The program in Vocational Nursing includes theory and practical clinical experience designed to prepare the successful student to function as a member of the nursing team in providing nursing care for patients in structured health care settings. This program is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Those passing this examination and the Texas jurisprudence examination will qualify for licensure as a vocational nurse (LVN).
The aim of the program is to provide the type of educational background essential to preparing vocational nurses to assist in conserving life and promoting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of patients and their families.
WCJC offers the program in Vocational Nursing (VN) at the Wharton Campus. The VN program also has limited enrollment.
Criminal Background Checks and Eligibility for Licensure
Upon acceptance into the VN program, students will be required to complete a criminal background check with fingerprints and drug screen through the college-approved agency at the student’s expense. A student with a satisfactory criminal background screen is eligible to be considered for full acceptance and enrollment in the VN program if:
- The student has previously submitted a Declaratory Order to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and
- Received BON verification of eligibility for future licensure as a Licensed Vocational Nurse
A person who has been convicted of, or received a deferred order with or without adjudication of guilt for a crime other than a minor traffic violation or minor in possession or treated for certain mental illnesses and/or chemical dependency within the last five (5) years must contact the BON to determine eligibility to take the NCLEX-PN.
Entrance Requirements
Applicants must submit the following by the third Thursday of April:
- Applicants must meet the admission requirements to WCJC, be a high-school graduate, or have satisfactory scores on the test of General Education Development (GED). Admission to WCJC is a separate process from admission to the nursing program. Applicants must be eligible to register for courses at WCJC in order to be considered for admission.
- Entrance test scores: All students are required to be TSI satisfied prior to application. TEAS scores must be submitted with a minimum reading score of 65% and a minimum score of 65% in math. The TEAS scores must be from the last two (2) years.
- Completed application to the VN program.
- Transcripts from all colleges attended, including WCJC.
- Proof of completion of Hepatitis B vaccine series: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires all nursing students provide proof of completion of the Hepatitis B immunization series or provide proof of immunity before being allowed to administer patient care. Since students begin to administer patient care in the fall, all applicants are required to provide proof of completion of at least the first two (2) shots with proof of the third shot by the first clinical day. This proof must accompany the application. The series of three shots takes six (6) months to complete.
- Proof of current CPR Certification: Must be American Heart Association in Basic Life Support.
- Letter of Good Standing:
If you have previously enrolled in any nursing program, you must provide a letter from the program director stating you are a student in good standing and are eligible for readmission to that program.
Conditions for full acceptance are contingent upon:
- Completion of a satisfactory criminal background check and negative drug screen; both at the student’s expense through a college-approved agency. Estimated cost of the criminal background check is $54.00 and the drug screen is $44.00.
- Completion of the VN Program Health Data form and submission of documents as specified.
- Documentation of required immunizations and titers - Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Hepatitis B, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella, and documentation of immunity or exemption.
- Documentation of an annual TB skin test - positive results will require follow-up.
- Documentation of current CPR certification by the American Heart Association in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers.
- Documentation of a clear background check, operations outcome letter, enforcement outcome letter, or eligibility order from the Texas Board of Nursing.
- All conditions for full acceptance must be completed by the first day of class.
Cost of the VN program is approximately $3700, excluding tuition and fees. This includes the TEAS test fee, liability insurance, books, miscellaneous supplies, uniforms, and costs related to graduation and licensure. The cost of tuition and fees is dependent on residence status. Program costs and tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.
