Best LVN Programs in Houston 2026
Discover Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in Houston, Texas with information on schools, curriculum, tuition, and clinical training. Review licensing requirements and career opportunities for vocational nurses in the Houston area.
Other Cities in Texas LVN Programs
2026 Best LVN Programs in Houston, TX
College of the Mainland
Texas City, TX - Public 4-Year - com.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
College of the Mainland's 12-month Vocational Nursing program offers a fast-track path to becoming an LVN, blending essential nursing skills with modern medical technology. With small class sizes and hands-on training, students benefit from personalized instruction and affordable tuition. The program boasts high NCLEX pass rates and is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, preparing graduates for roles with strong job prospects—657,800 annual openings, 3% growth, and a median salary of $59,730. No entrance exam is required, focusing on direct patient care in a campus-based format.
- 12-month nursing program
- Small class sizes
- Lower tuition costs
- In-person learning format
- High NCLEX pass rates
- Texas Board of Nursing approved
- 657,800 annual job openings
- 3% projected job growth
- $59,730 median salary
The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest
Houston, TX - Private 4-year - chcp.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest offers a Vocational Nursing Certificate program that can be completed in just 48 weeks, providing a fast track to becoming an LVN. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical externships and learn essential skills like patient care, medication administration, and medical terminology. The curriculum covers basic to advanced nursing concepts, including pharmacology, and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Taught by experienced healthcare professionals, the program includes flexible scheduling and comprehensive support services, making it ideal for those seeking a rewarding career in healthcare under RN or doctor supervision.
- 48-week program duration.
- Hands-on clinical externships.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN® exam.
- Covers basic to advanced nursing skills.
- Includes pharmacology and medical terminology.
- Focus on patient care and advocacy.
- Taught by experienced healthcare professionals.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Comprehensive support services.
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX - Public 2-Year - alvincollege.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Alvin Community College offers a Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Certificate program that is an intensive, one-year pathway into nursing. This 44-credit-hour curriculum blends classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical rotations across various healthcare settings, covering essential areas like medication administration, pharmacology, surgical nursing, maternal-neonatal care, and pediatrics. With tuition between $7,100 and $9,300, it's an affordable option that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, the program emphasizes strong job prospects in Houston's growing healthcare sector, making it ideal for those seeking quick entry into vocational nursing.
- 44-credit-hour nursing certificate
- One-year intensive program
- Tuition $7,100-$9,300
- Multiple clinical training sites
- NCLEX-PN exam preparation
- Texas Board of Nursing approved
- Career growth opportunities
San Jacinto Community College
Pasadena, TX - Public 4-Year - sanjac.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
San Jacinto Community College offers a three-term Vocational Nursing program that provides a direct pathway into nursing careers through hands-on clinical training in various healthcare environments. Applicants must achieve a minimum 2.25 GPA, complete prerequisite courses, and pass the TEAS entrance exam. The program includes mandatory health screenings, CPR certification, and student orientation, with two annual application periods for flexibility. Graduates are well-prepared for professional licensure, benefiting from competitive tuition and multiple campus locations in the Houston area.
- Three-term vocational nursing program
- Minimum 2.25 GPA requirement
- TEAS exam mandatory
- Multiple campus locations
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Mandatory student orientation
- Health certification requirements
- Two annual application periods
- Health insurance mandatory
- CPR certification required
Pima Medical Institute-Houston
Houston, TX - Private 2-year - pmi.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Pima Medical Institute-Houston's Practical Nursing Certificate Program is a 12-month on-campus course designed for swift entry into nursing. It emphasizes patient care, medical terminology, and anatomy, with hands-on training in vital signs and medication administration. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam, and financial aid options support accessibility. This program is ideal for those pursuing a fast-track nursing career without requiring entrance exams, focusing on practical skills for immediate workforce readiness.
- 12-month program.
- On-campus delivery.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN.
- Hands-on patient care training.
- Financial aid available.
Fortis Institute
Houston, TX - Private 2-year - fortis.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fortis Institute's Practical Nursing program in Houston provides a comprehensive campus-based education for aspiring LPNs, integrating classroom theory with hands-on lab work and clinical rotations to thoroughly prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The curriculum emphasizes essential nursing skills, patient care techniques, and pharmacology, making it particularly suitable for CNAs/STNAs looking to advance their careers. With small class sizes, students benefit from personalized attention and focused skill development. Financial aid options are accessible for eligible candidates, supporting their journey into a rewarding nursing profession without requiring entrance exams for this vocational-level program.
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Includes clinical experiences.
- Small class sizes.
- Financial aid available.
- Ideal for CNAs/STNAs.
- Covers nursing essentials.
- Hands-on skill development.
- Personalized attention.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston
Houston, TX - Private 2-year - chcp.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston offers a 48-week Vocational Nursing Certificate program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as an LVN. The curriculum covers essential nursing skills, patient care, medical terminology, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and leadership, with hands-on clinical training and externship opportunities. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, immunizations, a physical exam, a clean criminal record, CPR certification, and the TEAS entrance exam. Financial aid and career services are available, and the program is accredited by ABHES.
- 48-week program duration.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- Covers basic to advanced nursing skills.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Financial aid options available.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Immunizations and physical exam needed.
- Clean criminal record mandatory.
- TEAS entrance exam required.
- CPR certification needed.
Houston Community College
Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - hccs.edu
Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Houston Community College's Licensed Vocational Nursing program provides comprehensive training for direct patient care roles in diverse healthcare settings, including acute care and long-term care facilities. With multiple campus locations, it offers Certificate Level 1 and AAS options approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The program emphasizes practical skills and professional competencies, achieving a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate for 2022-2023 and a completion rate exceeding 70%. Graduates qualify for multistate licensure, with 80% employer satisfaction, preparing them to work under medical supervision without requiring entrance exams.
- Certificate Level 1 and AAS options
- 100% 2022-2023 NCLEX-PN pass rate
- Texas Board of Nursing approved
- Multiple campus locations
- Prepares for direct patient care roles
- Program completion rate over 70%
- Employer satisfaction rate 80%
- Graduates qualify for multistate license
Houston LVN Program Overview
In Houston, Licensed Vocational Nurses play a frontline role in delivering direct patient care across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. LVNs support care teams by monitoring patients, administering medications, performing basic procedures, and coordinating with RNs, providers, and therapists to maintain continuity of care in one of the nation’s largest and most diverse healthcare markets.
Houston’s healthcare landscape includes large academic and public systems such as The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth Houston, Harris Health System, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, and numerous community hospitals and long-term care providers. These settings sustain ongoing demand for LVNs, particularly in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home health. National projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate continued growth for licensed practical and vocational nurses, and Texas’ nursing workforce studies report persistent employer demand in post-acute and community-based care.
Texas uses the LVN title and requires graduation from a state-approved vocational nursing program and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN (including the Next Generation NCLEX) for licensure. Program approval, eligibility, and licensure are overseen by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Typical Houston-area LVN programs are designed to be completed in about 12 months of full-time study. Many colleges also offer part-time or evening tracks that may extend to 18 to 24 months, accommodating working adults. Curricula commonly include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-child health, mental health, and supervised clinical rotations at local hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Programs integrate NCLEX-PN preparation through skills labs, simulation, and competency-based assessments aligned with current exam frameworks.
Employment Opportunities for LVNs in Houston
The healthcare employment landscape for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Houston, Texas, is robust, reflecting a national trend of steady growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth in employment for LPNs and LVNs from 2022 to 2032, driven by an aging population and increasing chronic conditions. This demand translates into numerous opportunities in the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land metropolitan area, which employed 11,220 LVNs as of May 2023. LVNs in Houston can expect competitive compensation, with an average weekly pay of $1,343 and annual salaries typically ranging from approximately $57,300 to $80,700, averaging $33.59 per hour.
LVNs in Houston find a wide array of employment opportunities across diverse healthcare settings. These roles often involve providing essential basic medical care, assisting with patient comfort, and performing duties such as collecting samples for testing, all under the supervision of a registered nurse or doctor, as outlined by the Texas Board of Nursing. Common facilities that actively hire LVNs include:
- Nursing and Residential Care Facilities, which account for a significant portion of LVN employment.
- Home Health Agencies, where LVNs provide one-on-one patient care in their homes.
- Senior Living and Assisted Living Facilities, including independent living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities.
- Hospitals, where LVNs support various units with patient care and comfort.
- Private Practices and Clinics, particularly multi-specialty clinics across Houston.
- Rehabilitation Centers, assisting patients in their recovery journeys.
- Correctional Facilities, providing healthcare services to incarcerated individuals.
- Plasma Donation Centers, for donor eligibility and plasma collection.
- Managed Care Organizations (MCOs), with roles in field care management and in-home assessments.
- Remote/Telemedicine positions, such as care coordinators or enrollment nurses.
Houston is home to several prominent healthcare organizations and networks that frequently hire LVNs. These include major hospital systems, large clinic networks, and specialized care providers:
- Houston Methodist, a leading health system with its main hospital and seven community hospitals, offers positions in various units like surgical & liver ICU and psychiatry.
- HCA Houston Healthcare, part of a large national network, provides LVN careers across specialties such as Behavioral Health, Critical Care, Emergency Room, and Inpatient Rehabilitation. HCA Houston Healthcare at Home also has numerous roles.
- Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, an Optum company with over 40 locations, hires LVNs for specialties including Family Medicine, Pulmonary, Cardiology, Orthopedics, and Endocrinology.
- Erickson Senior Living, a national provider, offers LVN job openings in its Houston senior living and healthcare campuses.
- Brookdale Senior Living, Inc.also provides LVN positions within its assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing communities.
- AccentCare, Inc.and Amedisys are significant employers for home health LVNs in the Houston area, focusing on in-home care.
- Molina Healthcareoffers opportunities for Texas-licensed LVNs in Field Care Manager roles, specifically working with Medicaid members.
- CommonSpirit Healthfrequently lists LVN and LPN positions among its career opportunities in the region.
Other specialized employers include DaVita for outpatient dialysis centers and BioLife
List of LVN Programs in Houston, TX
Houston, TX
Fortis Institute
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Campus-based program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Includes clinical experiences.
- Small class sizes.
- Financial aid available.
- Ideal for CNAs/STNAs.
- Covers nursing essentials.
- Hands-on skill development.
Houston Community College
- Certificate/Diploma - Licensed Vocational Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Certificate Level 1 and AAS options
- 100% 2022-2023 NCLEX-PN pass rate
- Texas Board of Nursing approved
- Multiple campus locations
- Prepares for direct patient care roles
- Program completion rate over 70%
- Employer satisfaction rate 80%
- Graduates qualify for multistate license
Pima Medical Institute-Houston
- Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing Certificate Program
Campus Based - Website
- 12-month program.
- On-campus delivery.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN.
- Hands-on patient care training.
- Financial aid available.
The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 48-week program duration.
- Hands-on clinical externships.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN® exam.
- Covers basic to advanced nursing skills.
- Includes pharmacology and medical terminology.
- Focus on patient care and advocacy.
- Taught by experienced healthcare professionals.
- Opportunities for career advancement.
The College of Health Care Professions-Southwest Houston
- Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 48-week program duration.
- Hands-on clinical training.
- Covers basic to advanced nursing skills.
- Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
- Financial aid options available.
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Immunizations and physical exam needed.
- Clean criminal record mandatory.
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