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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, flexible, affordable option for working nurses.


Family Nurse Practitioner Track at a Glance

If you are seeking a satisfying and in-demand career, becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an ideal choice.

Emphasizing health promotion, risk reduction, disease prevention, and illness management, the Family Nurse Practitioner track at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston includes on-site clinical training and high-tech simulations, helping you apply learning to real-world practice. The curriculum is also designed with flexibility for working nurses. Most coursework is online, with some in-person lab and simulation requirements for hands-on learning experiences. Clinical courses involve attending clinical sites for a specified number of hours, which vary by semester.

Upon completion, you can apply to take the national 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. Cizik School of Nursing graduates’ first-time pass rate for FNP board certification is 94-100%.

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.


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

MSN FNP Track 

  • Admit Terms – Spring, Summer, 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

Affordability Meets Education Accessible

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 range from $1,000 to a full tuition offers.

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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 of our DNP program 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.

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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.

Top Job for 2024 

Texas – and the nation – need nurse practitioners. That’s why U.S. News & World Report ranked nurse practitioners as the No. 1 job for 2024. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the number of nurse practitioner jobs will grow by 45% comparing 2022 to 2032. Read the article.

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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

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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.

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