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Earning an LVN From Accredited Texas Program

For those interested in the healthcare industry, earning an LVN degree is one of the quickest ways to enter a fast-growing field. As the U.S. population ages, the need for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) increases for hospitals and nursing home facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for practical and vocational nurses to grow 9% from 2019 to 2029.

LVN programs focus on the core values of the nursing field: dignity, integrity, altruism, autonomy, and social justice. Over the course of a one-year program, students learn to apply these values to provide safe and quality healthcare as determined by the state board.

According to the BLS , LVNs earn a median annual salary of $47,480. These LVN careers include working in healthcare facilities under the instruction of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. Many LVN programs in Texas provide students with access to professional organizations and continued education programs to advance their careers.

What Can I Do With a LVN Degree?

With an LVN degree, students qualify to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nursing. After passing the exam, degree-holders can pursue various healthcare positions within the state of their licensure. This includes hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, schools, and private practices. Typical duties of an LVN include administering medication, taking vitals, providing patient comfort, and reporting on a patient's condition to a physician or RN.

An LVN degree can also serve as the foundation for advancing a nursing career. Often the courses in an LVN program provide basic knowledge for pursuing an associate degree or a bachelor of science in nursing . This shortens the time and cost of a four-year degree.

Accreditation for an LVN Degree

When choosing an LVN program, check the school's accreditation. Accredited schools pass quality reviews conducted by third-party organizations. Regionally accredited schools pass review by regional institutions, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Schools with regional accreditation are often nonprofit, academically oriented colleges. Credits from these schools typically transfer smoothly to both regionally and nationally accredited schools.

National accreditation often goes to vocational schools or specific programs. Students should research the accreditation status of their desired school and give preference to regionally accredited schools. Learners can check a school's accreditation using the Department of Education's searchable database.

LVN programs also seek approval from their state board. Approval from the state board means the program meets the educational requirements to pass the state license exam.

FAQ on LVN Programs in Texas

Is an LVN a nurse?

Yes. LVNs are entry-level nurses specializing in technical procedures. They work under RNs, mid-level practitioners, and physicians.

What is the difference between an LPN and LVN?

Functionally, there is no difference between an LPN and an LVN. LVN is the term used for a practical, or vocational, nurse in California and Texas.

What's an LVN salary?

In 2019, LVNs earned a median annual salary of $47,480, according to the BLS .

Do RNs or LVNs get paid more?

RNs oversee the work of LVNs, and therefore they make more per year. However, an LVN leads to an RN.

What Are the Requirements for an LVN Degree?

All LVN programs require a high school or GED diploma. LVN programs in Texas additionally require that all applicants take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment.

Two nursing school entrance exams exist: the Test of Essential Academic Skills and the Health Education Systems, Inc. While some programs accept either test, many require a specific one and offer the test onsite.

LVN programs also require a full health screening at the time of acceptance, proof of immunizations and health insurance, and CPR certification. Programs sometimes offer CPR courses as part of the curriculum. Every program focuses on clinical rotations that serve as the student's capstone.

Courses in a LVN Program

An LVN program typically consists of a combination of theory classes, lab simulations, and hands-on clinical experience. In these courses, students gain ethically informed problem-solving skills and explore the foundations of specialized medical care. Through clinical rounds, students apply classroom knowledge often under the supervision of RNs and physicians.

The final round of clinicals often serve as a capstone for the program. Supervisors assess enrollees' mastery of nursing philosophy in practice. Some programs may focus on medical practice, while others specialize in an age group or type of assistive care. The list below includes common courses found in an LVN program.

• Basic Nursing Skills

  This course provides an introduction to the nursing profession. Topics include history, legal topics, ethical and professional standards, and mental health management. Enrollees examine the philosophy guiding not only vocational nurses but the entire nursing profession. These ethical pillars shape the future course load as well as the benchmark for progressing in the field.

• Essentials of Medical Administration

  Enrollees learn the general principles of giving patients medicine per physician guidelines. This includes instruction on dosage, safety, documentation, and measurement tools. The course provides the basic knowledge required for future courses. Students also practice these skills in clinicals, preparing them for professional LVN duties.

• Gerontology

  Gerontology is one of the age group specialized courses offered in LVN programs. Similar courses include pediatrics or maternity and neonatal care. These courses focus on the physical and psychosocial needs of older patients. Gerontology also covers common diseases associated with aging, as well as cultural attitudes toward the elderly. Specialized instruction allows for LVNs to treat different patients with the same level of dignity and quality while addressing their unique needs.

• Pharmacology

  Pharmacology expands on the knowledge learned in medical administration to cover the chemistry behind determining medication treatments. Additionally, the course includes instruction on the therapeutic and curative effects of different types of medications. This knowledge allows LVNs to make informed decisions when providing patient care. Knowledge of pharmacology proves especially useful for LVNs working in hospitals and nursing homes with high volumes of medication prescriptions.

• NCLEX Prep

  Many programs include a required course preparing for the state licensing exam during the final semester. The prep course covers a review of nursing knowledge, study skills , and test-taking strategies. Completing a program and earning a certificate qualifies students for the exam. Programs with NCLEX Prep courses ensure that students pass and earn their license so that they can continue on to the workforce.

Certifications

CHN certified practical nurses can work in specialized nephrology care. Certification requires an exam offered by the Board of Nephrology Examiners and Nursing Technology. To take the exam, LVNs need a valid license and boast experience working in end-stage renal disease facilities. While many LVN programs offer instruction in pediatric care, working in pediatrics requires a certification in PALS . Organizations affiliated with the American Heart Association offer PALS certification programs. These programs often require completion of a course curriculum and a final exam. LVNs interested in psychiatric care can earn a certification for specialized treatment of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities . Universities and medical facilities offer online webinar-based programs that only require an enrollment fee. These certification programs prepare LVNs to work in home care and long-term care facilities.

Best LVN Programs in Texas 2021

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1. Lee College

   Location

   Baytown, TX

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   A public community college in Baytown, Lee College offers a 12-month vocational nursing program . The 47-credit program includes class lectures, laboratory work, and hands-on clinicals at local facilities. Courses cover gerontology, pediatrics, adult, and neonatal and maternity care.

   The final clinical serves as the program capstone to measure students' competency and mastery of nursing techniques outlined in the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs. Applicants need at least a 2.0 GPA and a composite score of 78 on the HESI-PN entrance exam for consideration.

   After completion, students receive a Level 1 Certificate of Completion from the college and qualification to take the NCLEX-PN. The nursing program meets the standards outlined by the Texas Board of Nursing and educational requirements for licensure in 46 states.

2. College of the Mainland

   Location

   Texas City, TX

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   College of the Mainland, a public community college in Texas City, has offered a clinical training intensive vocational nursing program since 2005. The program centers on employer-valued skills and provides students with the ability to offer ethical and evidence-based care.

   Enrollees must attend two weeks of full-time clinical orientation. Along with the general vocational nursing curriculum, COM requires specific training in surgical nursing for all graduates. The school also offers an LVN-to-RN program that graduates of the vocational nursing program can enter after obtaining an LVN license.

   Successful applicants need at least a 2.0 GPA; a minimum 70% on the HESI-A2 math, reading, basic vocabulary, and grammar sections; and a "C" or better in human anatomy and physiology. The program takes 12 months to complete and starts in January.

3. Schreiner University

   Location

   Kerrville, TX

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   Schreiner University is a private, Presbytarian four-year university in Kerrville that offers a year-long vocational nursing certificate program . The beginner-friendly program requires no prerequisite classes and includes anatomy and physiology classes within the course curriculum. Clinical training is outsourced to Kerrville-area medical facilities. Learners may need to work outside of regular program hours.

   Applicants need at least a 2.0 GPA, two recommendation letters, and a persuasive essay for program consideration. Applicants must also participate in an interview.

4. San Jacinto Community College

   Location

   Pasadena, TX

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   A public, regionally accredited community college in Pasadena, San Jacinto College offers a level two certificate of technology program in vocational nursing. San Jac hosts a fall and spring start for the LVN program on both the North and South campuses.

   The program includes 560 in-class instructional hours and 864 lab and clinical hours. The course load focuses on nursing skills and ethics courses, with a total of five clinical rounds over the 12-month program. Due to the rigorous curriculum, applicants must have completed human anatomy and physiology with a "C" or better within five years of applying. Students may transfer credits for the prerequisite from another accredited institution. After completing the program, certificate-holders may apply for the associate of applied science - LVN degree.

   Successful applicants need at least a 2.25 college GPA and HESI-A2 scores of at least 70% in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and math.

5. Amarillo College

   Location

   Amarillo, TX

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   Amarillo College, a public, regionally accredited community college in Amarillo, offers a mentor-style 12-month LVN certificate program . Faculty serve as coaches guiding students through the process of learning and integrating nursing science and patient care.

   Courses include lectures, labs, and clinicals. While learners must complete labs and clinicals in person, AC offers online and hybrid synchronous lecture options. The campus hosts a full Nursing Resource Center with clinical simulation labs to practice patient-oriented care. Students must complete each class with a 75% average to progress to the next school term.

   Prerequisites include anatomy and physiology and medical terminology with at least a "C" grade. Applicants are scored on a point system with a combination of points assigned based on GPA, HESI-A2 scores, and prerequisite grades.