Best Texas LVN to RN/BSN Programs 2026

Texas provides LVN to RN programs designed to transition vocational nurses into registered nursing roles. Students complete advanced coursework, simulation labs, and hospital-based training. Programs prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue licensure.

Written by Jane Dewy and Edited by The PracticalNursing.org Editorial Team.
Expert Guide Verified updated on May 29th, 2025.
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Texas LVN to RN programs provide hands-on training and advanced nursing education.

2027 Best LVN to RN Programs in Texas

We at practicalnursing.org have put together this list of the best LVN to RN programs in Texas. These programs help licensed vocational nurses become registered nurses, opening doors to better pay and more career options. We looked at factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, cost, and flexibility to create a helpful ranking. Whether studying in a big city or a small town, Texas has many solid choices. Our goal is to give a clear starting point for making a smart decision. For the full breakdown of how we ranked these schools, check out our methodology page: https://www.practicalnursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX - Public 4-Year - tarleton.edu

Associate - LVN-BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Tarleton State University offers a four-semester LVN-to-BSN bridge program delivered in a hybrid format. Licensed vocational nurses complete online didactic coursework and attend in-person clinicals, labs, and simulation experiences at multiple North Central Texas sites. The curriculum advances patient care, leadership, and evidence-based practice, culminating in eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. The program begins in the fall and includes proctored exams at designated times, making it suitable for working LVNs seeking flexible advancement. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and qualify for RN licensure.

  • 4-Semester program
  • Starts fall
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Hybrid online and in-person format
  • Online didactic component
  • In-person clinicals and simulation
  • Clinical sites in North Central Texas
  • Proctored exams at designated times
  • Designed for current LVNs
  • Eligible for RN licensure

Bachelor's - LVN to BSN

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Tarleton State University's LVN-to-BSN track is a four-semester program that requires the HESI entrance exam for admission instead of the ACT or SAT. Students begin clinical practice in the Junior I semester, rotating through hospitals and health agencies across multiple Texas cities, with travel up to 75 miles. The curriculum covers natural and behavioral sciences, building on LVN knowledge to prepare for the NCLEX-RN. Graduates often secure hospital positions before finishing; starting salaries range from $45,760 to $64,480. Tarleton supports students with faculty advisors and 11 endowed nursing scholarships totaling approximately $55,000 annually. Financial aid is also available, making this an attractive option for career-focused LVNs.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 4-Semester program
  • $45,760-$64,480 per year
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships available
  • Clinical experience beginning Junior I semester
  • Travel up to 75 miles to clinical sites
  • BSN preferred by employers
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Grayson College

Denison, TX - Public 4-Year - grayson.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Transitional Entry (LVN-RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Grayson College's ADN Transitional Entry (LVN-RN) bridge program offers two tracks: an accelerated hybrid cohort (12 months) for experienced LVNs, paramedics, and military personnel, and a traditional in-person track (1.5 years) for those without prior experience. The curriculum features a bridge transition semester in skills and clinicals, followed by adult health, OB/pediatrics, mental health, community health, and leadership. Weekly clinical rotations occur at sites in Sherman, Denison, and Oklahoma. Graduates sit for the NCLEX-RN. Admission is competitive with a points system, requiring anatomy/physiology, college algebra, a 2.5 GPA, and an entrance exam. Small cohorts and faculty advisors support student success.

  • 2 concentration options
  • Entrance exam required
  • 60 total credit hours
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts fall/spring
  • Cohort-based structure
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Hybrid and in-person cohort options
#3

Southwestern Adventist University

Keene, TX - Private 4-year - swau.edu

Bachelor's - LVN to B.S. Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southwestern Adventist University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, offers a campus-based LVN to B.S. Nursing bridge program in Texas. Designed for licensed vocational nurses, admission requires a current LVN license and at least one year of hospital or long-term care experience. The 120-credit curriculum encompasses 53 credits in nursing major requirements, 31 cognate credits, and 28-34 general education credits. Core courses include physical assessment, medical-surgical nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology, child health, mental health, maternal-newborn, leadership, population health, and a capstone. Students also complete anatomy, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, psychology, and sociology. Transfer students receive credit for prior work after completing 12 credits at the university. The program does not specify SAT/ACT entrance exam requirements. Application dates and costs vary.

  • LVN to B.S. Nursing bridge.
  • Campus-based program.
  • Requires current LVN license.
  • One-year work experience needed.
  • 120 total credits required.
  • 53 major requirement credits.
  • 31 cognate course credits.
  • 28-34 general education credits.
  • Includes LVN to BS Nursing Bridge course.
  • Courses in physical assessment.
#4

Northeast Texas Community College

Mount Pleasant, TX - Public 2-Year - ntcc.edu

Associate - Transition to Professional Nursing, AAS

Campus Based - Visit Website

Northeast Texas Community College offers a three-semester Transition to Professional Nursing AAS designed for LVNs and paramedics seeking RN licensure. This campus-based program requires 60 credit hours and uses a concept-based curriculum covering clinical judgment, fluid/electrolyte balance, gas exchange, immunity, and professional nursing roles. Students gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings and are prepared for the NCLEX-RN. The TEAS entrance exam is required, along with prerequisite courses. Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, outpatient facilities, and residential care. With a median RN salary of $77,600 and 9% projected job growth, this accelerated pathway provides a practical route to advancing nursing credentials.

  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3-Semester program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts summer
  • $77,600 median earnings
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Designed for LVNs and Paramedics
#5

Hill College

Hillsboro, TX - Public 2-Year - hillcollege.edu

Associate - LVN and Paramedic Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Transition

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hill College offers a hybrid ADN Transition track tailored for LVNs and paramedics seeking RN licensure. Combining online theory—via discussions, case studies, and scenarios—with scheduled on-campus exams and 12 hours of weekly clinical practice, this flexible format supports working professionals. Prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Lifespan Growth & Development, Composition I, and College Algebra, each requiring a B or better. The program culminates in NCLEX-RN eligibility, preparing graduates for hospital, clinic, and multidisciplinary settings. With limited statewide availability, this hybrid structure directly addresses nursing shortages. The inaugural cohort begins June 6; applications close April 1. Prospective students must hold a valid Texas LVN license.

  • Apply by 2022-04-01
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Hybrid format with online theory
  • First cohort starts June 6
  • Requires valid Texas LVN license
  • 12 hours clinical per week
  • Designed for working students
  • One of few hybrid programs statewide
*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2025 data files.

Texas LVN to RN Program Overview

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

In Texas, LVN to RN bridge pathways admit currently licensed vocational nurses who are ready to advance to Registered Nurse practice. Common requirements include:

  • Active, unencumbered Texas LVN license or a multistate LVN license recognized in Texas under the Nurse Licensure Compact.
  • Completion of college prerequisites with minimum grade requirements, often including Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, English Composition, Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and college-level Math or Statistics.
  • Proof of current immunizations and clinical clearance consistent with Texas requirements for students in health-related programs, along with BLS for Healthcare Providers, drug screening, and a criminal background check.
  • Placement testing or demonstration of college readiness as required by the institution.
  • Many bridge tracks require recent LVN work experience and offer advanced placement based on prior learning, skills validation, and standardized exams.

After program completion, RN licensure in Texas requires passing the NCLEX-RN, a criminal background check and fingerprints, and the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam administered by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Program Curriculum and Accreditation

LVN to RN curricula in Texas are designed to build on vocational nursing experience while preparing students for the broader RN scope of practice. Expect a focused transition course into the RN role followed by:

  • Health assessment, pathophysiology, and advanced pharmacology for safe clinical decision-making.
  • Adult medical-surgical nursing across acute and chronic conditions.
  • Maternal-newborn and pediatric nursing.
  • Mental health and community or population health nursing.
  • Leadership, management, interprofessional communication, and evidence-based practice.
  • Supervised clinical experiences in hospitals and community settings, with simulation and skills labs per Board rules.

In Texas, RN programs must be approved by the state Board of Nursing for graduates to be eligible for licensure. Many schools also hold programmatic accreditation from bodies such as ACEN or CCNE and institutional accreditation from regional accreditors. Accreditation supports credit transfer, access to financial aid, graduate school admission, and employer recognition across Texas health systems.

LVN to RN Schools and Classes

Across Texas, bridge options are available at public community and state colleges that award the Associate Degree in Nursing, and at public universities that offer LVN to BSN pathways. Some private institutions also operate Board-approved programs. Admission competitiveness, prerequisite sequencing, and advanced placement policies vary by school.

Coursework typically includes transition to professional nursing, comprehensive health assessment with lab, complex adult medical-surgical care, maternal-child health, pediatrics, mental health, community health, and leadership. You will learn to perform comprehensive assessments, develop and manage nursing plans of care, administer and titrate medications, coordinate interprofessional care, educate patients and families, and apply evidence-based practice. Clinical rotations emphasize progressive responsibility in direct patient care, delegation and supervision, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN.

Career Outlook

RNs in Texas work in hospitals, ambulatory clinics, long-term and post-acute care, home health, hospice, schools, public health, and telehealth. Demand is driven by population growth, aging demographics, and expansion of outpatient services, with opportunities in both metropolitan and rural regions. Work schedules vary by setting and may include 12-hour shifts, standard weekday hours, or weekend options, allowing different approaches to work-life balance.

Compared with LVN practice, the RN role in Texas includes comprehensive assessment, nursing diagnosis, care planning, patient education, and broader delegation and leadership responsibilities. This expanded scope can open pathways to specialty practice, charge roles, and future graduate study for advanced practice or nursing leadership.

LVN to RN Program Length

  • Full-time LVN to ADN bridge: commonly three to four academic terms after prerequisites, often 12 to 18 months of nursing coursework.
  • Part-time LVN to ADN bridge: extended plan of study for working LVNs, often 18 to 24 months of nursing coursework after prerequisites.
  • Evening and weekend options: select programs schedule labs and clinicals outside traditional hours; overall time to completion is similar to part-time tracks.
  • LVN to BSN pathways: usually longer than ADN bridges due to additional upper-division nursing and general education requirements, with timelines based on transferred credits.

Total time depends on how many prerequisites you have completed, advanced placement awarded for LVN experience, and the program’s clinical scheduling.

2027 Fastest LVN to RN Programs in Texas

Working as an LVN in Texas means juggling shifts and responsibilities. For nurses ready to advance, time is often the biggest hurdle. That's why the fastest LVN to RN programs matter. They let nurses build on experience without putting life on hold. The quickest path to an Associate or Bachelor's degree means less time out of the workforce and more time earning a higher salary. In big cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, these accelerated options help meet the growing demand for RNs. Every semester counts. Choosing a faster program can make a real difference in a nursing career.
School NameHighlightsRetention & Grad Rates
Northeast Texas Community College
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • 3-Semester program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • 1 start dates per year
  • Starts summer
  • $77,600 median earnings
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 :1
West Coast University-Los Angeles
  • 34-month program length.
  • On-campus delivery format.
  • 120 total credit hours.
  • 9 advanced placement credits.
  • Simulation labs for skill development.
  • Clinical experience at local facilities.
  • Streamlined curriculum includes prerequisites.
  • No-cost NCLEX tutoring.
  • Graduation Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17 :1
Tarleton State University
  • 4-Semester program
  • Starts fall
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Hybrid online and in-person format
  • Online didactic component
  • In-person clinicals and simulation
  • Clinical sites in North Central Texas
  • Proctored exams at designated times
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Student to Faculty Ratio: 20 :1
*Credit: NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2025.

Tuition and Costs

Tuition in Texas varies by institution type, residency status, and the number of transfer credits applied:

  • Public community and state colleges offering LVN to ADN bridges generally provide the lowest in-state tuition.
  • Public universities offering LVN to BSN tracks typically have higher upper-division tuition and fees.
  • Private institutions may have the highest tuition but may offer different scheduling or delivery formats.

Plan for additional costs beyond tuition, including textbooks and digital resources, uniforms and clinical supplies, immunizations and health clearances, background checks and fingerprints, skills lab fees, liability insurance, and application and testing fees for NCLEX-RN and Texas RN licensure. Housing and living costs vary significantly across Texas; large metros generally have higher rents than smaller cities and rural areas. Commuting, parking, and childcare are common budgeting considerations for working LVNs returning to school.

2027 Affordable LVN to RN Programs in Texas

We created this table in 2027 to introduce LVN to RN programs across Texas. These programs help licensed vocational nurses become registered nurses. Students can choose between associate and bachelor's degree paths. One important point is the cost of these programs. Picking an affordable option can reduce financial stress. The table lists each school's program highlights and cost range. This makes it easier to compare choices. Whether studying in Houston, Dallas, or smaller Texas towns, there are many ways to move forward. We hope this helps find a cost-effective route to a nursing career.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
College of the Mainland
  • ACEN accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: HESI
  • 2 start dates per year
  • Starts summer/fall
  • 95% licensure pass rate
  • 2.8 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • $2,800 - $4,100 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $3,300 - $5,000 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Laredo College
  • ACEN, Texas Board of Nursing accredited
  • Entrance exam required
  • Exams: TEAS
  • Complete in one & a half year
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Apply by 2025-09-05
  • Starts spring
  • 100% job placement rate
  • $3,600 - $5,400 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $4,600 - $6,900 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
Dallas College
  • 3-Semester program
  • Complete in 1.5 year/3 semester curriculum
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Full-time and part-time options
  • 3.0 GPA minimum
  • Prerequisite courses required
  • Capstone required
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • $3,700 - $5,600 (Undergrad In-State)
  • $5,500 - $8,300 (Undergrad Non-Resident)
*Information derived from: IPEDS 2025 survey, conducted by NCES.

Can I Take LPN to RN Classes Online?

Texas allows didactic coursework to be delivered in various formats, including online, hybrid, and in person, when consistent with Board of Nursing requirements. However, all prelicensure RN pathways must include hands-on skills labs and supervised clinical experiences. Fully online LVN to RN programs without in-person clinical and skills components are not available because direct patient care and on-site competency validation are required for Board approval and licensure eligibility.

Hybrid bridge formats are common: lectures and some coursework online, with on-campus skills intensives and clinical rotations at approved Texas clinical sites. In-person programs remain widely available for students who prefer face-to-face instruction. Working LVNs often choose hybrid or evening/weekend clinical schedules to balance employment with progression toward RN licensure.

LVN to RN Licensure Requirements in Texas

NCLEX-RN Exam Information

After completing an LVN to ADN or LVN to BSN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as a Registered Nurse in Texas. Register for the exam through NCLEX and apply to the Texas Board of Nursing at the same time. Texas requires completion of the online Nursing Jurisprudence Examination before you will be made eligible to test. Once your education is verified, fingerprints are cleared, and you are registered for the NCLEX, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) to schedule your exam. The Board posts results after receipt from the testing program; optional “quick results” from the exam vendor are unofficial. If you do not pass, Texas provides re-examination steps consistent with the exam program’s retest policy.

RN Reciprocity and Nurse Licensure Compact

Texas licenses qualified RNs by endorsement if you hold a current RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and have passed the NCLEX-RN. Endorsement requires a Texas application, verification of your current license, a fingerprint-based background check, and the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination. A temporary license may be available while your endorsement is processed.

Texas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. If Texas is your primary state of residence and you meet the Compact’s uniform licensure requirements, your Texas RN license will be multistate, allowing practice in other Compact states without additional licenses. Nurses permanently relocating to Texas from another Compact state must apply for a Texas multistate license; the former multistate license is inactivated when the Texas license is issued.

Licensure Requirements

The Texas Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure. For initial licensure by examination after an LVN to RN program, you must:

  • Graduate from a Board-approved RN program (ADN or BSN), including LVN to RN bridge programs.
  • Submit an application for RN licensure by examination and register for the NCLEX-RN.
  • Complete a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check.
  • Pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination.
  • Receive Authorization to Test and pass the NCLEX-RN.

Graduates educated outside the United States may have additional evaluation requirements. Applicants with a significant gap in practice may be required to complete a refresher course or extensive orientation before licensure or reactivation.

License Renewal

Texas RN licenses are renewed every two years and generally expire on the last day of your birth month. Complete required continuing education within the current renewal cycle before submitting renewal, and keep CE records for at least three consecutive renewal cycles for audit purposes.

  • General CE: 20 contact hours every two years, or maintain an approved national nursing certification to satisfy the requirement.
  • Nursing jurisprudence and ethics: 2 contact hours every third renewal.
  • Targeted CE based on role or setting, such as human trafficking prevention training approved by Texas HHSC (one-time), older adult or geriatric care if you routinely care for older adults, and forensic evidence collection for certain emergency settings.

Do not practice with an expired license. Late renewal is available with additional fees; extended lapses can require reactivation steps before returning to practice.

Average LVN State Salary in Texas

$60,020

2024 LVN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average RN State Salary in Texas

$91,690

2024 RN Pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

VS

LVN to ADN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Typically 12 to 18 months.

Credential Awarded:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing.

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

This pathway is designed to build upon the existing knowledge and skills of an LVN, preparing them for the broader scope of practice of a Registered Nurse. The curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning, patient-centered care across the lifespan, and the technical skills necessary for various healthcare settings.

Average In-State Tuition in Texas:

Varies by institution, but generally ranges from approximately $6,100 to $18,420 for the entire program.

Best For:

LVNs who wish to become an RN quickly and affordably, with the option to pursue a BSN at a later time.

School Types:

Community colleges and technical colleges are the primary providers of LVN to ADN bridge programs in Texas.

LVN to BSN Bridge Program

Program Length:

Can range from as little as 18 months to 34 months.

Credential Awarded:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

NCLEX-RN Eligibility:

Yes.

Program Focus:

These programs expand on the LVN's experience to provide a broader education in nursing theory, research, leadership, and public health. The curriculum is designed to prepare nurses for a wider range of clinical and leadership roles.

Average In-State Tuition in Texas:

Tuition varies significantly between public and private institutions. For example, Prairie View A&M University lists an in-state cost of $5,538.81 per semester, while a private institution like West Coast University has a total estimated program cost of over $100,000.

Best For:

LVNs who are planning for long-term career growth, seeking leadership or specialized roles, and intend to pursue graduate-level nursing education.

School Types:

Universities, often through a hybrid of online and in-person instruction to accommodate working professionals.

Choose LVN→ADN If:

  • Faster Completion Time: Programs can be completed in as little as one year, allowing for a quicker transition to an RN role and earning potential.
  • Lower Cost: Tuition and fees at community and technical colleges are generally more affordable than university tuition, making it a more financially accessible option.
  • Immediate Career Advancement: Graduates can immediately sit for the NCLEX-RN and begin working as a Registered Nurse, increasing their scope of practice and salary.
  • Flexible Foundation: An ADN serves as a solid foundation for a nursing career and provides the option to later enroll in an RN to BSN bridge program, often with flexible online formats.

Choose LVN→BSN If:

  • Expanded Career Opportunities: A BSN is often preferred or required by hospitals and healthcare employers, particularly for leadership, specialized, and magnet hospital positions.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Nurses with a BSN generally have a higher long-term earning potential compared to those with an ADN.
  • Foundation for Advanced Degrees: A BSN is the necessary stepping stone for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a doctoral degree to become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist.
  • In-depth Knowledge and Skills: The BSN curriculum provides a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice, nursing research, and leadership, which can lead to improved patient outcomes.

List of LVN to RN Programs in Texas

Below is a list of LVN to RN programs in Texas. Each entry includes the school's location, program highlights, and a link to the program page. These programs help licensed vocational nurses advance their careers and become registered nurses. We've gathered this information to make comparing options easier. Look through the table to find a program that fits your needs and goals. Take time to review the details and choose the right path for your nursing career.
Jump to City:

Alvin, TX

Alvin Community College

  • Associate - LVN-ADN Transition

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • 1-year accelerated program
    • Clinical affiliates in Houston-Galveston
    • High first-time NCLEX pass rates
    • Transfer agreements for RN-BSN
    • Preceptorship experience in capstone

Amarillo, TX

Amarillo College

  • Associate - Transition LVN to RN - Associate Degree Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Texas Board of Nursing approved
    • Prepares for entry-level RN roles
    • Immunizations and CPR required
    • Criminal background check required
    • ACEN accredited until Fall 2027

Baytown, TX

Lee College

  • Associate - LVN-ADN track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • 3.5 semester track
    • Two-step competitive admission
  • Associate - LVN-RN transition track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Clinical affiliates in Houston-Galveston region
    • Prepares for RN licensure exam
    • Campus-based nursing program
    • ADN degree awarded
    • Curriculum meets many state requirements

Big Spring, TX

Howard College

  • Associate - Transition LVN to RN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 12-Month program
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/spring
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX

Brenham, TX

Blinn College District

  • Associate - LVN-Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Program start shifted to August
    • Transition to RN in fall semester
    • Contact phone: 979-691-2012

Brownsville, TX

Texas Southmost College

  • Associate - LVN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Texas Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Starts summer
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required

Cisco, TX

Cisco College

  • Associate - LVN to RN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 12-Month program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts spring/fall
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required

Corpus Christi, TX

Del Mar College

  • Associate - LVN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • Apply through NursingCAS
    • Once-yearly application deadline January 31
    • Contact: [email protected]

Corsicana, TX

Navarro College

  • Associate - LVN to RN Bridge Option

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN, Texas Board of Nursing accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in one-year curriculum
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Work experience required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Requires 6+ months LVN work experience
    • Transfer opportunities to RN-to-BSN programs

Dallas, TX

Dallas College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing A.A.S. (LVN-RN Advanced Placement Program Option)

    Concentration: LVN-RN Advanced Placement - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 3-Semester program
    • Complete in 1.5 year/3 semester curriculum
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Denison, TX

Grayson College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Transitional Entry (LVN-RN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 2 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • Cohort-based structure
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

El Paso, TX

El Paso Community College

  • Associate - Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing – LVN-to-RN Transition

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Starts spring/fall
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Guaranteed entry for EPCC VN graduates
    • RN-to-BSN partnerships available
    • One-year program excluding prerequisites

Fort Worth, TX

Tarrant County College District

  • Associate - Fast-Track Option: Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entry for LVNs, paramedics, and medics
    • Associate Degree Nursing program
    • Health Science pathway

Gainesville, TX

North Central Texas College

  • Associate - LVN to ADN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 12-Month program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prepares for NCLEX
    • Mostly online coursework
    • On campus 1-2 days weekly
    • 8-week course segments

Hillsboro, TX

Hill College

  • Associate - LVN and Paramedic Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Transition

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Apply by 2022-04-01
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Hybrid format with online theory
    • First cohort starts June 6
    • Requires valid Texas LVN license
    • 12 hours clinical per week
    • Designed for working students
    • One of few hybrid programs statewide

Houston, TX

Houston Community College

  • Associate - LVN-to-RN transition program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Texas Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2-Year program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 80% job placement rate
    • 2.7 GPA minimum

The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest

  • Associate - LVN to ADN Nursing Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Houston-Northwest campus
    • On-campus program

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University

  • Bachelor's - LVN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • 122 total credit hours
    • 3.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Unencumbered LVN license required
    • Science courses valid for practicing LVNs
    • Core complete required by Fall 2025
    • Must earn 'C' or better in all NURS courses

Keene, TX

Southwestern Adventist University

  • Bachelor's - LVN to B.S. Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • LVN to B.S. Nursing bridge.
    • Campus-based program.
    • Requires current LVN license.
    • One-year work experience needed.
    • 120 total credits required.
    • 53 major requirement credits.
    • 31 cognate course credits.
    • 28-34 general education credits.

Laredo, TX

Laredo College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Transition Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN, Texas Board of Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • Complete in one & a half year
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Apply by 2025-09-05
    • Starts spring
    • 100% job placement rate

Levelland, TX

South Plains College

  • Associate - LVN and Paramedic to RN Bridging Transition Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 2.7 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX

Midland, TX

Midland College

  • Associate - LVN to ADN Transition Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Texas Board of Nursing accredited
    • 2 concentration options
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Semester program
    • Complete in accelerated schedule
    • Full-time enrollment
    • 1 start dates per year

Mount Pleasant, TX

Northeast Texas Community College

  • Associate - Transition to Professional Nursing, AAS

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 3-Semester program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • $77,600 median earnings
    • Prerequisite courses required

Paris, TX

Paris Junior College

  • Associate - LVN-to-RN Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 12-Month program
    • Starts fall
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • One-plus-one ladder model

Pasadena, TX

San Jacinto Community College

  • Associate - LVN/Paramedic to RN Transition Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN, Texas Board of Nursing accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • Complete in finishing in four semesters
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • NCLEX-RN preparation included

Richardson, TX

West Coast University-Dallas

  • Bachelor's - LVN/LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 34-month program length.
    • 9 advanced placement credits.
    • On-campus delivery format.
    • HESI score 76 required.
    • 120 total program credits.
    • Simulation labs included.
    • Clinical placement support.
    • NCLEX preparation tutoring.

San Antonio, TX

Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio

  • Associate - LPN/LVN to ADN Bridge

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 18-Month program
    • 4 start dates per year
    • $0 application fee
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available

San Antonio College

  • Associate - Career Mobility LVN to RN A.A.S.

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in one-year program
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 90% licensure pass rate
    • 98% job placement rate
    • 2.5 GPA minimum

St Philip's College

  • Associate - LVN/Military to A.D.N. Mobility Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 1-Year program
    • Apply by 2026-06-30
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring
    • 86% licensure pass rate

Stephenville, TX

Tarleton State University

  • Associate - LVN-BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 4-Semester program
    • Starts fall
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Hybrid online and in-person format
    • Online didactic component
    • In-person clinicals and simulation
    • Clinical sites in North Central Texas
    • Proctored exams at designated times
  • Bachelor's - LVN to BSN

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 4-Semester program
    • $45,760-$64,480 per year
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Clinical experience beginning Junior I semester

Temple, TX

Temple College

  • Associate - Bridging Advanced Placement Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts summer
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required

Texarkana, TX

Texarkana College

  • Associate - ADN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Requires one year LVN/LPN experience
    • Prior learning credit awarded
    • Comprehensive exit exam required
    • Criminal background check required
  • Associate - LVN/LPN to RN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • $8,949 total program tuition
    • 3-Semester program
    • 1 start dates per year
    • Starts spring
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Work experience required

Texas City, TX

College of the Mainland

  • Associate - LVN-RN Transition Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • 2 start dates per year
    • Starts summer/fall
    • 95% licensure pass rate
    • 2.8 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required

The Woodlands, TX

Lone Star College System

  • Associate - LVN/LP to ADN Transition Track

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • 3-Semester program
    • Full-time enrollment
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • In-person classes and labs
    • Web-assisted instruction
    • Clinical experiences included

Victoria, TX

Victoria College

  • Associate - LVN-ADN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN

Waco, TX

McLennan Community College

  • Associate - LVN to RN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: HESI
    • Apply by 2027-03-15
    • Starts summer
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Small class sizes
    • Clinical experience included

Texas State Technical College

  • Associate - LVN to RN Transition Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 12-Month program
    • Starts fall
    • $79,500 median earnings
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Small class sizes
    • Money-back tuition guarantee

Weatherford, TX

Weatherford College

  • Associate - LVN-RN Transition Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in one year - three consecutive semesters
    • 60 total credit hours
    • 95% licensure pass rate
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Prepares for RN-NCLEX
    • Earn Associate in Applied Science Degree
    • ACEN accredited

Wharton, TX

Wharton County Junior College

  • Associate - LVN-ADN Transition Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Entrance exam required
    • Exams: TEAS
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Deadline: third Wednesday of January
    • TEAS exam valid for two years
    • Letter of good standing required
    • Hepatitis B vaccination required
*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2025 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/