There is always room for career advancement and growth in the health care industry. Working as a Certified Nursing Assistant has its rewards, but you don’t have to remain stuck in that role if you long for something more. You can use your experience and knowledge as a stepping stone to a career as a professional nurse. CNA-to-LVN programs provide the additional education needed to make a career transition as seamless as possible. Most programs grant credit (upon evaluation of your coursework and experience) to reduce your credit requirement by up to 5 credit hours. After completing the didactic and hands-on coursework, you may be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam to obtain a license to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
Baptist Health System
Certified Nursing Assistants may increase their career opportunities by enrolling in the Vocational Nursing program at Baptist Health System. They will acquire entry-level skills that they can use to care for patients with common health problems and build upon them throughout their career. Advanced placement is only available for certified nurse aides who are listed on the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry who are in good standing. Those approved will receive credit for NURA 1301: Nurse Aide for Health Care Organizations I and VNSG 1160: Clinical – Vocational Nurse I. CNAs must pass skills testing. The vocational nursing curriculum is dynamic and supports the educational mobility of all graduates. It covers 1,356 clock hours of theory, lab, and clinical. Course topics include foundations of nursing, pharmacology, essentials of medication administration, pharmacology, applied nursing skills, nursing in health and illness, applied nursing skills, and vocational nurse clinical. BHS offers students the opportunity to practice at clinical sites throughout the Baptist Health System, commendations from the Texas Board of Nursing, high NCLEX-PN pass rates, and experienced nursing faculty. Graduates are eligible to apply for the state licensure exam to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse. The duration of the program is 3 semesters – one year. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Clinical times are 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. Saturday clinicals may be required.
Admission criteria:
- Complete the prerequisite courses with a grade C or better – Anatomy and Physiology with lab and Growth and Development at an accredited college or university
- Must be listed on the Texas Health and Human Services Nurse Aide Registry in good standing
- Take and pass the TEAS VI entrance exam with a minimum score of Reading (64.3), Math (56), Science (43), and English (50). Scores are valid for 2 years and must be submitted by the application deadline
- Apply for admission to the LVN program online and pay the application fee of $15
- Submit a copy of high school diploma, high school transcript or GED certificate
- Submit documentation of CNA training and certification
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must complete a Texas Board of Nursing Background Check Clearance
- Must have current CPR certification (Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association)
- Provide a copy of driver’s license and social security card
- Complete health screening
- Provide proof of health insurance
The cost of tuition and fees is $17,705 for CNA advanced placement candidates. Financial aid is available for eligible students.
- Website: https://www.bshp.edu/
- Address: 3703 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201
- Phone: (210) 785-4924
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97.22%
Galen College of Nursing
Galen College prepares nurse aides for a role as a Vocational Nurse. Nurse Aides who are certified and listed in good standing on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry may apply for credit in the program. The curriculum covers a total pf 1,440 clocks including 600 classroom hours, 192 lab hours, and 648 clinical hours. Students will learn integrated human sciences, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, mental health concepts, maternal-child nursing, geriatric nursing, and nursing and healthcare. Students will complete the clinical requirements at local health care partners. Rotations may be scheduled during the nights and weekends. Graduates will be eligible to apply to the Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Day and evening schedules are available. The day program may be completed in 12 months. The evening program is 21 months.
Admission criteria:
- Must have completed high school or a GED diploma
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Applicants under 18 must have the signature of a parent or guardian
- Transcript of CNA classes and current listing on the Nurse Aide Registry
- Submit satisfactory entrance exam test scores – ACT (19), SAT (1395), Multilevel PAX (81), ATI TEAS (54.7)
- Submit official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
- Submit a completed medical packet that includes physical examination and immunization record
- Submit to a criminal background screen prior to the start of classes
- Pass a urine drug screen
Tuition for the program is $21,541 plus $1,100 for registration, books, and supplies. Students will have to cover the cost for uniform, shoes, background check, and nursing supplies and equipment.
- Website: http://www.galencollege.edu/
- Address: 7411 John Smith Dr #300, San Antonio, TX 78229
- Phone: (210) 733-3056
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92.79%
St. Philip’s College – San Antonio
The Vocational Nursing Program at St. Phillips College offers advanced placement to certified nursing assistants who plan to begin a career as a vocational nurse. The program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The curriculum includes classroom and hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of vocational nursing, ethical and legal guidelines, gerontology, communication skills, nutrition, body structure and function, administration of medications and solutions, medical surgical nursing, obstetrical nursing, pediatric nursing, mental health nursing, and professional development. The supervised clinical experiences will be conducted at long-term care facilities, hospitals, and clinics in the community. Graduates will receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN. The program is offered on the full-time schedule only. Classes meet for 40 hours each week.
Admission criteria:
- Complete and submit an admission application to Alamo Colleges District
- Attend a Nursing Information Session
- Submit a complete and separate application for the nursing program
- Complete the prerequisite requirements before applying to the program – anatomy and physiology, nutrition, developmental psychology across the lifespan, and medical terminology
- Must take the TEAS and submit results with completed application packet
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or the equivalent of a C average
- Must have an active CNA license for advanced placement
- Complete the physical exam form through the licensed physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner
- Must include documentation of required immunizations – Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB Skin test, and flu vaccine
- Must have current CPR certification – Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association
- Must have a current health insurance card
- Provide three references from current or past employers
- Write and submit a 200-word essay
- Provide a current photo ID and social security card
- Obtain a clear criminal background screen
- Must obtain a negative drug screen
Tuition costs $99 per credit hour for in-district students and $215 for out-of-district students. Other costs include textbooks, uniform, background check, CPR certification, NCLEX-PN fee, drug screen, immunization, and ATI assessment.
- Website: https://www.alamo.edu/home/
- Address: 800 Quintana Rd., San Antonio, TX 78211
- Phone: (210) 486-2055
- NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 80.00%
Oxford Academy
The vocational nursing program at Oxford Academy helps Certified Nurse Aides achieve their career goals to function as a professional member of the health care team. Experienced instructors will help them develop the skills to provide competent, compassionate, and patient-centered care in acute and long-term care facilities. Classes will be conducted on campus and will include face-to-face discussions and hands-on activities in various clinical settings. The curriculum covers 1168 clock hours of theory, lab, and clinical hours (47 credit hours in total). Course topics include basic anatomy and physiology, vocational adjustments, foundations of nursing clinical, essentials of medication administration, pharmacology, medical surgical nursing, mental health nursing, geriatric nursing, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, and vocational nursing leadership and clinical. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX to practice as a licensed vocational nurse. The duration of the program is 12 months – 3 semesters. New students are admitted in January and complete the program in December.
Admission criteria:
- Must be 17 years of age or older
- Submit official photo ID – driver’s license or passport
- Submit social security card or proof of citizenship status
- Must have personal health insurance
- Complete physical exam and immunization requirements MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, negative TB test, Covid vaccine
- Complete a satisfactory background check
- Complete a personal essay – 200-300 words- describing personal aspirations to become a nurse
- Take and pass the entrance exam – ATI-TEAS
The program cost of $22,245 includes tuition, registration, books, supplies, and technology fee.
- Website: https://oxfordacademyedu.com/
- Address: Oxford Academy 2727 Northwest Loop 410, Suite 104, San Antonio, Texas 78230
- Phone: (210) 462-1901
- Fax: (210) 462-1180
- E-mail: Info@oxfordacademyedu.com
- 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.