LVN to RN Programs Houston, TX

Licensed vocational nursing offers a quick path to nursing but opportunities for advancement are limited within the scope of practice outlined for LVNs. Through the completion of and LVN-RN transition program, you can become a registered nurse and assume a wider scope of responsibilities in patient care. Hospital employers are more likely to hire registered nurses. The bump in your salary will also provide a greater incentive to continue your education. The RN degree is an entry-level pass to professional nursing. The curriculum prepares students for generalist practice but it also covers pediatric nursing, maternal child nursing, geriatric nursing, and mental health nursing. Upon completion, you will be eligible to apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN to practice as a registered nurse. LVN education and experience count towards the degree so the completion time is approximately three semesters.

Houston Community College

Houston Community College offers Licensed Vocational Nurses the opportunity to obtain an Associate Degree in Nursing through the LVN-to-RN transition program. The curriculum is designed for applicants who have graduated from an accredited LVN program as it builds upon previous education and experience in nursing. Applicants must have at least 6 months recent full-time clinical practice or one year recent part-time clinical practice and recently completed a nursing refresher course. Upon completion of the requirements, graduates will be eligible to apply for the NCLEX for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Day and evening schedules are available. Classes meet 3 to 4 days a week.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture and Lab), Composition I, General Psychology, Humanities/Fine Arts Elective, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors Lecture, Microbiology for Non Science Majors Lab, Lifespan Growth and Development, Pharmacology

Core Courses – Health Assessment, Transition to Professional Nursing, Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Nursing Skills I, Clinical Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse- RNT Foundations, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Care of Children and Families, Clinical- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Nursing Skills II, Care of the Childbearing Family, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management, Professional Nursing Review and Licensure Preparation

Admission criteria:

• Be admitted to HCC before applying to the ADN program
• Complete a program information session online
• Scan and upload unofficial transcripts during the admission process
• Download and complete the FERPA form and attach to the online application
• Complete the HESI-A2 or A2-RN pre-entrance exam with a score of 80% or higher in Anatomy and Physiology, Grammar, Math, Reading, and a score of 800 or higher in Critical Thinking
• Apply for admission to the nursing program and attach transcripts and exam results
• Complete immunizations and other health requirements and upload proof of completion to the CastleBranch website
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
• Proof of immunizations must include – Hepatitis B series, MMR, Varicella, TN, Tdap, MenACWY
• Must have current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR card
• Provide proof of health insurance
• Upload a completed Physical Exam Form – signed by a physician – to the CastleBranch website
• Obtain a cleared criminal background from Texas State Board of Nursing
• Obtain a passing drug screen – completed through CastleBranch
• Complete the mandatory Program and Student Service Orientation

Program Cost:
The approximate program cost of $8,968 for in-district students includes tuition, textbooks, lab fees, liability insurance, paring, Jurisprudence, Pearson Vue exam, medical insurance, immunization, HESI test, and criminal background/drug screening.

Website: https://www.hccs.edu/
Address: 3100 Main Street, Houston TX 77002
Phone: 713-718-2000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.95%

Lone Star College

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Lone Star College includes a Track for Transition/Articulating students. It gives Licensed Vocational Nurses the opportunity to complete the requirements for an Associate Degree in just three semesters. The classes commence in June after April admission. The program is offered a full-time schedule only. Classes meet twice per week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The clinical rotations are conducted at a local hospital and covers 10 to 12 hours per week. They typically occur in the daytime but there may be some nighttime schedules. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition and Rhetoric I, Pharmacology, Integrated Nursing Skills I, Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Intro to Professional Nursing for Integrated Programs, Integrated Nursing Skills

Core courses – Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice I for Articulating Students, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Human Anatomy & Physiology II, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Integrated Care of the Patient with Complex Health Care Needs, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, General Psychology, Clinical-Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Integrated Patient Care Management

Admission criteria:

• Attend an information session to learn of the admission criteria and program information
• Secure enrollment to LSCS
• Submit official copies of transcripts from all non-LSCS colleges or university attended
• Complete the prerequisite courses prior to applying – BIOL 2401, ENGL 1301, RNSG 1301 with a minimum GPA of 2.7
• Take and pass the HESI exam
• Must have a current Texas unencumbered license as a LVN, current unencumbered National Registry EMT Paramedic Certification
• Complete drug screening as required by the clinical affiliate
• Submit a completed electronic application to the nursing program
• Submit a completed FERPA form with the completed application
• Provide documentation of a Positive Quantitative Hepatitis B titer
• Must have a valid certificate of American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
• Must demonstrate English proficiency where applicable

Program Cost
Tuition and fees cost $2,700 per semester for in-district students. Other costs include textbooks, uniforms, titers and immunizations, testing fees, lab equipment, licensure fees, physical exam, background check, drug screens, CPR certification, health care insurance, and transport to and from the clinical sites.

Website: https://www.lonestar.edu/index.htm
Address: 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands TX 77381
Phone: 832-813-6500
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 94.59%

Brazosport College

The Brazosport College LVN to ADN Track is designed for licensed vocational nurses who plan to transition to the professional nursing role. The program includes theory in the classroom as well as clinical rotations at local health care facilities. LVN applicants must complete all the prerequisite courses before applying to the program. These may have been completed in the LVN licensure program. Credit will be granted by examination or substitution. Transcripts must be submitted for review. Graduates will receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II Lecture, Anatomy and Physiology I Lab, Medical Terminology, English I, Microbiology Lecture, Microbiology Lab, Composition and Rhetoric, Lifespan Growth and Development, Elective

Credit by Examination/Substitution – Nursing Skills I, Nursing Skills II, Clinical Nursing I, Dosage Calculations for Nursing

Core courses Transition to Professional Nursing, Clinical Nursing II, Mental Health Nursing, Health Assessment, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Pharmacology, Maternal/Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health, Care of Children & Families, Clinical Nursing III, Complex Concepts Adult Health, Professional Nursing: Leadership and Management, Clinical Nursing IV

Admission criteria:

• Complete all the admission requirements for acceptance to Brazosport College
• Complete the application by the program deadline
• Complete the FASFA online
• Take and pass the HESI
• Submit all prior and current transcripts to the college registrar
• Submit documentation of immunizations – Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Meningitis, Influenza, PPD test
• Obtain a negative drug screen
• Must have current BLS CPR (American Heart Association only Class C
• Complete fingerprinting with the Texas Board of Nursing for a final FBI criminal background check

88Program cost:
The program cost of $7767 for in-district students include tuition, books, nursing course fees, resource fees, liability insurance, uniforms, patches, and NCLEX testing fees.

Website: https://brazosport.edu/
Address: 500 College Drive, Lake Jackson, TX 77566
Phone: (979) 230-3000
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.29%

Lee College

Lee College offers an LVN to RN track designed for licensed vocational nurses to prepare for professional practice as registered nurse. The curriculum builds in the LVNs knowledge gained in an accredited LVN program and clinical practice in the role. Upon successfully completion of the requirements, the graduate will receive an Associate of Science in Nursing and will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure by the Texas Board of Nursing. Through articulation agreements with Chamberlain University and Lamar University, graduates have the opportunity to transition to the BSN by enrolling in the RN to BSN program.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 3.5 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Pharmacology, English Composition I, Introduction to Psychology

Core courses – Life Span Growth and Development, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Nursing Skills I, Clinical Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Clinical – Registered Nursing, Microbiology, Care of the Childbearing Family, Clinical- Registered Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical – Nursing Registered Nurse Training, Creative Arts/Language, Philosophy and Culture, English Composition II, Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health I, Clinical – Nursing Registered Nurse Training, Professional Nursing – Leadership and Management

Admission criteria:

• Obtain acceptance to Lee College before applying to the nursing program
• Submit official transcripts to the Admissions and Records Office
• Apply for admission to the nursing program
• Provide documentation of required immunization – Hepatitis B, Varicella, Influenza, Tdap, TB, MMR
• Must carry personal health insurance – submit a copy of students’ health insurance card
• Complete a criminal background check
• Take and pass the pre-admission test (HESI A-2)
• Have an overall GPA of 2.7 in degree plan courses
• Complete the prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.7 GPA
• Obtain a clear drug screen

Program cost:
Tuition costs $230 per credit hour for in-district students. Fees, books, supplies, and admission costs are additional.

Website: http://www.lee.edu/nursing/
Address: McNulty-Haddick Building, 711 W. Texas Ave., Baytown, TX 77520
Phone: 281-425-6229
Email: nursingdept@lee.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.36%

Wharton County Junior College

Wharton County Junior College offers an accelerated track to the Associate Degree in Nursing. The program is a transition track for candidates who are already licensed vocational nurses who want to transition to the ADN degree. The curriculum includes general education as well as nursing courses that may be transferred to most four-year colleges that offer the BSN degree. It prepares LVNs to meet the competencies at the associate degree level in four major roles – member of the profession, provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, and member of the healthcare team. Graduates will be qualified to apply to tale the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. Enrollment to the LVN-RN track is limited so admission is determined by a competitive ranking process.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 12 months

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development, Composition I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology, and a language, philosophy, & culture or creative arts elective.

Core courses – Transition to Professional Nursing Concepts, Introduction to Health Care Concepts, Concept-Based Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (LVN-ADN clinical), Health Care Concepts III, Professional Nursing Concepts III, Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, Health Care Concepts IV (Capstone Course), Professional Nursing Concepts IV, Clinical – Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (Capstone Course)

Admission criteria:

• Submit an application for admission to WCJC
• Satisfy all the components of TSI before applying to the program
• Complete an application for admission to the LVN-ADN program
• Submit an unofficial or copy of official transcript from each college attended including WCJC
• Submit a Petition for Credit form for approval by the program director
• Complete a completed transcript evaluation form
• Provide proof of completing the prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, General Psychology, Microbiology, Life Span Growth and Development, Composition I
• Take and pass the TEAS with a minimum score of 70% in Reading, 70% in Math, and 70% in Science
• Must have current Texas licensure as a LVN in good standing
• Show proof of Hepatitis B vaccine series

Program cost:
The cost of attendance for the one year is $10,465 for in-district residents. Costs include tuition, technology fee, student fees, liability insurance, drug screen, criminal background, physical exam, immunizations, books, uniforms, testing fees, and licensure fees.

Website: https://www.wcjc.edu/index.aspx
Address: 911 Boling Highway, Wharton, Texas 77488
Phone: (979) 532-4560
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 100%

College of the Mainland

The LVN-RN Transition Track at College of the Mainland is designed for persons who are licensed vocational nurses who want to transition to the registered nurse role. The curriculum includes theory in the classroom with clinical rotations are local health care facilities. the College maintains small class sizes to provide extra health to students who might need it. Tutors are also available to students at no extra cost. Students who successfully complete the program requirements will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to apply to the Texas Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 3 semesters

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Composition I, General Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors

Core courses – Transition to Professional Nursing, Transition to Professional Nursing Clinical, Foundations for Nursing Practice, Principles of Clinical Decision Making, Foundations of Nursing Clinical, Common Concepts of Adult Health, Common Concepts of Adult Health Clinical, Mental Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing Clinical, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family, Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family Clinical, Complex Concepts of Adult Health, Complex Concepts of Adult Health Clinical, Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health, Enhanced Concepts of Adult Health Clinical, Professional Nursing Review/Licensure Preparation, Capstone Clinical

Admission criteria:

• Apply for admission to the college online – select General Studies Pre-Nursing as the major
• Submit official transcripts and a Transcript Evaluation Form to the Admissions Department – the transcript evaluation can take up to 3 months during peak times
• Apply to the LVN-RN Transition Track program
• Submit documentation of completing the prerequisite courses with a minimum 2.8 GPA – Composition I, Introduction to Psychology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, TSI College Readiness
• Must have current and unencumbered LVN license
• Take and pass the HESI A2 test with a score of 75% or greater in Math, Reading, Grammar, Basic Vocabulary, A&P
• Meet with a Nursing Advisor to complete Pre-Nursing Orientation or complete a Nursign Information Session
• Provide proof of Hepatitis B series – 3 vaccinations in total
• Documentation of annual flu vaccination
• Immunization record for MMR, Varicella, Tdap
• Proof of TB screen – must be PPD, chest X-Ray, or Quantiferon serological test
• Proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) completed within a year of program application
• Complete the Nursing Physical Form
• Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License
• Must have current health insurance – submit health insurance form and proof of health insurance card

Program cost:
Tuition and fees cost $747 per semester for in-district students who complete 12 credit hours per semester. Additional costs include but are not limited to textbooks and materials, background check, simulated electronic health record (HER), drug screening, NCLEX Application fee, jurisprudence fee, lab coat, uniforms, immunizations, CPR, health insurance, and physical exam.

Website: https://www.com.edu/
Address: 1200 Amburn Rd., Texas City, TX 77591
Phone: (409) 938-1211
Toll-Free: (888) 258-8859
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 88.31%

Alvin Community College

The Alvin Community College (ACC) facilitates an LVN to RN transition track that is designed for licensed vocational nurses to take the NCLEX for practice as a registered nurse. The LVN with an encumbered license may apply and complete the requirements for the ADN in just three semesters. Admission is limited to 10 to 20 students each June. Qualified applicants are added to an application pool and selected for admission.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 24 months

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Microbiology for Non-Science Majors, Composition I, General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development

Core courses – Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students, Clinical I RN Transition, Transition to Professional Nursing, Integrated Nursing Skills I, Introduction to Professional Nursing for Integrated Programs, Integrated Care of the Patient with Common Health Care Needs, Integrated Care of the Patient with Complex Health Care Needs, Clinical III RN, Clinical IV RN, Integrated Patient Care Management

Admission criteria:

• Be admitted to ACC before applying to the ADN program
• Attend a mandatory applicant meeting
• Provide proof of Hepatitis B at the meeting – it must indicate two Hepatitis-B injections or report of Hepatitis-B immunity
• Take the HESI-A2 test – there are no substitutes for this requirement. Scores must be 5 years or less and be at least 78% (cumulative) on Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary & Knowledge, Anatomy and Physiology, and Math
• Submit official college transcripts to the ACC Registrar
• Meet the standards for Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Standards
• Provide proof of LVN licensure
• CPR certification from American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers
• Complete the Physical Exam Form provided by the department
• Negative TB screen and negative drug test
• Provide two clear background checks – after initial acceptance to the nursing program

Program Cost:
The approximate cost of completing the one year required for the LVN-RN program is $7,000 to $8,000 for in-district students. The cost includes tuition, textbooks, and supplies for two years. It does not include a physical exam, TB test, immunizations, health insurance, and commuting to the clinical sites.

Website: http://www.alvincollege.edu/adn
Address: 3110 Mustang Road, Alvin Texas 77511
Phone: 281-756-3500
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 87.99%

College of Health Care Professions

The LVN-RN program at College of Health Care Professions is an LVN to RN Transition program that prepares licensed vocational nurses for professional practice as a registered nurse. The program will emphasize the development of cognitive (knowledge), behavior (emotion), and psychomotor (ability) skills that will enable graduates to excel as an RN. Students will learn how to listen to patients and make clinical decisions based on the patients’ needs. The program is delivered in a blended learning format which includes online and on-campus classes. Classroom sessions and simulation labs are conducted in the daytime. Clinical sessions may be scheduled both day and night.

Program Outline
Semester credits: 60
Duration: 76 weeks

Course titles:
Prerequisite courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, Composition I, College Mathematics, Nursing Skills, Lifespan Growth and Development, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Interpersonal Communications

Core courses – Transition to Professional Nursing, Transition to Professional Nursing Clinical, Professional Nursing Skills for Articulating Students, Microbiology, Nursing Informatics,  Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice for Articulating Students, Professional Nursing Practice I Clinical, Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice II for Articulating Students, Professional Nursing Practice II Clinical, Concepts of Professional Nursing Practice III for Articulating Students, Professional Nursing Practice III Clinical, Comprehensive Nursing Review and Licensure Preparation

Admission criteria:

• Apply for admission CHCP
• Complete an admissions interview and campus tour
• Provide official transcripts from the vocational nursing program
• Provide proof of current, active, and encumbered LVN licensure
• Complete the HESI LVN to RN entrance exam
• Schedule and attend an panel interview with the nursing program acceptance committee
• Pass a criminal background check and urine drug screen
• Complete a satisfactory physical exam
• Submit proof of current immunizations
• Provide proof of Basic Life Support (BLS) completed within a year of program application

Program cost:
The program cost of $42,000 includes the registration fee, textbooks, and tuition.

Website: https://www.chcp.edu/
Address: 240 Northwest Mall Blvd., Houston, TX  77092
Phone: (713) 425-3100
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 53.85%