Credential

APRN

Est. Fees

$515

CE Hours

25 hrs/cycle

Controlled Subs

Sched III-V; no independent II

Restricted Practice Authority

Prescriptive Authority Agreement (PAA) filed with TX Medical Board separately. No independent Schedule II.

Verify your active RN license

Hold a current RN license in Texas or a valid compact multistate RN license. Board: bon.texas.gov

Complete an accredited MSN or DNP

CCNE or ACEN accredited with your NP specialty focus and at least 500 supervised clinical hours.

Pass your national certification exam

AANP or ANCC in your specialty. For PMHNP: ANCC PMHNP-BC only.

Submit your APRN application to the TX BON

Apply online to the Texas Board of Nursing. Fee: $515. Transcripts and certification sent directly to the board.

Complete background check

Fingerprinting through an approved vendor. Allow 2–4 weeks for processing.

File Prescriptive Authority Agreement with TX Medical Board

The PAA (a separate process from BON licensure) must be filed with the Texas Medical Board before prescribing. Requires a delegating physician.

Apply for DEA registration

Apply at dea.gov after state licensure. $888 every 3 years. Register with TX PMP within 30 days.