To complete your file, please follow these steps (checklist):
- Complete the Howard College Application
- +Be sure to send official transcripts from any colleges you have previously attended.
- Complete the Nursing Application
- Complete Declaratory Order on TX BON website information is located under licensure and eligibility. All applicants must review
TX BON Licensure Eligibility prior to acceptance. It is mandatory to have a clearance
letter/blue card prior to completion of the Nursing Program. Responding NO when the
answer is YES may result in program dismissal.
- Complete a Background Check through Castle Branch code HQ91bg
- Complete the required 15 hours of Pre-Requisite Courses (Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and English 1301). See HC Catalog for
Details.
- +Official college transcripts are required for courses taken other than at Howard
College. Transfer of Prerequisite credits is contingent upon approval.
- **HPRS 2302 Medical Terminology for Allied Health or HPRS 1206 Essentials of Medical
Terminology (not pre-req but strongly recommended and additional points toward selection
criteria).
- Complete a CNA course and have proof of CNA certification.
Take TEAS Exam:
Register for this exam https://www.atitesting.com/teas/register. Please contact the testing center at Howard College 432-264-5637 or visit www.howardcollege.edu/testing/testing-bigspring for more information and to schedule. The TEAS test can be taken once every 30 days.
TEAS scores not taken at Howard College will be accepted from ATI and must be submitted
with the application. Student will be ranked on the basis of total points based on
Prerequisite grades and TEAS scores. See nursing packet for further information.
TEAS Scores must reflect updated TEAS version by ATI.
Once Accepted: Other Required Documentation
- Proof of Immunizations required by Texas Health Department, Rule 97.64 (additional immunizations may be
required by some clinical facilities). The required documents must be uploaded to
Castle Branch Compliance Tracker (Code HQ91im) separate from background.
- Hepatitis B:3 doses OR positive titer (2 doses must be completed prior to admission)
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR):2 doses OR positive titer
- Varicella:2 doses (OR) positive titer
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap):1 dose within the last 10 years
- Influenza:current season dose
- Tuberculosis:test or screening results
- Driver’s License
- Physical Exam
- BLS/CPR Card (American Heart Association- Basic Life Support Health Care Providers)
contact 432-264-5649 for more information.
- Health Insurance: Students enrolled in the Nursing Program are required to purchase health insurance
prior to the beginning of clinical experiences and to maintain such insurance for
the duration of their enrollment.
- Pay for required drug test: Students may be required by a clinical facility to submit to a random selection for
a drug screening test. If a student does not pass the background check or the drug
test and is unable to attend clinical, the student will be unable to fulfill the course
requirements and possible failure of the course may occur. It is not the responsibility
of the nursing faculty of Howard College to make alternative arrangements for clinical
hours.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit all required documents, to make all
appointments, and to pay all fees for testing.
Nursing has been an integral part of Howard College’s history for over fifty years. The LVN
program at the college began in 1958. The Associate Degree program began in January
of 1976. The Big Spring Campus hosts a LVN, RN, and Transition program. The LVN
program has a branch at the San Angelo campus as well. Since June 2003, the didactic
portion of the second year of the RN program has taken place in the online learning
environment.
Clinical rotations for all programs are excellent and varied. We are fortunate to
have Affiliation Agreements with many hospitals and clinics in Big Spring, San Angelo,
and the surrounding areas.
“Unless we are making progress in our nursing every year, every month, every week,
take my word for it we are going back.”
~Florence Nightingale, 1914
We, the faculty, believe nursing is a practice discipline with a unique body of knowledge
based on principles and concepts derived from the sciences and humanities. The goal
of nursing as a caring profession is to assist individuals, families, and communities
in health promotion, maintenance and restoration throughout the life process.
Cost Information & Additional Expenses
Please note that the expenses listed below are approximate and subject to change. These costs are in addition to standard tuition and fees. For the most current tuition
and fee details, please refer to the Howard College Catalog or contact the Financial Aid Office directly.
Scholarship Opportunities
Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help offset educational costs.
Apply here: Howard College Scholarships
Fees Associated with Admission
- Immunizations – Variable
- Background Check – Variable
- CNA Course/Certification – Variable
Additional Program-Related Expenses
These costs are the responsibility of the student and may vary based on provider and
location:
- Basic Life Support (CPR) for Healthcare Providers – Approx. $56)
- Physical Exam – Variable (dependent on insurance)
- Drug Screening – Approx. $45
- Health Insurance – Variable
- Flu & TB Test (PPD) – Variable (annual)
- Clinical Travel Expenses – Variable (may include out-of-town travel)
Uniform & Equipment Costs
- Scrubs – Approx. $60 per set (minimum 2 sets recommended)
- Closed Toe/Heel Shoes – Variable
- Lab Coat (optional) – Approx. $50
- Stethoscope
- Program Patch – Approx. $6
- Watch with Second Hand – Variable (smartwatches not permitted)
Textbooks, Lab Kits, & Online Testing Programs
Estimated costs vary by program:
- LVN Program – Approx. $1,500
- RN Program – Approx. $2,500
- Transition Program – Approx. $2,500
Licensing Expenses during Final Semester:
- NCLEX Exam Fee – $200
- TX BON Application Fee – $100
- Additional Reviews or products prior to taking NCLEX – Variable