Advice for Nursing Programs in Texas

Hi Everyone, I'm new to the forum and have some questions about the best nursing programs in Texas. My husband and I currently live in Houston and I am attending Lone Star college at Willowchase. I had considered applying for the associates of nursing at LoneStar but I'm missing a pre req class which will not allow me to apply this summer. Therefore I would be forced to have to apply next summer and not start the program till the following spring. So I was going back to the consideration of doing the pre req classes for the bachelors program at the University of Texas Houston. Does anyone have any advice on either of these programs?
Is there a huge difference between getting the associates and RN vs the Bachelor's and RN? I am wanting to go into Pediatrics, most likely Neonatal, though I have considered pediatric oncology as well. What are the requirements to become certified in these areas? Do you need a bachelors? Also does anyone know anything about the masters programs at Penn State? Are there any masters programs in Texas for NICU? Thanks so much for your time!

Sonseria