This guide provides insight into LVN programs in Houston, TX.
You’ll be familiar with the program accreditation, learning outcomes, curriculum structure, schools offering the program, and admission requirements.
Enough with the introduction; let’s begin our discussion.
Best LVN Programs in Houston Texas
Becoming a licensed vocational nurse in Houston is a smart career choice. You’ll have a swift entry into healthcare with solid job options and room for career advancement.
There are accelerated LVN programs that can be completed within 1 year or 18 months. Having one of the largest healthcare systems, you’re likely to get a job with a good salary.
-
Program Accreditation
The licensed vocational nursing program in Houston is fully certified by the Board of Nursing. This implies the study curriculum has met the standards set by accreditation agencies.
Students will receive high-quality education and hands-on experience from knowledgeable and experienced instructors.
After graduation, you can sit for the NCLEX-PN certification exams. Once licensed, graduates will have a higher chance of employment. The majority, if not all, employers prioritize LVNs who complete accredited programs. Happy now? Let’s move on.
-
Curriculum Structure
The study curriculum for LVN programs in Houston is robust. Students will receive classroom instruction, participate in lab sessions, and engage in clinical practice.
Some topics they’ll cover include anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, maternal-neonatal nursing, basic nursing skills, gerontology, and pediatrics.
Other topics covered are essentials of medication administration, vocational nursing concepts, nursing in health and illness, leadership and professional development, advanced nursing skills, geriatric nursing, etc.
The clinical practice is aimed at equipping students with hands-on experience in the field. They are to put their knowledge in class into practice in a real-world setting.
Students will typically work under the supervision of licensed vocational nurses in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Top LVN Programs in Houston
When it comes to where to complete a licensed vocational nursing program in Houston, there are several options. Below are some of the top programs you can take to become an LVN.
While some are certificate programs, others are associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Check them out.
-
Southern New Hampshire University
If you want a bachelor’s degree in the field, this school is the right place to be. They offer several LVN programs that meet the different academic needs and career goals of students.
The study curriculum combines classroom instruction with clinical practice. This is to help students achieve their academic objectives and become skilled nursing experts.
The program also integrates two major curriculum concepts. They are differentiated essential competencies, essential nursing processes, and patient care standards.
These two concepts will equip you with the skills needed to deliver high-quality patient care.
-
Bell Tech Career Institute – Houston
Likewise, you can receive a high-quality education at Bell Tech Career Institute. The school offers certificate programs to meet the changing demand for practitioners in this medical field.
The program is designed to prepare students to provide excellent patient care. It takes around one year to complete this course on a full-time basis.
The study curriculum blends classroom instructions with lab training and clinical practice. The theoretical portion covers basic nursing principles, pharmacology and medical administration, anatomy and physiology, maternal and child health, geriatric nursing, and mental health nursing.
The clinical practice is to be completed in a medical facility. Students will be required to apply their in-class knowledge under the supervision of licensed vocational nurses.
They’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to work in various types of settings.
-
Houston Community College – Houston
This is another great place to complete an LVN program in Houston.
The school prepares students to become experts who can work under the supervision of RNs and physicians. They are well-known for providing quality education in Houston and across the country.
The study curriculum of their LVN programs includes classroom teaching, lab sessions, and clinical practice. Students will be required to complete 39 credits over 3 semesters or 44 weeks for full-time students.
Some topics you’ll cover include nursing in health and illness, essentials of medication and administration, basic nursing skills, vocational nursing concepts, advanced nursing skills, maternal-neonatal nursing, pediatrics, leadership and professional development, etc.
In clinical practice, students will learn under certified LVNs and RNs in various medical settings. These include hospitals, community healthcare centers, nursing homes, clinics, and long-term facilities.
-
Texas Health School
For several decades, Texas Health School has been providing exceptional LVN programs in Houston. They prepare students to provide competent, safe, and responsible care.
Their programs equip them with the skills needed for entry-level nursing positions.
Students will be required to cover 1440 clock hours, 360 skill lab simulation hours, 600 theory hours, and 480 clinical hours within 3 semesters. Each semester consists of 16 weeks; that’s for full-time students. Part-time students may take longer than this period.
The theoretical portion features topics such as pharmacology, essentials of medication administration, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, medical-surgical nursing, maternal-neonatal nursing, gerontology, and mental health and mental illness.
After completing your education, you can sit for the certification exams to become a certified practitioner.
-
San Jacinto College
If you want to obtain a certificate in vocational nursing, apply to this college. They offer a level 2 certificate in vocational nursing program.
Students will be prepared for an entry-level career in the field. For those seeking career advancement, they can proceed to the degree program.
The study curriculum consists of 45 credits, including 480 hours of classroom instruction and 448 hours of clinical practice.
You will cover a range of topics, including basic nursing skills, gerontology, medical-surgical nursing, leadership and professional development, pharmacology, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology.
Additionally, the curriculum includes an NCLEX-PN review course towards the end of the program. You’ll be required to complete clinical practice in newborn, maternal, and pediatric nursing.
-
Vocational Nursing Institute – Houston
You’ll appreciate completing your education at Vocational Nursing Institute-Houston. The school provides ample learning experience for students interested in a challenging field of patient care.
The program includes didactic lectures, lab simulations, and clinical practice in hospitals and long-term facilities, among others.
Students will enjoy individualized attention, as the program is offered in small classes. You’ll also practice skills on mannequins that replicate real-life patient scenarios.
The study curriculum consists of 1,398 clock hours. 558 is dedicated to classroom teaching, and 840 hours are for lab and clinical practice.
Students will cover topics such as pediatrics, vocational nursing concepts, disease control and prevention, pharmacology, mental health nursing, medical-surgical nursing, basic nursing skills, growth and development, leadership and professional development, etc.
Requirements for Houston LVN Admission
Before getting accepted into any of the listed programs, certain conditions must be met.
Each program has its unique prerequisites. So you’ll need to contact your preferred institution for precise details. However, most programs require applicants to be at least 17 years old.
You’ll also need a high school diploma or GED and a minimum GPA of 2.25. Some programs require applicants to complete certain prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better.
You’ll also be asked to provide copies of your immunization records and a basic physical signed by a registered medical professional.
Furthermore, some programs require students to complete a criminal background check and drug test. You may be asked to provide a valid CPR certification, past official transcripts, and a personal statement.
Houston is a great place to become a licensed vocational nurse. As shown above, the city is home to several accredited LVN programs.
Students will receive high-quality education and hands-on experience to contribute positively to healthcare. If you want to be part of this great team, then don’t think twice about taking a program here.