A licensed vocational nurse plays a valuable role in the health care team by applying the knowledge and skills learned to impact the lives of the patients they serve. The LVN cares for patients across life span under the direction of a registered nurse or physician. There are numerous employment opportunities and career paths LVNs can follow, including patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, home health, physicians’ offices, clinics, schools, and correctional facilities. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for LVN/LPN will increase by 5 percent through the year 2032. The bulk of opportunities will be available in home health care and long-term care in response to the healthcare needs of seniors with chronic diseases. LVNs in San Antonio earned approximately $50,250 annually in 2022. The actual salaries will vary depending on your geographic location, experience, trends in your local area, credentials, and employer.
Baptist Health System
The Vocational Nursing program at Baptist Health System prepares students for a career as a vocational nurse in just 12 months. The curriculum includes pharmacology, nurse aide for healthcare organization, clinical vocational nurse I to VI, applied nursing skills, and nursing in health and illness. Graduates are eligible to apply for the state licensure exam to practice and can also apply for advanced placement in the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Day classes meet from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for classroom sessions and 6:15 am to 3:15 p.m. for the supervised clinical experiences. Evening classes are from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. The combined classroom and clinical instruction amount to 1,356 hours covered over 48 weeks or 3 semesters.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the prerequisite coursework – Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Lifespan Growth and Development at an accredited college or university
- Labs are recommended for A&P I and II but not required
- Take and pass the TEAS VI entrance exam with a minimum score of Reading (64.3), Math (56), Science (43), and English (50). Scores are valid for 2 years and must be submitted by the application deadline
- Submit an online application for the LVN program via the BSHP website
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Submit electronic transcripts showing completion of prerequisite courses with a final grade of C or higher – must be 7 years or newer
- Submit a copy of high school diploma, high school transcript, or GED certificate
Tuition for the program is $18,850 for applicants who do not hold a valid CNA license and $16,200 if the applicant holds a valid CNA license. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.bshp.edu/
- Address: 3703 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
- Phone: (210) 785-4924
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97.56%
Galen College of Nursing
Galen College offers part-time and full-time schedules for the Vocational Nursing Program. Full-time students complete the 1,440-hour curriculum plan in 12 months, and part-time students complete the plan in 21 months. The course content includes integrated human sciences, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health concepts, maternal-child nursing, geriatric nursing, and nursing and healthcare. Clinical training, commencing in the first quarter, and hands-on practice in the campus learning laboratory help students develop clinical judgment and reasoning. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED diploma
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Applicants under 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian
- Pay the non-refundable entrance testing fee
- Submit transcript from all postsecondary schools attended
- Submit a completed medical packet that includes physical examination and immunization record
- Submit to a criminal background check
- Pass a urine drug screen
Tuition for the program is $23,400 plus $1,100 for registration, books, and supplies. Additional out-of-pocket expenses include uniform, white leather shoes, wristwatch, and background check.
- Website: http://www.galencollege.edu/
- Address: 7411 John Smith Dr #300, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Phone: (210) 733-3056
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 96.54%
St. Philip’s College – San Antonio
The Vocational Nursing Program at St. Phillips College is 12 months based on a full-time schedule. Students meet Monday through Friday for 40 hours per week. The curriculum includes classroom and clinical training in Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health, Foundations of Nursing, Growth and Development, Nutrition, Essentials of Medication Administration, Pharmacology, Basic Nursing Skills, Mental Illness, Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal Neonatal Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Professional Development, and Practical Nursing Clinical. The supervised clinical instruction takes place in clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other community health facilities.
Admission criteria:
- Complete and submit an admission application to Alamo Colleges District
- Submit a complete and separate application for the nursing program
- Complete the prerequisite requirements before applying to the program – anatomy and physiology, nutrition, developmental psychology across the lifespan, and medical terminology
- Must take the TEAS and submit results with completed application packet
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or the equivalent of a C average
- Complete the physical exam form through the licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner
- Must include documentation of required immunizations – Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB Skin test, and flu vaccine
- Provide proof of current CPR certification in Basic Life Support
- Provide a copy of health insurance card
- Provide three references from current or past employers
- Write and submit a 200-word essay
- Provide a current photo ID and social security card
- Pass a criminal background check
- Must obtain a negative drug screen
The approximate cost of tuition for in-district students is $6,000 and $12,500 for out-of-district students. Other costs include NCLEX-PN fee, special tuition charges, and ATI assessment.
- Website: https://www.alamo.edu/home/
- Address: 800 Quintana Rd., San Antonio, TX 78211
- Phone: (210) 486-2055
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 89.53%
Lamson Institute
The vocational nursing program at Lamson Institute prepares students for entry-level roles as a licensed vocational nurse. The curriculum will cover the theories, concepts, and principles of nursing. Students will also learn principles of leading and managing as well as legal issues faced by leaders and managers. It will cover a total of 72.5 quarter credits or 1455 contact hours. Course topics include medical terminology, college algebra, anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of nursing, geriatrics, pharmacology of nursing, nursing care of adult, growth and development across lifespan, IV therapy, introduction to maternity, community health and mental health, role transitions, introduction to pediatrics, and NCLEX Review. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a vocational nurse. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must show a valid social security card and government issued photo ID
- Must complete an enrollment agreement
- Must attend a financial aid interview and complete required paperwork
- Must take and pass the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam
- Must pass the TEAS with scores of at least 55% in Reading, 40% in Math, 28% in Science, and 45% in English
- Must meet with the Campus Director, Nursing Department Chair or designee
- Must pass a criminal background check or fingerprinting and drug screen
- Provide a copy of health insurance card or signed waiver
- Must complete a physical exam be a licensed practitioner
- Must provide proof of current immunizations as required by clinical agencies
The program cost of $28,095 includes tuition, registration fee, books, uniforms, and supplies.
- Website: https://lamsoninstitute.com/
- Address: 5819 NW Loop 410, Suite 160, San Antonio, Texas
- Phone: 210-729-5699
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Hallmark University
Hallmark University’s Vocational Nursing Program provides students with essential entry-level skills to care for patients of all stages of life. They will learn how to manage common diseases and predictable health requirements within diverse healthcare settings. Registered nurse instructors will help students develop a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in delivering direct patient care. Course topics include nursing fundamentals, medical surgical nursing, mental health, pediatrics, leadership and transition, fundamentals of pharmacology, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and maternal newborn nursing. Graduates will have the confidence to succeed on the nurse licensure exam. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must complete an interview with an admission representative
- Must take and pass the TEAS
- Must submit official high school and college transcripts
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
- Must complete a physical exam
- Must provide record of updated immunizations
- Must have current health insurance
- Must have current CPR certifications
Tuition costs $475 per credit hour. Books and supplies are additional.
- Website: https://hallmarkuniversity.edu/
- Address: 9855 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, Texas 78251
- Phone: 800.880.6600
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
The Institute of Allied Healthcare
The vocational nursing program at the Institute of Allied Healthcare prepares students for entry-level employment as a vocational nurse. The program includes theory and hands-on activities to support the development of skills needed to care for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Course topics include general anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, vocational nursing concepts, basic nursing skills, mental health, pharmacology, pediatrics, medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, leadership and professional nursing, and vocational nursing clinical. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for vocational nurses. The duration of the program is 12 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must show a valid social security card and government issued photo ID
- Must complete an enrollment agreement
- Must pass the TEAS with a minimum composite score of 75%
- Must pass a criminal background check or fingerprinting and drug screen
- Provide a copy of health insurance card or signed waiver
- Must complete a physical exam be a licensed practitioner
- Must provide proof of current immunizations as required by clinical agencies
The program cost of $27,500 includes tuition, books, and supplies.
- Website: https://www.alliedhealthedu.com/
- Address: 10000 I-10, Suite 207, San Antonio, Texas 78230
- Phone: 210-616-0880
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
How Long is the LVN Program in San Antonio?
Vocational nursing programs in San Antonio such as the ones offered by Baptist Health, St Phillips College, and Galen College are offered on a full-time schedule and requires a time commitment of 12 months. The course of study includes a clinical rotation which requires students’ participation in patient care experiences at local health care facilities.
How Do I become an LVN in Texas?
Vocational nurses must fulfill the requirements for licensure from the Texas Board of Nursing to practice as a licensed vocational nurse. The path to licensure begins with enrollment and successful completion of a board-approved vocational nursing program. The nursing program will submit confirmation of your eligibility after graduation. Following are some steps to licensure as a vocational nurse in Texas.
- Ensure you meet one of the eligibility requirements before submitting your application = full details on the eligibility requirements are available on the Board’s website.
- Submit an online application if you qualify or a paper application if you must submit a “yes” response to any of the eligibility questions
- Submit a paper application if you graduated outside of the United States
- Submit a paper application if you do not have a United States social security number
- Submit an online examination application if you meet the eligibility criteria
- Complete a criminal background check through the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation based on a set of fingerprints provided to MorphoTrust. Note that the procedures vary based on your Texas residency.
- At least 30 days before graduating from the vocational nursing program you should submit your registration with Pearson Vue to take the NCLEX-PN exam
- Take and pass the Texas nursing jurisprudence exam before the issue of the ATT for the NCLEX exam
- The Texas nursing school will submit an online affidavit of graduation. If you graduated outside the state of Texas, you must print the affidavit of graduation and request the school of nursing dean/directory to complete and mail directly to the Texas Board of Nursing
- Pay the initial registration fee of $75
- Take and pass the ATT exam with the Board’s approval
- Print your license from the Board of Nursing website after you pass the NCLEX exam.
Full details on obtaining an LVN license in Texas are available here: Texas LVN Licensure Requirements.
How Much Does The LVN Program Cost in San Antonio?
The are numerous private institutions offering the vocational nursing program in Antonio. The average cost of private education is $31,000. St Phillips College, a public school, offers an affordable program that costs approximately $6,000 for Texas residents.
Can You Become An LVN Online in San Antonio?
While the greater part of the classroom theory is delivered in person, some schools give students the option to complete a portion of the coursework online. Students must participate in the clinical rotations and simulation lab activities in person.
Free LVN Programs In San Antonio
There are no free LPN programs in San Antonio. There is an affordable program option at St. Phillips College. You can also apply for financial aid or scholarships to help with the educational expenses.