92 Accredited LVN Schools in Texas as of 2017
A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is a practical nurse who practices his/her profession while possessing the required license. The good thing about being an LVN is that it is known as one of the most rewarding nursing professions with an attractive salary. If you plan to become one and practice it in Texas, then rest assured that there are plenty of reliable LVN programs in Texas that you can choose from.
Also, take note that once you become a licensed vocational nurse, you need to work directly under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians while offering care for the injured, ill, convalescent, and disabled patients. As an LVN, your duties actually revolve around providing basic bedside care and services to your patients. In most cases, you’ll need to take vitals, such as blood pressure, respiration, and temperature.
In addition, you need to give injections, apply dressings, and observe patients, so you can figure out whether they have adverse reactions to certain medications. Since you need to offer a variety of services to patients with different needs and requirements, being an LVN requires you to receive as much training as possible. You have a lot to learn in this field, so enrolling in the best LVN programs in Texas is necessary.
Here are some of the most reliable LVN programs in the state that will definitely turn you into the most efficient and knowledgeable licensed vocational nurse possible:
1. North Central Texas College – This college features a 12-month full-time LVN program, which runs for three semesters. One advantage of enrolling in the school is that it consists of faculty members with more than enough educational qualifications and clinical expertise. With that, you have a guarantee that they are capable of developing highly creative learning environments designed to offer extensive training and produce highly competent and well-rounded nurses.
It also has a high passing rate on the licensure exam for practical nurses in Texas. If you want to enroll in the program, then take note that you need to attend classes five days every week for around eight hours daily. It also has semestral breaks that adhere to the usual college calendar.
2. Angelina College – Lufkin – This is also one of the most prominent colleges in Texas that offer the most reliable LVN programs today. In fact, it is famous for its top-tank Multi Entry and Exit LVN program. It even has a number of certification programs that last for a year, as well as degree programs lasting for up to two years. In addition to LVN programs, Angelina College is also popular for its adult education as well as workforce development programs.
3. Western Texas College – Another college in Texas, which is worthwhile to look into if you plan to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse is the Western Texas College. It is a community college, which offers programs up to two years. Annually, it enrolls up to 2,500 students who take part in its wide range of options for degrees and programs. It also features a vocational nursing program, which gained the approval of the Higher Education Coordinating Board in Texas.
The good news is that you can complete such program within twelve months. Once you graduate, you’ll obtain a certificate, which makes you eligible to take the examination for those who want to become licensed vocational nurses. The program, which lasts for twelve months, cover clinical and classroom instructions. Expect the first couple of weeks to be spent within a traditional classroom.
You’ll only start to take the clinical instruction once you reach the 2nd month. In addition, there is a need for you to attend your classes four days every week, usually from Mondays to Thursdays.
4. Trinity Valley Community College – What is so good about this college is that it focuses too much on learning. That said, expect to receive the best in terms of its community service and academics programs. It is also flexible in the sense that anyone can take it via distance learning. You can also take its evening or weekend classes. If you want a more traditional approach to learning, then it would be best to go for the traditional classroom setting.
5. Temple College – Operating for several decades already, Temple College, with over 3,500 students enrolled annually, is indeed one of the best colleges with the most reliable and extensive LVN programs. It has nursing programs designed to offer extensive knowledge and training when it comes to healthcare. That’s the specific reason why its nursing graduates are in great demand in the state.
The good thing about Temple College is that it is accredited and well-recognized in the industry. With that, there is a guarantee that you’ll receive a nursing education of top-notch quality. By finishing up the vocational nursing program at the Temple College, you can get a hold of a certificate of completion. The program runs for twelve months.
6. Paris Junior College – Another college, which is home to a high-quality nursing program is the Paris Junior College. The program offered here only takes a max of one year. After that period, you will be on your way towards becoming a License Vocational Nurse. With the LVN program it offers, you can prepare yourself for your entry in the medical and healthcare industry.
Upon completing the 1-year program, you can finally get a hold of your Certification for Vocational Nursing. Such is the key to gaining the eligibility to take part in the licensure examination for vocational nurses.
7. Howard College – San Angelo – If you want to be part of a vocational nursing program known for its quality and high rank, then go for the one offered by Howard College. The program takes twelve months, giving you college credit while also letting you earn a certificate. During that period, you can hone your skills and prepare yourself by gaining enough training on how to conduct direct patient care with the help of a physician or registered nurse.
The knowledge and training you’ll receive from the program will definitely hone you in such a way that you will be ready to take the licensure exam and pass it successfully. Once you pass and get your license, be prepared to enjoy a rewarding nursing career. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics pegging the average LVN salary at over $44,000 as of 2016, pay will continue to rise!
Make Sure the LVN Program is Accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing
Texas is indeed home to the many LVN programs designed to hone your skills and train you to become one of the best in the vocational nursing field. By enrolling in the right school and program and applying what you’ve learned once you’re eligible to take the licensure exam, you will definitely be on the road towards getting a hold of your license and practicing the profession you love the most.
The Texas Board of Nursing is the state body that certifies and accredits vocational nursing programs. Be sure to check their site if there is ever a question about the LVN program you’re interested in enrolling in.
The Texas BON also lists the application process if you’ve completed a nursing school in another state. So, for instance, if you attended one of the LVN programs in California, you’ll have to submit the proper paperwork with the Texas BON to ensure you’ll be properly licensed!