Admission Requirements: Certificate of Completion in Vocational Nursing
The purpose of the Vocational Nursing program is to prepare individuals to perform basic nursing skills as defined in the Nurse Practice Act. The VN program is accredited by the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas.
The program lasts one year. Applicants must be high school graduates or have a GED, and must read at the 13th-grade reading level. They are required to complete MATH 350 (Allied Health Math) with a grade of “C” or higher prior to entering. To be considered for admission to the Vocational Nursing program, all students must complete a mandatory applicant information session for the year in which they are applying. It is recommended that the student complete the BIOL 2404 (The Human Body) or BIOL 2401 and 2402 (Anatomy and Physiology I and II), HITT 1305 (Medical Terminology), ITSC 1309 (Integrated Software Applications I), and LSSS 300 (College Study Skills) prior to entering the program. (Science courses must be passed with a grade of “B” or better; all other courses with a “C” or better.)
After successful completion of this program, the graduate is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses. Upon passing the examination, the graduate is licensed as a vocational nurse. Job opportunities include hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, long-term care, correctional facilities, military, and home healthcare facilities.
The following guidelines must be followed:
- Apply for admission to Lee College and submit to the Admissions of Records office transcripts from high school (or GED certificate) and/or from all colleges attended before applying to the nursing program.
- Apply for VN program admission. Obtain a VN admission packet in the Nursing Department or the Counseling Center. Admission is based on point system criteria; see the attached yellow sheet for more specific information on how to earn points. Class size is limited, and there are more applicants than slots. Completion of the recommended bonus courses does not guarantee admission to the program.
- Applications will not be accepted without documentation of completed required immunizations.
- Applications are taken year-round; students are strongly encouraged to turn in applications by Feb. 1 for consideration for admission. Enrollment is limited.
- Complete Lee College assessment/placement test (Counseling Center). If minimum test scores are not achieved, follow advice of counselor/faculty advisor until minimum competencies are accomplished.
- Make an appointment for degree planning in the Counseling Office: 281.425.6384.
- Complete a mandatory applicant information quiz online for the year in which application is made. Read all the information on this page before taking the test.
- Bring copies of high school diploma (or GED certificate) and any college transcripts and test scores to the Allied Health Office.
- Criminal background screening. See Allied Health Office for procedure.
- Students will be informed of their status (selected or wait list) between July 15 and July 30.
The Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas requires schools to inform enrolled students (verbally and in writing) about eligibility requirements and to maintain students’ signed receipt of the required information. The Board of Nurse Examiners has identified certain circumstances that may render a potential candidate ineligible for licensure as a registered nurse in the State of Texas. The Board provides individuals the opportunity to petition the Board for a Declaratory Order as to their eligibility in accordance with article 4519(a) of the Nursing Practice Act.
Eligibility Questions
For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you:
- been convicted of a misdemeanor?
- been convicted of a felony?
- pleaded nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
- received deferred adjudication?
- been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated guilty?
- been sentenced to serve jail time or prison time? court-ordered confinement?
- been granted pre-trial diversion?
- been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
- been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
- been the subject of a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/punishment/action?
- Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled, cancelled, accepted surrender of suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a license, certificate or multi-state driving privilege held by you now or previously, or ever fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?*
- Within the past five years, have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of alcohol or any other drug?
- Within the past five years, have you been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for schizophrenia and/or psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder?
*You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.
If you answer “YES” to any of these questions, you may be required to petition the Board for a Declaratory Order to assess your eligibility for licensure.
For further information regarding licensure, contact the Texas Board of Nursing, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460, Austin, TX 78701, fax 512-305-740, or www.bne.state.tx.us.
- One dose of Tetanus/Diphtheria toxoid (Td) 10-year limit.
- Students who were born on or after Jan. 1, 1957, must show documentation of two doses of measles-containing vaccine administered since Jan. 1, 1968.
- One dose of rubella vaccine.
- Students born on or after Jan. 1, 1957, must show documentation of one dose of mumps vaccine.
- Two doses of varicella vaccine or acceptable documentation of chicken pox disease.
- Completed hepatitis B vaccination (series of three), including dates, or serologic confirmation of immunity to hepatitis B virus.
Students cannot be provisionally enrolled without at least one dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine if direct patient contact will occur during the provisional enrollment period.
Upon acceptance into the program, students need to document the following:
- A physical examination inclusive of laboratory work: CBC and urinalysis current within six months.
- TB skin test yearly or chest X-ray every two years if reactive to skin test.
- Documentation of current pandemic and seasonal flu vaccinations (annually).