As the demand for licensed vocation nurses continues to grow in Texas and across the U.S., the future growth outlook is strong.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a nine percent increase for these licensed professionals by 2030.
While some programs are longer than others, most last one year for a certificate, and students can continue with their education in a two-year or longer program.
Since the Texas Board of Nursing has over 60 approved programs, it can be difficult to find the best option for you.
To learn more about how to become a licensed practical nurse in Texas, keep reading!
5 Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Texas
Alvin Community College
For the past 65 years, Alvin Community College has been serving students with an impressive 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
This allows for exceptional personalized attention within a close-knit college environment.
Their program lasts one year and gives graduates a certificate in Vocational Nursing.
The program begins every June and students must score at least a “C” in all nursing classes to graduate.
All fundamentals of entry-level nursing are part of the curriculum.
Laredo Community College
Situated close to the Rio Grande is Laredo Community College’s 60-acre campus.
The seven buildings that comprise the college offer state-of-the-art technology.
Their 12-month certificate program covers all aspects of basic nursing while combining practical experience with theory.
The first semester focuses on nursing skills and concepts while the last two semesters teach more advanced patient care and nursing topics.
Lone Star College
Located close to Houston, Lone Star College is one of the most affordable and viable training programs in Texas.
Graduates leave the program with the professional knowledge and skills to find employment at long-term patient care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare locations.
This program is 12 months in a fast-paced environment with a highly selective admission process.
The program is a combination of clinical, simulation labs, and classroom experiences.
Also, several courses are offered online to increase flexibility.
South Plains College
As a two-year institution, South Plains College is best known for its employment-ready programs.
Located in Lubbock, the campus boasts 77,000 square feet of technology-based instructional facilities.
If you are interested in becoming an LPN, this 12-month program is an excellent choice.
Like most other programs, students can start in August or January.
Students are required to come to class five days per week and during the summer semester.
To earn the certificate, students must earn at least a “C” in all nursing classes.
The curriculum includes mental health nursing, pediatrics, neonatal, and maternal topics.
Texarkana College
Located on a 90-acre campus, which includes a two-acre nature reserve, Texarkana College has an LPN program that’s one year in length, offered in the Spring and Fall semesters.
The prerequisites for this program are completion of physiology and anatomy with lab sessions.
This program was crafted to prepare students with the skills and knowledge required to practice nursing in pediatric, neonatal, maternal, illness, and health categories.
Those who complete the program can continue their education to become registered nurses (RN), which the college also offers.
Licensed Practical Nurse Schools in Texas – Summary Table
Top 5 Schools in Texas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alvin Community College | 3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin, TX 77511 |
| Laredo Community College | West End Washington St, Laredo, TX 78040 |
| Lone Star College | 4141 Victory Dr, Houston, TX 77088 |
| South Plains College | 1401 College Ave, Levelland, TX 79336 |
| Texarkana College | 2500 N Robison Rd, Texarkana, TX 75599 |
Salary
The median U.S. salary for an LPN is around $50,000 per year with a pay range of $41,700 to $61,400.
Comparatively, the median salary in Texas is $51,800 with a range from $42,700 to $63,000.
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)s in Texas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $51,872 |
| Dallas | $50,278 |
| San Antonio | $49,210 |
| Austin | $49,772 |
| El Paso | $44,265 |
| Fort Worth | $49,312 |
| Arlington | $49,231 |
| Corpus Christi | $47,500 |
| Plano | $50,063 |
| Garland | $50,170 |
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TX | 530 | $50,470 | $24.27 | $63,180 | $42,000 |
| Amarillo, TX | 790 | $53,320 | $25.63 | $64,170 | $41,320 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 3,280 | $60,790 | $29.22 | $73,390 | $48,040 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 1,020 | $52,120 | $25.06 | $62,740 | $39,800 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 1,210 | $50,710 | $24.38 | $61,790 | $39,410 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 660 | $52,300 | $25.14 | $62,180 | $45,760 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 1,080 | $52,660 | $25.32 | $62,430 | $37,440 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 14,020 | $59,580 | $28.64 | $73,120 | $48,130 |
| El Paso, TX | 1,590 | $52,430 | $25.21 | $64,690 | $42,950 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 11,220 | $59,010 | $28.37 | $71,120 | $47,300 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 1,170 | $58,110 | $27.94 | $80,370 | $46,040 |
| Laredo, TX | 520 | $51,850 | $24.93 | $63,760 | $44,030 |
| Longview, TX | 610 | $52,800 | $25.39 | $61,130 | $45,110 |
| Lubbock, TX | 860 | $53,650 | $25.79 | $62,880 | $43,690 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 1,940 | $49,250 | $23.68 | $59,400 | $39,190 |
| Midland, TX | 350 | $58,990 | $28.36 | $72,480 | $48,730 |
| Odessa, TX | 270 | $55,890 | $26.87 | $67,110 | $42,430 |
| San Angelo, TX | 340 | $52,860 | $25.41 | $62,090 | $41,640 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 5,630 | $57,000 | $27.4 | $71,180 | $46,110 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 420 | $54,260 | $26.09 | $63,420 | $46,410 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 480 | $50,040 | $24.06 | $59,110 | $39,230 |
| Tyler, TX | 980 | $53,450 | $25.7 | $62,460 | $42,760 |
| Victoria, TX | 340 | $53,450 | $25.7 | $59,550 | $42,680 |
| Waco, TX | 640 | $55,990 | $26.92 | $75,900 | $44,230 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 610 | $52,320 | $25.16 | $62,360 | $42,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to become an LPN?
Many schools offer accelerated LPN programs that can be completed in as little as seven months.
Through this accelerated program, you will be taking classes several days per week, eight hours per day, to earn a certificate.
While some schools offer this option, the standard program time is one-to-two years depending on the number of credit hours.
Which organizations recognize Texas LPN programs?
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing is a U.S. accrediting agency for nursing programs at all college levels ranging from certificate to graduate degrees.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges is a regional accrediting agency for every nursing program and level in the southern U.S.
What are the most common benefits of an LPN in Texas?
LPNs are given paid time off, license reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, referral programs, 401k, and exceptional healthcare.
Most of these benefits are even offered to entry-level employees.
What services can an LPN not provide?
LPNs cannot legally administer any drug type through an IV line.
They can flush the IV line to prepare an RN to give the medication, but they cannot give it to the patient.
Can LPNs draw blood?
Yes, drawing blood is within the scope of an LPNs responsibilities.
To be eligible to draw blood, LPNs must complete an annual instructional program, which covers the initiation of a peripheral IV.
What are the primary responsibilities of an LPN?
LPNs are responsible for assisting physicians in a variety of medical environments by recording vital signs, interviewing patients, and speaking with them in patient rooms.
