Best LVN Programs in Texas

Last Updated/Verified: Apr 15, 2023

Texas strives to ensure that all nurses in the state are competent to practice safely, hoping to advance the profession through collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Individuals can apply for a vocational nursing license by exam after completing an approved program, or by endorsement from other states to meet an ever-growing demand for nurses in the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% increase in licensed vocational nurse (LVN) jobs by 2029, making this a great time to pursue an education in this growing field. LVNs in Texas earn approximately $25.41 per hour, which equates to an average annual salary of $52,850. This is roughly $3,010 per year less than the national average.

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Are you looking to become a licensed vocational nurse in Texas? The school you choose is important when it comes to getting your license. Approved programs in Texas are offered at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools - we list 77 schools across the state. After careful review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the past several years, we have ranked the top 30 programs. For more information on our LVN program rankings, see our Methodology page.

To see all the top ranked LVN programs in Texas click here.

Details on Texas LVN Schools & Classes

Texas schools are home to a staggering 75+ vocational nursing programs. This means that students in just about any part of the state will be able to find a program that fits their needs. Most LVN programs are designed to be completed in roughly one year of full-time study, or two years of part-time study. Some schools offer programs in a daytime setting, while others host night or weekend schedules. The majority of LVN programs in Texas are found at junior colleges and technical schools. The LVN curriculum will contain basic nursing courses, some general education, labs, and hands-on clinical experiences. Typical course titles include:

  • Vocational Nursing Concepts
  • Essentials of Medication Administration
  • Pharmacology
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Maternal Neonatal Nursing
  • Pediatrics

Accreditation

Students are highly encouraged to choose an LVN program that is fully accredited. Associations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) evaluate nursing programs to ensure that they meet stringent standards, and only then do they accredit them. These programs are generally trustworthy and hold more weight on a resume. In addition to this, students should check to ensure that their LVN program of choice is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Admission Requirements

Vocational nursing programs in Texas can be competitive, so students should ensure that they meet or exceed all entrance requirements before applying. In order to be admitted, students typically need to meet the following:

  • Attend a program information session
  • Be a high school graduate or GED certificate holder
  • Submit TEAS test scores (minimum scores may apply)
  • Submit proof of TSI status
  • Submit criminal background check and pass a drug test

Tuition and Costs

Students can be apprehensive about paying for their vocational nursing education, but knowing what to expect can help. In general, students are responsible for covering the costs of tuition, additional school fees, and course materials. While these figures can vary between schools, students worried about affording these expenses can seek financial aid opportunities from their school of choice or from outside sources. To provide an example on cost, the LVN program at Lonestar College (with campuses across the state in Cyfair, Houston, Katy, and more) runs around $5,527 in totality for in-state students. This includes tuition and all mandatory fees.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Texas LVN to RN/BSN programs page.

Texas LVN Licensing Requirements

To become an LVN in Texas, educational requirements must be met by attending a program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. Students must carry a “C” or above on all nursing courses. Once coursework is complete, the applicant must pass the NCLEX-PN. Only graduates of Board approved programs are eligible for testing. Along with the application for licensure, applicants living in the state of Texas must submit Livescan Fingerprinting, while applicants from out-of-state must submit a criminal background check. Texas LVN licenses must be renewed every 2 years, and the license holder is responsible for 20 hours of continued education each renewal period.

NCLEX Exam Information

The NCLEX-PN is the exam that students must pass upon completing their vocational nursing education. This test measures the student’s comprehension of nursing topics. For detailed information on the NCLEX-PN, take a look at our comprehensive guide here. We have also created an NCLEX-PN practice test to help students get a feel for the exam and to help them study.

LVN Reciprocity and NLC

Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means that nurses in compact states must register a primary state of residence, but can work in multiple compact states without additional licensure. LVNs in states outside of the compact area can apply for a Texas license by endorsement as long as their original licensing requirements are equivalent to those in Texas. Other requirements include:

  • Pass the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) or NCLEX-PN
  • Currently employed as an LPN/LVN
  • Submit a criminal background check

Foreign transfers must verify their education through a Credential Evaluation Services (CES) Full Education course-by-course report, pass an English Proficiency Exam, and submit a criminal background check and verification of licensure, as well as sit through and pass the NCLEX exam.

Top Ranked Texas LVN Programs

1

Alvin Community College

3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, TX 77511 - (281) 756-3500 - Visit Homepage

Alvin Community College (ACC) is located in Alvin, Texas, with an additional campus located in Pearland. ACC provides high-quality education through innovative instruction and hands-on experiences, training students to become compassionate caregivers through its one-year, 44 credit-hour vocational nursing program. With stellar first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates, ACC grads can rest assured that their educational investment will be worthwhile.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
2

Lone Star College - CyFair

9191 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77433 - (281) 290-3200 - Visit Homepage

Lone Star College System (LSCS) - CyFair, located in Cypress, Texas, with additional locations and campuses in Houston, Katy, Kingwood, New Caney, Conroe, Tomball, and The Woodlands, is the fastest growing community college in the nation. LSCS offers a full-time vocational nursing program that can be completed in one year and prepares students to provide patient care in a variety of settings.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
3

South Plains College - Plainview

1920 W. 24th Street, Plainview, TX 79072 - (806) 296-9611 - Visit Homepage

South Plains College (SPC) - Plainview extension center is located in Plainview, Texas, with additional locations in Levelland and Lubbock. SPC offers more than 100 programs of study at affordable rates, including a renowned 1-year vocational nursing program that weaves classroom and clinical learning throughout the curriculum.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
4

St. Philip's College - New Braunfels

2189 FM 758, New Braunfels, TX 78130 - (210) 486-7402 - Visit Homepage

St. Philip's College is located in New Braunfels, Texas, and is part of the Alamo Colleges District. SPC's exceptional full-time LVN program is 12 months in length (3 semesters) and guides students through the fundamentals of vocational nursing. A certificate is awarded upon completion, and grads are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN.

Overall Score: 100.00 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
5

Del Mar College

101 Baldwin Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78404 - (361) 698-1200 - Visit Homepage

Del Mar College is located in Corpus Christi. The high-quality Vocational Nursing program at Del Mar fully prepares students to enter the profession of nursing and to impact the health and well-being of patients and people in the community. The curriculum includes courses such as Health Care Concepts and Professional Nursing Competencies.

Overall Score: 99.13 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
6

Trinity Valley Community College - Palestine

2970 Texas 19, Palestine, TX 75801 - (903) 723-6743 - Visit Homepage

Trinity Valley Community College's Palestine campus provides students with a vocational nursing program pathway to help them reach their employment goals. TVCC's 12-month certificate program boasts a hands-on Monday through Friday curriculum to immerse students in vocational nursing topics.

Overall Score: 99.05 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
7

Texarkana College

2500 N. Robison Road, Texarkana, TX 75599 - (903) 823-3456 - Visit Homepage

Texarkana College has been offering its exceptional vocational nursing program since 1956. Today, students enrolled in this 48 credit-hour program are taught the fundamentals of nursing by experienced and caring faculty. Graduates go on to find employment in long-term care facilities, hospitals, medical clinics, and more.

Overall Score: 99.03 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
8

Baptist Health System School of Health Professions

3703 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201 - (210) 785-4924 - Visit Homepage

The Baptist Health System School of Health Professions in San Antonio provides a vocational nursing program that aims to train knowledgeable and confident LVNs. Students get the advantage of practicing at clinical sites throughout the Baptist Health System to hone their skills in this 1-year program.

Overall Score: 98.56 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
9

Frank Phillips College

1301 Roosevelt St, Borger, TX 79008 - (806) 457-4200 - Visit Homepage

Borger's Frank Phillips College has formed a consortium with Amarillo College and 5 hospital districts to make its exceptional LVN program available to more rural communities in the Texas Panhandle. Graduates of the one-year LVN certificate program complete courses such as Applied Nursing Skills, Pharmacology, Gerontology, and many others.

Overall Score: 98.54 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
10

Howard College - Big Spring

1001 Birdwell Ln, Big Spring, TX 79720 - (432) 264-5000 - Visit Homepage

Howard College (HC), located in Big Spring, Texas, is committed to excellence, helping students reach their maximum potential via an innovative vocational nursing program curriculum and integrated critical thinking, ensuring student success in the healthcare field. The program includes 48 total credit-hours of instruction.

Overall Score: 98.40 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
11

Hill College - Hillsboro

112 Lamar Dr, Hillsboro, TX 76645 - (254) 659-7500 - Visit Homepage

Hill College is located in Hillsboro, Texas, with additional locations in Cleburne, Burleson, Glen Rose, and Meridian. Hill College provides high-quality nursing programs, including its one-year vocational nursing certificate program which aims to admit top candidates for enrollment. Upon completion, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN for licensure.

Overall Score: 98.29 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
12

Odessa College - Andrews

201 NW Ave. D , Andrews, TX 79714 - (432) 524-4022 - Visit Homepage

The LVN program at Odessa College's Andrews campus enrolls up to motivated 40 students at a time. The 3-semester, year-long program provides students with an affordable, quality vocational nursing education that fully prepares them to sit for the NCLEX-PN examination.

Overall Score: 98.06 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
13

South Plains College - Reese Center

819 Gilbert Drive, Lubbock, TX 79416 - (806) 885-3048 - Visit Homepage

South Plains College (SPC) - Reese Center is located in Lubbock, Texas, one of several campus locations including Levelland and Plainview. Those looking to become vocational nurses can enroll in SPC's 12-month LVN program, which includes courses in Applied Nursing Skills, IV Therapy, Pediatrics, and more.

Overall Score: 97.95 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
14

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

2101 Waterview Pkwy, Richardson, TX 75080 - (469) 941-8380 - Visit Homepage

The College of Nursing and Advanced Health Professions at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (formerly Dallas Nursing Institute) is home to a comprehensive vocational nursing program. The program trains competent and professional vocational nurses in just 12 months of full-time study or 17 months of part-time study.

Overall Score: 97.87 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
15

Trinity Valley Community College - Kaufman

800 Ed Hall Dr, Kaufman, TX 75142 - (972) 932-4309 - Visit Homepage

Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) is located in Kaufman, Texas, with additional campuses located in Athens, Palestine, and Terrell. TVCC offers a vocational nursing program with clinical experiences, allowing students to become proficient health care providers with a willingness to excel.

Overall Score: 97.70 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
16

Victoria College - Victoria

2200 E. Red River, Victoria, TX 77901 - (877) 843-4369 - Visit Homepage

Victoria College, established in 1925, provides a vocational nursing program to introduce students to entry-level nursing concepts. Through classroom lectures and supervised clinical rotations, students gain the skills and knowledge needed to pass the NCLEX-PN and enter into rewarding careers as LVNs.

Overall Score: 97.60 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
17

Blinn College - Brenham

902 College Ave, Brenham, TX 77833 - (979) 830-4000 - Visit Homepage

Blinn College is a comprehensive two-year institution located at Brenham, Texas, with additional locations in Bryan, Schulenburg, and Sealy. Blinn College offers a vocational nursing program that teaches students the fundamentals of nursing through classroom, lab, and clinical practice. Graduates are well-prepared for LVN employment in a variety of medical settings.

Overall Score: 97.33 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
18

Brazosport College

500 College Dr, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 - (979) 230-3000 - Visit Homepage

Brazosport Community College is located in Lake Jackson, Texas. Brazosport College creates a dynamic learning environment with the help of a committed faculty, providing a quality vocational nursing program that produces caring, patient-centered LVNs.

Overall Score: 97.02 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
19

Odessa College - Monahans

806 South Dwight, Monahans, TX 79756 - (432) 335-6390 - Visit Homepage

Odessa College offers an outstanding LVN program at its Monahans campus. The program prepares students for hands-on care in entry-level nursing positions under the supervision of physicians and RNs at medical facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, and more.

Overall Score: 96.72 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
20

CyberTex Institute of Technology

6300 La Calma Dr. Suite 350, Austin, TX 78752 - (512) 454-6116 - Visit Homepage

Austin's CyberTex Institute of Technology offers students a vocational nursing program with two distinct tracks: the traditional LVN program, and a Medical Assistant to LVN option. Enrolled students take nursing theory courses and engage in clinical experiences for a well-rounded nursing education.

Overall Score: 96.13 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
21

Temple College - Taylor

516 N Main St, Taylor, TX 76574 - (512) 365-7242 - Visit Homepage

Temple College's Taylor campus offers a variety of educational opportunities to students in the community. TC's vocational nursing program is completed over 3 consecutive semesters, preparing students to enter the LVN workforce swiftly and efficiently.

Overall Score: 96.05 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
22

Cisco College

101 College Heights, Cisco, TX 76437 - (254) 442-5000 - Visit Homepage

The Vocational Nursing program at Cisco College gives students the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level practice in the nursing field. This three-semester, one year certificate program has a selective admission process and employs caring and experienced instructors.

Overall Score: 95.96 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
23

Temple College - Temple

2600 South 1st Street, Temple, TX 76504 - (254) 298-8282 - Visit Homepage

Temple College is a comprehensive community college located in Temple, Texas, offering a variety of educational opportunities to its students and the community. Temple College offers an LVN program that takes one year to complete and fosters professional development, lifelong learning, and skilled entry-level nursing practice.

Overall Score: 95.91 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
24

Laredo Community College

West End Washington St, Laredo, TX 78040 - (956) 722-0521 - Visit Homepage

Laredo Community College offers area students a one-year vocational nursing certificate program to prepare them to take and pass the NCLEX-PN examination. Included in LCC's VN curriculum are courses in pharmacology, nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, as well as clinical practice.

Overall Score: 95.89 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
25

Amarillo College

1314 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79101 - (806) 371-5000 - Visit Homepage

According to Amarillo College, seventy percent of nurses in the area have been trained through their renowned nursing programs. AC's LVN program utilizes the school's Nursing Resource Center (NRC) to prepare students via realistic simulations. Students earn their vocational nursing certificate in just 3 semesters of study.

Overall Score: 95.73 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
26

Paris Junior College

2400 Clarksville St, Paris, TX 75460 - (903) 785-7661 - Visit Homepage

Paris Junior College is home to an excellent nursing program. After the first year of study, students are prepared to become Licensed Vocational Nurses and find gainful employment in the health care industry. The program readies students for the NCLEX-PN exam and for continued education in the nursing field.

Overall Score: 95.61 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
27

El Paso Community College

100 W. Rio Grande Rm. D202, El Paso, TX 79925 - (915) 831-4034 - Visit Homepage

El Paso Community College offers a variety of quality nursing programs to train compassionate caregivers. EPCC's LVN program curriculum includes nursing theory lectures and clinical experiences at major hospitals in the region, giving students the didactic and hands-on training required to excel in the profession.

Overall Score: 95.54 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
28

Navarro College - Waxahachie

1900 John Arden Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75165 - (972) 937-7612 - Visit Homepage

Navarro College's Waxahachie campus is home to a 12-month LVN program for students with a desire to enter the healthcare field. With no prerequisites required, students can be on their way to a vocational nursing career in no time. The curriculum includes both classroom lectures and clinical practice days.

Overall Score: 95.53 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
29

San Jacinto College - North

5800 Uvalde, Houston, TX 77049 - (281) 998-6150 - Visit Homepage

Houston's San Jacinto College offers a Vocational Nursing certificate program for career-minded individuals. This 45-credit program consists of 480 hours of classroom lecture, 416 lab hours, and 448 hours of nursing skills training and clinical experiences. Grads of the program are prepared for licensure and beyond.

Overall Score: 94.70 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools
30

Rio Grande Valley College

5419 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577 - (956) 781-6800 - Visit Homepage

Rio Grande Valley College provides students with an outstanding LVN program that is offered multiple times per year, with day and evening formats available. The curriculum and experienced faculty give students skills and knowledge in clinical reasoning, professional communication, safe and effective care, and more.

Overall Score: 94.57 - Compare Program to Nearby Schools

Continued List of All Programs in Texas

RankedProgramScore
#31 Galen College of Nursing
7411 John Smith Dr #300, San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 733-3056
94.48
#32 Blinn College - Bryan
2423 Blinn Blvd, Bryan, TX 77805
(979) 209-7200
93.95
#33 Grayson College
6101 Grayson Dr, Denison, TX 75020
(903) 465-6030
93.06
#34 Houston Community College
555 Community College Dr, Houston, TX 77013
(713) 718-8200
92.97
#35 College of the Mainland
1200 N Amburn Rd, Texas City, TX 77591
(409) 938-1211
92.85
#36 El Centro College
801 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 860-2000
92.25
#37 Valley Baptist Medical Center - School of Vocational Nursing
2101 Pease St, Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 389-1721
92.09
#38 Texas State Technical College - Harlingen
1902 North Loop 499, Harlingen, TX 78550
(800) 852-8784
92.02
#39 Howard College - San Angelo
3501 N. US Highway 67, San Angelo, TX 76905
(325) 481-8300
91.96
#40 Texas Health School
11211 Katy Fwy. Suite 170, Houston, TX 77079
(713) 932-9333
91.66
#41 Tyler Junior College
1327 South Baxter Avenue, Tyler, TX 75701
(903) 510-2200
91.53
#42 Lone Star College - Tomball
30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375
(281) 351-3300
91.44
#43 Lamar State College - Port Arthur
1500 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640
(409) 983-4921
91.28
#44 San Jacinto College - South
13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089
(281) 998-6150
91.04
#45 Austin Community College
2818 U.S. 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-6363
90.99
#46 Midland College - Fort Stockton
104 S Everts St, Fort Stockton, TX 79735
(432) 336-3330
90.88
#47 Angelina College - Lufkin
3500 South First Street, Lufkin, TX 75904
(936) 639-1301
90.88
#48 Schreiner University
2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, TX 78028
(800) 343-4919
90.68
#49 Valley Grande Institute
345 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX 78596
(956) 973-1945
90.46
#50 Navarro College - Mexia
901 N. MLK Jr. Hwy, Mexia, TX 76667
(254) 562-3848
89.66
#51 Texas State Technical College - Sweetwater
300 Homer K. Taylor Dr, Sweetwater, TX 79556
(254) 559-7746
89.38
#52 South Texas College
3700 W. Military Hwy., McAllen, TX 78501
(956) 872-6100
89.21
#53 North Central Texas College
1525 West California Street, Gainesville, TX 76240
(940) 668-7731
88.40
#54 Lamar State College - Orange
410 W Front Ave, Orange, TX 77630
(409) 883-7750
87.81
#55 McLennan Community College
1400 College Drive, Waco, TX 76708
(254) 299-8000
87.69
#56 Northeast Texas Community College
2886 FM 1735 Chapel Hill Road, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455
(903) 434-8100
87.58
#57 Weatherford College
225 College Park Drive, Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 594-5471
87.57
#58 Tyler County Hospital
1100 West Bluff, Woodville, TX 75979
(409) 283-8141
87.18
#59 Clarendon College
1122 College Dr, Clarendon, TX 79226
(806) 874-3571
86.68
#60 Panola College
1109 W Panola St, Carthage, TX 75633
(903) 693-2000
85.56
#61 The Vocational Nursing Institute, Inc.
11201 Steeple Park Drive, Houston, TX 77065
(832) 237-2525
85.24
#62 St. Philip's College - San Antonio
1801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Antonio, TX 78203
(210) 486-2055
84.75
#63 Southwest Texas Junior College
2401 Garner Field Road, Uvalde, TX 78801-6297
(830) 591-7256
84.67
#64 Bell Tech Career Institute
14602 Presidio Square Boulevard, Houston, TX 77083
(713) 636-2659
83.56
#65 Texas Southmost College
80 Fort Brown St, Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 295-3600
83.26
#66 Central Texas College
6200 West Central Expressway, Killeen, TX 76549
(254) 526-7161
82.87
#67 Angelina College - Crockett
1505 South 4th Street, Crockett, TX 75835
(936) 544-0055
82.55
#68 Navarro College - Corsicana
3200 W. 7th Ave, Corsicana, TX 75110
(903) 874-6501
82.42
#69 Ranger College
1100 College Circle, Ranger, TX 76470
(254) 647-3234
82.01
#70 South Plains College - Levelland
1401 S. College Ave, Levelland, TX 79336
(806) 894-9611
81.72
#71 Coastal Bend College
3800 Charco Rd, Beeville, TX 78102
(361) 358-2838
81.63
#72 Vernon College
4400 College Drive, Vernon, TX 76384
(940) 552-6291
77.77
#73 Concorde Career College
600 E Lamar Blvd #200, Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 261-1594
77.77
#74 Wharton County Junior College
911 Boling Highway, Wharton, TX 77488
(979) 532-4560
74.13
#75 Kilgore College
300 S High St, Longview, TX 75601
(903) 753-2642
74.01
#76 The College of Health Care Professions
240 Northwest Mall, Houston, TX 77092
(800) 487-6728
70.56
#77 Galveston College
4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 944-4242
70.25

Are we missing your school's program or need to make changes to the information listed? Please contact us.

Additional TX Nursing Resources

LVN Salary in Texas

The table below lists career information obtained from the BLS for licensed vocational nurses in Texas. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

AreaTotal EmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage Annual Salary
Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington14,900$26.59$55,320
Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land12,160$26.65$55,420
San Antonio, New Braunfels5,780$25.93$53,940
Austin, Round Rock3,130$27.17$56,510
McAllen, Edinburg, Mission1,970$22.95$47,730
El Paso1,750$22.95$47,730
Brownsville, Harlingen1,210$22.93$47,690
Killeen, Temple1,190$25.64$53,320
Beaumont, Port Arthur1,110$23.83$49,560
Lubbock1,110$23.84$49,590
Corpus Christi1,020$24.52$51,000
Tyler890$24.28$50,510
Amarillo770$23.78$49,460
College Station, Bryan770$23.08$48,000
Wichita Falls700$23.27$48,390
Waco670$25.13$52,270
Abilene650$22.92$47,680
Longview630$24.01$49,930
Texarkana610$21.60$44,930
Laredo530$23.43$48,740
Midland420$26.25$54,610
Sherman, Denison410$24.26$50,460
San Angelo330$23.79$49,470
Victoria330$24.09$50,110
Odessa260$25.33$52,680