Skip Navigation and Go To Content
FNP students in Sim Lab

Family Nurse Practitioner

Prepare to care for individuals and families across the lifespan with a focus on primary care in outpatient settings. The Family Nurse Practitioner track at Cizik School of Nursing offers an innovative, affordable option for working nurses.

Request Information

BG_Nursing_DNP_2025.png

Top DNP program in Texas

Cizik School of Nursing offers the #1 DNP program in Texas, according to 2025 edition of U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools. Learn more about how UTHealth Houston leads the state in nursing education and research.

Family Nurse Practitioner Track at a Glance

The Family Nurse Practitioner track at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston prepares students to provide primary care to patients across the lifespan. Most FNPs work in clinics and other outpatient settings. However, students who complete their FNP coursework and certification may continue their studies at Cizik School of Nursing in the only Emergency Nurse Practitioner track in Texas and first Emergency Medical Services Nurse Practitioner track in the U.S. 

Most FNP coursework is online, with some in-person lab and simulation requirements for hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum at Cizik School of Nursing emphasizes health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and illness management. Clinical requirements vary by semester and may be completed in the Texas Medical Center or at contracted clinical sites throughout the state. 

Upon completion, students can apply to take the national FNP certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB). Once certified, you can then apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license in Texas. Upon completion of the Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) track, students can apply to take the ENP national certification exam offered by AANPCB.

Choose Your FNP Path

Cizik School of Nursing currently offers two options for prospective FNP students – a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Students with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees may apply to either program. However, prospective FNP students are encouraged to consider our BSN to DNP track to prepare for their highest level of advanced practice.

BSN-DNP FNP Track 

  • Admit Terms – Spring and Fall
  • Completion – 10 semesters
  • Credit Requirements – 79 credit hours; 1,140 clinical hours
  • Educational Mode – Online and on-campus courses
  • Enrollment Level – Degree plan include mix of full-time and part-time semesters
  • Tuition – Among the lowest in the state
  • Admission requirements

Apply to the MSN program.

MSN FNP Track 

  • Admit Terms – Spring and Fall
  • Average Completion – 5-7 semesters
  • Credit Requirements – 41 credit hours; 660 clinical hours
  • Educational Mode – Online and on-campus courses
  • Enrollment Level – Full-time or part-time
  • Tuition – Among the lowest in the state
  • Admission requirements

Apply to the DNP program.

Two doctor of nursing practice graduates at commencement.

Nurse Practitioner Pathways

Wherever you are on your nursing journey, Cizik School of Nursing can help you become a leader in advanced practice nursing. Get the details on options for students entering with a BSN or a graduate degree.

Flexible FNP program draws students from across Texas

From San Antonio to Houston, DNP student Tamara Blake and MSN student Mary Lonsberry are turning their FNP dreams into reality through our flexible hybrid program. 

Affordability Meets Excellence

Cizik School of Nursing is passionate about educating the next generation of Family Nurse Practitioners, and our graduate tuition is among the lowest in Texas. In addition to our affordable tuition, we offer merit and need-based scholarships and grants as you pursue your FNP certification. We also offer a variety of financial assistance specifically earmarked for students like you. Scholarships and traineeships range from $1,000 to a full tuition offers.

Estimated Tuition and
Costs
Scholarships and Aid for
Nurses
UTHealth Houston
Financial Aid

Financial support for nurse practitioner students

Cizik School of Nursing awards 25 traineeships annually to students on the family nurse practitioner, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, and adult/gerontology primary care tracks who are interested in working in rural or urban underserved areas. Students may apply beginning in their first semester. Learn more about the HRSA-funded AT LAST program.

Pass-red.jpg

High First-time Pass Rates 

96% 

That’s the percentage of our 2024 FNP graduates from the MSN and BSN to DNP programs at Cizik School of Nursing who passed certification exams (AANPCB or ANCC) on their first attempt. This high first-time pass rate results from the high-quality curriculum, exceptional faculty, and outstanding clinical opportunities at UTHealth Houston.

Earn an Emergency Nursing Certificate

Students who are enrolled in the FNP specialty track are eligible to request admission to the Emergency/Trauma Care concentration. Didactic courses will be taken concurrently, while the clinical component will be completed the semester after graduation from the FNP track.

two-enps.jpg

cheatham-simlab

Outstanding Faculty Equals Student Success

When you are accepted into the FNP specialty track at Cizik School of Nursing, we immediately assign you an academic success coach who guides you every step of the way.

From your coach to advisors, and from tutors to our outstanding faculty, you will find the support, encouragement, and academic support you need to earn your FNP certification.

Real-world Training Produces Qualified FNPs

The Family Nurse Practitioner specialty track provides the foundational education and high-tech learning opportunities you need to succeed. Precepted clinical hours in the Texas Medical Center or throughout the state provide interdisciplinary experiences working with other health care providers to care for individuals and their families.

Our state-of-the-art Simulation and Clinical Performance Laboratory offers more opportunities to apply what you learn and meet clinical requirements via hands-on training.

faculy-student-dnp.jpg

FNP-w-patient-sized.jpg

Top Ranked Career

Texas – and the nation – need nurse practitioners. That’s why U.S. News & World Report ranked nurse practitioners as the No. 1 job once again for 2025. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of nurse practitioner jobs will grow by 46% comparing 2023 to 2033. Read the article.

Get Started toward Becoming an FNP

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career as a Family Nurse Practitioner? We are here to help.

Request Information

Apply to the MSN program

Apply to the DNP program

BSN-DNP-grad-sq

Need Help?

Our enrollment coaches can help you navigate the application process.

Call 713-500-2145, or email [email protected].

Pickering-sq.jpg

Your Home for Lifelong Learning

Once you have become a nurse practitioner, Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston will be here to help you maintain your certification and hone your skills through continuing professional development courses and webinars.