Best LVN Programs in San Antonio 2026

Find Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs in San Antonio, Texas with details on schools, coursework, tuition, and clinical training. Learn about licensing requirements and nursing career opportunities in the San Antonio area.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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San Antonio Texas LVN programs offering vocational nursing education and hands-on clinical experience for entry-level nursing roles

2026 Best LVN Programs in San Antonio, TX

If you want to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in San Antonio, TX, you need a great program to start your career. At practicalnursing.org, we have researched and ranked the best LVN programs in the area to help you make a smart choice. Our list includes schools with strong training, good support for students, and high success rates. We focus on what matters most to future nurses, like hands-on experience and job placement help. Check out our detailed rankings to find the right fit for you and take the first step toward your nursing goals. https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Hallmark University

San Antonio, TX - Private 4-year - hallmarkuniversity.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Hallmark University's 12-month Vocational Nursing program in San Antonio provides intensive, campus-based training focused on comprehensive patient care across diverse healthcare environments. With small class sizes and clinical rotations at leading local hospitals, students develop essential skills in medical-surgical, pediatric, maternal-newborn, and mental health nursing. The program emphasizes NCLEX-PN preparation and includes pharmacology, anatomy, and leadership components. Approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and a candidate for ACEN accreditation, it requires TEAS exam scores, background checks, immunizations, and BLS certification for admission. Financial aid options make this an accessible pathway to nursing licensure.

  • 12-month program.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Approved by Texas BON.
  • Clinicals at top hospitals.
  • Candidate for ACEN accreditation.
  • Affordable tuition options.
  • Financial aid available.
  • TEAS test required.
  • Background check needed.
  • Physical exam required.
#2

Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio

San Antonio, TX - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio offers a campus-based Practical Nursing program that prepares students for LVN licensure and the NCLEX-PN exam. This program can be completed in just 12 months with full-time study or 21 months part-time, featuring four annual start dates for flexible enrollment. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical training and practice-based coursework to build essential nursing skills. Admission requires proof of graduation and an entrance assessment, with financial aid options available to support students. No specific concentration is highlighted, focusing instead on comprehensive practical nursing education for career readiness.

  • 12 months full-time completion.
  • 21 months part-time option.
  • On-campus classes.
  • Starts four times a year.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Engaging clinical coursework.
  • Practice-based training.
  • Proof of graduation required.
  • Entrance assessment needed.
  • Financial aid available.
#3

The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - chcp.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Vocational Nursing Certificate Program at The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest in San Antonio provides comprehensive LVN training through a 48-week curriculum. Students develop essential nursing competencies including patient care, medication administration, and medical terminology. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical externships under experienced healthcare professionals, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN® exam. With flexible scheduling and comprehensive support services, this campus-based program offers a direct pathway to licensure and employment in various healthcare settings under RN or physician 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.
#4

San Antonio College

San Antonio, TX - Public 4-Year - alamo.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

San Antonio College's 12-month Vocational Nursing program provides comprehensive training for aspiring LVNs through campus-based instruction. Students develop essential clinical skills in patient care and medication administration while completing rotations at local healthcare facilities. The curriculum emphasizes legal nursing practices and prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, with the program maintaining high pass rates and strong employment outcomes. Prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and developmental psychology courses. Financial assistance options are available for qualified candidates, and the program holds approval from the Texas Board of Nursing.

  • 12-month program duration.
  • Full-time, campus-based learning.
  • High NCLEX-VN pass rates.
  • Hands-on clinical experience.
  • Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Strong job placement rates.
  • Prerequisites include anatomy, nutrition.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Approved by Texas Board of Nursing.
  • Focus on patient safety and care.
#5

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 12-month Practical Nursing Certificate Program provides comprehensive on-campus training for entry-level roles, emphasizing patient care, medical terminology, and anatomy. Students gain hands-on experience in vital signs, medication administration, and patient advocacy, preparing them for the NCLEX-PN exam. Financial aid is available, making this an accessible option for those pursuing a fast-track nursing career without requiring entrance exams.

  • 12-month program.
  • On-campus delivery.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN.
  • Hands-on patient care training.
  • Financial aid available.
#6

Concorde Career College-San Antonio

San Antonio, TX - Private 2-year - concorde.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Practical / Vocational Nursing Diploma Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Concorde Career College-San Antonio's Practical/Vocational Nursing Diploma Program is a 13-month campus-based course that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN/VN exams. Emphasizing hands-on clinical rotations, it teaches patient care, lab test skills, and collaboration with healthcare teams. The curriculum covers preventive, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and restorative nursing. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students, making it an accessible route to becoming a Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse in San Antonio.

  • 13-month program duration.
  • Hands-on nursing curriculum.
  • Prepares for NCLEX-PN/VN exams.
  • Focus on patient care skills.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Scholarship opportunities.
  • Clinical rotations included.
  • State-approved program.
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Skills in lab tests.
#7

St Philip's College

San Antonio, TX - Public 2-Year - alamo.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

St. Philip's College offers a 12-month, full-time Vocational Nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and LVN licensure. Combining classroom learning with clinical rotations in San Antonio healthcare facilities, the curriculum emphasizes patient safety, compassionate care, and legal nursing practices. Admission requires prerequisite completion and passing the TEAS exam. As an HBCU, the program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and focuses on hands-on skills for diverse healthcare settings.

  • 12-month full-time program.
  • Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam.
  • Combines classroom and clinical experiences.
  • Approved by Texas Board of Nursing.
  • Focus on patient safety and care.
  • Requires TEAS exam for admission.
  • Hands-on experience in healthcare facilities.
  • Prepares for Licensed Vocational Nurse role.
  • Strong emphasis on compassionate care.
  • Curriculum covers legal nursing aspects.
#8

Lamson Institute

San Antonio, TX - Private 2-year - lamson.edu

Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lamson Institute's 12-month Vocational Nursing program in San Antonio offers a fast-track path to licensure through its 72.5 quarter-credit curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience in medication administration, IV starts, and electronic health record management while studying anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care across geriatric, pediatric, and maternity specialties. The program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam and requires only a high school diploma or GED for admission, positioning students to enter San Antonio's growing healthcare workforce with practical skills in vital signs measurement, catheterization, and lab specimen collection.

  • 12-month program
  • 72.5 quarter-credits
  • Hands-on training
  • NCLEX-PN exam prep
  • Covers pharmacology
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Patient care skills
  • Electronic health records
  • High school diploma required
  • Campus-based learning
#9

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, TX, provides comprehensive training for aspiring LPNs through a campus-based curriculum that integrates classroom learning, lab work, and clinical rotations. It emphasizes essential nursing skills, patient care, and pharmacology, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. With small class sizes, the program offers personalized attention, making it suitable for CNAs/STNAs looking to advance their careers. Financial aid is available for eligible students, supporting a focused path into the nursing field without requiring entrance exams.

  • 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.
#10

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 designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as an LVN. This campus-based program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, covering essential skills from patient care and medical terminology to pharmacology and mental health nursing. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED, immunizations, a clean criminal record, and the TEAS entrance exam. Accredited by ABHES, the program includes career services and externship opportunities, with financial aid available to eligible students.

  • 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.
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

San Antonio LVN Program Overview

Licensed Vocational Nurses play a vital role in San Antonio’s healthcare system by delivering direct, hands-on care under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. LVNs assist with medication administration, wound care, monitoring vital signs, and patient education, which supports care continuity across hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, and outpatient clinics throughout the city.

San Antonio’s healthcare landscape includes large integrated systems and major referral centers that serve South Texas, creating consistent opportunities for entry-level nursing roles. Clinical learning and employment for LVNs commonly occur across settings such as University Health’s facilities, Methodist Healthcare and Baptist Health System hospitals, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa sites, federal hospitals like Brooke Army Medical Center and the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, as well as numerous skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, primary care clinics, and home health agencies.

  • Hospitals and specialty units, including medical-surgical, telemetry, and rehabilitation
  • Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
  • Home health and hospice services across Bexar County and surrounding areas
  • Community health centers and outpatient clinics

Labor market data from government sources indicate a stable need for LVNs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady national employment growth for licensed practical and vocational nurses, and Texas is among the states with the highest employment levels for this occupation. In a large, growing metro area like San Antonio, population growth, an aging population, and the breadth of care settings sustain ongoing demand for LVN graduates.

San Antonio LVN programs are typically designed to be completed in about 12 months for full-time students. Many schools also offer extended or part-time options that may take 18 to 24 months, which can be helpful for working adults. Curricula generally include nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, gerontology, maternal-child health, mental health concepts, and clinical rotations across local healthcare sites.

Texas requires graduation from a state-approved vocational nursing program and passing the NCLEX-PN for licensure. The Texas Board of Nursing approves LVN programs, grants Authorization to Test for the NCLEX-PN, and oversees additional requirements such as the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam and fingerprint-based background checks. Many San Antonio programs integrate NCLEX-PN preparation through proctored practice exams, simulation, and competency-based skills assessments to help students meet Texas licensure standards.

Employment Opportunities for LVNs in San Antonio

The healthcare employment landscape for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in San Antonio, Texas, is robust and demonstrates a strong demand for these professionals. The state of Texas currently employs approximately 67,610 LVNs, with projections indicating a need for around 77,500 by 2030. San Antonio, in particular, exhibits a higher concentration of LVNs compared to the national average. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 5% growth in LPN/LVN employment from 2022 to 2032.

LVNs in San Antonio can find diverse employment opportunities across various healthcare settings. Common types of facilities that actively hire include:

  • Nursing and Residential Care Facilities:These are significant employers, encompassing skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, and assisted living facilities.
  • Hospitals:LVNs are sought for roles in various hospital units, such as emergency rooms, labor and delivery, operating rooms, and intensive care units.
  • Home Health Agencies:These provide personalized patient care within private residences.
  • Physicians’ Offices and Private Practices:Outpatient settings consistently offer positions for LVNs.
  • Rehabilitation Centers:Facilities like Warm Springs San Antonio Medical Center Rehab hire LVNs to support patient recovery.
  • Senior Living Facilities:Continuing Care Retirement Communities and similar establishments frequently employ LVNs.
  • Plasma Donation Centers:Companies such as BioLife regularly hire LVNs for their centers.
  • Correctional Facilities:Opportunities are available for LVNs in detention health care services.
  • Outpatient Care Centers and Clinics:These fast-paced environments also provide numerous employment avenues for LVNs.

Several prominent healthcare systems and organizations are known for hiring LVNs in the San Antonio area. These major employers include University Health, CHRISTUS Health, Optum / WellMed, HCA Healthcare, and Molina Healthcare. Other significant employers that contribute to the LVN job market include Touchstone Communities, BioLife (a subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.), Klarus Hospice / Jet Health, Inc., and Aveanna Healthcare.

Additionally, staffing agencies play a crucial role in connecting LVNs with opportunities across various facilities, including acute care centers, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care centers, rehabilitation facilities, behavioral health centers, home health, and urgent care clinics. Examples include Wisestaff LLC, which places professionals at facilities like San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), LanceSoft, and NurseDash, which specializes in PRN (as needed) opportunities.

List of LVN Programs in San Antonio, TX

If you're looking to start a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in San Antonio, TX, you have several great schools to choose from. Each program offers unique features to help you succeed. Below, you'll find a table listing these schools, their locations in San Antonio, key program highlights, and direct links to learn more about each one. This makes it easy to compare your options and find the right fit for your nursing education goals.
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San Antonio, TX

Concorde Career College-San Antonio

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical / Vocational Nursing Diploma Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 13-month program duration.
    • Hands-on nursing curriculum.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN/VN exams.
    • Focus on patient care skills.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Scholarship opportunities.
    • Clinical rotations included.
    • State-approved program.

Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio

  • Certificate/Diploma - Practical Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12 months full-time completion.
    • 21 months part-time option.
    • On-campus classes.
    • Starts four times a year.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
    • Engaging clinical coursework.
    • Practice-based training.
    • Proof of graduation required.

Hallmark University

  • Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month program.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Approved by Texas BON.
    • Clinicals at top hospitals.
    • Candidate for ACEN accreditation.
    • Affordable tuition options.
    • Financial aid available.
    • TEAS test required.

Lamson Institute

  • Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month program
    • 72.5 quarter-credits
    • Hands-on training
    • NCLEX-PN exam prep
    • Covers pharmacology
    • Anatomy and physiology
    • Patient care skills
    • Electronic health records

San Antonio College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month program duration.
    • Full-time, campus-based learning.
    • High NCLEX-VN pass rates.
    • Hands-on clinical experience.
    • Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam.
    • Strong job placement rates.
    • Prerequisites include anatomy, nutrition.
    • Financial aid available.

St Philip's College

  • Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-month full-time program.
    • Eligible for NCLEX-PN exam.
    • Combines classroom and clinical experiences.
    • Approved by Texas Board of Nursing.
    • Focus on patient safety and care.
    • Requires TEAS exam for admission.
    • Hands-on experience in healthcare facilities.
    • Prepares for Licensed Vocational Nurse role.

The College of Health Care Professions-San Antonio

  • Certificate/Diploma - Vocational Nursing Certificate Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 48-week program duration.
    • Campus-based learning.
    • Hands-on externship experience.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-PN exam.
    • Comprehensive nursing skills training.
    • Patient care techniques.
    • Medical terminology included.
    • Pharmacology basics covered.
*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.