🎓 Find Accredited LPN Schools Near You
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
In Texas, licensed practical nurses are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The LVN credential is equivalent to the LPN license used in other states — same NCLEX-PN exam, same scope of practice.
Accredited LVN Programs & Colleges in Texas
Texas has over 100 accredited LVN programs — more than any other state. South Texas College (McAllen, $1,128), Dallas College ($2,500–$4,500), North Central Texas College ($3,000–$5,000), Houston CC ($7,100–$9,300), and Galen College (4 campuses, $12,000–$18,000) span the affordability spectrum. The Texas Board of Nursing approves all programs.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College | Houston | Community College | 12 months | $5,800 |
| Dallas College | Dallas | Community College | 12 months | $5,400 |
| Alamo Colleges – St. Philip's College | San Antonio | Community College | 12 months | $5,200 |
| Austin Community College | Austin | Community College | 12 months | $5,600 |
| South Texas College | McAllen | Community College | 12 months | $4,800 |
| Galen College of Nursing | San Antonio | Nursing College | 12 months | $22,500 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LVN Programs in Texas
No Texas LVN program is fully online — clinical hours at approved facilities are required. North Central Texas College offers the most developed hybrid option with online lecture components and in-person clinicals. Some Galen College campuses also offer hybrid scheduling.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LVN programs available to Texas residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Texas LVN Program
Texas programs vary widely in admission requirements — community colleges use competitive admissions with TEAS scores, while private schools like Galen use rolling admissions with multiple start dates. Texas is an NLC compact state. Remember: search 'LVN programs' not 'LPN programs' in Texas to find the most results.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LVN Licensing in Texas
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Texas Board of Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
🎓 Compare LPN Programs Accepting Students Now
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
LVN Salary & Job Outlook in Texas
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LVNs in Texas earn an average of $60,020 per year ($28.86/hour). This places Texas near the national average the national LVN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Texas typically range from $44,400 for entry-level positions to $74,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LVN Salary by City in Texas
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $63,400 |
| Dallas | $62,800 |
| San Antonio | $59,200 |
| Austin | $61,400 |
| Fort Worth | $61,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LVNs in Texas is projected to grow 5% over the next decade — faster than average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 7,200 annual job openings for LVNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LVNs Work in Texas
The majority of LVNs in Texas work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LVN Graduates
Landing your first LVN position in Texas is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
🎓 Find LPN Programs Near You
By submitting, you agree to receive information from schools that match your interests.
Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Texas
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Texas LVN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Under the Texas Nursing Practice Act, LVNs practice under a directed scope. Knowing your boundaries protects your license.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Texas LVNs provide direct nursing care to patients with predictable healthcare needs. You work under the supervision of an RN, APRN, PA, Physician, Dentist, or Podiatrist. Your core competencies include:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Focused assessments and ongoing patient monitoring
- Wound care, dressing changes, and wound vac management
- Vital signs, blood glucose monitoring, and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Contributing to the nursing care plan (but not creating or signing off)
- Supervising and delegating to CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy & Venipuncture
This is the biggest gray area for Texas LVNs — and where new LVNs most often get in trouble. Basic LVN education does NOT automatically grant IV therapy privileges.
- You MUST complete a recognized post-licensure IV validation course before initiating peripheral IVs, administering IV fluids, or giving IV medications (Position Statement 15.3)
- After completing IV training: you CAN start peripheral IV lines, hang and monitor IV fluids, and administer IV medications per facility protocol
- You can assist with monitoring blood transfusions and central lines with specialized training
- You CANNOT initiate blood products or manage complex central line/PICC procedures without specialized training and facility delegation protocols
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
These functions require an RN license in Texas. Performing them as an LVN — even if asked by a facility — puts your license at risk.
- Initial comprehensive patient assessments (LVNs do focused/ongoing assessments)
- Creating, modifying, or signing off on nursing care plans
- Triage in emergency departments
- Initiating blood product transfusions
- Managing complex central lines/PICC lines without specialized delegation
- Independent practice without RN/physician supervision
- Teaching nursing students (clinical instructor role)
Texas LVN-to-RN Bridge Programs
Tired of scope limitations? These Texas programs are designed specifically for working LVNs who want to bridge to their RN. Most are hybrid (online classes + local clinicals) so you can keep working while you study.
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panola College | Hybrid | 12 months (3 semesters) | Online didactic + clinicals within 70 miles of Carthage, TX |
| Howard College | Hybrid | 12 months | Online lectures + clinicals around Big Spring and San Angelo |
| Collin College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | Accelerated bridge at McKinney campus, clinicals across DFW |
| Texas Health School | Hybrid | 64 weeks (8 blocks) | Accelerated AAS in Nursing for working LVNs in Houston area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + clinicals arranged near you, no waitlist, nationwide |
What You Need to Bridge: LVN-to-RN Requirements in Texas
Before applying to a bridge program, make sure you have these in order:
Active LVN License
Unencumbered Texas LVN license in good standing with the Texas Board of Nursing. No disciplinary actions.
Prerequisites
Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs), Microbiology, Lifespan Growth & Development, and College Algebra or Statistics.
Entrance Exam
Satisfactory score on the TEAS or HESI admission exam. Most programs accept either — check your target school.
TX Nursing Jurisprudence Exam
Required for initial RN licensure in Texas — taken before you sit for the NCLEX-RN. Online, 50 questions, open-book.
Texas Board of Nursing Contact
For scope of practice questions, license verification, or complaints:
- Website: bon.texas.gov
- Phone: (512) 305-7400
- Peer Assistance Line (confidential): (800) 291-9090
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LVN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Texas RNs earn 35–50% more than LVNs, have full scope of practice including initial assessments, care plans, IV starts without extra certification, and independent triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while working.
Explore LVN-to-RN Bridge Programs →