Those who hope to qualify for registered nurse careers in the future often start by becoming licensed practical nurses (LPNs), otherwise known as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).
Education and Training
LPNs in TX must complete an approved training course and pass the necessary competency exams in order to obtain their license and qualify for LPN jobs in Texas.
Trade Schools with LPN Programs
- Richardson
- Dallas, Grand Prairie, San Antonio
- Austin, Killeen
- Grand Prairie, Houston
- Houston, Missouri City, Stafford
- Houston
- Denton
- Hutto
- Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, San Antonio
- Richardson
American Career College (Rating: 3.2 out 5)
The Vocational Nursing (VN) program at American Career College (ACC) offers comprehensive training to become a licensed vocational nurse in just 12 months for full-time students or 18 months for evening/weekend classes. With campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, the program features hands-on experience in simulation labs and over 800 hours of clinical training. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, including medical-surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, and mental health, and prepares students for the national licensing examination to become an LVN.
Concorde Career College (Rating: 4.7 out 5)
CyberTex (Rating: 4.2 out 5)
The Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at CyberTex Institute of Technology, available only at the Austin campus, offers a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on training in various nursing disciplines. Graduates are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), equipped with skills in health science, pharmacology, maternal-neonatal nursing, and more, ensuring readiness for immediate career opportunities in nursing.
FORTIS College (Rating: 4.3 out 5)
Practical nursing classes in small class settings designed to prepare students for entry level positions.
Houston Community College (Rating: 3.8 out 5)
The Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at HCC Coleman College offers comprehensive training for careers in health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Available as both a Certificate Level 1 and an Associate of Applied Science, the program ensures high standards with an 80% or higher first-time NCLEX pass rate and 70% or higher retention rate. Fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, the program prepares students for immediate employment in healthcare, with 80% of graduates securing jobs within six months of completion. Applications are accepted through specific windows, with mandatory information sessions as part of the admission process.
Lone Star College (Rating: 3.9 out 5)
The Vocational Nursing Level 2 Certificate (CERT2) is a one-year, full-time program spanning three semesters and totaling 48 credit hours. This program prepares students to become licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), equipping them to provide nursing care in various healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible to take the licensure exam and can transition to the Associate Degree Nursing Program for further advancement.
North Central Texas College (Rating: 4.5 out 5)
The Vocational Nursing (LVN) program at North Central Texas College (NCTC) is a one-year certificate course approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, offered at Gainesville, Corinth, Bowie, Graham, and as an online hybrid. Designed to prepare entry-level practitioners for direct patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or licensed physicians, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Examination - Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).
Temple College (Rating: 4.4 out 5)
The Vocational Nursing program at Temple College offers a certificate of completion, preparing graduates to apply for the state licensing exam for vocational nursing (LVN). Spanning three consecutive semesters, the program focuses on comprehensive coursework within the Nursing Department, complemented by clinical experiences at facilities such as Baylor Scott and White Health and the Central Texas Veteran’s Health Care System. Accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing, graduates demonstrate high first-time pass rates on the NCLEX-PN exam, surpassing both Texas and national benchmarks.
The College of Health Care Professions (Rating: 4.8 out 5)
4 month on campus Vocational Nursing Certificate Program that gets you ready for apply your vocational nursing license.
West Coast University (Rating: 3.7 out 5)
The LVN/LPN to BSN program allows licensed vocational or practical nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as little as 34 months through 10-week terms. This program grants 9 units of advanced placement credit for previous nursing licensure and prepares students to become registered nurses with access to simulation labs, no-cost tutoring, and innovative learning tools. Graduates are equipped to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue diverse career opportunities in healthcare settings.
How Long is LPN School in TX?
Most Texas LPN or LVN programs take at least 1 year to complete, though some schools offer part-time course schedules that allow students to earn their diplomas in about 18 months.
If you plan to specialize in a specific field of medicine, you may need to enroll in an associate’s degree program, which takes at least 2 years to complete.
How Much Does it Cost?
Depending on where they enroll, LPNs in TX might pay anywhere from $2,000 to $34,000 to complete a certificate or diploma program.
Tuition costs for a 2-year LPN degree typically range between $6,500 and $49,000.
What Do You Study in an LPN Program?
LPN training courses cover all the basics of healthcare and nursing, including physical, biological, social, and behavioral nursing sciences like:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamental Nursing Skills and Patient Care
- Human Growth and Development
- Pharmacology
- Communication
- Biology and Microbiology
- Mental Health and Emotional Wellness
- Phlebotomy
- Basic Nutrition
- Infection Control Protocols
- Patient Privacy and Ethics in Healthcare
LPN Clinical Hours
Hands-on training for LPNs in TX takes place in two separate locations. First, students practice the skills they’ve learned in class on mannequins in the campus’ medical simulation lab.
Once you’ve perfected those skills, you must participate in an externship and complete clinical rotations at a local hospital or clinic.
Schools generally teach aspiring LPNs how to apply these principles to all patients, whether they’re adults, children, elderly people, mothers and their newborns, or people with physical or intellectual disabilities.
Additional Specialties
Those hoping to specialize in a particular area of the medical field might consider taking externships in facilities that offer the following fields of practice:
- Pediatrics
- Urgent Care
- Labor and Delivery
- Geriatrics
- Long-Term Care
- Urology
- Correctional and Behavioral Health
- Hospice and Palliative Care
Salary Range
- IncredibleHealth.com: $50,220
- Salary.com: $52,632
- Bureau of Labor: $55,490
- ZipRecruiter.com: $62,400
- Vivian.com: $64,084
- Talent.com: $68,640
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state.
| Area | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Abilene | $24.27 | $50,470.00 |
| Amarillo | $25.63 | $53,320.00 |
| Austin-Round Rock | $29.22 | $60,790.00 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | $25.06 | $52,120.00 |
| Big Thicket Region | $25.18 | $52,370.00 |
| Border Region | $24.92 | $51,820.00 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | $24.38 | $50,710.00 |
| Coastal Plains | $25.67 | $53,400.00 |
| College Station-Bryan | $25.14 | $52,300.00 |
| Corpus Christi | $25.32 | $52,660.00 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $28.64 | $59,580.00 |
| El Paso | $25.21 | $52,430.00 |
| Hill Country | $26.16 | $54,410.00 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $28.37 | $59,010.00 |
| Killeen-Temple | $27.94 | $58,110.00 |
| Laredo | $24.93 | $51,850.00 |
| Longview | $25.39 | $52,800.00 |
| Lubbock | $25.79 | $53,650.00 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | $23.68 | $49,250.00 |
| Midland | $28.36 | $58,990.00 |
| North Texas | $25.16 | $52,340.00 |
| Odessa | $26.87 | $55,890.00 |
| San Angelo | $25.41 | $52,860.00 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $27.40 | $57,000.00 |
| Sherman-Denison | $26.09 | $54,260.00 |
| Texarkana | $24.06 | $50,040.00 |
| Tyler | $25.70 | $53,450.00 |
| Victoria | $25.70 | $53,450.00 |
| Waco | $26.92 | $55,990.00 |
| West Texas | $25.34 | $52,700.00 |
| Wichita Falls | $25.16 | $52,320.00 |
Occupation: Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses (SOC Code292061)
source: data.bls.gov
LPNs who find jobs in private-practice clinics and research hospitals typically make more than those who work in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Experienced LPNs in TX might earn closer to $60,000 per year or more, especially if they work in a specific field of medicine.
Texas LPN Requirements
Completing an accredited training course is the first step for those wondering how to become an LPN in Texas.
If you’re currently working as a CNA, medical assistant, patient care tech, or EMT, your employer may offer resources to help you find accredited programs near you.
You can also find state-approved LPN courses through the following agencies:
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Southern Association of Colleges Schools Commissions on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- The Texas Board of Nursing
In addition to completing an accredited training program, you must pass two exams before you can obtain an LPN license in TX, namely:
- The Texas Board of Nursing’s Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam
- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
Nurse Jurisprudence Examination
You’ll need to take the Nurse Jurisprudence Exam first to ensure you meet the state’s competency standards for LPNs in TX. Take the following steps to prepare for your online State Boards exam:
- Check the state’s licensure eligibility requirements to ensure you are qualified to take the exam.
- Create an account on the State Board’s Nursing Portal
- Submit an online exam application form and an affidavit of graduation from your program.
- Pay the necessary application fee.
- Submit fingerprints to Morpho Trust (IdentoGo) to complete FBI and Department of Public Safety (DPS) background checks
- After 15 business days, follow the instructions on your account to log in for the Jurisprudence Exam.
NCLEX-PN Eligibility
Once you pass the state’s competency test, the Texas Board of Nursing will send you an email verifying your eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN.
Within five days of passing this exam, you’ll need to verify your license on the state’s Board of Nursing License Verification website. You may then print your verification as proof of license and begin applying for LPN jobs in Texas.
Endorsement Application
All aspiring vocational nurses must submit an endorsement application form to the Texas Board of Nursing in order to obtain their license.
Professional Accreditation
If you plan to meet Texas’ continuing education requirement for vocational nurses through a membership or certification, make sure the organization you choose has proper accreditation through:
- The National Commission for Certifying Agencies
OR
- The Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification
Basic Life Support Skills
Most LVN programs in Texas teach basic life support skills like CPR, first aid, AES, and the Heimlich maneuver.
Certification Renewals
Like all healthcare professionals, vocational nurses must update this credential every two years. LVNs can renew their BLS certification through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Some employers provide these re-certification courses at their job sites as well.
Job Description
What Do They Do?
Texas LPNs/LVNs perform focused, compassionate care for patients in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities.
LPNs ensure each patient’s comfort and encourage positive health outcomes by performing basic nursing tasks like:
- Helping patients bathe, groom, dress, and feed themselves
- Performing wound care and changing bandages
- Administering medications
- Comforting patients before and after procedures
- Inserting and removing catheters
- Collecting fluid samples for laboratory testing
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs
- Relaying changes in a patient’s condition to other nursing staff
The LVN scope of practice in Texas includes many of the same duties as an RN, such as monitoring patient vitals, administering some medications, collecting blood samples when phlebotomists are unavailable, and giving sponge baths to bed-ridden individuals.
Limited Duties
While the state of Texas is broad in its regulation of nurses and their duties, some counties or cities throughout Texas have their own laws about how nurses can practice medicine. Vocational nurses are required to maintain a safe environment for patients but are unable to diagnose or prescribe treatments.
Specialized Settings
Some LVN jobs in Texas focus on a particular area, so qualified employees may perform more specific duties that cater to pediatric, emergency, gynecology, geriatric, or maternity ward patients.
Working in these specialized settings can narrow down a vocational nurse’s daily duties and might also reduce the number of patients they care for during their shifts.
Other Positions
Licensed vocational nurses often work as CNA supervisors or in research positions at large hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. However, most LVNs in Texas perform general nurse duties in rehabilitation centers, free clinics, or detention centers.
Difference Between an LVN and an LPN
Licensed vocational nurse and licensed practical nurse (LPN) are different names for the same occupation.
Vocational Nurse Versus Practical Nurse
Although the qualifications and duties for people with these titles are the same, employers, colleges, and trade schools in Texas and California call these professionals vocational nurses rather than practical nurses.
Transition From LVN to Registered Nurse (RN)
Many people who become LVNs in Texas plan to eventually transition into a registered nursing career. Becoming a vocational nurse first allows you to complete the necessary schooling in less time.
Most employers also show their support by allowing LVNs to keep their jobs while in school so they can continue making money while pursuing their RN credentials.
Accelerated Course Tracks
Many schools that offer LVN programs in Texas also have accelerated course tracks for those looking to become registered nurses. Students can complete their LVN to RN program in about 16 months, taking classes once a week for the first nine weeks.
Associate’s Degree Option
From there, LVNs can obtain an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and take the NCLEX exam to receive their RN certification.
Making Career Changes
Shifting careers from licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse is a common practice for LVNs looking for raises and promotions in their workplaces. As more professionals make this transition, more LVN jobs in Texas hospitals, doctor’s offices, and long-term care facilities are likely to become available.
Career Outlook
Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a predicted six-percent increase in the demand for LPN jobs in the United States between 2021 and 2031. LPNs in TX may have even more employment opportunities as experienced LPNs move on to RN and BSN careers. Qualified professionals can take advantage of this projected growth by finding well-paying LPN jobs in Texas.