
Best LVN Programs 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 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.
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
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, 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.
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 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.
South Plains College - Plainview

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.
St. Philip's College - New Braunfels

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.
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. The curriculum includes courses such as Health Care Concepts and Professional Nursing Competencies.
Trinity Valley Community College - Palestine

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.
Texarkana College

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.
Baptist Health System School of Health Professions

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.
Frank Phillips College

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.
Howard College - Big Spring

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.
Hill College - Hillsboro

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.
Odessa College - Andrews

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.
South Plains College - Reese Center

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.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

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.
Trinity Valley Community College - Kaufman

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.
Victoria College - Victoria

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.
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 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.
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 quality vocational nursing program that produces caring, patient-centered LVNs.
Odessa College - Monahans

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.
CyberTex Institute of Technology

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.
Temple College - Taylor

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.
Cisco College

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.
Temple College - Temple

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.
Laredo Community College

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.
Amarillo College

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.
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 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.
El Paso Community College

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.
Navarro College - Waxahachie

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.
San Jacinto College - North

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.
Rio Grande Valley College

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.
Continued List of All Programs in Texas
Ranked | Program | Score |
---|---|---|
#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
- 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
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.
Area | Total Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington | 14,900 | $26.59 | $55,320 |
Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land | 12,160 | $26.65 | $55,420 |
San Antonio, New Braunfels | 5,780 | $25.93 | $53,940 |
Austin, Round Rock | 3,130 | $27.17 | $56,510 |
McAllen, Edinburg, Mission | 1,970 | $22.95 | $47,730 |
El Paso | 1,750 | $22.95 | $47,730 |
Brownsville, Harlingen | 1,210 | $22.93 | $47,690 |
Killeen, Temple | 1,190 | $25.64 | $53,320 |
Beaumont, Port Arthur | 1,110 | $23.83 | $49,560 |
Lubbock | 1,110 | $23.84 | $49,590 |
Corpus Christi | 1,020 | $24.52 | $51,000 |
Tyler | 890 | $24.28 | $50,510 |
Amarillo | 770 | $23.78 | $49,460 |
College Station, Bryan | 770 | $23.08 | $48,000 |
Wichita Falls | 700 | $23.27 | $48,390 |
Waco | 670 | $25.13 | $52,270 |
Abilene | 650 | $22.92 | $47,680 |
Longview | 630 | $24.01 | $49,930 |
Texarkana | 610 | $21.60 | $44,930 |
Laredo | 530 | $23.43 | $48,740 |
Midland | 420 | $26.25 | $54,610 |
Sherman, Denison | 410 | $24.26 | $50,460 |
San Angelo | 330 | $23.79 | $49,470 |
Victoria | 330 | $24.09 | $50,110 |
Odessa | 260 | $25.33 | $52,680 |