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LVN Programs in Texas
Texas employs more licensed vocational nurses than any other state in the nation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as of 2014, Texas employed over 11,000 more LVNs than the second-biggest hiring state, California. The Sherman-Denison metropolitan area of Texas boasts the highest concentration of LVN jobs in the country. To meet the high demand for LVNs in the state, Texas community college and vocational schools offer certification, diploma and degree programs throughout the state. Learn more about LPN programs in Texas, what LPNs earn in the state, and what it takes to earn and renew LPN licensing.
Top LVN Programs in Texas
The top LPN programs listed in this state's ranking were determined by comparison of three primary, equally-weighted criteria including
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- In-state tuition
- Graduation rate
Additional details for each school were included:
- Count of programs available
- Public and not-for-profit schools
- Normalized on a 100 percent curve
The methodology used for tie-break is as follows...
- Ties are broken based on lowest average net price for full-time, first-time undergraduates paying in-state tuition (average cost of tuition and expenses after grants and scholarships).
- If necessary, the lowest in-state tuition rate is used as a second tie-break
| Rank | School Name | Score | Tuition | Student/Teacher ratio | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lee College | 94 | $$$$$ | 13:1 | 24% |
| 2 | Western Texas College | 90.33 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 46% |
| 3 | Galveston College | 88.67 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 23% |
| 4 | Kilgore College | 88 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 19% |
| 5 | College of the Mainland | 86 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 18% |
| 6 | Navarro College | 83.67 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 19% |
| 7 | Howard College | 83.33 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 21% |
| 8 | Panola College | 83 | $$$$$ | 18:1 | 20% |
| 9 | Alvin Community College | 82.67 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 16% |
| 10 | Texas State Technical College - West Texas | 82.33 | $$$$$ | 13:1 | 31% |
| 11 | Odessa College | 82 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 30% |
| 12 | Clarendon College | 82 | $$$$$ | 18:1 | 30% |
| 13 | Grayson College | 81.67 | $$$$$ | 18:1 | 19% |
| 14 | Paris Junior College | 80.33 | $$$$$ | 22:1 | 23% |
| 15 | Vernon College | 80.33 | $$$$$ | 16:1 | 30% |
| 16 | Schreiner University | 80.33 | $$$$$ | 14:1 | 43% |
| 17 | Frank Phillips College | 78 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 23% |
| 18 | Sul Ross State University | 78 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 28% |
| 19 | Angelina College | 77.67 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 14% |
| 20 | Brazosport College | 77 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 18% |
| 21 | Southwest Texas Junior College | 77 | $$$$$ | 22:1 | 25% |
| 22 | San Jacinto Community College | 77 | $$$$$ | 19:1 | 15% |
| 23 | St Philip's College | 76 | $$$$$ | 15:1 | 10% |
| 24 | Hill College | 76 | $$$$$ | 20:1 | 20% |
| 25 | Midland College | 75.67 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 20% |
| 26 | Lone Star College | 75.33 | $$$$$ | 18:1 | 10% |
| 27 | Texarkana College | 74.67 | $$$$$ | 21:1 | 18% |
| 28 | McLennan Community College | 73.33 | $$$$$ | 17:1 | 18% |
| 29 | Northeast Texas Community College | 72.67 | $$$$$ | 20:1 | 20% |
Finding an LVN Program in Texas
LVNs who want to make the most of their nursing career in Texas should start with the LVN program that suits them best. Narrowing down the options can pose a challenge, but that’s where our search tool can help. Aspiring nurses can use this tool to find the LVN programs in Texas that best fit their personal criteria according to tuition price, location and level of education desired.
Licensure Requirements for Texas LVNs
As is the case with every other state, those who want to practice as a nurse in Texas must first earn their license. Texas is one of the 25 states in the nation that adheres to the Nurse Licensure Compact agreement. Anyone who is licensed in the state of Texas may qualify to practice in the other 24 states that are part of the compact if they meet all requirements. In order to obtain a Texas license, nurses must declare Texas as their legal state of residence, even if they intend to work in another state.
This is what LVNs in Texas can expect when it’s time to become licensed.
Basic Eligibility
- Applicants must graduate from a basic LVN/LPN program through an approved nursing school.
Education & Training Requirements
In order to apply for licensure in Texas, nurses must prove that they graduated from an approved program. They can do this by providing proof of the date of entry, date of graduation, and the NCSBN Program Code for the school attended.
Additional Requirements for Licensure
- Complete the official application for licensure
- Submit an application fee of $100
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Take the nursing jurisprudence examination (NJE)
- Register with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX-PN
- Foreign-educated nurses must submit a verification of license.
The application has a lengthy segment on eligibility and includes questions that pertain to character and fitness, including questions on criminal background information, if applicable. Be sure to read each question and answer it very carefully; detailed instructions for each question are provided with the application.
The NJE is a test required of all nurses who intend to become licensed in Texas. The test is not affiliated with the NCLEX. It is based on the Texas Nursing Practice Act and the Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations. This open book test should take about two hours to complete and must be passed in order to receive a license. The fee for this test is included in the application fee.
Renewal
LVNs in Texas are required to renew their license every two years. The renewal costs $40 and can be done either online or via paper application. Those who are renewing their license for the first time will not be required to meet continuing competency requirements. All other renewals will be required to complete 20 hours of continuing education in order to keep their license in good standing.
Salary for LVNs in Texas
Understanding what to expect from LVN salaries in Texas can help aspiring nurses make an informed decision about where to work. The following charts delve into salaries in Texas, including a breakdown of different metro areas.
Top Paying Metropolitan Areas
Texas LVN Employment Trends
Texas currently employs almost 72,000 LVNs, according to Projections Central. That number is expected to jump by 3,740 openings per year from 2012 to 2022, which translates to a growth rate of 27.6 percent. That kind of growth may mean excellent job opportunities for qualified graduates of LVN programs in Texas. Here is more information on what to expect from employment trends in the state:
Top Locations for Employment
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 15,700 |
| Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown | 13,680 |
| Dallas-Plano-Irving Metropolitan Division | 11,320 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 6,730 |
| Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Division | 4,390 |
| Area | Total Employment (2014) |
|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 3,480 |
| Eastern Texas nonmetropolitan area | 3,230 |
| Northwestern Texas nonmetropolitan area | 2,950 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 2,190 |
| Central Texas nonmetropolitan area | 1,800 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
Source: Projections Central
Resources for LVNs in Texas
Since 2011, LVNs have been invited to join this organization, which strives to help members improve and enhance the work of those in occupational or environmental health positions.
This very comprehensive website for the state board of nursing offers answers to any questions that an aspiring LVN might have about practicing in Texas.
This site is designed to help those who work in emergency services in Texas, including LVNs.
This site is dedicated to those who are in nursing programs across the state, including those who are taking LVN programs.
This organization pushes for all nurses to earn the associate degree, including LVNs. Activities include scholarships, job links, a blog and more.
This group provides support for nurses providing hospice care or home health care to those who need their services outside of the hospital setting.
