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LVN Programs in Texas

If you’re thinking of becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), there’s no better time than now. With the nursing shortage in full swing, hospitals and clinics are always on the lookout for qualified nurses. And with an aging population, the demand for LVNs is only going to increase in the years to come.

Texas is one of the best states to pursue a career as a LVN. With its large population and many hospitals and clinics, there are plenty of opportunities for employment.

Finding a LVN Program

If you’re interested in becoming an LVN in Texas, the first step is to find an accredited LVN program. Many community colleges and technical schools offer LVN programs, and there are also a number of online programs available.

Below you will find a list of accredited LVN programs in Texas:

Admission Requirements

When choosing a program, it’s important to make sure that it is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing. This will ensure that you receive the proper training and education to become a licensed vocational nurse.

In order to be admitted into an accredited LVN program in Texas, you must:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Take and pass a criminal background check
  • Submit to a drug screen
  • Have up-to-date immunizations

Some programs may require you to take a placement test to determine your level of nursing knowledge.

What to Expect in an LVN Program

A typical LVN program will take about 12 months to complete. You’ll take classes in an in-person or online setting on topics related to:

  • Human Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Nursing Fundamentals
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Maternal-Child Nursing
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Pharmacology

In addition to your coursework, you’ll also be required to complete a clinical component of your program. This will give you the opportunity to apply the skills you’ve learned in the classroom to real-life patients.

How Much Does an LVN Program Cost?

The cost of an LVN program can vary depending on the school you choose and whether you’re attending classes in-person or online. However, the average cost of an LVN program in Texas is $5,000.

LVN Exam Details

Once you have completed an accredited LVN program, you will then need to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). This is a national exam that all LVN candidates must take in order to be licensed.

The NCLEX-PN is a computerized exam that consists of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. It is designed to test your knowledge of the practical nursing skills and principles that you learned in your LVN program.

You will have six hours to complete the exam, and you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly in order to pass. If you do not pass the exam, you will have an opportunity to re-take the exam.

Texas State Requirements for LVNs

Once you have passed the NCLEX-PN, you will then need to apply for a license from the Texas Board of Nursing. In order to be licensed as an LVN in Texas, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit a completed application
  • Provide proof of completion of an accredited LVN program
  • Submit a copy of your official transcripts
  • Submit a copy of your NCLEX-PN score report
  • Submit to a criminal background check
  • Pay the application fee

Once you have met all of the requirements, you will then be issued a license and can begin working as an LVN in Texas.

Out of State LVNs

If you are already licensed as an LVN in another state, you may be eligible to receive a license by endorsement in Texas. In order to qualify for a license by endorsement, you must:

What are the regulating bodies for LVNs in Texas?

The regulating body for LVNs in Texas is the Texas Board of Nursing, which oversees LVN licenses, renewals and any complaint situations. Contact information for the Texas Board of Nursing is:

333 Guadalupe St
#3-460
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 305-7400
Texas Board of Nursing

What to Expect Working as an LVN

As a licensed vocational nurse, you will be responsible for providing basic patient care. This includes taking vital signs, administering injections and giving baths. You will also be responsible for keeping the nursing station clean and organized and for recording patients’ medical histories.

LVNs typically work in hospitals, clinics or doctor’s offices. They may also work in nursing homes or home health care agencies.

LVN Salary in Texas

The average salary for an LVN in Texas is $52,850 according to the BLS and an hourly wage of $25.41 on average. With additional experience, many LVNs make around $60,000 per year.

There are many factors that can affect an LVN’s salary, such as education, experience, location, and the type of facility where they work. For example, LVNs who work in hospitals tend to make more than those who work in nursing homes.

LVN salaries can vary quite a bit based on where you work as well.

Metro Employed LPNs Salary/Hour Salary/Year
Abilene, TX                               650 $                             22.92 $                   47,680
Amarillo, TX                               770 $                             23.78 $                   49,460
Austin-Round Rock, TX                            3,130 $                             27.17 $                   56,510
Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX                            1,110 $                             23.83 $                   49,560
Brownsville-Harlingen, TX                            1,210 $                             22.93 $                   47,690
College Station-Bryan, TX                               770 $                             23.08 $                   48,000
Corpus Christi, TX                            1,020 $                             24.52 $                   51,000
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX                          14,900 $                             26.59 $                   55,320
El Paso, TX                            1,750 $                             22.95 $                   47,730
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX                          12,160 $                             26.65 $                   55,420
Killeen-Temple, TX                            1,190 $                             25.64 $                   53,320
Laredo, TX                               530 $                             23.43 $                   48,740
Longview, TX                               630 $                             24.01 $                   49,930
Lubbock, TX                            1,110 $                             23.84 $                   49,590
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX                            1,970 $                             22.95 $                   47,730
Midland, TX                               420 $                             26.25 $                   54,610
Odessa, TX                               260 $                             25.33 $                   52,680
San Angelo, TX                               330 $                             23.79 $                   49,470
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX                            5,780 $                             25.93 $                   53,940
Sherman-Denison, TX                               410 $                             24.26 $                   50,460
Texarkana, TX-AR                               610 $                             21.60 $                   44,930
Tyler, TX                               890 $                             24.28 $                   50,510
Victoria, TX                               330 $                             24.09 $                   50,110
Waco, TX                               670 $                             25.13 $                   52,270
Wichita Falls, TX                               700 $                             23.27 $                   48,390

Texas LVN Programs by City