The Vocational Nursing program prepares successful graduates to function as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The LVN provides nursing care to patients in a variety of situations and health care settings under the supervision of a registered nurse and/or physician. The Vocational Nursing curriculum is a three semester full-time certificate training program that includes class activities, nursing skills training, and clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings. These courses prepare the graduate with competencies in the following roles:
- member of the profession
- provider of patient-centered care
- patient safety advocate
- member of the health care team.
The Vocational Nursing program also addresses the essential competencies expected of new graduates as outlined by the Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate will receive a Certificate in Vocational Nursing and may apply to take a National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).
The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The BON can be contacted at:
Texas Board of Nursing
333 Guadalupe #3-460
Austin, TX 78701
1-512-305-7400
www.bon.texas.gov
For admission and program information, contact the Nursing Department staff at 409-933-8425.
Graduation Requirements
Students must have
- successfully completed (with a grade of “C” or better in each course) the prescribed course of study of 42 semester hours with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better;
- have spent a minimum of one academic year in college;
- met any individually prescribed behavior or remediation-related requirements.
Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. The following website provides links to information about the licensing process and requirements: https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_eligibility.asp.
Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential Registered Nurse License prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit this link and request a “Criminal History Evaluation”: https://www.bon.texas.gov/licensure_endorsement.asp.
This information is being provided to all persons who apply or enroll in the program, with notice of the requirements as described above, regardless of whether or not the person has been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, HB 1508 authorizes licensing agencies to require reimbursements when a student fails to receive the required notice.
Certificate - Vocational Nursing
Level Two Certificate
Full-Time Student Schedule
| Prerequisite Courses | Semester Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 2401 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 4 | |
| Semester #1 | ||
| BIOL 2402 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| VNSG 1122 | Vocational Nursing Concepts | 1 |
| VNSG 1227 | Essentials of Medication Administration | 2 |
| VNSG 1323 | Basic Nursing Skills | 3 |
| VNSG 1260 | Clinical - Practical Nursing I | 2 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 12 | |
| Semester #2 | ||
| VNSG 1231 | Pharmacology | 2 |
| VNSG 1236 | Mental Health | 2 |
| VNSG 1429 | Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 4 |
| VNSG 2331 | Advanced Nursing Skills | 3 |
| VNSG 1261 | Clinical-Practical Nursing II | 2 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Semester #3 | ||
| VNSG 1119 | Leadership and Professional Development | 1 |
| VNSG 1230 | Maternal-Neonatal Nursing | 2 |
| VNSG 1234 | Pediatrics | 2 |
| VNSG 1432 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 4 |
| VNSG 2460 | Clinical-Practical Nursing III | 4 |
| Semester Credit Hours | 13 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 42 | |