LVN to ADN is an Associate Degree program (Hybrid) offered by Texas Health School in Houston, TX. The program takes 1,348 clock hours (60 semester credits) — 64 weeks, eight 8-week sessions to complete, with a total tuition of $40,367.
Program Overview
Licensed Vocational Nursing to Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (LVN to ADN) is a transition pre-licensure program offered over a 64-week period consisting of eight 8-week sessions and designed exclusively for currently Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). Students who successfully complete the program earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree and earn eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
Accelerated. The program is an accelerated course of study designed to expand upon previous education and experience; students are expected to apply prior knowledge to all nursing courses. The curriculum includes a combination of hybrid and face to face classes, simulation lab and skills performance, and clinical experiences in a variety of healthcare settings.
Mission. The mission of the Texas Health School’s LVN-to-ADN Program is to provide quality education to a diverse student population necessary to contribute to the nursing profession through development of competent, safe, and empathetic novice RNs. The curriculum expands students’ competence as LVNs by emphasizing knowledge, skills, and aptitudes necessary to make appropriate clinical judgments consistent with the RN scope of practice.
What sets this Program apart
Our LVN-to-ADN program is designed exclusively for currently licensed LVNs. It’s a transitional pre-licensure program that spans 64 weeks, divided into eight, 8-week sessions.
Hybrid learning format. General education courses are completed online, while nursing-specific courses are held in classroom environments, clinics, or labs, so students receive the hands-on training that leads to success as an RN.
The five learning outcomes. The nursing courses integrate the five learning outcomes required by the Texas Board of Nursing – Medical-Surgical, Mental Health, Maternal/Child Health, Pediatrics and Geriatrics – with emphasis on health promotion, prevention, rehabilitation, maintenance and restoration of health, palliative care, and end-of-life care.
NCLEX-RN results. The school reports a 2025 NCLEX-RN first time pass rate of 90.90%.
A pathway for THS graduates. Graduates of the THS Vocational Nursing Program who hold an unencumbered vocational nursing license are exempt from the admission entrance examination and the Nursing Selection Committee interview, submitting recommendations from the VN Program Director and a VN faculty member instead.
Admission Requirements and Process
Texas Health School (THS) requires all applicants to complete the applicable admission process outlined below. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
- An admissions representative will interview the applicant to assess their abilities, needs, and readiness for the program. Applicants will also tour the school’s facilities.
- Applicants must complete the THS application and the LVN-to-ADN Program application and other required admission documents.
- Applicants must possess a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or an equivalent homeschool certificate (applicants holding a bachelor’s degree are exempt), and must be at least 17 years old at admission and at least 18 years old before beginning their scheduled clinical experience.
- Applicants must have graduated from a vocational nursing program offered by a recognized institution in the United States, and must hold a current, unencumbered vocational nursing license issued by the Texas Board of Nursing (TXBON).
- Applicants who did not graduate from the THS Vocational Nursing Program must pass either the TEAS VII® (minimum 60% in Reading and 60% in Mathematics) or the HESI® Admission Assessment (A2) (minimum 70% in Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Vocabulary and General Knowledge), taken in person at the THS campus or an approved proctored location.
- Applicants meet with the Financial Aid Representative, set up a financial payment plan, then complete and sign the enrollment agreement and submit the required registration fee deposit.
- Applicants who are not THS VN graduates submit two letters of recommendation on the THS-prescribed form from employers and/or teachers.
- Applicants submit a one-page, typed essay on “My Commitment to Excellence in Nursing and Professional Career Advancement Goals,” a current résumé, a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card, a physical examination, and immunization and tuberculosis documentation.
- Applicants who are not THS VN graduates interview with the Nursing Selection Committee; recommended applicants receive an acceptance letter within one week.
- Accepted applicants complete a 10-panel drug screen with negative results at least a week before classes begin and attend the mandatory orientation.
Before the fifth term. An original blue card from the TXBON, or an original declaratory order outcome letter stating the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN® Exam, is required prior to the first day of the fifth term for continued enrollment.
Transfer credit. Only general education courses will be considered for transfer credits (grade of “C” or higher; science courses no more than five years old and other general education courses no more than seven years old unless part of a completed degree). Credits will not be given for any of the nursing core courses.
General Requirements
- Texas LVN licenseHold a current, unencumbered vocational nursing license issued by the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Vocational nursing graduateHave graduated from a vocational nursing program offered by a recognized institution in the United States.
- High school diploma or equivalentHold a high school diploma, GED or recognized homeschool certificate, unless you hold a bachelor’s degree.
- TEAS or HESI scoresUnless you are a THS VN graduate, pass the TEAS VII (60% Reading, 60% Math) or the HESI A2 (70% in each required area), taken in person.
- Essay, résumé and recommendationsSubmit a one-page typed essay, a current résumé and, unless you are a THS VN graduate, two letters of recommendation.
- Health records and CPRSubmit a physical examination, the required immunization and TB records, and a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card.
- Drug screenComplete a 10-panel drug screen with negative results at least a week before classes begin.
Application Process
- 1Meet admissionsMeet an admissions representative and tour the school’s facilities.
- 2Complete the applicationComplete the Texas Health School Application for Admission; the LVN-to-ADN Program application is completed with the admission documents.
- 3Test and submit your documentsPass the TEAS or HESI A2 (unless you are a THS VN graduate) and submit the essay, résumé, recommendations, CPR card, physical and immunization records.
- 4Meet with Financial AidComplete the Texas Health School Financial Aid Application and the FAFSA (school code 039873) and set up a payment plan.FAFSA Code for Houston: 039873FAFSA at studentaid.gov
- 5Interview and enrollInterview with the Nursing Selection Committee; recommended applicants receive an acceptance letter within one week, then sign the enrollment agreement.
Program Schedule
The LVN to ADN program runs 64 weeks of day classes in eight 8-week sessions. Nursing courses are held daytime in class; general education courses are online. Clinical time typically begins at 6:30 am and ends at 7:00 pm, and certain specialty rotations (Obstetrics and Pediatrics) are offered during the overnight shift from 6:30pm to 7:00am. Clinical hours are scheduled to comply with Texas Administrative Code, Rule 215.
Upcoming cohorts. Cohort IV (Fall 2026) began August 17, 2026; Cohort V (Summer 2027) begins April 12, 2027, with its eighth session ending July 16, 2028. The program application and all required documents must be submitted by the assigned deadline to be eligible for enrollment.
Office hours. Monday – Thursday 8:00AM – 7:00PM and Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited school means its training has been reviewed against independent standards that protect students.
This school: Texas Health School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. It is approved and regulated by the Texas Board of Nursing, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Reviewed against independent standards
- Recognized by employers and licensing boards
Accreditations
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of the program. The catalog addendum prints the following charges, which reconcile to the total cost paid to Texas Health School:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $40,367 |
| Registration Fee | $100 |
| Kit & Book Fees (textbooks, nursing kit, standardized resources and exams, stethoscope, sphygmomanometer, two sets of scrubs) | $3,752 |
| Licensing Fees (Texas BON initial licensure application, Jurisprudence, NCLEX-RN exam) | $350 |
| Technology Fee (including specialty exams) | $750 |
| Total cost paid to Texas Health School | $45,319 |
Total tuition cost does not include immunizations, the IdentoGO criminal background check, drug screening, CPR training, health assessment, transportation, clinical site parking, shoes, additional uniforms and school supplies; the catalog estimates these at $350 (range $350.00 to $450.00), for a total estimated cost of program of $45,669. The tuition cost to take an individual subject is $695 per credit hour.
Federal aid. Texas Health School participates in the Federal Pell Grant Program and the Federal Direct Student Loan Program (Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and Direct PLUS loans). Students complete a Texas Health School Financial Aid Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov, using federal school code 039873; the Financial Aid Representative reviews them and discusses tuition payment plans. The financial aid award year runs from July 1st through June 30th.
Other funding and payment plans. Students may be eligible for funds from Americorp, the Veterans Administration (VA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Texas Workforce Solutions – Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and Texas Workforce Solutions (WIOA); students receiving alternate funding must present the agency’s authorization before starting school. Students who do not qualify for financial aid or who do not wish to apply for educational loans may make monthly tuition payments to the school. Texas Health School does not prohibit attendance or impose penalties while waiting on VA payments.
Cancellation. A full refund will be made to any student who cancels the enrollment contract within 72 hours (until midnight of the third day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after the enrollment contract is signed, or within the student’s first three scheduled class days, except that the school may retain not more than $100 in any administrative fees charged.
Curriculum
The LVN to ADN curriculum totals 1,348 clock hours and 60 semester credits across eight sessions: general education (anatomy and physiology, lifespan growth and development, microbiology, English and college algebra) and nursing courses that integrate the Texas Board of Nursing’s five learning outcomes. Courses are listed session by session in the table below.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of this program may find employment in areas such as hospitals, clinics, home health-care agencies, and physician offices.
Licensure. LVN-to-ADN Program graduates applying for licensure in the State of Texas must pass a state approved Jurisprudence Examination prior to graduation in order to sit for the NCLEX-RN® examination; during the eighth and final session students complete the licensure application, the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination and NCLEX-RN® registration.
Graduate objectives. Graduates will be able to provide safe and effective care consistent with the Texas Nursing Practice Act, coordinate and communicate effectively with patients, families and other healthcare professionals, serve as patient advocates, and supervise nursing care provided by others.
Career services. Texas Health School assists students in finding employment in entry-level positions in their chosen career fields and offers placement assistance to all eligible completers and graduates. Upon successful completion of the program the school will refer graduates and present their resumes to prospective employers; placement assistance includes resume writing, cover letter writing, finding job openings, mock interviews and career networking events. Texas Health School does not guarantee placement, nor does it guarantee that a graduate will earn a specific wage in their area of study.
What to expect as a Texas Health School student
Since 2002. Texas Health School was established in Houston in 2002 to provide specialized training programs needed to address the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. In 2019 it relocated to 11511 Katy Freeway to a larger more modernized facility. The school occupies approximately 12,000 sq. ft. on the second floor; the facilities include a computer lab, two nursing skills labs, a medical lab, two lecture rooms, and a massage clinic classroom, and the classrooms and labs are supplied with equipment and instruments related to the specific academic program of study.
Orientation. Accepted students attend a mandatory orientation session covering the school’s policies and procedures, the program’s curriculum overview, class schedules, the grading scale, available resources, the learning management system, and meetings with the faculty, registrar, career services, and financial aid department directors.
Clinical training. Students may be required to travel up to 100 miles each way to the assigned clinical site and are responsible for their own transportation and parking. Clinical evaluation tools reflect the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs.
Drug screening. All nursing students have a 10-panel drug screening before the first day of class, and may be screened for cause or at random while enrolled.
Handbook. Students receive and review the LVN to ADN Student Handbook during their orientation session.
Dress code. Students are required to wear the school’s uniform in class and on externship. Shoes must be closed toe - closed heel and should be either white, navy, or black, and a school issued student ID badge is required to be worn at all times. Visible tattoos must be covered, fingernails must be short and clean with no polish, and use of cell phone, food and drink is prohibited in class or during clinical/externship activity.
Health insurance. Students are expected to maintain their own health insurance while attending Texas Health School and are responsible for any medical expenses incurred during the course of the program.
Other Programs at Houston
Texas Health School in Houston, TX also offers these 5 programs at 11511 Katy Freeway, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77079.
- Massage TherapyDiploma · 500 clock hours (23 semester credits) — 35 weeks day or evening
- Medical AssistantDiploma · 800 clock hours (32 semester credits) — 32 weeks day or evening
- MRI TechnologyAssociate Degree · 1,754 clock hours (71 semester credits) — 80 weeks, five 16-week semesters
- Nurse AideCertificate · 100 clock hours — 4 weeks day, 6.25 weeks evening or 12 weeks Saturday
- Vocational NursingDiploma · 1,440 clock hours (55 semester credits) — 48 weeks day or 74 weeks evening