The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

Maura Deering, J.D.
By
Updated on August 30, 2023
Edited by
    These accredited LVN-to-RN programs in Texas let licensed vocational nurses advance their careers by becoming RNs.
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    Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

    Aerial view of downtown Houston, Texas, on a sunny day.Credit: Duy Do | Moment | Getty Images

    Average Credits Required

    120

    Average Program Length

    18-24 months

    Average Program Cost

    $2,800-$12,900 per year

    Are you interested in transitioning from licensed vocational nursing (LVN) to a career as a registered nurse (RN)? Our guide to the best LVN-to-RN programs in Texas helps you find the right role for your career goals, explains the importance of accredited programs, and offers advice on applying to and paying for nursing school.

    Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

    Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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    The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    #1 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    Texas State Technical College

    • Location-markerWaco, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$6,950
    • Out-of-state$11,369
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate56%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled10,107
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment94%
    • AccreditationYes
    #2 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    El Paso Community College

    • Location-markerEl Paso, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$2,784
    • Out-of-state$4,824
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate60%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled24,621
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment59%
    • AccreditationYes
    #3 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    College of the Mainland

    • Location-markerTexas City, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$2,550
    • Out-of-state$3,450
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate64%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled4,133
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment41%
    • AccreditationYes
    #4 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    San Jacinto Community College

    • Location-markerPasadena, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$4,050
    • Out-of-state$6,300
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate57%
    • Acceptance Rate100%
    • Students Enrolled31,577
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment66%
    • AccreditationYes
    #5 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    Amarillo College

    • Location-markerAmarillo, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$1,128
    • Out-of-state$2,664
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate70%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled9,179
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment55%
    • AccreditationYes
    #6 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    McLennan Community College

    • Location-markerWaco, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$3,720
    • Out-of-state$5,430
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate58%
    • Acceptance Rate100%
    • Students Enrolled7,337
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment57%
    • AccreditationYes
    #7 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    St Philip's College

    • Location-markerSan Antonio, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$6,450
    • Out-of-state$13,980
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate62%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled12,455
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment64%
    • AccreditationYes
    #8 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    Trinity Valley Community College

    • Location-markerAthens, TX
    • 4 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$1,170
    • Out-of-state$4,500
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate48%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled5,461
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment50%
    • AccreditationYes
    #9 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    Ranger College

    • Location-markerRanger, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$3,600
    • Out-of-state$5,250
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate41%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled2,249
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment56%
    • AccreditationYes
    #10 The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    Navarro College

    • Location-markerCorsicana, TX
    • 2 year
    • Campus + Online
    Average Undergrad Tuition
    • In-State$1,620
    • Out-of-state$3,480
    Average Graduate Tuition
    • In-StateN/A
    • Out-of-stateN/A
    • Retention Rate55%
    • Acceptance RateN/A
    • Students Enrolled6,565
    • Institution TypePublic
    • Percent Online Enrollment57%
    • AccreditationYes

    What Can You Do as a Registered Nurse in Texas?

    LVN-to-BSN programs in Texas prepare graduates for challenging and rewarding careers as BSN-prepared RNs. Some programs also offer LVN-to-associate degree in nursing (ADN) tracks.

    RNs provide patients with direct care and education about maintaining or regaining good health. RNs assist physicians and advanced practice registered nurses and often supervise other nursing staff, such as LVNs and nursing assistants. RNs work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, long-term care facilities, and schools.

    The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the average salary for RNs at $80,010 a year. Graduate degrees and specialty certifications can increase a nurse’s earning potential. Successful RNs possess integrity, empathy, and the ability to perform under pressure.

    What to Look for in a LVN-to-RN Program in Texas

    As you research LVN-to-BSN programs in Texas, pay attention to each program’s admission requirements, the curriculum, the clinical rotations format, and the online learning format, along with the school’s accreditation status and National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) pass rate.

    Admission Requirements

    Admission requirements help applicants narrow down their program choices by pinpointing threshold requirements, such as minimum GPAs, test scores, and prerequisite coursework.


    Program Curriculum

    The curriculum can guide decision-making by listing the course offerings, especially for those interested in a particular specialty area. Candidates can examine the class schedule to ensure that the courses they need are available.


    Clinical Experience

    Online students in particular should be sure that a program’s clinical rotation format works for them. Do clinical opportunities exist close to home, or is travel required?


    Accreditation

    Accreditation indicates that a program’s academics and clinical experiences undergo rigorous review to ensure that graduates emerge prepared for licensure exams and the workplace.


    School NCLEX Pass Rate

    One of a BSN program’s primary goals is preparing students for licensure exams. A school’s National Council Licensure Examination-RN (NCLEX-RN) pass rate offers valuable information on graduates’ success.

    Applying to an LVN-to-RN Program in Texas

    Those interested in earning their LVN-to-BSN online in Texas can find admission requirements and application instructions on each program’s website. While criteria may vary by school, some commonalities exist among LVN-to-RN accredited programs in Texas.

    Applicants typically need to submit proof of LVN licensure, academic transcripts, and entrance examination scores.

    Common Admission Requirements

    • LVN (or licensed practical nurse) license
    • One year of work experience
    • Entrance examination score
    • Academic transcripts
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA
    • Prerequisite coursework in health assessment, math, and sciences
    • CPR training
    • Criminal background check

    Program Requirements

    • Program Length: 18-24 months
    • Clinical Requirements: Three clinical hours per each classroom hour, as suggested by the Texas Board of Nursing
    • GPA Requirement: 2.5-3.0

    Why is LVN-to-RN Program Accreditation Important?

    There are several reasons to ensure that any program you consider is properly accredited.

    • Accreditation ensures academic quality that prepares graduates for licensure exams and RN work.
    • Unaccredited school credits may not transfer towards accredited program requirements.
    • Graduate programs may not admit applicants with undergraduate nursing degrees from unaccredited schools or programs.
    • Candidates who attend unaccredited institutions may be ineligible for federal financial aid.
    • Accredited degrees can lead to higher salaries and job prospects, and employers may require or prefer hiring graduates of accredited nursing programs.
    • State nursing licensure boards may require that applicants attend accredited programs.

    Who Accredits LVN-to-RN Programs?

    Programs and institutions are accredited by different accreditation bodies. The following are key accrediting bodies for nursing programs and institutions:

    How Do I Know an LVN-to-RN Program is Accredited?

    Online LVN-to-RN programs in Texas undergo the same accreditation processes as traditional, in-person programs, including regular and rigorous curriculum reviews to ensure that programs meet state and national standards.

    Students can check for a program’s accreditation status on the school’s website and by following the links of the accrediting organizations listed above. All nursing programs in this guide and on NurseJournal.org are accredited.

    Paying for LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas

    The cost of attending an LVN-to-RN program in Texas varies by school and depends on many factors. These include cost per credit hour, financial aid eligibility, program length, student residency status, the number of available transfer credits, and whether students can work while attending school.

    Students can find a variety of financial aid options to help pay for nursing school, including federal, state, and privately funded grants and scholarships for nursing students; work-study opportunities; and student loans. Nursing schools, government agencies, and private organizations offer funding for minority students, and students can access budgeting resources online.

    LVN-to-RN Program FAQ

    An RN who wants to work as an LVN in Texas must hold an LVN license in addition to an RN license. However, an RN working as an LVN cannot perform RN duties while functioning in the LVN role. RNs interested in working as LVNs should contact the Texas nursing board for guidance.