If you’re an LVN in Houston ready to become an RN, there are several bridge programs designed to help you get there—each with its own strengths. Whether you need flexibility, affordability, or a fast-paced schedule, there’s likely a program that fits your lifestyle and goals.
- CHCP Houston Northwest
A flexible 80-week blended program with strong hands-on training, designed for working LVNs who want day or evening clinical options. - Houston Community College (HCC)
A highly affordable 3-semester program offering evening classes and flexible clinical hours for working students. - Texas Health School
A 64-week hybrid program with online general ed and in-person nursing classes; best for those who want an accelerated pace but can attend daytime classes. - Galen College of Nursing
A full-time 18-month program with quarterly start dates, on-campus instruction, and strong academic support. - Lone Star College
A competitive, low-cost, 3-semester program with daytime classes and clinicals, ideal for students able to commit full time.
Explore the details of each program below to find the best fit for your RN journey:
CHCP Houston Northwest
Career-Focused, Flexible, Hands-On
The CHCP LVN to RN program stands out for its flexible blended format, comprehensive hands-on training, and focused NCLEX-RN prep—designed specifically to help working LVNs advance their careers quickly and confidently.
If you’re a licensed vocational nurse in Houston ready to take the next step in your career, the LVN to RN bridge program at The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) Houston Northwest could be a solid fit. This 80-week Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is designed specifically for working LVNs who want to earn their RN license without committing to a four-year degree.
One of the most convenient aspects? It’s a blended format, meaning you’ll complete some coursework online while still getting crucial hands-on experience through labs and clinicals scheduled during the day and evening. The curriculum includes 10 modules that walk you through everything from anatomy to advanced nursing practice, all while preparing you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Tuition is $42,400, which includes books and fees, and CHCP’s financial aid team works one-on-one with students to find grants, federal aid, and flexible payment plans. You’ll also complete over 500 lab hours and nearly 400 clinical externship hours, giving you real-world experience before graduation.
To qualify, you’ll need an active LVN license, a high school diploma or GED, a minimum 65% on the TEAS exam, and you’ll go through an interview and health screening process. Once in, expect a fast-paced program focused on building the skills that matter: critical thinking, care coordination, patient advocacy, and clinical judgment.
CHCP also offers job placement support through resume help and career coaching.
This program is ideal for LVNs looking for a flexible but immersive way to earn their RN and step confidently into a more advanced nursing role. It’s not easy, but for the right person, it could be a game-changer.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $42,400 (includes tuition, registration fee, technology fee, and textbooks) |
| Duration | 80 weeks |
| Class Format | Blended learning (combination of online and in-person classes) |
| Class Schedules | Daytime for classroom and lab sessions; clinical rotations may occur during day or evening shifts |
Houston Community College
Affordable, Flexible, Career-Focused Training
HCC’s LVN to RN program stands out for its unbeatable affordability, flexible evening classes, and strong hands-on clinical training, making it a practical choice for working nurses ready to move forward.
Houston Community College’s LVN to RN Transition Program is a streamlined, affordable option for licensed vocational nurses aiming to become registered nurses. The program leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and is designed to be completed in just 3 semesters full-time. What sets this program apart is its evening class availability, flexible clinical scheduling, and a very reasonable total cost of about $8,969, which includes tuition, fees, books, and essential supplies.
Classes meet 3 to 4 days per week, with day and evening options, and clinicals are scheduled once a week per course. Clinical hours can range from early mornings to late nights, including weekends, requiring students to manage their time well and have reliable transportation.
To apply, students must already hold a Texas LVN license, complete several prerequisite courses with at least a 3.0 GPA, and pass the HESI-A2 entrance exam with minimum scores of 85% in several areas. A background check, drug screening, immunization documentation, and CPR certification are also required.
Students benefit from robust hands-on training, including clinical rotations throughout Houston’s healthcare system, and thorough NCLEX-RN preparation. HCC’s dedicated financial aid office helps students explore grants, scholarships, and payment options, making this one of the most cost-effective paths to RN licensure in Texas.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $8,969 (estimated in-district cost for nursing coursework only) |
| Duration | 3 semesters (full-time) |
| Class Format | In-person; classroom instruction combined with clinical rotations |
| Class Schedules | 3–4 days per week; day classes (8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), evening classes (5 p.m.–10 p.m.); clinicals may occur on weekdays, weekends, day or night shifts |
Texas Health School
Accelerated program with online classes
Texas Health School in Houston offers a 64-week LVN to ADN program designed for currently licensed vocational nurses aiming to become registered nurses. The program includes 1,348 total clock hours and 60 semester credit hours, split across eight 8-week sessions. Students take both general education and nursing-specific courses, with many general education classes offered online. This hybrid format allows for flexibility, but due to the accelerated pace, balancing the program with full-time work may be challenging.
Class subjects include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English, college algebra, pharmacology, health assessment, informatics, and various nursing specialties such as medical-surgical, mental health, pediatrics, maternal/child health, and geriatric care. Students also complete lab skills, simulation training, and clinical hours in real-world settings. Of the total hours, 708 are dedicated to lecture, 384 to clinical training, and 256 to lab work.
The estimated total cost of the program is approximately $41,919, which includes tuition, books, a nursing kit, uniforms, technology fees, and licensing fees. Additional out-of-pocket costs such as immunizations, background checks, CPR training, and transportation are not included in this estimate.
The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Upon completion, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Courses are offered during the day; there is no evening option.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Approximately $41,919 (includes tuition, books, fees, and estimated supplies) |
| Duration | 64 weeks |
| Class Format | Blended (online general education + in-person nursing, lab, and clinical) |
| Class Schedules | Daytime classes only; no evening option available |
| Website | https://ths.edu/lvn-to-adn-program/ |
Galen College of Nursing
Nationally recognized comprehensive program
Galen College of Nursing in Houston offers an 18-month, full-time LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge program for vocational nurses seeking to become registered nurses. The program consists of six quarters and includes 99 total quarter credit hours. Students are awarded 20 credits for their existing PN/VN licensure, and additional transfer credits may be accepted for general education courses taken within the past five years.
Classes are held on campus, with four start dates per year. The program totals 1,296 contact hours, broken down into 720 hours of theory, 216 lab hours, and 360 clinical hours. Nursing courses include medical-surgical concepts, pharmacology, mental health nursing, leadership, and transition to registered nursing practice. General education classes cover anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English composition, ethics, psychology, sociology, and college math.
Coursework progresses quarter by quarter, starting with foundational science and general education classes, then moving into more advanced nursing content. Clinical components begin in Quarter 3 and continue through the remainder of the program.
Tuition is charged per credit hour—$430 for general education courses and $500 for nursing courses. Additional fees include $100 each for registration and background checks, $50 per lab course, $125 per clinical course, $105 per online course, and a $75 resource fee per term.
The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Admission requires proof of active PN/VN licensure and transcripts. Support services include academic advising, tutoring, and online learning resources.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Tuition: $430/credit (general ed), $500/credit (nursing); plus fees (approx. varies by course load) |
| Duration | 18 months (full-time) |
| Class Format | On-campus with some online course components |
| Class Schedules | Full-time; four start dates per year |
| Website | https://galencollege.edu/nursing-programs/lpn-lvn-adn-bridge |
Lone Star College
Full-time, three-semester program for LVNs and paramedics
Lone Star College’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Transition Track is a full-time program for currently licensed Texas LVNs and paramedics. The program runs for three consecutive semesters and awards an Associate of Applied Science Degree, making graduates eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Students are admitted once per year in April and begin classes in June.
Classes are scheduled twice weekly, typically from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clinicals take place once a week for 10–12 hours, usually during the day, though some may be scheduled at night depending on hospital availability. The program is structured with classroom instruction, hands-on clinicals, and additional time expected for studying and completing projects.
Nursing coursework includes integrated skills training, pharmacology, and care across a range of patient conditions—from basic care to complex needs and client care management. Students must also complete general education courses in anatomy, microbiology, English, psychology, and humanities, totaling 21 credit hours.
To apply, students must meet specific admissions criteria, including a GPA of at least 2.7 in prerequisite courses (Anatomy & Physiology I and English Composition), a minimum score of 80 on sections of the HESI Admission Assessment Exam, and a satisfactory background check. Biology courses must be completed within the last five years, and some may be taken in advance.
The program is offered at the North Harris campus and is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing and ACEN. Admission is competitive, and class spots are limited.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Not explicitly listed; varies based on residency and credit hours. Contact Lone Star College for current tuition. |
| Duration | 3 semesters (approximately 12 months) |
| Class Format | In-person lectures and clinicals |
| Class Schedules | Full-time; classes twice weekly (8 a.m.–4 p.m.), plus 10–12 hour clinicals once weekly (some may be scheduled at night) |
| Website | https://www.lonestar.edu/nursing-dept-nharris |
Choosing the Right Program
Our Recommendations
- CHCP: Best for working LVNs needing flexible, blended learning and career support; higher cost.
- HCC: Most affordable; evening classes and flexible clinicals make it ideal for budget-conscious students.
- Texas Health: Fast-paced hybrid program; no evening options; higher cost.
- Galen: Structured, supportive, with flexible start dates.
- Lone Star: Competitive, fast, daytime-only, low-cost.
CHCP Houston Northwest
Best for working LVNs seeking flexibility and career support
CHCP’s 80-week program offers a flexible blended format ideal for working LVNs. With day and evening clinicals and a strong focus on real-world training (over 900 hours combined), this program suits those who want hands-on experience and robust NCLEX prep without sacrificing their current job. The $42,400 cost is higher, but the career coaching and financial aid support may justify the investment for students seeking structured guidance and job placement help.
Houston Community College (HCC)
Best value for students needing affordability and flexible class hours
At an estimated $8,969, HCC offers one of the most affordable LVN to RN paths in the state. The 3-semester program is well-suited for students needing evening classes or varied clinical schedules. It’s a good fit for self-motivated learners who want strong training without a high tuition burden. Time management is key due to unpredictable clinical times.
Texas Health School
Best for students who want an accelerated hybrid program
With a 64-week timeline, Texas Health School offers one of the fastest LVN to RN paths in Houston. The hybrid format includes online general education courses and daytime in-person nursing instruction. It’s ideal for students who prefer a mix of self-paced and hands-on learning, but not for those needing evening options. The estimated cost of $41,919 is higher than public schools but offers convenience and speed.
Galen College of Nursing
Best for students seeking a structured, nationally recognized program with multiple start dates
Galen’s 18-month bridge program is a good option for students who prefer traditional on-campus learning with some online coursework. With quarterly starts and strong academic support, it’s ideal for students who want clear structure and access to resources like tutoring. The cost is variable based on credits, but the reputation and support services can add value for students looking for a guided path.
Lone Star College
Best for local students seeking a fast, intensive full-time option
Lone Star’s ADN Transition Track is a three-semester, in-person program for Texas LVNs and paramedics. With a single start per year and limited seats, it’s highly competitive. This program is a strong fit for students who can commit to a daytime schedule and want a fast, no-frills path to RN licensure at a community college price point. Students should be prepared for rigorous academic and clinical demands.