Among the many healthcare professions, becoming a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) can be an excellent option for those who want to get started quickly in a fulfilling career.
LVNs work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and perform a range of tasks that require both clinical and administrative skills. If you’re in Houston and considering a career as an LVN, you’ll be glad to know that there are many vocational nursing programs available in the area that can provide you with the education and training you need to succeed.
In this page, we have compiled a comprehensive list of all LVN programs in Houston to help you get started on your path towards a rewarding career in healthcare.
Featured LVN Programs
The following is our compiled selection of our extensively researched LPN programs in Houston, TX. This list is regularly updated to guarantee reliable options as you pursue licensure as an LPN. Click on any school name for more details!
Texas Health School
If you’re looking to start a career in nursing, Texas Health School’s Vocational Nursing Program may be worth considering. The program’s mission is to empower students from diverse backgrounds with the skills needed to become competent and responsible nursing professionals. Quality education is considered to be the foundation of success in the nursing profession.
The curriculum of the Vocational Nursing Program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions in vocational nursing. Students will receive theoretical concepts, laboratory techniques, and clinical skills training that prepares them for work in various healthcare settings.
Texas Health School integrates two major curriculum concepts to ensure a comprehensive nursing education: Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs, 2010) for Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs and Essential Nursing Processes and Patient Care Standards. These concepts provide students with the skills necessary to become licensed and provide high-quality patient care.
The program is available during both day and evening classes, with the day classes lasting 48 weeks and evening classes lasting 74 weeks. Upon successful completion of the minimum theory and clinical hour requirements, graduates will receive a certificate for vocational nursing and be prepared to pass the NCLEX-PN®.
After passing the Texas BON Jurisprudence exam and NCLEX-PN®, graduates of the program are eligible to apply for licensure by the Texas BON to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Graduates of the program will be qualified for entry-level employment as vocational nurses in various healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, medical offices, various hospital departments, and health-care clinics.
Texas Health School’s Vocational Nursing Program provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for entry-level positions in vocational nursing. The program’s emphasis on hands-on training, along with the integration of two major curriculum concepts, may make it a good fit for students looking to start a career in nursing.
Admission Requirements
- Minimum score of 17 on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE).
- Submit proof of high school graduation or a GED.
- Complete a criminal background check through TDPS.
- Be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and communicating effectively in English.
- Pass the TEAS VI® test with a minimum overall individual score of 58%.
- Submit two Student Recommendation Forms, a one-page handwritten essay, and a current resume.
- Provide proof of immunizations and a physical exam signed by a healthcare provider.
- Submit evidence of current health insurance and a BLS Healthcare Provider CPR card.
- Satisfactorily complete a drug screen conducted by a THS designated agency within 30 days prior to the start of class.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Undisclosed |
| Program Duration | 48 weeks (day classes) / 74 weeks (evening classes) |
| Total Hours | 1440 |
| Class Schedule | Day & Evening Classes |
| Website | https://www.ths.edu/vocational-nursing-program/ |
| Location | 11511 Katy Freeway Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079 |
| Phone | 713-932-9333 |
| [email protected] |
Houston Community College
The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program program offered by Houston Community College focuses on providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a valuable member of a healthcare team. The program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, so you can be confident in its quality.
The program offers two types of awards, a Certificate Level 1 and an Associate of Applied Science. Both options will provide you with the skills you need to succeed in your career, but the Associate of Applied Science may offer additional benefits such as more in-depth coursework or a wider range of job opportunities.
The program can be completed in three semesters if you attend full-time, although there is no part-time option available. While some courses may be offered online, attendance is mandatory, so you will need to be available during specified days and times. Classes typically run from 8am to 5pm, although there may be some clinicals or labs that require attendance outside of these hours. Clinicals are located in the Medical Center and surrounding areas, and students may need to attend clinicals once or several times per week, including some weekends.
When considering this program, it’s important to keep in mind the time commitment required. You should plan to attend classes 4-5 days a week, with some additional time required for clinicals and labs. You may need to adjust your personal schedule to accommodate these requirements. Overall, the Licensed Vocational Nursing Program can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a healthcare career, but you should carefully consider the time commitment and your personal needs before making a decision.
Admission Requirements
- Submit a free admissions application to HCC and create a profile to obtain an HCC student ID.
- Complete the online application form for the Nursing program in addition to the HCC online application.
- Attend and complete the online program information session (optional but recommended).
- Complete all academic prerequisites and scan unofficial transcripts on PDF format.
- Submit official, unopened high school transcript(s) or GED transcripts.
- Take and submit the HESI-A2 Pre-entrance exam and attach the results to the online application.
- Submit the Nursing program application form online using your HCC student ID number.
- Complete all immunizations and health requirements and upload proof of completion to the CastleBranch website by specified deadlines.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $4207 (Tuition: $3310, Other fees: $897) |
| Program Duration | 44 credits |
| Class Schedule | Varies per semester |
| Website | https://www.hccs.edu/programs/areas-of-study/health-sciences/licensed-vocational-nursing-lvn/ |
| Location | 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002 |
| Phone | 713-718-8070 |
| [email protected] |
Vocational Nursing Institute
The Vocational Nursing Program is offered in both daytime and evening formats, with the daytime program running from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The curriculum for the program includes classroom and clinical instruction in various areas, such as growth and development, vocational nursing concepts, basic nursing skills, pharmacology, medication administration, clinical practical training, nutrition, geriatrics, medical/surgical nursing, pediatrics, disease control and prevention, maternal/neonatal nursing, mental health nursing, and leadership and professional development. Once you complete the program, you can expect to find employment in hospitals, home health agencies, hospice agencies, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities.
The tuition for the program is $25,500 but, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase textbooks on your own. The school provides a complete textbook listing on each syllabus, and students can choose to purchase new or used books in good condition from school bookstores like Elsevier, textbooks.com, and Amazon.
Admission Requirements
- Proof of high school completion or recognized high school equivalency credential OR completion of one full-time academic semester at an accredited postsecondary school.
- Age requirement: at least 17 years old.
- Language requirement: able to read, write, and speak English.
- Health requirement: good health, ability to meet physical requirements, free from communicable diseases. Provide basic physical from a physician, NP, or PA indicating good health.
- Immunization requirement: provide documentation of current immunizations and either proof of Hepatitis B series completion or signed declination form.
- Admission process requirement: successfully complete the new student process by the BON.
- Certification requirement: provide a Blue Card issued by the Texas Board of Nursing or an outcome letter.
- Background check requirement: pass a background check per school and TBON procedures.
- Prerequisite courses requirement: Anatomy and Physiology (3 credit hours), Basic Human Body Course, or Medical Terminology (30 clock hours or 1.5 credit hours with a grade of C or better) taken no more than 3 years prior to application.
- Test requirement: pass the 4-part HESI test with a score of 80% or better.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $25,500 |
| Program Duration | 52 weeks (day classes) 91 weeks (evening classes) |
| Class Schedule | Day & Evening Classes |
| Website | https://www.vocationalnursinginstitute.com/VocationalNursingProgram.php |
| Location | 11201 Steeple Park Drive, Houston, TX 77065 |
| Phone | 832-237-2525 |
| [email protected] |
Lone Star College
The Lone Star College Licensed Vocational Nursing Program is a three-semester, full-time program that will prepare you to provide nursing care in a variety of healthcare settings. Upon completion of the program, graduates can apply to take the licensure exam to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
The program is offered at four different locations across the Houston regional area, including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-Tomball Health Sciences Building. The program has some requirements for admission, including that applicants must comply with the Lone Star College Health Occupation Programs Admissions Policy and meet the consequences of criminal conviction.
The Vocational Nursing Program offers state of the art simulation equipment and laboratories. It is a 48 credit hour program, which is designed to be completed in one year. Graduates are prepared to provide nursing care for clients with predictable outcomes in a variety of health care settings. The program also offers transferable general education courses to Texas public institutions and applicable to requirements at private and out-of-state institutions.
The program learning outcomes include functioning within the nurse’s legal scope of practice, utilizing the nursing process, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving approach as the basis for decision making in practice, adhering to the Texas Nursing Practice Act and Texas State Board of Nursing Rules, utilizing effective communication and collaborating with patients, families, and interdisciplinary health care team members.
The Lone Star College Licensed Vocational Nursing Program provides a great opportunity for those interested in becoming an LVN. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to enter the workforce and provide quality nursing care. However, it is important to note that the program requires full-time commitment and may have some admission requirements that could be a barrier for some individuals. It should also be noted that the cost of tuition varies significantly based on your residency location.
Admission Requirements
- A clear criminal history as required by the Board of Nursing (BON)
- Completion of the HESI test with a minimum score of 80
- Hepatitis B immunization
- Completion of program prerequisites
- Compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Bacterial Meningitis (HIB) immunization
- High school / GED transcripts
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | In-District: $4,608 Out of District Texas Resident: $10,272 Out of state or international student: $12,912 |
| Program Duration | 1440 total hours, 48 credits |
| Class Schedule | Day Classes |
| Website | https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/vocational-nursing-certificates.htm |
| Locations | 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, Texas 77433 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339-3801 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375 700 Graham Dr, Tomball, TX 77375 |
| Phone | 832-813-6500 |
Bell Tech Career Institute
Since its establishment in 2002, the institute has been committed to providing the best educational services to the community, with a focus on preparing individuals for the demands of today’s healthcare workforce.
The program is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), which is a recognized accrediting agency by the US Department of Education. It’s also approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Veterans Commission (VA) to train Veterans, and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll and train foreign students on M-1 Visa for the vocational/technical education in USA.
The Licensed Vocational Nursing Program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary for nursing care practice. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam to obtain their license and legally practice their profession.
Admission Requirements
- 18+ years old with a valid Texas Driver’s License or ID and original Social Security card
- High school diploma/GED or certified foreign diploma
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Achieve 75% on HESI Admission Assessment Exam A2 Math & English
- Submit a well-written essay and three signed letters of recommendation.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $22,000 (Tuition: $21,190, Other Fees: $810) |
| Program Duration | 12 months |
| Class Schedule | Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Website | http://belltechcareerinstitute.com/admission/vocational-nursing/ |
| Location | 12000 Richmond Ave, Suite 130, Houston, TX 77082 |
| Phone | (713) 636-2659 |
| [email protected] |
San Jacinto College
The San Jacinto College Vocational Nursing Program is a fast-track option for those interested in becoming a licensed vocational nurse in Texas. The program is offered at both the South and North Campuses and consists of three terms. The curriculum includes 480 hours of class lectures, 416 hours of lab work, and 448 hours of clinical experience in various healthcare settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a Level 2 Certificate and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN® exam). Passing this exam grants a license to practice as a licensed vocational nurse.
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for San Jacinto College and specific requirements for the Vocational Nursing Program. The program is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Board of Nursing.
It’s important to note that students are required to comply with immunization requirements and policies of external learning sites, such as clinicals or externships, which are not mandated by San Jacinto College. Failure to meet these requirements may limit a student’s ability to complete the program or delay their graduation date. Students should address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the external learning site, as San Jacinto College does not process exemptions.
The program is a Level 2 Certificate program, which allows graduates to enter the nursing field quickly and work as an LVN while pursuing further education to advance their career. Students interested in applying for the program can find more information on the San Jacinto College website, including application periods and information packets for the North and South Campuses. The program serves students in Houston, Channelview, Summerwood, Southeast Houston, Pearland, Clear Lake, Webster, Friendswood, and surrounding communities.
Overall, the San Jacinto College Vocational Nursing Program is a viable option for those interested in a fast-track nursing program in Texas. The program is approved by the relevant governing bodies and provides a combination of classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. However, applicants should be aware of the external learning site immunization requirements and ensure that they meet these requirements to avoid any issues with completing the program.
Admission Requirements
Education and GPA:
- High school graduate, GED, or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 2.25 on college-level coursework
Health and Safety:
- Pass a physical examination and meet specific immunization requirements
- Pass a criminal history check and drug screen
- A felony conviction that relates to the duties and responsibilities of an LVN may disqualify the applicant from obtaining licensure
Prerequisite courses:
- BIOL 2301/2101 Anatomy & Physiology I
Immunization/Titer Schedule:
- All immunizations must be completed before application and must not expire during the program.
- Tetanus (td/tdap) [within the past 10 years]
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, & Rubella) titer that shows immunity [within the past 5 years]
- Varicella titer that shows immunity [within the past 5 years]
- Hep B titer that shows immunity [within the past 5 years]
- Hep C titer that shows immunity [within the past 5 years]
CPR Certification:
- Applicants must hold a current CPR certification.
HESI A2 Exam:
- Applicants must take the HESI A2 entrance exam.
- The exam will test Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary & General Knowledge, & Math.
- Applicants must score 70% or higher in each section to be eligible for admission.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | In-District Texas Resident: $3,735 Out-of-District Texas Resident: $6,480 Non-Texas Resident/International: $10,035 |
| Program Duration | 45 credit hours. 1344 total hours |
| Class Schedule | Dependent on location |
| Website | https://www.sanjac.edu/vn |
| Location | North Campus: 5800 Uvalde Allied Health Bldg., Room N-17.2112i, Houston, TX 77049 South Campus: 13735 Beamer Rd. Science/Allied Health Bldg.,Room S-1.251o, Houston, TX 77089 |
| Phone | North Campus: 281-998-6150 Ext. 7128 South Campus: 281-484-1900 ext. 3504 |
| [email protected] |
LVN Salaries in Houston
In Houston, LVNs earn higher salaries compared to the national and state averages. With an average hourly wage of $26.65, Houston LVNs make around $55,420 annually. This exceeds both the national and state averages, highlighting the city’s favorable compensation for LVNs.
| # of LVNs | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary | |
| United States | 135,500 | $ 19.51 | $ 40,580 |
| Texas | 62,240 | $ 25.41 | $ 52,850 |
| Houston | 12,160 | $ 26.65 | $ 55,420 |
What Impacts LVN Salaries in Houston?
Several factors can impact LVN salaries in Houston. Here are some key factors that contribute to the variation in LVN salaries in the city:
Experience and Education: LVNs with more experience or advanced education, such as additional certifications or specialized training, may be eligible for higher salaries. Employers often value the expertise and knowledge gained through years of practice or advanced qualifications.
Healthcare Facility Type: The type of healthcare facility where LVNs work can influence their salaries. Hospitals, specialty clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings may offer different salary structures based on factors such as patient population, facility budget, and scope of practice.
Geographic Location: Salaries can vary within different areas of Houston. Factors like the cost of living, local economic conditions, and competition among healthcare providers can influence LVN salaries in specific neighborhoods or regions of the city.
Collective Bargaining Agreements: In some cases, LVN salaries can be influenced by collective bargaining agreements negotiated between unions and healthcare employers. These agreements may establish minimum salary levels, benefits, and other compensation-related terms.