Vocational Nursing LVN – Big Spring

Application Checklist

1. Complete the Howard College application.

   • Send official transcripts from any colleges you have previously attended.

2. Complete the Nursing application.

3. Review licensure eligibility information and complete the Declaratory Order process, if applicable, through the Texas Board of Nursing website. All applicants must review Texas Board of Nursing licensure eligibility requirements before acceptance. A clearance letter or blue card is mandatory before completion of the Nursing Program. Providing inaccurate information may result in program dismissal.

4. Complete a background check through CastleBranch using code HQ91bg.

5. Complete the required 15 hours of prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Life Span, and Medical Terminology.

   • Official college transcripts are required for courses taken outside Howard College.
   • Transfer of prerequisite credits is contingent upon approval.

6. Complete a CNA course and provide proof of CNA certification.

7. Take the TEAS exam.

   • Register through ATI TEAS Registration.
   • Contact the Howard College Testing Center at 432-264-5637 or visit the Big Spring Testing Center page for scheduling information.
   • TEAS scores from exams not taken at Howard College will be accepted from ATI and must be submitted with the application.
   • Students are ranked using total points based on prerequisite grades and TEAS scores. Refer to the nursing packet for further information.
   • TEAS scores must reflect the current ATI TEAS version.

Required Documentation After Acceptance

Proof of immunizations is required under Texas Health Department Rule 97.64. Additional immunizations may be required by some clinical facilities.

Upload the required documents to the CastleBranch Compliance Tracker using code HQ91im. This is separate from the background check.

• Hepatitis B: Three doses or a positive titer; two doses must be completed before admission.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Two doses or a positive titer.
• Varicella: Two doses or a positive titer.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): One dose within the last 10 years.
• Influenza: Current-season dose.
• Tuberculosis: Test or screening results.
• Driver's license
• Physical examination
• BLS/CPR card: American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers. Contact 432-264-5649 for more information.
• Health insurance: Students enrolled in the Nursing Program must maintain health insurance throughout their clinical experiences.
• Required drug test: Students may be required by a clinical facility to complete a random drug screening. Students who cannot attend clinical because of an unsuccessful background check or drug test may be unable to complete course requirements. Nursing faculty are not responsible for arranging alternative clinical hours.

Applicants are responsible for submitting all required documents, scheduling appointments, and paying all testing fees.