Ready to Be a Nurse? Here Are the Best LVN Programs in Texas

LVNs, or licensed vocational nurses, are responsible for basic patient care. Known as licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in nearly all other U.S. states, these healthcare professionals typically work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or doctor to care for sick and injured patients.

Vocational nursing is well suited for empathetic, patient, and hardworking students. In this guide, we rank the best LVN programs in Texas and discuss why you should consider a Texas school.

Most LVN programs in Texas are fairly easy to get into. You can normally find LVN programs at community colleges and vocational schools.

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply. Online programs are very similar to on-campus LVN programs in that they both typically require real-world practice in the form of clinicals.

In order to receive your practical nursing license, you must pass all coursework with at least a C, in addition to taking and passing the NCLEX-PN, a standardized nursing test. This exam tests your knowledge of various practical nursing concepts.

Licenses are valid for two years. LVNs must complete 20 hours of continuing education in that time period.

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When choosing an LVN program, be sure to look for accredited schools. Institutional accreditation ensures that institutions meet certain standards of academic quality.

When it comes to on-campus and online LVN programs in Texas, the best schools will be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Individual LVN programs should be accredited, too. As you research LVN programs, look for ones that have been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

LVN programs typically comprise a combination of theory classes, lab simulations, and hands-on clinical experiences. In these courses, you’ll gain ethically informed problem-solving skills and explore the foundations of specialized medical care.

Through clinical rounds, you’ll apply your classroom knowledge under the supervision of RNs and doctors.

Here are some common courses you may take in an LVN program:

LVNs in Texas earned a median salary of $48,520 per year in May 2021, according to the BLS. This is right around the median annual salary for LPNs in the U.S. as a whole.

Most LVNs work in nursing and residential care facilities, but they can also work in hospitals, schools, and private practices.

An LVN program can even help you advance your nursing career. For example, after finishing an LVN program, you might decide to become an RN. Enrolling in an LPN-to-RN bridge program or an LPN-to-BSN program can shorten the time and cost of a four-year degree.

While postgraduate LVN certifications aren’t necessary to practice as an LVN, they can be a great way to advance your career while increasing your salary potential and expertise.

Some postgraduate LVN certifications require you to have been a vocational nurse for a certain amount of time before you can take courses or exams to earn them.

Here are some examples of optional LVN certifications you can get:

To become an LVN in Texas, you need to get a vocational nursing license. This license requires you to have completed an accredited LVN program, passing all courses with a C or higher. You must also pass the NCLEX-PN.

Note that LVN programs require a GED or high school diploma. Additionally, you must complete all license renewal requirements, such as continuing education credits, to keep your license valid.

It typically takes about two years to become an LVN in Texas. This includes 1-2 years of coursework in an accredited LVN program and time to prepare for and take the NCLEX-PN. You may be able to become an LVN in less time if you opt for an accelerated program.

LVNs in Texas make $50,220 on average, according to the BLS. This is just above the national median salary of $48,070 for LVNs/LPNs in the United States.

Although the nursing profession as a whole is in demand, LVNs are experiencing about average demand nationwide. Job growth for LVNs remains steady, with a projected 6% increase in jobs between 2021 and 2031, according to the BLS.

While it can be hard being an LVN working long hours and in high-stress environments, it can also be very rewarding. LVNs help patients manage illnesses and recover from injuries and health conditions, providing comfort during dark times.

As an LVN, you’ll likely develop close relationships with your patients and team, giving you a great sense of pride and personal fulfillment.

All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.