As many CNAs look to advance their careers, becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is a natural next step.
We understand the importance of finding reliable, up-to-date information on these programs, which is why we’ve taken the time to thoroughly research each option available in Houston and its surrounding areas.
Our team has carefully compiled and verified details on program requirements, duration, costs, and accreditation to ensure you have the most accurate information at your fingertips. We are committed to keeping this information current, regularly updating our listings to reflect any changes in program offerings or requirements.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or are ready to take the next step in your nursing career, we’re here to provide you with the essential information you need to make an informed decision about your educational journey from CNA to LVN in Houston.
CNA to LVN Programs
Houston Community College CNA to LVN Transition Program
Houston Community College offers a dedicated CNA to LVN Transition Certificate, designed for Certified Nursing Assistants looking to advance their careers by becoming Licensed Vocational Nurses. This program, though competitive, provides a structured pathway and substantial training to ensure CNAs are ready for the next step in their nursing careers.
Program Details and Structure
The program accepts applications only online and has specific deadlines for each term, including spring and fall. It is imperative for applicants to meet all deadlines for documentation submission, such as immunizations, CPR certification, health insurance, and physical examinations. The program spans three full-time semesters, incorporating both classroom and clinical site learning. Classes and clinicals are scheduled throughout the week, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate various student schedules.
Clinical and Classroom Experience
Courses may be conducted online, in hybrid formats, or in-person, requiring strict attendance regardless of the mode of delivery. Clinical experiences are offered in diverse settings around the greater Houston area, although placement near one’s home cannot be guaranteed. The program emphasizes the development of nursing judgment skills necessary for effective patient care management and prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Program Admission Statistics
Each application period sees about 150 applicants, with 50 to 80 typically gaining admission. This selective process underscores the program’s competitive nature and the quality of education and training provided.
Application Process
Applicants need to ensure they are registered as HCC students and meet with a Coleman College Advisor to verify their eligibility and discuss the program requirements. The application includes an online session and potential in-person or virtual meetings with advisors. The completion of a state-approved CNA program and current employment in an acute or chronic care setting are prerequisites.
Academic and Clinical Requirements
The program demands a solid academic foundation with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in prerequisite courses, which must include specific classes in nutrition and anatomy and physiology. Additionally, students must pass the HESI-A2 Pre-Entrance Exam and fulfill various health and immunization requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of an approved CNA program and active CNA certification
- Current employment as a CNA for at least six months in a qualifying setting
- Successful completion of prerequisite courses with a ‘C’ grade or higher
- Passing scores on the HESI-A2 Pre-Entrance Exam
- Compliance with all health, immunization, and insurance requirements
- Meeting with an HCC Coleman College Advisor to confirm all admission criteria are met
This program is a robust option for CNAs in Houston seeking to elevate their nursing credentials and enter a fast-paced and fulfilling career as an LVN.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Approximately $5,063 for “In-District” Students |
| Program Duration | 3 full-time semesters |
| Class Schedules | Classes are held from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; some evening and weekend hours required. |
| Website | HCC CNA to LVN Transition Program |
| Location | Houston Community College, 3100 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Phone | 713-718-8070 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | Some courses may be offered online or in a hybrid format |
Alvin Community College
Alvin Community College in Alvin is a short drive South of downtown Houston and offers a unique pathway for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) aiming to advance their careers and become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) through its CNA to VN Bridge Program. This program is specifically designed for CNAs who are looking to expand their scope of practice and take on more comprehensive roles within the healthcare sector.
Program Highlights
The CNA to LVN program at ACC provides CNAs with a structured route to elevate their qualifications by leveraging their existing skills and experience. The bridge program is tailored to facilitate a smooth transition into the world of vocational nursing, offering an accelerated curriculum that integrates prior learning and practical experiences.
Structured Pathway:
Starting each summer, the bridge program is a condensed version of the traditional LVN training but is designed to acknowledge the competencies that CNAs already possess. It begins with a Continuing Education Workforce Development course, which prepares CNAs for entry into the second semester of the standard LVN program.
Admission Requirements for the CNA to VN Bridge Program
- Completion of a state-approved CNA program: Applicants must have successfully completed a certified CNA program.
- Work Experience: A minimum of six months full-time employment in a long-term care facility is required to ensure that applicants have adequate hands-on experience.
- Education Requirements: Completion of courses in Medical Administration and Anatomy and Physiology is necessary. These prerequisites ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the advanced coursework in the VN program.
- HESI Exam: Applicants must pass the HESI entrance exam, demonstrating proficiency in areas crucial for nursing.
Additional Program Benefits
- Prior Learning Assessment: This aspect of the bridge program allows for the recognition of the CNA’s previous healthcare training and experiences, translating into academic credit and a shorter duration of additional study.
- Clinical Partnerships: ACC’s strong affiliations with local healthcare facilities such as Memorial Hermann Hospital and UTMB clinics offer bridge program students diverse clinical exposure, enhancing their learning and employment prospects post-graduation.
Application Process
- Online Application: Prospective students must apply online during the designated application period.
- Documentation Submission: Including proof of CNA and Medication Aide certifications, HESI scores, and immunization records.
- Attend an Information Session: These sessions provide detailed insights into the program structure, expectations, and outcomes.
This CNA to VN Bridge Program at Alvin Community College represents a significant opportunity for CNAs to advance their careers in nursing within a supportive and comprehensive educational environment. For more detailed information or to start the application process, visit Alvin Community College’s Nursing Program page.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Dependent on CNA experience. The full LVN program (no CNA experience) is approximately $7,100 (in-district); $9,300 (out-of-district) |
| Program Duration | One year (44 credit hours) |
| Class Schedules | Full-time; starts every June |
| Website | Alvin Community College LVN Program |
| Location | 3110 Mustang Road, Alvin, TX 77511 |
| Phone | 281-756-5630 |
| [email protected] | |
| Online Classes | Not mentioned; primarily in-person with clinical rotations |
LVN Programs in Houston
You may find that not all LVN programs have specific CNA-to-LVN bridge options. However, many LVN programs in the Houston area may still value your CNA experience and potentially offer credit or advanced standing based on your prior training and work history.
While these programs don’t advertise explicit pathways for CNAs, it’s worth reaching out to them directly to inquire about how your CNA background might be considered in the application process or curriculum. Each school has its own policies regarding transfer credits or recognition of prior learning, so personal communication with admissions offices is crucial.
We’ve compiled a list of reputable LVN programs in Houston that you should consider contacting to explore your options and determine how your CNA experience might benefit you in pursuing your LVN certification.
Texas Health School’s Vocational Nursing Program
Texas Health School in Houston offers a comprehensive Vocational Nursing (VN) program aimed at preparing students for careers as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). This program is designed with the mission to provide high-quality education that empowers students with the necessary skills and competencies for effective nursing practice.
Program Curriculum and Goals
The VN program at Texas Health School integrates two major curriculum frameworks: Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs and Essential Nursing Processes and Patient Care Standards. This integration ensures that students not only receive knowledge but also develop the ability to implement high-quality patient care, make informed decisions, and use effective communication to foster healthy nurse-patient relationships. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN exam, implement the nursing process effectively, and understand complex medical conditions to educate patients accurately.
Program Structure
The program offers flexibility with options for day and evening classes to accommodate different schedules. Day classes can be completed in 48 weeks, while evening classes extend to 74 weeks. Each pathway is designed to provide thorough training in skills such as pediatric and geriatric care, anatomy, pharmacology, and leadership within the nursing field.
Licensing and Employment
Successful graduates will be qualified to take the NCLEX-PN, a required exam for becoming a licensed vocational nurse. The program’s robust training ensures that graduates are well-prepared for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health environments.
Accreditation
The VN program is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education, ensuring that the program meets high standards of educational quality.
Admission Requirements
- Mandatory attendance at a VN Program Information Session.
- Completion of a detailed application form.
- Passing scores on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam and TEAS tests.
- Submission of high school diploma or GED equivalency.
- Completion of initial criminal background checks.
- Proof of immunizations and health insurance.
- Meeting English language proficiency requirements.
The program’s selective admission process is designed to ensure that all candidates meet the rigorous standards necessary for a successful nursing career.
This program at Texas Health School represents a significant opportunity for aspiring nurses in Houston to receive education and training that prepares them for the challenges and responsibilities of vocational nursing.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Not specified; contact the institution for detailed costs. |
| Program Duration | Day Classes: 48 weeks Evening Classes: 74 weeks |
| Class Schedules | Day Classes: 8 AM – 3 PM, Evening/Weekend: Various times |
| Website | Texas Health School Vocational Nursing Program |
| Location | 11511 Katy Freeway Suite 200, Houston, Texas 77079 |
| Phone | 713-932-9333 |
| Online Classes | Not mentioned; inquire directly for potential online or hybrid options |
Lone Star College’s Vocational Nursing Program
Lone Star College offers a comprehensive Level 2 Certificate in Vocational Nursing at four locations across the Houston area, providing students with practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for a career in vocational nursing. This one-year, full-time program is structured to prepare students for immediate entry into the healthcare field as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or to pursue further nursing education.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The Vocational Nursing program at Lone Star College is spread across three semesters, requiring students to complete a total of 48 credit hours. The curriculum is designed to cover essential areas such as anatomy and physiology, nutrition, pediatric and geriatric care, mental health, and pharmacology. The program emphasizes the development of basic nursing skills, foundational knowledge in nursing, and specialized topics in health and illness.
Clinical and Classroom Experience
Students engage in various clinical experiences that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences are integral to the program and prepare students for the complexities of patient care across diverse settings. The program also includes simulation labs that use state-of-the-art equipment to mimic real-life medical scenarios, enhancing the learning experience.
Licensing and Career Pathways
Graduates of the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination, necessary for obtaining licensure as a vocational nurse in Texas. Successful completion of this exam allows graduates to enter the workforce as competent nursing professionals. For those interested in advancing their nursing careers, credits earned in this certificate program can be transferred to further nursing education, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Accreditation
The program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, ensuring that it meets the high standards required for nursing education in the state. This accreditation affirms the program’s commitment to providing quality education that aligns with industry requirements.
Admission Requirements
- Attendance at a mandatory program information session.
- Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of ‘C’ including BIOL 2404 (Intro to Anatomy and Physiology).
- Passing scores on the HESI A2 entrance exam.
- Clear criminal background check.
- Up-to-date immunizations as required by clinical sites.
- Effective English communication skills.
The Vocational Nursing Program at Lone Star College is designed for individuals committed to pursuing a career in nursing, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field and offering a pathway for further education and career advancement.
| Program Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Dependent on residency status. Contact the school for detailed costs. |
| Program Duration | One year (3 semesters, full-time) |
| Class Schedules | Day and evening classes available; specific times vary by campus |
| Website | Lone Star College Vocational Nursing Program |
| Location | LSC-CyFair: 9191 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress, TX 77433 LSC-Kingwood: 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339 LSC-Tomball: 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375 LSC-Tomball Health Science Building: 700 Graham Dr, Tomball, TX 77375 |
| Phone | LSC-CyFair (281-290-3200) LSC-Kingwood (281-312*1600) LSC-Tomball (281-351-3300) LSC-Tomball Health Science (281-826-5399) |
| Contact through the website | |
| Online Classes | Not specified; contact the school for details on hybrid or online options |