Becoming an LVN in Texas
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 12% increase in licensed vocational nurse (LVN) jobs by 2024, making this a great time to pursue an education in this growing field. Texas LVNs earn around an hourly wage of $21.70 or annual salary of $45,130, which is roughly $1,100 more per year than national average.
Best LVN Programs in Texas
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 80 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 an estimated $4,179 in totality. This includes tuition and all mandatory fees.
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 eNLC
Texas is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), 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 (see - https://www.bon.texas.gov/end-eligibility.asp#LVN for more info), pass a English Proficiency Exam, and submit a criminal background check and verification of licensure, as well as sit through and pass the NCLEX exam.
LVN Salary in Texas By Area
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.
| Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land | 13,060 | $23.96 | $49,830 |
| Dallas, Plano, Irving | 10,570 | $22.70 | $47,210 |
| San Antonio, New Braunfels | 6,800 | $20.92 | $43,520 |
| Fort Worth, Arlington | 4,730 | $22.96 | $47,760 |
| Austin, Round Rock | 3,580 | $22.24 | $46,260 |
| McAllen, Edinburg, Mission | 2,460 | $21.67 | $45,070 |
| El Paso | 1,430 | $21.14 | $43,960 |
| Lubbock | 1,410 | $21.08 | $43,850 |
| Tyler | 1,400 | $20.23 | $42,080 |
| Beaumont, Port Arthur | 1,360 | $19.78 | $41,140 |
| Corpus Christi | 1,240 | $20.34 | $42,300 |
| Killeen, Temple | 1,210 | $20.72 | $43,100 |
| Brownsville, Harlingen | 1,000 | $21.24 | $44,190 |
| Wichita Falls | 990 | $19.54 | $40,640 |
| Abilene | 970 | $18.63 | $38,760 |
| Longview | 870 | $20.11 | $41,840 |
| Amarillo | 770 | $21.77 | $45,270 |
| Waco | 700 | $22.39 | $46,570 |
| Texarkana | 670 | $17.06 | $35,480 |
| Sherman, Denison | 630 | $19.48 | $40,520 |
| Victoria | 540 | $19.20 | $39,930 |
| College Station, Bryan | 460 | $19.08 | $39,690 |
| Laredo | 420 | $24.78 | $51,540 |
| San Angelo | 420 | $19.60 | $40,770 |
| Midland | 280 | $22.32 | $46,420 |
| Odessa | 270 | $21.70 | $45,130 |
For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Texas LVN to RN/BSN programs page.
Top Ranked Texas LVN Programs
Angelina College - Lufkin
Angelina College - Lufkin is home to a top-tank LVN Multi Entry Exit Program. Angelina College offers a variety of one-year certification programs and degree programs made up of two-years of course study. AC also offers programs for adult education and workforce development.
Navarro College - Mexia
Navarro College-Mexia is a two-year institution located in Mexia, Texas, with additional campuses located in Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Fairfield. Navarro College believes in outstanding teaching and high-quality services will give student the opportunity to excel and accomplish both personal and professional goals.
St. Philip's College - New Braunfels
St. Philip's College is located in New Braunfels, Texas, with additional locations in San Antonio and Floresville. St. Phillip's College seeks to stimulate leadership, personal growth, and lifelong learning through their educational experience, which is a combination of traditional learning and hands-on clinical training to ensure the success of students upon entering workforce.
Brazosport College
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 variety of associate and bachelor degrees, as well as career certifications, workforce development, and cultural enrichment in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Sul Ross State University
Sul Ross State University is located in Alpine, Texas, with additional locations is Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde. Sul Ross offers a variety of degree programs as well as career certification, utilizing innovative instruction and hands-on training, as well as offering courses for personal development and workplace advancement.
Del Mar College
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.
Alvin Community College
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, awarding associate degrees and career certifications to successful students, as well as providing programs for personal and professional advancement and workforce development.
Temple College
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 awards both associate's and bachelor's degrees as well as career certifications for a wide-variety of vocational careers.
Trinity Valley Community College - Kaufman
Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC)-Kaufman is located in Kaufman, Texas, with additional campuses located in Athens, Palestine, and Terrell. TVCC includes a wide range of programs with clinical experience, allowing students to become proficient health care providers with a willingness to excel.
Lone Star College - Cyfair
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 associate degrees, transfer programs, career certifications, and adult education, as well as workforce and personal development programs.
Blinn College - Brenham
Blinn College is a comprehensive two-year institution located at Brenham, Texas, with additional locations in Bryan, Schulenburg, and Sealy. Blinn College offers associate degrees, transfer programs, adult education, Career certifications, and workforce development options to ensure student success in the workplace.
Howard College - Big Spring
Howard College (HC), located in Big Spring, Texas, believes that education-the programs and services they provide should be available to all citizens. HC is committed to excellence, helping students reach their maximum potential via success-oriented curriculum and integrated critical thinking, ensuring student success in the workplace.
Paris Junior College
Paris Junior College is home to an excellent nursing program. After the first year of study, students are prepared to become Licensed Vocational Nurses. The LVN program prepares students for entry into the health care industry. Once the first year is completed, graduates receive a Certificate for Vocational Nursing and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become a licensed vocational nurse (NCLEX-PN).
College of the Mainland
College of the Mainland (COM) is a comprehensive community college located in Texas City, Texas, with additional locations in La Marque and League City. COM is dedicated to student success, preparing students to learn, work, and live in a global environment while also striving to enrich the community.
Hill College
Hill College-Hillsboro is located in Hillsboro, Texas, with additional locations in Cleburne, Burleson, Glen Rose, and Meridian. Hill College provides high-quality educational programs and services, including associates degrees and career certification that enhance educational and economic development, assisting the student and the community.
Blinn College - Bryan
Blinn College at Bryan is home to a high quality Vocational Nursing Program. Blinn's LVN program is designed to provide students with the education and training needed to become highly-skilled, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) capable of working in a variety of medical settings.
South Plains College - Levelland
South Plains College (SPC)-Levelland extension center is located in Levelland, Texas, with additional locations in Plainview and Lubbock. SPC offers more than 100 programs of study at affordable rates, including associates and degree transfer options as well as career certification and workforce development.
Weatherford College
Weatherford College is located in Weatherford, Texas, with additional locations in Wise County, Granbury, and Mineral Wells. Weatherford College provides the first two years of a bachelor's degree and career certifications and workforce development, while also providing lifelong learning opportunities.
Lone Star College - North Harris
Lone Star College System (LSCS)-North Harris, located in Houston, Texas, with additional locations and campuses in Conroe, Katy, Kingwood, New Caney, Cypress, Tomball, and The Woodlands, is the fastest growing community college in the nation. LSCS provides a variety of educational programs, offering associate degrees, transfer programs, career certifications, and adult education, as well as workforce and personal development courses.
Howard College - San Angelo
Howard College is home to a high rank Vocational Nursing program. The LVN program is a 12 month Certificate program that offers college credit. It is designed to prepare students to perform direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and/or physician. Upon completion of the program, students are ready to conquer the NCLEX-PN licensing exam and are prepared for upward mobility in a nursing career.
Texas State Technical College - Harlingen
Learn more by visiting the Texas State Technical College - Harlingen nursing website.
Austin Community College
Austin Community College (ACC)-Fredericksburg is a two-year college located in Fredericksburg, Texas, with additional campuses in Cedar Park, Austin, Elgin, Kyle, and Round Rock, as well as many other off-campus locations across the state. ACC provides affordable pricing and flexible schedules to help students achieve their goals as they learn new job skills or advance their careers.
Baptist Health System School of Health Professionals
Get all the program details by visiting the Baptist Health System School of Health Professionals website.
Kilgore College
Visit the Kilgore College nursing website to learn more.
McLennan Community College
McLennan Community College (MCC)-Modified Education Employment Program (MEEP) is located in Waco, Texas. MCC offers workforce and transfer programs as well as continuing education courses that promote student success through course completion, graduation, employment, and transfer to an advanced degree program at a university.
Southwest Texas Junior College
Get all the program details by visiting the Southwest Texas Junior College website.
Trinity Valley Community College - Palestine
Get all the program details by visiting the Trinity Valley Community College - Palestine website.
Texarkana College
Follow the link to learn more about the Texarkana College nursing program.
Navarro College - Corsicana
Navarro College-Corsicana is a two-year institution located in Corsicana, Texas, with additional campuses located in Waxahachie, Midlothian, and Fairfield. Navarro College believes in outstanding teaching and high-quality services will give student the opportunity to excel and accomplish both personal and professional goals.
Northeast Texas Community College
Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) is located in Mt. Pleasant, Texas, with additional campuses in Pittsburg and Naples. NTCC offers an associates degrees, transfer programs, adult and continuing education courses, and workforce development options with flexible scheduling to ensure student success.
Continued List of All Programs in Texas
| Ranked | Program | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| #31 | Grayson College 6101 Grayson Dr, Denison, TX 75020 (903) 465-6030 | 94.13 | Request Information |
| #32 | El Centro College 801 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 860-2000 | 93.83 | Request Information |
| #33 | San Jacinto College - North 5800 Uvalde, Houston, TX 77049 (281) 998-6150 | 93.66 | Request Information |
| #34 | Temple College - Temple 2600 South 1st Street, Temple, TX 76504 (254) 298-8282 | 93.60 | Request Information |
| #35 | South Plains College - Plainview 1920 W. 24th Street, Plainview, TX 79072 (806) 296-9611 | 93.57 | Request Information |
| #36 | Tyler County Hospital 1100 West Bluff, Woodville, TX 75979 (409) 283-8141 | 93.15 | Request Information |
| #37 | Lamar State College - Port Arthur 1500 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640 (409) 983-4921 | 93.06 | Request Information |
| #38 | Navarro College - Waxahachie 1900 John Arden Drive, Waxahachie, TX 75165 (972) 937-7612 | 92.80 | Request Information |
| #39 | South Plains College - Reese 819 Gilbert Drive, Lubbock,, TX 79416 (806) 885-3048 | 92.45 | Request Information |
| #40 | North Central Texas College 1525 West California Street, Gainesville, TX 76240 (940) 668-7731 | 92.01 | Request Information |
| #41 | Valley Baptist Medical Center - School of Vocational Nursing 2101 Pease St, Harlingen, TX 78550 (956) 389-1721 | 91.96 | Request Information |
| #42 | Midland College - Fort Stockton 104 S Everts St, Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (432) 336-3330 | 91.25 | Request Information |
| #43 | Central Texas College 6200 West Central Expressway, Killeen, TX 76549 (254) 526-7161 | 90.07 | Request Information |
| #44 | Wharton County Junior College 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, TX 77488 (979) 532-4560 | 89.84 | Request Information |
| #45 | Angelina College - Crockett 1505 South 4th Street, Crockett, TX 75835 (936) 544-0055 | 89.64 | Request Information |
| #46 | Coastal Bend College 3800 Charco Rd, Beeville, TX 78102 (361) 358-2838 | 89.60 | Request Information |
| #47 | San Jacinto College - South 13735 Beamer Rd., Houston, TX 77089 (281) 998-6150 | 89.47 | Request Information |
| #48 | Tyler Junior College 1327 South Baxter Avenue, Tyler, TX 75701 (903) 510-2200 | 89.25 | Request Information |
| #49 | Lamar State College - Orange 410 W Front Ave, Orange, TX 77630 (409) 883-7750 | 89.16 | Request Information |
| #50 | Laredo Community College West End Washington St, Laredo, TX 78040 (956) 722-0521 | 89.15 | Request Information |
| #51 | Victoria College - Victoria 2200 E. Red River, Victoria, TX 77901 (877) 843-4369 | 89.03 | Request Information |
| #52 | El Paso Community College 100 W. Rio Grande Rm. D202, El Paso, TX 79925 (915) 831-4034 | 88.73 | Request Information |
| #53 | Texas State Technical College - Sweetwater 300 Homer K. Taylor Dr, Sweetwater, TX 79556 (254) 559-7746 | 88.65 | Request Information |
| #54 | Texas Southmost College 80 Fort Brown St, Brownsville, TX 78520 (956) 295-3600 | 87.99 | Request Information |
| #55 | Schreiner University 2100 Memorial Blvd, Kerrville, TX 78028 (800) 343-4919 | 87.76 | Request Information |
| #56 | Valley Grande Institute for Academic Studies 345 S. Texas Blvd., Weslaco, TX 78596 (956) 973-1945 | 87.70 | Request Information |
| #57 | Fortis College - Grand Prairie 401 Palace Pkwy #100, Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (972) 375-0006 | 87.26 | Request Information |
| #58 | Lone Star College - Tomball 30555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375 (281) 351-3300 | 87.03 | Request Information |
| #59 | RGV Careers 1200 West Polk Avenue, Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 781-6800 | 86.97 | Request Information |
| #60 | Galveston College 4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, TX 77550 (409) 944-4242 | 86.61 | Request Information |
| #61 | Amarillo College 1314 S Polk St, Amarillo, TX 79101 (806) 371-5000 | 86.52 | Request Information |
| #62 | Cisco College 101 College Heights, Cisco, TX 76437 (254) 442-5000 | 85.06 | Request Information |
| #63 | South Texas College 3700 W. Military Hwy., McAllen, TX 78501 (956) 872-6100 | 84.79 | Request Information |
| #64 | St. Philip's College - San Antonio 1801 Martin Luther King Dr., San Antonio, TX 78203 (210) 486-2055 | 84.70 | Request Information |
| #65 | Vernon College 4400 College Drive, Vernon, TX 76384 (940) 552-6291 | 83.75 | Request Information |
| #66 | Frank Phillips College 1301 Roosevelt St, Borger, TX 79008 (806) 457-4200 | 83.50 | Request Information |
| #67 | Ranger College 1100 College Circle, Ranger, TX 76470 (254) 647-3234 | 82.85 | Request Information |
| #68 | Panola College 1109 W Panola St, Carthage, TX 75633 (903) 693-2000 | 82.45 | Request Information |
| #69 | Houston Community College 555 Community College Dr, Houston, TX 77013 (713) 718-8200 | 82.32 | Request Information |
| #70 | Odessa College - Andrews 201 NW Ave. D , Andrews, TX 79714 (432) 524-4022 | 82.03 | Request Information |
| #71 | Clarendon College 1122 College Dr, Clarendon, TX 79226 (806) 874-3571 | 81.42 | Request Information |
| #72 | Dallas Nursing Institute 12170 Abrams Rd #200, Dallas, TX 75243 (214) 351-0223 | 80.70 | Request Information |
| #73 | Concorde Career Institute 600 E Lamar Blvd #200, Arlington, TX 76011 (817) 261-1594 | 79.95 | Request Information |
| #74 | Galen College of Nursing 7411 John Smith Dr #300, San Antonio, TX 78229 (210) 733-3056 | 79.19 | Request Information |
| #75 | Odessa College - Monahans 806 South Dwight, Monahans, TX 79756 (432) 335-6390 | 70.48 | Request Information |
| #76 | Brightwood College - San Antonio 6441 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78213 (866) 543-0208 | 70.31 | Request Information |
| #77 | The College of Health Care Professions 240 Northwest Mall, Houston, TX 77092 (800) 487-6728 | 59.30 | Request Information |
| #78 | Bell Tech Career Institute 14602 Presidio Square Boulevard, Houston, TX 77083 (713) 636-2659 | 51.52 | Request Information |
Programs Not Included In Rankings
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| CyberTex Institute of Technology 6300 La Calma Dr. Suite 350, Austin, TX 78752 (512) 454-6116 | Request Information |
| The Vocational Nursing Institute, Inc. 11201 Steeple Park Drive, Houston, TX 77065 (832) 237-2525 | Request Information |
2017 Texas LVN Program NCLEX-PN Pass Rates
- Total NCLEX-PN Takers = 4,590
- Total NCLEX-PN Passers = 3,968
- Total NCLEX-PN Pass Rate = 86.84%
Additional TX Nursing Resources
- Texas Board of Nursing
333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 305-7400
- Texas Nursing Association
8501 N. MoPac Expy. Suite 400
Austin TX 78759
Phone: (512) 452-0645
Recent Articles
Conflict Resolution for the Licensed Practical Nurse
The role of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Licensed Vocation Nurse in some states, is challenging on many levels…
Specialty Certification for LPNs
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are a valuable member of the healthcare team. They often serve as the eyes and ears…
LPN Employment Outlook: 2018 to Future
Licensed Practical Nurses, or LPNs, are nurses who perform direct patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Nurses have…
California LVN Licensure and Challenging the Boards
The United States is currently in the midst of a nursing shortage. Demand for healthcare services, current health care legislation…
LPN Role During a Code Blue
Nurses are often the first responders to Code Blues. They are the ones at the bedside around the clock, and…