LVN Additional Information (2024)

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​Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Program Information

Courses are completed in two 16-week academic semesters and two five-week summer semesters.

The program includes classroom and laboratory work on campus as well as clinical experience at various area health care facilities.

Students will need to plan two to three hours of studying and preparation time weekly for each class and/or clinical experience.

The demands of nursing courses are such that students may not be able to work full time while enrolled in these courses. Courses are offered during daytime hours only.

The program’s clinical experience requires that students be physically able to care for sick patients. This involves lifting, moving, bathing and transferring patients into and out of bed. Students will be exposed to patients with infectious diseases.

Clinical rotations may take place at:

Acceptance to the Vocational Nursing program is via a competitive selection process based on grade point average of prerequisite courses.

Students who complete the program receive a Vocational Nursing certificate and are eligible to take the Licensing Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to become licensed vocational nurse (LVN) within the guidelines set by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Find out more about information sessions and packets.

Information Packet and Information Sessions

Please visit dallascollege.edu/health-packets-sessions for information packet and information session details. The information packet will include complete information on admission requirements and application instructions. Email the Health Occupations Admissions Office or call 972-860-5001 with additional questions.

Drug Testing and Criminal Background Check

All students enrolled in allied health programs are required by Dallas/Fort Worth Hospital Council member facilities to undergo drug testing and a criminal background check after admission to the program.

Class Locations for El Centro Allied Health Programs

Classes for the Medical Laboratory Technology and Paramedic programs are held at the El Centro Downtown Campus, 801 Main St.

Classes in Dental Hygiene are held at the Paramount Building, 301 N. Market St, Dallas.

All other allied health programs at El Centro hold classes in the Downtown Health Sciences Center (formerly El Centro Center for Allied Health and Nursing), 301 N. Market St. in the West End District of downtown Dallas, one block north of the El Centro Downtown Campus.


The Vocational Nursing program is approved by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners (333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460; Austin, Tx. 78701; phone: 512-305-7400; fax: 512-305-7401), and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (3390Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400​; Atlanta, Ga. 30326; phone: 404-975-5000; fax: 404-975-5020). Students are awarded a certificate upon program completion and may write the Licensing Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN) in order to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in Texas.

Are you ready to begin your career in nursing?​

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Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get started in the LVN program?

The best place for you to start is to email the Health Occupations Admissions Office or call 972-860-5000 ​to receive an information packet andinformation session details.

Attend an information session. Get upcoming session dates:

  • In person at the Health Occupations Admission Office on the first floor of the Center for Allied Health and Nursing in the Paramount Building, located in the West End of Downtown Dallas at 301 North Market Stree​t. Please note that this building is located one block northwest of the main El Centro campus.
  • By calling 972-860-5000

What are the sections required on the HESI test?

We require a minimum score of 80 on the five sections of the HESI A2 entrance exam.

What about IV certification?

Our program does not currently have a stand-alone IV certification class; it is taught in the nursing programs.

What about VN refresher courses?

VN refresher courses are not included in our credit program. Check each semester’s Continuing Education schedule, or call the Continuing Education division at El Centro at 214-860-2147 to see if one is offered in the semester you are looking for.

What are expected hours? Are night classes and weekend clinicals available?

Our clinicals at present are on weekdays during daytime hours, and do not include night and weekend hours. Some of the institutions which offer these additional hours are much more costly than ours.

What about transferring other college credit into the VN program?

Please check with an allied health advisor. Any educational experience you have had would need to be evaluated by our district education specialists; they will request the course numbers and catalog descriptions of the courses you wish to transfer.

This may be easier done in person. You can reach our education specialist at 972-860-5003. Please note that in many cases, students have to complete our entire curriculum of classes due to the vast difference from other curriculums.

Can I complete prerequisites in summer and still apply for Fall?

No. The deadline for applying to our program with complete qualified applications is May 31 each year before the coming fall semester. You must have prerequisites completed with a 3.0 GPA before applying to the program.

What if I’ve been out of nursing practice for many years or am coming from another state?

It may be as simple as a refresher with appropriate documentation of your completed program and transcript or perhaps taking a full program and the board exam for Texas. Please check with an allied health advisor.

LVN Additional Information (2024)

FAQs

What is some additional information about a registered nurse? ›

Registered nurses set up plans for patient care. Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.

What are the benefits of being an LVN? ›

Top Five Reasons to Join an LVN Program
  • Fun and Exciting LVN Programs. Most people find nursing and medical school to be somewhat intimidating, tons of work and no time for a personal or a professional life. ...
  • Fast Experience. ...
  • Grow Your Career. ...
  • Job Security. ...
  • Career Flexibility.

What is the LVN role in the nursing process? ›

Under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN) or physician, the LPN/LVN is accountable for the quality of nursing care he or she provides to patients and utilizing the nursing process, assumes responsibility for planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing care for assigned patients in the ...

What is the responsibility of an LVN? ›

LVNs perform tasks such as measuring vital signs, administering medications, aiding in patient hygiene, and documenting patient health. They work in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and private homes.

What are some additional information about a nurse practitioner? ›

Much like doctors, nurse practitioners can examine patients and diagnose and treat illnesses. They interpret lab results and X-rays, prescribe medications, and provide health teaching and counseling to support the overall wellness of their patients.

How do you write supporting information for a nurse? ›

Include your name, address, preferred contact telephone number and email address. A couple of sentences that summarise your personal and professional qualities and career objectives. Always tailor specifically to the role to demonstrate your suitability for the job.

What can LVNs not do? ›

Performing High-Risk Procedures: Engaging in high-risk or specialized medical procedures that require advanced training and licensure, such as invasive diagnostics or surgical interventions, is not within the LVN scope of practice.

Is LVN harder than RN? ›

Education. LVNs typically have a shorter and more focused education program than RNs. LVN programs usually last about one year and focus on practical nursing skills, while RN programs can take up to four years and include a more comprehensive curriculum that includes both practical and theoretical components.

Where do LVNs get paid the most? ›

According to Indeed.com, the highest paying cities for LVN pay in California per hour are:
  • San Francisco $38.71.
  • San Diego $36.77.
  • Sacramento $35.91.
  • Los Angeles $34.49.
  • Glendale $34.08.
Apr 17, 2024

How is LVN different from RN? ›

Typically, RNs are higher level nurses than LVNs. A major difference between the two nurses is that vocational nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses, and require less formal training. They perform similar tasks, but an LVN is typically not given the same responsibilities as an RN.

What can a nurse delegate to an LVN? ›

Things you can delegate to your PN (LVN, LPN): Medication administration, foley catheter insertion, enteral feeding, NG tube insertion, suctioning, tracheostomy care, reinforcement of patient teaching.

What are the duties of an LVN in the ER? ›

Observe patients and reports adverse reactions to medication or treatment to medical personnel in charge. Administers specified medication, orally or by subcutaneous or intermuscular injection, and notes time and amount on patients' charts. Initiates emergency resuscitation measures according to protocol.

What is the life of a LVN? ›

LVNs work under the direction of physicians and registered nurses at hospitals, but can also work in a physician's office, clinics, nursing homes, and even schools. They often have the most interaction with patients and spend much of their time working at the bedside.

What are the main job duties of a LPN? ›

LPN job duties often include:
  • Taking and monitoring patient vital signs.
  • Assisting patients with eating, dressing, and bathing.
  • Administering medication.
  • Communicating changes in patient behavior or health status to nurses, physicians, and family members.
  • Maintaining accurate patient records.

What is the scope of practice for an LVN? ›

The LVN may perform skilled tasks involving medication administration, basic assessment, some invasive procedures (see section E), IV therapy (with Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician Certification) and wound management under the order of the provider.

What are some interesting facts about being a registered nurse? ›

5 Interesting Nurse Facts You May Not Know
  • Nurses Outnumber Doctors 3-to-1. ...
  • Nurses Walk a 5K Every Shift. ...
  • The Symbol of Nursing Is an Oil Lamp. ...
  • One of the First Nurses Was a Saint. ...
  • Nursing is the “Most Trusted” Profession.
May 2, 2023

What are the important information about nurses? ›

Nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients with illnesses. When treating a patient, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress. Nurses work alongside doctors when it comes to treatment plans and exams, administering medications, and monitoring patient recovery.

What to know about being a registered nurse? ›

A registered nurse is a health care professional who assists doctors and other medical professionals with their patient care duties. They also manage and maintain medical records. Other tasks a registered nurse may perform include: Conducting physical examinations to evaluate patient health issues.

Why is a registered nurse important? ›

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry. They are often the first person patients interact with, and the ones asking questions, giving shots, talking treatments, and checking vital signs. Nurses spend their days treating people who are sick, injured, and disabled – caring for others is core to what they do.

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