Vocational Nursing is a Diploma program offered by Texas Health School in Houston, TX. The program takes 1,440 clock hours (55 semester credits) — 48 weeks day or 74 weeks evening to complete, with a total tuition of $28,964.
Program Overview
Aspiring nurses, your career journey begins with Texas Health School’s Vocational Nursing Program. The program is designed to provide the students with theory, laboratory, and clinical skills, which will prepare them for an entry level position in the practice of vocational nursing caring for patients in a variety of health care settings.
Licensure. Students who successfully complete all the minimum theory and clinical hour requirements as required by the Texas Board of Nursing will be prepared to successfully pass the NCLEX-PN®. Upon passing the Texas BON Jurisprudence exam and NCLEX-PN®, the graduate is eligible to apply for licensure by the Texas BON to practice as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The Vocational Nursing graduate will be awarded a Diploma.
1,440 hours. The program totals 1,440 clock hours and 55 semester credits: 600 lecture, 360 lab and 480 clinical hours over three semesters, in 48 weeks of day classes or 74 weeks of evening classes.
Mission. Texas Health School’s Vocational Nursing Program exists to provide quality nursing education to its diverse student population. With an emphasis on practicing competent, safe, and responsible nursing care, the program’s primary goal is the development of practical nurses who have a strong theoretical base, competent clinical skills, and sound clinical judgment.
What sets this Program apart
At Texas Health School, the curriculum integrates two major curriculum concepts: (1) Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) for Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs and (2) Essential Nursing Processes and Patient Care Standards. These two concepts provide students with the skills necessary to become licensed and provide high quality patient care.
NCLEX-PN first-time pass rates. Texas Health School publishes the percentages of its graduates who pass the NCLEX-PN on the first attempt:
| Year | Graduates | THS first-time pass rate | Texas average | National average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10 | 100% | 86.84% | 83.85% |
| 2018 | 33 | 93.94% | 89.30% | 85.93% |
| 2019 | 37 | 86.49% | 89.05% | 85.63% |
| 2020 | 35 | 92.50% | 88.53% | 83.09% |
| 2021 | 37 | 87.88% | 86.24% | 79.60% |
| 2022 | 51 | 94.12% | 87.26% | 79.93% |
| 2023 | 38 | 100% | 92.92% | 86.68% |
| 2024 | 60 | 91.67% | 93.25% | 88.38% |
| 2025 | 73 | 93.15% | Not available | Not available |
Day or evening. Vocational Nursing courses can be taken during the day (Monday to Friday, 48 weeks) or in the evening (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 74 weeks). The program emphasizes hands-on training necessary for skill competence, a structured decision-making model based on rationale for quality patient care, and self-evaluation in the promotion of professional development.
A path to the RN. 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 for the school’s LVN to ADN program.
Admission Requirements and Process
Texas Health School (THS) requires all applicants to complete the following admission process. 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 attend the mandatory Vocational Nursing Program information session and complete the THS application form.
- Applicants must possess a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a homeschool certificate equivalent to a high school diploma, and must be at least 17 years old at admission and at least 18 years old before beginning their scheduled clinical experience. Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree are exempt from the high school credential requirement.
- Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to participate in the program.
- All applicants must take the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE); the minimum required score for the VN Program is 17. Applicants must also pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with minimum scores of 60% in Reading and 55% in Mathematics, taken at the Texas Health School campus or an approved in-person, proctored testing location; remotely proctored TEAS exams are not accepted.
- Applicants must complete the Vocational Nursing Program application, submit two letters of recommendation on the THS-prescribed form from employers and/or teachers, a one-page typed essay on “Why I Want to Be a Nurse,” a current résumé, a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card, a physical examination, and immunization and tuberculosis documentation (Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Meningitis if under 22, Influenza).
- Applicants meet with the Financial Aid Representative, then complete and sign the enrollment agreement and submit the required registration fee deposit.
- Applicants with complete admission files are interviewed by the Nursing Selection Committee; those recommended receive an acceptance letter within one week of the interview.
- Accepted applicants must complete a 10-panel drug screen with negative results at least a week before classes begin, and attend the mandatory orientation.
Before the third semester. An original blue card from the Texas BON, or an original declaratory order outcome letter stating the student is eligible to take the NCLEX-PN® Exam, is required prior to the first day of the third semester for continued enrollment.
Transfer credit. Transfer credit for core nursing courses completed at other institutions is not granted; students complete all core vocational nursing coursework within the program.
General Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalentHold a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a recognized homeschool certificate; foreign credentials must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency.
- AgeBe at least 17 years old at admission and at least 18 years old before beginning your scheduled clinical experience.
- Wonderlic SLE score of 17Achieve the minimum Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam score of 17 required for the VN Program.
- TEAS scoresPass the TEAS with at least 60% in Reading and 55% in Mathematics, taken in person at THS or an approved proctored testing location.
- Recommendations, essay and résuméSubmit two letters of recommendation on the THS form, a one-page essay “Why I Want to Be a Nurse,” and a current résumé.
- Health records and CPRSubmit a physical examination, the required immunization and TB records, and a current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR card.
- Background check and drug screenComplete the criminal background check and a 10-panel drug screen with negative results at least a week before classes begin.
Application Process
- 1Attend the information sessionMeet an admissions representative, tour the school’s facilities and attend the mandatory Vocational Nursing Program information session.
- 2Complete the applicationComplete the Texas Health School Application for Admission; the VN Program application is completed with the admission documents.
- 3Test and submit your documentsPass the Wonderlic SLE and the TEAS, then submit the recommendations, essay, résumé, 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 Vocational Nursing program runs three semesters. Day classes (48 weeks) are scheduled Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with a one hour lunch break on class days of at least 5 hours; clinical time typically begins at 6:45 am and ends at 3:00 pm. Evening classes (74 weeks) are scheduled Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, with clinicals typically on Saturdays or Sundays for twelve hours.
Clinical hours. Clinical is scheduled for a total of 120 hours in Semester I, 186 hours in Semester II, and 174 hours in Semester III, to comply with the Board of Nursing requirements in the Texas Administrative Code, Rule 214. The actual time, days and shifts may vary based on the facility.
Upcoming cohorts. The academic calendar lists evening cohorts beginning December 1, 2026 (Fall 2026) and June 15, 2027 (Summer 2027), and day cohorts beginning January 25, 2027 (Spring 2027) and May 24, 2027 (Summer 2027). 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; regular school hours run to 10:00PM Monday – Thursday and 8:00AM – 5:30PM on Saturday.
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 | $28,964 |
| Registration Fee | $100 |
| Kit & Book Fees (textbooks, nursing kit, two sets of scrubs) | $3,075 |
| Licensing Fees (Texas BON initial licensure application and NCLEX-PN exam) | $350 |
| Technology Fee (including specialty exams) | $750 |
| Total cost paid to Texas Health School | $33,239 |
Kit and Book Fees include textbooks, nursing kit, and two (2) sets of scrubs. Students may purchase the textbooks on their own, which would reduce the Kit/Book fees by $1,578.00. 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 $325.00 to $450.00), for a total estimated cost of program of $33,589. The tuition cost to take an individual subject is $19.15 per 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 Vocational Nursing curriculum totals 1,440 clock hours (600 lecture, 360 lab, 480 clinical) and 55 semester credits over three semesters, listed course by course in the table below. As a graduate of the VN program you will be able to take the NCLEX-PN, implement the nursing process to provide high quality patient care, use effective communication to build healthy nurse-patient relationships, and examine and evaluate the legal regulations related to the nursing practice.
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Lecture | Lab | External | Total | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the program will be qualified for entry-level employment as vocational nurses in long-term care facilities, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, medical offices, various hospital departments, and health-care clinics.
Licensing. To be employed as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Graduates who achieve licensure will be prepared for entry-level employment as a Vocational Nurse, Provider of Patient-Centered Care, Patient Safety Advocate, or Member of a Health Care Team. During the third semester students prepare and submit their NCLEX-PN® applications.
Eligibility. Students who want to be licensed as a nurse in Texas must meet criteria regarding mental health status and freedom from substance dependence. A person who has been convicted of a felony that relates to the responsibilities of a Licensed Vocational Nurse may be disqualified from obtaining licensure.
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; a student who does not achieve minimum competency returns to the Skill Lab for remediation before the next clinical day.
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 VN 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.
- LVN to ADNAssociate Degree · 1,348 clock hours (60 semester credits) — 64 weeks, eight 8-week sessions
- 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