Vocational Nursing Frequently Asked Questions

What do LVNs do?

LVNs work in non-complex patient care areas under the guidance of RNs and/or licensed physicians or dentists. LVNs attend to personal hygiene needs, administer medications, chart, and assist with meeting patient care needs. 

What hours can I expect to work and how much will I make?

LVNs are assigned like other health care workers to work 8 to 12 hours shifts, periodic weekends, and some holidays. New graduate vocational nurses are currently starting at $15 - $20 per hour base pay in the Golden Triangle.

What are the minimum requirements to be considered for admission to the VN Program?

To be considered for admission into the VN Program, submit TEAS scores taken within the last 2 years, you must score 50% or higher in reading, language arts, and math sections on the TEAS test, complete all prerequisites before the start of the program and submit the completed application by the due date.

What criteria are used to select applicants?

The VN Program is a selective admissions program. The goal is to select the most qualified applicants. Criteria that are considered in the admission process include academic achievement and consecutive applications. Click on this link to view the Admission Rating Scale (VN Rating Scale).

Only complete applications submitted by the due date will be considered for admission. If two or more applicants have the same Admission Rating Scale, the TEAS Reading score will be used to break the tie.

How long is the waiting list?

There is no waiting list. Applicants who are not selected for admission may reapply when the application process opens again.

Do I need to submit a new application each year?

The nursing department will keep your application for one year. However, to be considered for the next class, you must submit a new application with current (less than one year) contact information, work history, updated transcripts and TEAS score. All documents must be current, meaning less than one year since submission. Applications with no activity for 12 months will be destroyed.

Should I retake courses to improve my GPA?

The decision to repeat courses is up to the individual candidate.

How is the size of the admitting class determined?

The total number of students that can be admitted to a class is determined by rules and regulations mandated by the Texas Board of Nursing. The rule governing class sizes states: "The number of students admitted to the program shall be determined by the number of qualified faculty, adequate educational facilities and resources, and the availability of appropriate clinical learning experience for students." (Rules & Regulations 214.8a)

Can I take non-nursing courses listed on the degree plan before being accepted into the VN Program?

Students are encouraged to complete all non-nursing co-requisite courses on the degree plan while waiting to be accepted into the VN program. Only courses on the degree plan which are completed by the application deadline are considered in the admission rating scale.

If I am a transfer student, how do I know my classes/credits will transfer?

Courses taken in Texas should have the same reference number. For additional information, please contact the transcript evaluator at (409) 882-3364 or by e-mail.

When is the application due date and when will I know if I am accepted?

Applications for the Vocational Nursing Program starting in Spring opens August 1st through October 15th. These applicants will be notified by email 10 weeks after the application portal closes as to their application status (Accepted or Not Qualified).

Applications for the Vocational Nursing Program starting in the Fall opens from March 1st through May 15th These applicants will be notified by email 10 weeks after the application portal closes as to their application status (Accepted or Not Qualified).

When do classes start? How many days a week are we in class and clinical? Is each semester different from the other?

The program admits new applicants each Spring and Falls and three semesters. Classroom hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and clinical hours are from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The number of days students must devote to the program varies each semester. Each semester has a clinical component that is completed at facilities in the Golden Triangle area. (Degree Plan)

How much does your program cost? Is there financial aid and/or scholarships available?

The cost of the program is available on our website. For information regarding financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (409) 882-3317 or by financial aid office e-mail. Scholarships for health care professionals are available throughout the program. The nursing department shares scholarship information with the eligible students as it becomes available.

Does your campus offer an LVN to ADN program?

Lamar State College Orange offers an RN Transition Program which is designed for LVNs who wish to further their education and obtain their RN license.

Are there resources are available to help me with online courses?

Our goal is for you to be comfortable with and succeed in hybrid/online courses. To help you, here are some resources available: