Vocational Nursing LVN – San Angelo

Mission

The purpose of the Vocational Nursing Program at Howard College San Angelo is to educate students in vocational nursing through innovative and educationally sound learning opportunities. The program serves a 13-county area ranging from Lamesa to Junction, with an emphasis on Tom Green County and the Concho Valley.

The program and college are committed to the personal development of each student so graduates can serve their communities as competent staff vocational nurses.

Program Goal

The goal of the Vocational Nursing Program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive knowledge, psychomotor skills, and affective behavior learning domains of vocational nursing practice as performed by Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Philosophy

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.

Admission Criteria and Course Requirements

1. Apply to Howard College and complete all general admission requirements.

   Review Howard College application requirements.

2. Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing with Howard College and any transfer institution.
3. View the Health Professions Orientation video on the Health Professions San Angelo homepage. Completion is required for all applicants to San Angelo Health Professions programs.

4. Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher by the application deadline:

   • BIOL 2101 and BIOL 2301 – Anatomy and Physiology I lecture and lab
   • BIOL 2102 and BIOL 2302 – Anatomy and Physiology II lecture and lab
   • BIOL 2120 and BIOL 2320 – Microbiology for Non-Science Majors lecture and lab
   • PSYC 2314 – Lifespan Growth and Development

   Note: Additional courses are required for program completion. Because of the intensive nature of the program, students are encouraged to complete as many of these courses as possible before applying. Course timing may affect financial aid eligibility while enrolled in program courses.

5. Complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

   • Register and pay for the examination through ATI Testing.
   • Contact the Testing Coordinator at 325-481-8300 for scheduling information.
   • The TEAS may be taken once per month, with a maximum of three attempts per admission cycle.
   • The examination must be proctored at an approved testing facility. Online or at-home proctored examinations are not accepted.
   • TEAS scores older than five years are not accepted.
   • Submit the TEAS Individual Performance Profile with your full name clearly visible.
6. Successfully complete a criminal background check through CastleBranch at the time of application.

Application Process

Submit a complete online Health Professions application for the Vocational Nursing program along with unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended. Incomplete applications may not be prioritized for review.

• Fall semester application deadline: June 5
• Spring semester application deadline: October 30th

Immunization and Certification Requirements

• Hepatitis B: Two- or three-dose series, or a positive titer.
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella: Two-dose series or a positive titer.
• Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis: One dose within the last 10 years.
• Varicella: Two-dose series or a positive titer.
• Tuberculosis screening: Required annually.
• Influenza vaccination: Required seasonally.
• Certified Nursing Assistant license: Current proof is required.

Requirements After Acceptance

• Complete an approved American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers course.
• Pass a 10-panel drug test before beginning clinical rotations.
• Provide documented proof of health insurance.
• Pass a physical examination using the form provided by the program.
• Provide documentation of all required immunizations or an exemption accepted by the clinical facility.

Vocational Nursing Program Expenses

The following expenses are in addition to tuition and fees. All amounts are approximate and subject to change.

Current tuition and fee information is available in the Howard College Catalog.

Admission-Related Expenses

• Immunizations: Variable
• Background check: Variable
• LVN licensure: Variable

Additional Program Expenses

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers course: Approximately $56, depending on provider
• Physical examination: Variable, depending on health insurance
• 10-panel drug test through CastleBranch: Variable
• Health insurance: Variable
• Annual tuberculosis test: Variable, depending on health insurance
• Annual influenza vaccination: Variable
• Clinical travel expenses: Variable and may include in-town and out-of-town travel

Uniform and Equipment Costs

• Scrubs with a red top and black pants: Approximately $60 per set; at least two sets are required
• Closed-toe and closed-heel shoes: Variable
• Optional lab coat: Approximately $40
• Stethoscope: Variable
• Penlight: Variable
• Bandage scissors: Variable
• Program patch: Approximately $6
• Watch with a second hand: Variable; digital watches and smartwatches are not permitted

Textbooks and Online Programs

• Summer Semester I: Approximately $900
• Fall Semester II: Approximately $450
• Spring Semester III: Approximately $400

Computer access and printing may be required.

Licensing Expenses During the Final Semester

• NCLEX examination fee: Approximately $200
• Licensure application fee: Approximately $100
• Additional review or preparation products before taking the licensing examination: Variable

Martha Alvarez, MBA, BSN, RN, NREMT-LP

Program Chair, Vocational Nursing
Howard College San Angelo Campus
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3425
Email: malvarez@howardcollege.edu

Tracey Riddle

Health Professions Coordinator
Phone: 325-481-8371, ext. 3435
Fax: 325-481-8373
Email: triddle@howardcollege.edu