teacher working with students

Licensed Vocational Nurse

If caring is your calling, the Vocational Nursing Program at the Baptist School of Health Professions offers the education and training necessary to start a rewarding healthcare career and to prepare for the national licensure examination for licensed practical/vocational nurses (NCLEX-PN).

The Licensed Vocational Nurse is a valued member of the health care team and applies entry-level skills upon graduation for the practice of vocational nursing in the care of patients across the life span. The LVN provides nursing care at the direction of physicians and/or registered nurses. Entry-level skills provide the basis to care for patients with commonly occurring health needs in a variety of healthcare settings. The Department of Vocational Nursing believes that nursing education can be provided in a continuum with efforts aimed toward supporting educational mobility of its graduates.

Texas Board of Nursing – Requirements

Program Strengths

  • Clinical sites throughout the Baptist Health System
  • Commendations from the Texas Board of Nursing
  • Consistently high NCLEX-PN pass rates for over 10 years
  • Experienced nursing faculty

The LVN has many opportunities in the health care industry. Employment areas may include acute care settings (hospitals), long-term care (nursing homes), physician offices, home health and clinics. Overall, the need for Licensed Vocational Nurses is growing. According to the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses is estimated to grow at 9% between 2019 and 2029. They list the median annual wage as $48,820 (as of May 2020). Actual salaries and employment opportunities will vary depending upon geographic location, market employment trends by local area, employer size, employee experience and employee credentials. Prospective students should research the local employment opportunities as a part of their decision making process.

Prerequisites:

  • Anatomy & Physiology, 6 to 8 credit hours*
  • Growth & Development, 3 credit hours

*It is recommended to take a LAB with Anatomy & Physiology if the learner’s goal is to apply to a professional nursing program in the future.

Length: 1 year

THECB Criminal History Notification