Online LVN Programs in Texas: Finding the School for You
Ready to launch your nursing career without putting life on hold? Discover Texas’s top hybrid LVN programs that blend online flexibility with hands-on training. From Dallas to Houston, find out where you can earn your credentials, what employers are paying, and how to get started — all on your terms.
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What Healthcare Professionals Say About Choosing an LPN Program in Texas
Texas is one of the strongest markets for LPN employment in the country, and the programs in this guide are among the best options available to Texas students. Still, the right program depends on factors beyond job market data: your location in the state, your family obligations, and your long-term nursing goals. Our experts share what to weigh.
Ask Employers About Their Scope
Texas gives LVNs a lot of leeway in scope of practice, leaving many decisions up to the facility you work in. That means two LVNs with identical training can have very different day-to-day clinical experiences. I’d recommend asking prospective employers what their scope looks like before you accept a position to make sure you’re comfortable with everything you’ll be asked to do.
Know Texas-Specific Licensing Rules
The state uses the title LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) instead of LPN, so be mindful of that when searching for schools. Something unique to Texas (and one other state) is that you’ll need to pass a Nursing Jurisprudence Exam that tests your knowledge of Texas nursing laws. But once you’re licensed, Texas’ participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact can give you the flexibility to work in many other states.
How Online LVN Programs Work in Texas
Ready to join a thriving healthcare community as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN)? To become an LVN in Texas, you need to complete a certification program, pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), and then apply for licensure. Your first step is to find a school and program that fits your needs.
To help you take your first step, EduMed has researched the practical nursing programs across the state. We’ve reviewed costs, requirements, curriculum, admissions, and more. Here are three popular LVN programs in Texas with online components.
North Central Texas College
Currently, there are only two hybrid LVN programs accredited by the Texas State Board of Nursing; one is at North Central Texas College.
The program combines online lectures with on-campus labs to provide a robust nursing education. For added flexibility, students can choose if they want to complete in-person labs at the school’s Gainesville, Corinth, Bowie, or Graham campuses.
The clinical component must be completed in-person at pre-approved healthcare facilities, not on campus, as students also practice skills and strategies hands-on during clinical training hours.
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $8,559 (in-district); $12,758 (in-state); $17,168 (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school, equivalent, and/or college transcripts
- Demonstrated proficiency in all areas of the Texas Success Initiative Assessment 2.0 (TSIA2)
- Immunization records, background check, and drug test
Core Curriculum:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Nursing in Health and Illness
- Essentials of Medication Administration
- Maternal-Neonatal Nursing
- Pediatrics
- Pharmacology
- Professional Development
- Clinical Hours
- Professional Development
Blinn College District
Blinn College District, located between Austin and Houston, offers a hybrid LVN program that blends online coursework with hands-on training. The program prepares graduates to become competent LVNs able to work in a variety of nursing settings.
The curriculum includes online classes, on-campus labs, and in-person clinical experiences at affiliated facilities in the La Grange and Brenham areas. This 12-month, 39-credit program runs from fall through spring and summer terms.
Online LVN students have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including admissions, academic and career counseling, and job search assistance. Blinn College also provides additional career development and academic resources to help students succeed.
Duration: One year
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $8,823 in-district, $11,124 in-state/out-of-district, $17,208 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores: 50% reading/math/English/language usage, 33.3% science, 65% composite
- Passing score on Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based (TOEFL iBT) test for non-native English speakers
- Online information session
- Texas Success Initiative status or exempt
- High school or equivalent transcript
- Up-to-date immunizations including hepatitis B
Core Curriculum:
- Human Anatomy
- Medical Terminology
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Foundations of Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Essentials of Medication Administration
- Nursing in Health & Illness
- Mental Health & Mental Illness
- Maternal-Neonatal Nursing
- Pediatrics
Panola College
Panola College’s Vocational Nursing Program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and careers as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The program spans three semesters with courses held face-to-face at the Carthage and Center campuses.
All components must be completed in person, either on campus or at nearby healthcare facilities. Clinical rotations take place within a 70-mile radius and may occur on weekends or evenings.
Admission requires a specific application process and completion of prerequisite courses. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and is fully approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
Duration: 3 semesters
Mode: In-person
Cost: $990 per semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Application to Panola College
- Prerequisite biology courses with grades of C or higher
- HESI A2 test scores of 75 reading, math, and grammar
- High school, equivalent, and any college transcripts
- Pass criminal background check and drug check
- Proof of immunizations
Core Curriculum:
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
- Foundations in Nursing
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Nursing in Health and Illness
- Pediatrics
- VNSG
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Maternal-Neonatal Nursing
- Clinical training
FAQs About Online LVN Programs in Texas
While the school spotlights above provide insights on individual programs, you probably still have questions. Explore answers to common questions about financial aid options, how long these programs take to complete, and fully online programs in Texas.
How long does it take to become an LVN in Texas?
Most LVN programs in Texas take about 12 months to complete. This timeline is for full-time students, and at this cadence, it may be difficult to balance an LVN program with work or caregiver responsibilities.
For those who need a less intensive program, there are some slower part-time options. Additionally, some colleges offer accelerated LVN programs that are even more time-intensive or quicker bridge programs for medical assistants.
Alongside education, keep in mind the LVN applicants must pass a Texas-specific test and the NCLEX-PN to be licensed. Studying for and taking these exams may take additional time, increasing how long it takes to become an LVN in Texas.
Can I take LVN classes online in Texas?
While some programs may offer a hybrid format, it’s difficult to find a fully online LVN program. In fact, there are currently no 100% online LVN programs approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. That’s because becoming an LVN requires hands-on in-person clinical training hours.
Many programs also require students to complete labs on campus since these experiences prepare students for the day-to-day tasks a LVN completes. There are, however, hybrid options where students complete courses online and labs and clinical hours in-person. Both Blinn College District and North Central Texas College offer hybrid LVN programs.
Can I take the LVN exam in Texas without going to school?
In Texas, graduation from a program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing is a licensure requirement. Plus, any state-mandated test is difficult to pass without the proper LVN training. This is true whether you are new to the healthcare field or transitioning to nursing from another allied health profession. Should students wish to continue their education and obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN), an LVN to BSN bridge program is required prior to taking the state exam.
Is an LVN certificate worth it?
For many students, an LVN certificate prepares them for a lucrative nursing career. It teaches a variety of essential hands-on nursing skills and theoretical knowledge that can be applied to many healthcare settings. In fact, LVNs are eligible to work in hospitals, private healthcare practices, mental healthcare facilities, long-term nursing facilities, and other healthcare organizations.
Where an LVN certificate falls short is in offering opportunities to specialize or take on leadership roles. If either of these paths are of interest, you may want to consider a bachelor of science program that leads to RN licensure. If you’re trying to compare a compare LVN and RN programs, it’s important to consider education, job responsibilities, salary, timing, and more. But with an LVN certificate, you have a firm foundation for additional studies and bridge programs.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LVN program in Texas?
Even affordable LVN programs can be costly. To help, many private organizations, government organizations, and colleges offer financial aid opportunities for LVNs. These include student loans, scholarships, grants, fellowships, and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
When it comes to LVN scholarships, students may want to look at Texas-based opportunities as well as national scholarships. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board offers some state-sponsored grants and scholarships on their website. The Community Foundation of Texas also lists additional scholarships for nurses. If interested in school-specific opportunities, ask admissions counselors about available financial aid. They may be able to set up a meeting with a school financial aid advisor as well.
Grow Your Career: Texas LVN Certification
Like every other state, Texas has specific requirements for obtaining your LVN license. The first step is graduating from a LVN program approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). The BON additionally recognizes graduates from prelicensure nursing programs outside of the state that are accredited and approved by the governing agency of the program’s home state. Out-of-state graduates can be approved by the BON to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for Texas LVN licensure.
After graduating, students must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The NCLEX-PN consists of 85 to 205 mostly multiple-choice questions covering four major client needs categories: safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. In addition to the NCLEX-PN exam, Texas LVN license applicants must take and pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (NJE). The NJE consists of 50 questions that cover Texas rules and regulations governing nursing practice.
For the state’s LVN license application, students must also complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks. Electronic fingerprinting is mandated and must be performed at one of the over 80 IdentoGo centers located throughout the state. The criminal background check is conducted by the FBI and Texas Department of Public Safety based on the submitted fingerprints.
Salary and Career Details for LVNs in Texas
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $48,910 | $62,240 | $76,140 |
| Abilene, TX | $47,320 | $60,950 | $71,340 |
| Amarillo, TX | $47,500 | $61,330 | $74,820 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $51,690 | $64,580 | $78,270 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $44,020 | $58,590 | $73,370 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $44,420 | $56,250 | $65,570 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $48,900 | $60,020 | $74,160 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $46,130 | $59,810 | $72,700 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $53,930 | $64,370 | $77,620 |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $43,310 | $57,250 | $64,260 |
| El Paso, TX | $46,680 | $58,770 | $68,890 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $51,850 | $63,670 | $77,910 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $47,190 | $63,390 | $87,940 |
| Laredo, TX | $43,590 | $56,850 | $70,650 |
| Longview, TX | $48,050 | $60,190 | $73,150 |
| Lubbock, TX | $47,420 | $58,510 | $70,130 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $45,640 | $56,250 | $64,520 |
| Midland, TX | $52,700 | $64,240 | $76,670 |
| Odessa, TX | $45,530 | $62,490 | $74,650 |
| San Angelo, TX | $47,050 | $59,340 | $72,280 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $50,320 | $62,280 | $77,360 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $50,350 | $60,460 | $72,110 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $46,900 | $57,370 | $68,700 |
| Tyler, TX | $46,900 | $59,550 | $71,520 |
| Victoria, TX | $47,770 | $58,130 | $69,310 |
| Waco, TX | $51,050 | $62,070 | $78,570 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $47,710 | $60,330 | $72,930 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 27 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Texas | 62,840 | 70,660 | 7,820 | 12.40% | 5,830 |
Source: Projections Central
Top Online LVN Programs in Texas
To identify the best online LVN programs in Texas, we evaluated schools using a comprehensive scoring system that considers multiple success factors. Programs must meet baseline requirements, including online components, accreditation, and strong student support services. Our rankings reflect a weighted analysis of graduation outcomes, financial considerations, and instructional quality. This data-driven approach helps you identify Texas programs that deliver consistent excellence in nursing education.
