The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

Are you contemplating a transition from licensed vocational nursing (LVN) to a career as a registered nurse (RN)? Our comprehensive guide to the best LVN-to-RN programs in Texas is designed to assist you in navigating this crucial career shift. It not only aids in identifying the most suitable path for your career aspirations but also delves into the pivotal aspect of accredited programs. Furthermore, it provides invaluable insights into the application process and offers prudent advice on the financial aspects of nursing school. These accredited LVN-to-RN programs in Texas serve as the conduit for licensed vocational nurses, empowering them to advance their careers by acquiring the coveted RN qualifications.

Average Credits Required: 120
Average LVN-to-RN Length: 18-24 months
Average LVN-to-RN Cost: $2,800-$12,900 per year

Our approach employs a data-driven methodology to meticulously rank the top LVN-to-RN programs, facilitating the streamlined discovery of a program tailored to meet your unique needs. The ranking methodology is anchored in key metrics that we deem essential for students, encompassing academic quality, affordability, reputation, program offerings, and online flexibility.

Top 10 LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

Rank	School	Location
1	Texas State Technical College	Waco, TX
2	El Paso Community College	El Paso, TX
3	College of the Mainland	Texas City, TX
4	San Jacinto Community College	Pasadena, TX
5	Amarillo College	Amarillo, TX
6	McLennan Community College	Waco, TX
7	St Philip’s College	San Antonio, TX
8	Trinity Valley Community College	Athens, TX
9	Ranger College	Ranger, TX
10	Navarro College	Corsicana, TX

What Can You Do as a Registered Nurse in Texas?

LVN-to-BSN programs in Texas are meticulously designed to prepare graduates for challenging and rewarding careers as BSN-prepared RNs. Some programs even extend their offerings to include LVN-to-associate degree in nursing (ADN) tracks.

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a pivotal role by delivering direct care and imparting education to patients on maintaining or regaining good health. Their responsibilities extend to assisting physicians and advanced practice registered nurses, often assuming supervisory roles over other nursing staff, including LVNs and nursing assistants. The diverse work settings for RNs encompass hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, and educational institutions.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) underscores the lucrative nature of the nursing profession, citing an average salary of $80,010 per year for RNs. The potential for increased earning lies in advanced degrees and specialty certifications. A successful RN embodies qualities such as integrity, empathy, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

What to Look for in an LVN-to-RN Program in Texas

As you embark on researching LVN-to-BSN programs in Texas, meticulous attention to certain aspects is crucial. This includes a focus on admission requirements, an in-depth understanding of the curriculum, scrutiny of clinical rotation formats, evaluation of online learning structures, verification of accreditation status, and consideration of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) pass rates.

Admission Requirements

These requirements serve as a pivotal guide for applicants, aiding in the selection of programs by delineating essential thresholds. These may include minimum GPAs, test scores, and prerequisite coursework.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum assumes a critical role in decision-making, offering a comprehensive list of course offerings, especially beneficial for those with specific interests in certain specialty areas. Prospective candidates can scrutinize the class schedule to ensure that the required courses are readily available.

Clinical Experience

For online students, the consideration of a program’s clinical rotation format is of paramount importance. Questions regarding the proximity of clinical opportunities to one’s location and the potential necessity for travel should be thoroughly addressed.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a hallmark of quality, signifying that a program undergoes rigorous reviews of both academics and clinical experiences. This ensures that graduates emerge well-prepared not only for licensure exams but also for the demands of the workplace.

School NCLEX Pass Rate

A key metric for any BSN program is its efficacy in preparing students for licensure exams. The school’s National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) pass rate serves as a valuable indicator of the success achieved by its graduates.

Applying to an LVN-to-RN Program in Texas

Individuals expressing interest in pursuing their LVN-to-BSN online in Texas can access detailed admission requirements and application instructions on the respective program’s website. While criteria may exhibit some variance across schools, commonalities persist among accredited LVN-to-RN programs in Texas.

Common Admission Requirements
– LVN (or licensed practical nurse) license
– One year of work experience
– Entrance examination score
– Academic transcripts
– Minimum 2.5 GPA
– Prerequisite coursework in health assessment, math, and sciences
– CPR training
– Criminal background check

Program Requirements
– Program Length: 18-24 months
– Clinical Requirements: Three clinical hours per each classroom hour, as suggested by the Texas Board of Nursing
– GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0

Why is LVN-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?

Several compelling reasons underscore the critical importance of ensuring that any considered program is accredited appropriately.

Accreditation serves as a guarantee of academic quality, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for licensure exams and the multifaceted responsibilities of RN roles.
Credits earned from unaccredited schools may not seamlessly transfer toward the requirements of accredited programs.
Graduate programs may impose restrictions on applicants with undergraduate nursing degrees from unaccredited schools or programs.
Candidates attending unaccredited institutions may find themselves ineligible for federal financial aid.
The attainment of accredited degrees is often correlated with heightened earning potential and enhanced job prospects, with employers frequently expressing a preference for graduates of accredited nursing programs.
State nursing licensure boards may mandate attendance at accredited programs as a prerequisite for licensing.

Who Accredits LVN-to-RN Programs?

Diverse accreditation bodies are tasked with accrediting programs and institutions. The key accrediting bodies in the realm of nursing programs include:

• The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA)
• The American College of Nurse-Midwife Division of Accreditation (ACNNM)

How Do I Verify an LVN-to-RN Program’s Accreditation?

Online LVN-to-RN programs in Texas adhere to the same rigorous accreditation processes as their traditional, in-person counterparts. This includes regular and meticulous curriculum reviews to ensure alignment with state and national standards.

Prospective students can ascertain a program’s accreditation status through the school’s official website. Additionally, links to the accrediting organizations mentioned above can provide further confirmation of a program’s accreditation status.

Paying for LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

The financial aspect of attending an LVN-to-RN program in Texas is multifaceted and varies based on several factors. These include the chosen school, cost per credit hour, eligibility for financial aid, program duration, student residency status, transfer credits, and the feasibility of working while pursuing education.

Prospective students can explore a myriad of financial aid options to support their nursing education journey. These encompass federal, state, and privately funded grants and scholarships specifically tailored for nursing students. Work-study opportunities and student loans are additional avenues for financial support. For minority students, both nursing schools and governmental and private organizations offer targeted funding. Access to online budgeting resources further aids in effective financial planning for the duration of the nursing program.

The Top LVN-to-RN Programs and Schools

Texas State Technical College

Location: Waco, TX

Tuition: $6812

Graduation Rate: 41%

Overview: Texas State Technical College (TSTC) stands out as one of the premier institutions offering licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) programs in Texas. The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at TSTC is meticulously designed to equip candidates for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and subsequent RN licensure.

Details:

• Program(s): Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
• Campus: Breckenridge, Harlingen, and Sweetwater, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $270 per semester credit hour (Texas residents); $390 per semester credit hour (nonresidents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; background check; Texas Success Initiative and Health Education Systems Incorporated assessments; cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification; immunizations; three letters of recommendation
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.47% (Harlingen)
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

El Paso Community College

Location: El Paso, TX

Tuition: $2814

Graduation Rate: 21%

Overview: El Paso Community College (EPCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program for candidates looking to transition from licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN). Graduates from this 60-credit program can take the national RN licensing exam and pursue diverse nursing careers.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN-to-RN (AAS)
• Campus: El Paso, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $116 per credit (Texas residents); $201 per credit (nonresidents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license and employment; 6-12 months of work experience; ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills and ATI Comprehensive Predictor Exam; minimum 2.5 GPA; criminal background check; immunizations
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.49%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

College of the Mainland

Location: Texas City, TX

Tuition: $3454

Graduation Rate: 28%

Overview: The College of the Mainland (COM) offers a hands-on licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) transition track, providing eligible LVNs with the opportunity to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN) in just 12 months.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN-to-RN (ADN)
• Campus: Texas City, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $270 per credit hour (in-district residents); $510 per credit hour (out-of-district Texas residents); $690 per credit hour (out-of-state residents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; minimum 2.0 GPA in previous coursework; two years of college experience; passing standardized test scores; criminal background check; immunizations
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.31%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

San Jacinto Community College

Location: Pasadena, TX

Tuition: $8790 Graduation Rate: 32% View School Profile

Overview: San Jacinto Community College (San Jac) offers an accelerated registered nurse (RN) transition track for paramedics and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). This program leads to an associate degree and provides hands-on experience through clinical rotations at San Jac’s simulation lab, local hospitals, and community agencies.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN/paramedic-to-RN (AAS)
• Campus: Houston, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $78 per credit (in-district); $135 per credit (in-state); $210 per credit (out-of-state)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; minimum 2.5 GPA; passing standardized test scores; criminal background check; immunizations and physical exam; current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 73.17%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Amarillo College

Location: Amarillo, TX

Tuition: $5670

Graduation Rate: 31%

Overview: Amarillo College (AC) offers an accelerated licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) transition track, allowing LVNs to convert their license into credit toward an associate degree in nursing (ADN). This three-semester, 60-semester hour program qualifies graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).

Details:

• Program(s): LVN-to-RN (ADN)
• Campus: Amarillo, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $112.50 per credit (district residents); $155.50 per credit (Texas residents); $305 per credit (nonresidents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; minimum 2.5 GPA; passing standardized test scores; criminal background check; immunizations; orientation session
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.28%
• School Site:  Tuition | Financial aid

McLennan Community College

Location: Waco, TX

Tuition: $6745

Graduation Rate: 25%

Overview: McLennan Community College (MCC) offers two distinct licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) options—an LVN certificate program and a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. The certificate-holders can transfer to the second year of the ADN program with advanced placement or pursue the LVN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LVN-to-BSN) program through Tarleton State University on the McLennan campus.

Details:

• Program(s): Advanced Placement for LVNs; LVN-to-BSN
• Campus: Waco, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $212 per semester hour (county residents); $248 per semester hour (Texas residents); $385 per semester hour (out-of-state residents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; minimum 2.8 GPA; passing scores on the Psychological Services Bureau Exam and Texas placement exams; immunizations
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.04%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

St Philip’s College

Location: San Antonio, TX

Tuition: $4745

Graduation Rate: 21%

Overview: St Philip’s College (SPC) offers an accelerated path for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) through the LVN/Military to ADN Mobility Program. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. This one-year program includes 60 credits of online, face-to-face, and clinical coursework, allowing LVNs, Army combat medics, Navy corpsmen, or Air Force medics to transition seamlessly.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN/Military to ADN Mobility Program
• Campus: San Antonio, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $99 per semester credit hour (in-district residents); $215 per semester credit hour (Texas residents); $466 per semester credit hour (nonresidents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; 3.5 GPA in previous coursework; 70% or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills; three references; one year of LVN work experience in a military or civilian setting
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Trinity Valley Community College

Location: Athens, TX

Tuition: $7306

Graduation Rate: 24%

Overview: Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) offers a licensed vocational nurse to associate degree in nursing (LVN-to-ADN) pathway, allowing LVNs to enhance their knowledge and skills through a summer transition course before entering the second year of the ADN program. Graduates can become licensed registered nurses (RNs) by passing the NCLEX-RN or transfer into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing bridge program.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN-to-ADN
• Campus: Terrell, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $1,073 per semester (in-district); $1,909 (out-of-district)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; one year of work experience; completion of prerequisite courses; 2.5 GPA in previous coursework; passing scores on the Health Education Systems, Incorporated and Texas Success Initiative exams
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.12%
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Ranger College

Location: Ranger, TX

Tuition: $5794

Graduation Rate: 23%

Overview: Ranger College offers a licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) bridge program, enabling LVNs to take the NCLEX-RN in just three semesters. The program includes 60 semester hours, with 13 hours dedicated to prerequisite coursework and 10 hours to transitional nursing studies. Successful completion grants advanced placement credit and 25 hours of clinical work in healthcare settings.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN-to-RN (AAS)
• Campus: Early, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
• Tuition: $12,881 (four semesters)
• Admission Requirements: Current Texas LVN license; minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite courses; cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification; immunizations; three references; passing standardized test scores; interview
• Minimum Time Commitment: 15 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.98%
• School Site:
• Tuition | Financial aid

Navarro College

Location: Corsicana,

TX Tuition: $10611

Graduation Rate: 22%

Overview: Navarro College offers a one-year licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) bridge program, bridging the educational gap between LVN training and the second year of an associate degree in nursing (ADN) curriculum. Graduates are eligible for RN licensure or can transfer to a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Details:

• Program(s): LVN-to-RN (ADN)
• Campus: Waxahachie and Corsicana, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $135 per credit hour (county residents); $162 per credit hour (Texas residents); $348 per credit hour (nonresidents)
• Admission Requirements: Current Texas LVN license; minimum nine months of work experience; minimum 2.0 GPA in prerequisite coursework; passing standardized test scores; immunizations, orientation session
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.33%
• School Site:  Tuition | Financial aid

Lone Star College System

Location: The Woodlands,

TX Tuition: $7350

Graduation Rate: 18%

Overview: Available at four Lone Star College (LSC) campuses, the Transition to Professional Nursing program spans three semesters and 60 credit hours. This program, designed for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) aspiring to achieve registered nurse (RN) licensure, combines classroom instruction and clinical experience. Upon graduation, candidates can apply for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at LSC’s Montgomery campus.

Details:

• Program(s): Transition to Professional Nursing (Associate in Applied Science)
• Campus: Kingwood, Montgomery, Mount Harris, and Tomball, Texas
• Type: Public
• Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
• Tuition: $90 per credit (in-district residents); $201 per credit (out-of-district Texas residents); $256 per credit (out-of-state residents)
• Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; Texas Success Initiative assessment results; immunizations
• Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes
• School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.32% (Kingwood); 97.92% (Montgomery); 87.97% (Mount Harris); 91.49% (Tomball)
• School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

North Central Texas College

Location

Gainesville, TX

Tuition

$4955

Graduation Rate
12%
Description:

Prospective registered nurses (RNs) in NCTC’s licensed vocational nurse (LVN)-to-RN transition program begin their studies each July and complete the program in the following June. Coursework is delivered in eight-week segments, with most clinical rotations occurring during the last five weeks of each segment. Graduates earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

LVNs complete prerequisite coursework in statistics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and composition, along with an elective course. Graduates may take the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) and apply for RN licensure.

Details:

Program(s): LVN-to-RN (ADN)
Campus: Gainesville, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Tuition: $57 per semester hour (in-district residents); $115 per semester hour (in-state residents); $206 per semester hour (out-of-state residents)
Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; completion of prerequisite coursework; entrance exam; cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification; immunizations
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes
School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.11%
School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Blinn College

Location: Brenham, TX

Tuition: $12,872

Graduation Rate: 7%

Description:

Blinn College’s transitional program for licensed vocational nurses (LVN) is meticulously designed to provide aspiring LVNs with essential clinical field experience, a prerequisite for eligibility to pursue registered nurse (RN) licensure.

Upon completion of Blinn’s program, graduates are conferred with an associate of applied science (AAS) in nursing. The initial semester is dedicated to fulfilling crucial prerequisite coursework, encompassing subjects such as psychology, anatomy and physiology, and foundational nursing courses.

Subsequent semesters are committed to intensive clinical rotations and specialized coursework addressing diverse patient populations and specialties, including mental health. The comprehensive program mandates a total commitment of 60 credit hours of full-time study.

Details:

– Program(s): LVN-Transition Program (AAS)
– Campus: Brenham, Texas
– Type: Public
– Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
– Tuition: $7,457 (in-district for program); $9,251 (in-state for program); $13,323 (out-of-state for program)
– Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; one year of nursing experience; Texas Success Initiative and Test of Essential Academic Skills results; 2.5 GPA in prerequisite coursework; criminal background check; immunizations
– Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97.65%
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Brazosport College

Location: Lake Jackson, TX

Tuition: $5,487

Graduation Rate: 20%

Description:

Brazosport College’s track for licensed vocational nurse to registered nurse (LVN-to-RN) is an expedited program spanning three semesters. The curriculum, consisting of 60 credits, integrates 24 hours of prerequisite coursework and eight hours of credit through exams or substitutions.

The LVN-to-RN track initiates with a comprehensive summer transition program, involving coursework and clinical hours dedicated to professional nursing. The subsequent two semesters entail in-depth exploration of nursing for diverse populations, encompassing adults, women, children, and newborns.

Graduates are conferred with an associate of applied science (AAS) and qualify to pursue RN licensure. The program is strategically designed to equip nurses with the flexibility to seamlessly transfer into a bachelor of science in nursing program at any public institution in Texas.

Details:

– Program(s): LVN-to-RN (AAS)
– Campus: Lake Jackson, Texas
– Type: Public
– Accreditation(s): Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
– Tuition: $90.50 per credit hour (in-district); $124.50 per credit hour (in-state); $225.50 per credit hour (out-of-state)
– Admission Requirements: Current LVN or practical nurse license; minimum 2.5 GPA in prerequisite coursework; passing standardized test scores
– Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
– On-Campus Requirements: Yes
– School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.29%
– School Site: Tuition | Financial aid

Frequently Asked Questions about LVN-to-RN Program

Can an RN work as an LVN in Texas?

In Texas, for an RN to assume the role of an LVN, they must possess both an LVN license and an RN license. It is crucial to note that while functioning as an LVN, an RN cannot undertake RN-specific duties. RNs aspiring to work as LVNs should seek guidance from the Texas nursing board for specific protocols and procedures.

What is the difference between an LVN and an RN in Texas?

The disparities between LVNs and RNs in Texas are notable. LVNs primarily attend to patients with predictable healthcare needs, focusing on basic patient care tasks. In contrast, RNs handle more intricate patient requirements, involving the development of comprehensive care strategies, conducting assessments and diagnoses, implementing interventions, and assessing patient responses to treatment.

How much do LVNs make an hour in Texas?

As per information from ZipRecruiter, LVNs in Texas earn an average hourly wage of $23. Certain cities in Texas, such as Alice, Plano, Mexia, and Port Arthur, offer hourly rates surpassing $25, providing an opportunity for LVNs to earn above the state average. Additionally, LVN travel nurses in Texas have the potential to earn over $30 per hour, reflecting the dynamic nature of compensation in the healthcare field.

Is an LVN the same as an RN?

LVNs and RNs diverge across various dimensions. LVNs typically acquire a certificate or diploma, undergo the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, and execute fundamental medical and patient care tasks. On the other hand, RNs undergo the NCLEX-RN exam and can qualify with RN diplomas, but many pursue undergraduate nursing degrees. This educational background enables RNs to work with increased autonomy, delivering elevated levels of patient care.