Texas, TX | LPN Nursing Program Information

Before applying to a Licensed Practical Nurse program, prerequisite college courses must be completed. This takes around six months and usually results in around 30 credit hours of study. Both scientific topics such as human anatomy and microbiology, as well as arts classes such as psychology and interpersonal communication must be taken, as nursing requires both scientific knowledge and good interpersonal skills. It is necessary to do well in these courses—although minimum requirements for entry can be as low as a C average, entry into nursing programs is highly competitive and grades are the biggest factor in deciding who gets into the best programs. Once prerequisites have been successfully completed, it is time to apply to a nursing school with a state-approved Licensed Practical Nurse program, which takes around a year to complete. While LPN courses are available statewide in colleges, universities and private institutions from Amarillo to Corpus Christi, there is significant variance in entry requirements based on school guidelines.

Every nursing school has its own admission procedures but, once admitted, LPN programs typically require around 60 credit hours of schoolwork, which takes a year of full time study.  While some programs stand alone as LPN-specific, it is also possible to take the National Counsel Licensing Examination-Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) after the first year of an Associate Degree, Nursing. No matter which route you take, The Texas Board of Nursing charges a $139 application fee before taking to NCLEX-PN in addition to the $200 examination fee charged by exam administrator Pearson Vue.

Once a student has received their official passing results from the Texas Board of Nursing, they are eligible to begin working as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Texas. Their license must be renewed every two years along with proof of 20 hours of approved continuing education and at a cost of $92.

Although becoming an LPN in Florida can lead to a great career, it can also be the first step along a path to becoming a Registered Nurse, receiving a Bachelor of Science, Nursing, and beyond—steps worth considering to increase one’s earning potential and to diversify career options.