Houston Community College (HCC) offers an LVN to RN bridge program designed to quickly transition licensed vocational nurses into registered nursing roles. The program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree and can be completed in 3 semesters. It features flexible scheduling options, including evening classes and weekend clinical rotations. The total tuition cost is approximately $8,969, making it significantly more affordable compared to many similar programs. HCC also provides a dedicated financial aid office to assist students in finding ways to finance their education comfortably.
Program Overview
The LVN to RN Transition program at Houston Community College is structured specifically for licensed vocational nurses who wish to advance their careers by becoming registered nurses (RNs). The main goal is to build upon existing nursing skills and knowledge, guiding students through the coursework needed to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
The curriculum is designed to thoroughly prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination through classroom instruction, simulation labs, and comprehensive clinical experiences. Students will graduate fully prepared for responsibilities that include patient assessment, medication administration, care coordination, and patient advocacy.
Class Schedule & Format
The program runs full-time for three semesters, typically requiring attendance 3-4 days per week. Classes are offered in both daytime (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) and evening formats (5 p.m. – 10 p.m.), with clinical rotations usually scheduled once per week per course. Clinical hours might fall during day shifts (7 a.m. – 7 p.m.), evening shifts (3 p.m. – 11 p.m.), or overnight shifts (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.). Clinical sites are primarily located around the Medical Center area and occasionally on weekends, offering flexibility but requiring careful time management and reliable transportation.
Admission Requirements
Admission is competitive, with approximately 7-10 students accepted out of roughly 30 applicants each cycle. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a current Texas LVN license.
- Have completed prerequisite courses (minimum GPA of 3.0 required).
- Pass the HESI-A2 entrance exam with at least 85% in key sections (Math, Reading, Grammar, Vocabulary, Anatomy & Physiology).
- Complete required immunizations and health screenings.
- Pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
- Provide proof of CPR certification (American Heart Association BLS).
Academic prerequisites include foundational courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, and English Composition, among others.
Curriculum Details & Program Content
The program provides a rigorous yet concise education covering critical nursing competencies. Course content includes:
- Advanced Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology courses
- Nursing skills and patient assessment practices
- Medication administration and dosage calculation
- Patient-centered care, clinical judgment, and critical thinking
- Ethical and professional nursing standards
- Extensive NCLEX-RN exam preparation
Students must achieve a minimum grade of B (80%) in nursing courses to progress to subsequent semesters.
Clinical Experience Requirements
Clinical training is an essential component. Students will participate weekly in rotations across various healthcare facilities, allowing them to experience diverse settings and patient populations. Clinical partners often require strict compliance with health, immunization, and COVID-19 vaccination policies, potentially impacting placement opportunities for those who choose not to vaccinate.
Students must meet all clinical site requirements—such as background checks, drug screenings, immunization records, and CPR certification—to ensure they can participate fully without delay or interruption in their clinical placements.
Cost and Financial Considerations
The total estimated cost for the LVN to RN transition program is around $8,969, significantly lower than many comparable programs. This cost covers tuition, lab fees, uniforms, books, and necessary exam fees.
Financial aid is robustly supported by HCC’s dedicated financial aid office, assisting students in accessing various funding sources, including federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans, and Work-Study opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early in the enrollment process to determine eligibility for financial assistance.
Essential Skills and Expectations
To succeed, students must demonstrate various physical, cognitive, and interpersonal skills:
- Emotional stability, adaptability, and ethical professionalism in high-stress healthcare environments.
- Physical stamina for long clinical shifts and performing tasks such as patient lifting, CPR, and medication administration.
- Cognitive abilities to perform dosage calculations, analyze patient data, and prioritize care tasks.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
Application Process and Next Steps
Applying involves several key steps:
- Complete the free admissions application to HCC.
- Submit a separate nursing program application online.
- Provide transcripts, proof of licensure, HESI exam scores, and immunization records.
- Attend mandatory orientations upon acceptance.
Due to the competitive nature of admissions, careful preparation and timely completion of each step are critical. Applicants should meticulously review all guidelines provided by HCC to ensure completeness and accuracy in their submissions.
Who Should Consider This Program?
Houston Community College’s LVN to RN program is particularly suited for Licensed Vocational Nurses seeking a cost-effective, relatively rapid transition into registered nursing. It is a strong fit for students who prefer evening and weekend class schedules, making it possible to balance education with work or family commitments. The rigorous nature of the program demands strong time management skills, discipline, and commitment.
The affordability of the program—priced at roughly $8,969—is a notable advantage for students on a tight budget or those seeking minimal debt upon graduation. Applicants should carefully evaluate clinical placement policies, particularly around COVID-19 vaccination requirements, to ensure compliance with clinical site expectations.
HCC offers a highly structured, competitively priced pathway to RN licensure, making it an attractive option for practical-minded nurses ready for career advancement.
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Cost | $8,969 (in-district estimate for nursing coursework only; excludes general education prerequisites) |
| Duration | 3 semesters (full-time) |
| 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, evening, or night shifts |
| Online Classes? | No; classes and clinicals are conducted in-person |
| Requirements | – Texas LVN license – 3.0 GPA in prerequisites – HESI-A2 scores ≥85% in key sections – Immunizations and health clearance – CPR, background check |
| Address | 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Phone | 713-718-2000 |
| [email protected] |
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