The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Duy Do | Moment | Getty ImagesAverage 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.
The Best LVN-to-RN Programs in Texas
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,950
- Out-of-state$11,369
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled10,107
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
El Paso Community College
- El Paso, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,784
- Out-of-state$4,824
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled24,621
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
College of the Mainland
- Texas City, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,550
- Out-of-state$3,450
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,133
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
San Jacinto Community College
- Pasadena, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,050
- Out-of-state$6,300
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled31,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Amarillo College
- Amarillo, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,128
- Out-of-state$2,664
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled9,179
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
McLennan Community College
- Waco, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,720
- Out-of-state$5,430
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled7,337
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
St Philip's College
- San Antonio, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,450
- Out-of-state$13,980
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled12,455
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Trinity Valley Community College
- Athens, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,170
- Out-of-state$4,500
- Retention Rate48%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled5,461
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Ranger College
- Ranger, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,600
- Out-of-state$5,250
- Retention Rate41%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,249
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Navarro College
- Corsicana, TX
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,620
- Out-of-state$3,480
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- 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:
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
- The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Education Programs (COA)
- The American College of Nurse-Midwife Division of Accreditation (ACNNM)
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.
