Nursing requirements change rapidly. Make sure to confirm licensing requirements with the Texas Board of Nursing before applying for licensure. Last updated: 3/26/2020
Become a Nurse in Texas – Licensure & Requirements
| Nursing Licenses in Texas | Master’s Required? |
|---|---|
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | Yes |
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Yes |
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) | Yes |
Nurse Practitioner (NP) | Yes |
Registered Nurse (RN) | No |
Licensed Vocational Nurse | No |
Texas Nursing Salaries
| TX Nurse Career | State-Wide Annual Mean Wage | Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Annual Mean Wage | San Antonio-New Braunfels Annual Mean Wage | Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Licensed Practical Nurse | $46,990 | $48,720 | $45,210 | $50,770 |
Registered Nurse | $72,890 | $80,160 | $72,270 | $74,140 |
Nurse Practitioner | $111,060 | $121,670 | $100,860 | $106,610 |
Nurse Anesthetist | $158,510 | $182,070 | Not Available | $164,210 |
Nurse Midwife | $85,900 | $93,370 | Not Available | $82,240 |
Careers as a nurse salaries above were retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Texas in March 2020.
There are many paths to becoming a nurse in Texas. The one you take will mostly depend on the type of nurse you’d like to become and your current or prospective level of education. The more education, the more opportunities you’ll have to choose where and how you pursue your career in nursing.
In addition to nursing salaries in Texas, you’ll find information on acquiring and maintaining several types of Texas nursing licenses on this page. We’re constantly making updates, but with the speed of change in healthcare, it’s sometimes difficult to stay current. If you have any comments or suggestions for our information on nursing in Texas, please email us at info@nursinglicensemap.com!
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
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Compact State Status
Texas is a Nursing Licensure Compact state.
Prescriptive Authority in Texas
In Texas, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Certified Nurse Midwives and Nurse Anesthetists may apply for prescriptive authority for controlled substances under schedule III to V in collaboration with physicians, according to the Texas Board of Nursing Examining Board.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Texas
Education: Accredited advanced practice registered nursing education program
Examination: Varies according to specialty area
Certification Required: Varies according to specialty area, but must include Registered Nurse license
Fees:
- $100 Application Fee
- $150 Application plus Prescriptive Authority
Additional Information: An active Texas registered nurse license is required for application.
Renewal: Advanced Practice Nurse licenses in Texas expire biennially. APRNs must provide proof of 400 hours of practice within the last two years for each of the renewing specialties.
Learn more on how to become an advanced practice registered nurse.
Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas
Education: Approved registered nurse program
Examination: NCLEX-RN and Jurisprudence Examination
Fees:
- $100 Licensure by Exam
- $200 Examination
- $186 Licensure by Endorsement
Endorsement: RNs can apply for licensure by endorsement in Texas after submitting all required materials related to current licensure, examination, approved nursing education and passing a jurisprudence exam.
Renewal: Registered Nurse licenses in Texas expire biennially. Twenty contact hours of continuing competency are required for renewal. There is no continued education requirement for first time renewers.
Learn more on how to become a registered nurse.
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in Texas
Education: Approved licensed vocational nurse program
Examination: NCLEX-PN and Jurisprudence Examination
Fees:
- $100 Licensure by Exam
- $200 Examination
- $186 Licensure by Endorsement
Endorsement: LVNs can apply for licensure by endorsement in Texas after submitting all required materials related to current licensure, examination, approved nursing education and passing a jurisprudence exam.
Renewal: Licensed Vocational Nurse licenses in Texas expire biennially. Twenty contact hours of continuing competency are required for renewal. There is no continued education requirement for first time renewers.
Information on the above nursing careers in Texas was retrieved from the Texas Board of Nursing as of March 2020.
Sponsored online nursing programs
Simmons University
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.
- Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
- Complete in as few as 24 months
- Full-time and part-time tracks available
Georgetown University
Master of Science in Nursing
Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months.
- Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
- Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
- Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice
SPONSORED