
With more than 176 years of educational excellence, Baylor University is an R1 research institution. U.S. News & World Report ranks Baylor University as one of the Best Graduate Schools for DNP in 2022.

optimal pathway
Optimal Pathway
Baylor’s online DNP has 5 distinct clinical tracks to choose from, ensuring our nurses are wholly prepared for their specific certification exams and ideal careers.

Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to complete the online DNP program?

Students typically complete the DNP program in the following timeframe. Please note that actual length to program completion will vary depending on the student's background and selected track.

  • BSN holders typically complete our DNP program in three (3) years and four (4) months, skipping the Master’s degree program entirely
  • MSN holders typically complete our DNP program in 18 to 24 months
Does my non-practitioner MSN make me eligible for Baylor’s Post-Graduate DNP program?

If your MSN degree is in any of the following disciplines, you may not be qualified to apply as a Post-Graduate DNP candidate and may need to participate in our full program. Our full program consists of most/all of the 75-credit-hr, 10-Semester, 40-month BSN to DNP program.

  • MSN-Nurse Educator
  • MSN-Clinical Leadership
  • MSN-Informatics
  • MSN-Leadership
  • MSN-Administration
Do I qualify for the online DNP program as a Post-Graduate Candidate?

You must have completed your MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification. Additional documents or experience may be required - download your course guide to learn more.

Which practitioner degree disciplines may be eligible to transfer to the online DNP program?

The following practitioner degree disciplines may be eligible to transfer to the online DNP programs:

  • Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Why Get a DNP Instead of an MSN?

A Doctor of Nursing Practice is the optimal pathway for registered nurses who are seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice. As a terminal degree, a DNP degree is the highest level of education in the field and represents the most advanced nursing degree available. There is no further opportunity for educational advancement within this profession. Graduates of Baylor’s online DNP program are prepared as exemplary nursing leaders and visionary nurses who can actively shape and improve patient outcomes, policy, processes and the future of nursing.

DNPs earn a higher average salary than an MSN (on average) and have more overall options for career goals. Many DNP graduates enter into positions with more responsibility to care for both individual and population health needs as nursing team leads and other expanded roles. The career outlook for DNPs is anticipated to be very strong as the AACN is advocating to require a DNP for all APRN roles by the year 2025.

Can I work while in the DNP program?

Baylor University's Louise Herrington School of Nursing understands the needs and challenges of busy RNs. Our online coursework allows you to balance your career with your other commitments.

Why Get a DNP Instead of an MSN?

Earning a DNP degree now puts you ahead of the curve. Steps are currently being taken to transition to the DNP degree as the standard for entry-level advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). While the profession is not quite there yet, the DNP is a terminal degree that prepares nurses for leadership, given the constantly changing demands of a complex U.S. healthcare system.

According to AANC, nurses desiring an APRN education with a choice between a DNP or a master's level preparation would find it far more cost effective to spend the additional time for the DNP and be prepared for future practice. And according to a 2019 Medscape survey, DNP-prepared APRNs make an average of 5% more than MSN-prepared APRNs. Additionally, "Job opportunities are far greater, and it provides you with the knowledge and expertise to have a seat at the board table," according to Angela Renee Stewart, DNP, APRN, ACNP-BC, AOCNP, TTS, Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor University, Louise Herrington School of Nursing.

Get MY DNP-FNP Program Guide

The Baylor University Online Experience

Find out why Baylor University’s Online DNP degree program is the best choice for registered nurses seeking preparation at the highest level of nursing practice: