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Valley Baptist Medical Center  School of Vocational Nursing

Become a Vocational Nurse!

Put nursing in your future! If you’re an individual who’s motivated, self-disciplined, responsible and enjoys helping others, consider becoming a vocational nurse through our program.

Why Valley Baptist

Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations that’s expected to provide stable, long-term employment for the future.

The Vocational Nursing Program at Valley Baptist begins in January and continues through December. The program consists of both classroom and clinical components, both important for a well-rounded education.   We provide learning opportunities that help allow an individual to become a safe practitioner capable of meeting the basic care needs of individuals with acute and chronic disorders.

Three distinct levels make up the program. During these levels, students gradually learn theoretical concepts that will be used in the clinical practice of nursing and experience patient care opportunities that advance from the simple to the complex.

Graduates receive a Certificate of Completion and are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program’s pass rate on this examination usually exceeds the state average. A licensed vocational nurse (LVN) assumes roles and responsibilities for client care in a variety of hospital and community based settings, caring for patients of throughout the lifespan with a variety of conditions, under the direction of a registered nurse or doctor.

If you have questions, please contact a program representative at (956) 389-1721.

Additional Information

  • Pre-entrance testing begins in July.
  • Clinical experiences are held at Valley Baptist Medical Center—Harlingen and surrounding facilities.
  • There are no pre-requisite courses required. (College credits not accepted.)
  • For Program cost, see our academic catalog. The program is approved by the Veteran’s Administration for acceptance of GI Bill funds if the applicant qualifies.
  • Course hours are full-time days (hours vary between 6:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
  • The Vocational Nursing Program at Valley Baptist is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and Texas Workforce Commission.

Eligibility

To be eligible for selection, you must:

  • Complete a Criminal Background Check with (Safran) Morphotrust USA, and be cleared by the Texas Board of Nursing
  • Be at least 17 years of age, and 18 years of age by time of graduation
  • Have a high school diploma or have completed and received a GED
  • Take and pass the most current TEAS Pre-entrance examination 
  • Meet all admission criteria

Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) may be disqualified from taking the national licensure examination.

Program Information

What Is a Vocational Nurse?

An LVN has completed a program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing and has passed the National Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The LVN may be employed in a variety of health care settings. 

As of February 1, 2004, the passage of the HB 1483 consolidated all licensed nurses under one regulatory board, the Texas Board of Nursing, and under the authority of the Nursing Practice Act. The position statement related to the LVN scope of practice is Position Statement 15.27, The LVN Scope of Practice.

To learn more about and related links visit the Texas Board of Nursing.

Student Expectations

It is necessary to create positive, interpersonal relationships between the hospital and all people of the community it serves. A significant factor in achieving such awareness is the importance of respect for individual dignity and the need for courteous treatment of all persons regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, culture or economic status.

Grading System, Examinations and Assigned Work

  • The student’s performance will be evaluated in both the classroom and the clinical areas.
  • A grade of 77 or above is considered passing.

Study, Lecture and Clinical Preparation Time

  • The accelerated pace of coursework requires students to take responsibility to plan for their learning.
  • Students should discipline themselves to spend a minimum of two to four hours a day for class and clinical preparation time.
  • A strong support system is very important in order to allow students study time for learning.
  • Working is highly discouraged.

Computer Requirements

  • Lecture preparation will require students to access and obtain information from several computer programs via internet. The student must have basic computer skills, a good computer and printer, and high quality internet connections. The student must be able to download and print using Microsoft Office software (Word and PowerPoint) as well as Adobe Acrobat Reader. A school computer lab is available for use.

Transportation

  • Each student is expected to make appropriate transportation arrangements to be at the Medical Center for class and clinical experiences as the schedule indicates.
  • Some clinical experiences require the student travel away from the Medical Center campus. Each student will be expected to be responsible for his/her own transportation and expenses (i.e.-meals) as part of that experience.

Dress Code

  • Each student will follow the dress code, established by the school, for the period of time they are enrolled in the program. A professional appearance is required at all times.

Drug and Alcohol Policy

  • The Vocational Nursing Program is committed to the safety of its patients, visitors, employees and students. Therefore, the school will take appropriate precautions to prevent injury and loss of life and/or property, which may result from a Vocational Nursing Program student’s use of unlawful drugs or alcohol.

Employment Following Graduation

There is a continuing need for Licensed Vocational Nurses in a variety of community and medical facilities. Hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, extended care facilities, home health agencies, industrial companies, government facilities and other health care facilities may employ qualified LVNs.

Valley Baptist Medical Center School of Vocational Nursing, Vocational Nursing Program, does not offer employment assistance after graduation.

Program Documents

For assistive services for these program documents, please see our language assistance services page.

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