There are many paths to nursing. Starting as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) is advantageous in that it gives some insight into the activities involved in patient care. Experience as a nurse aide is also beneficial when applying for entry into vocational nursing and registered nursing programs. If your experience in as a nurse aide creates a longing to do more, and you’re ready to take the next step on the career ladder, enrolling in a CNA to LPN bridge program will pave the way for a new career as a nurse. You may qualify for advanced placement in the program or receive exemption from prerequisite courses. The effort to continue your education in nursing will reap professional, personal, and financial rewards. \
Delmar College
The Vocational Nurse Education Level II Certificate program at Delmar College is open to certified nursing assistants seeking to prepare for a career as a vocational nurse. The training will include classroom theory, hands-on lab, and clinical rotations at a skilled nursing facility. The curriculum includes 48 semester credit hours. Course modules include human anatomy and physiology, composition, general psychology, introduction to health care concepts, professional nursing concepts, health care concepts, communications, introduction to ethics, leadership and professional development, and vocational nurse clinical. Students must pass all modules to graduate from the program. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse. The duration of the program is four semesters. Graduates may complete an additional semester to earn an AAS degree to become a registered nurse.
Admission criteria:
- Apply for admission to Delmar College before applying for admission to the nursing program
- Submit a completed application for the Vocational Nurse program
- Take and pass the HESI A2 exam
- Complete the HESI A2 with the minimum scores
- Complete Anatomy and Physiology with a grade C or above
- Complete the corequisites with a grade C or better
- Provide proof of current immunizations – Hepatitis B, TDap, and MMR
- Complete the health screening requirements
- Must obtain a negative PPD or chest x-ray
- Must have and maintain CPR from American Heart Association Health Care Provider throughout the program
- Must obtain a clear FBI background check
- Submit to random drug screening
- CNA applicants must provide proof of current nurse aide certification
Tuition costs $69 per semester hour for Texas residents and $106 per semester hour for out-of-state and foreign students. Additional costs for books, fees, uniforms, background check, drug screen, immunization, and insurance will apply.
- Website: http://www.delmar.edu/
- Address: 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78404
- Phone: (361) 698-2860
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Coastal Bend College
Nurse aides may enroll in the vocational nursing program at Coastal Bend College to acquire skills to provide patient care, including administering medications, providing treatments, assessing patient needs, and providing emotional support. Nurse aides may be eligible to opt out of the prerequisite course requirements. Students will learn in the classroom and develop skills through activities in the school’s lab. Upon demonstration of competency in the clinical skills, students will be allowed to participate in the clinical rotations at regional healthcare facilities. The program comprises of 51 credit hours including 7 prerequisite credit hours. Course topics include anatomy and physiology for allied health, gerontology, essentials of medication administration, basic nursing skills, maternal neonatal nursing, advanced nursing skills, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, mental health and mental illness, pediatrics, and vocational nurse clinical. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a vocational nurse.
Admission criteria:
- Must be Texas State Initiative (TSI) Complete
- Must submit a completed application with required transcripts before deadline
- Complete and obtain passing grade on the TEAS exam – 55% or better
- Must obtain background clearance through the Texas Board of Nursing
- Must obtain negative drug screen results
- Must complete required immunizations
- Must have CPR certification through American Heart Association (AHA)
- Must complete the prerequisites courses with a passing grade
- Nurse aide applicants must provide proof of current certification
Tuition costs $118 per credit hour for in-district students, $180 per credit hour for out-of-district students, and $195 per credit hour for out-of-state students.
- Website: http://coastalbend.edu/
- Address: 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX, 78102
- Phone: 1-866-722-2838
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
South Texas College
The intensive vocational nursing program at South Texas College is open to certified nursing assistants seeking to prepare for a career as a vocational nurse. It will include classroom instruction, hands-on lab, and clinical practice at local health care facilities. The curriculum covers practice in the four basic areas of nursing care: adults, mothers and newborns, children, and the elderly. Course topics include anatomy and physiology for allied health, nursing in health and illness, foundations of nursing, basic nursing skills, essentials of medication administration, advanced nursing skills, maternal-neonatal nursing, pediatrics, and NCLEX-PN review. The program covers a total of 45 to 49 credit hours. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Vocational Nurses.
Admission criteria:
- Must participate in the required Prospective Student Information Session at the Nursing & Allied Health Campus
- Must be admitted to the college as a high school graduate or GED equivalent
- Must meet the TSI College Readiness Standards or meet TSI exemption standards
- Must earn a B or better in Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health
- Must achieve a score of 70% or higher on the HESI A2 Admission Assessment exam
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Must pass a 10-panel drug screen through approved providers
- Must complete all required immunizations including Hepatitis B series before applying to the program
- Must meet the NAH Functional Abilities Standards available in the NAH
- Must submit a completed Program application by the stated deadline
Tuition costs $77 per credit hour for in-district students, $87 per credit hour for out-of-district students, and $250 per credit hour for non-resident students.
- Website: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/
- Address: 1101 E. Vermont, McAllen, TX 78503
- Phone: 956-872-3100
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: N/A
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.