Online LVN Programs in Dallas: Degree Information for Students

What skills do you learn in LVN programs in Dallas?

In-person and online LVN programs in Dallas provide students with a diverse skillset that prepares them to take on exciting roles in the nursing field. You’ll take a variety of introductory classes to give you a solid foundation followed by classes in the hard sciences, patient care, and nursing ethics. In addition, you’ll spend a good amount of time in hands-on learning scenarios, including lab courses where you’ll practice your skills on clinical dummies using real healthcare equipment.

After coursework and labs, you’ll get the chance to complete clinical hours in a healthcare facility, shadowing nurses as they carry out their daily patient-care duties. Depending on your interests and the program you choose, you’ll likely focus on emergency care, pediatric nursing, obstetric nursing, medical-surgical nursing, or nutrition, among other options. Similar to the clinical experiences offered at North Central Texas College, LVN programs in Dallas place you in hospitals, physician’s offices, community venues, long-term care facilities, and other locations so you can get clinical experience and training in your desired practice area.

How much do LVN programs cost in Dallas?

Costs for LVN programs in Dallas vary among schools. One thing to keep in mind is that many programs in your area offer tuition discounts for Texas residents or those who live in the same county as the school itself. In most cases, you can expect to pay by the course credit or the entire course. Your tuition per semester may also vary depending on how many credits you take at a time and how the school’s tuition payments are structured. Here’s a snapshot of tuition costs at three LVN programs in Dallas to give you a better idea of what you can expect to pay.

Can I get financial aid to help pay for my LVN program in Dallas?

Pursuing a college education can be a significant financial undertaking for just about anyone. Thankfully, there are many financial aid opportunities LVN students in Dallas can tap into. You just need to know where to look. Scholarships and grants provide you with free money for school that you don’t need to pay back. Be sure to check with your prospective programs about any internal scholarships they may offer their in-person or online LVN students. There are also outside scholarships and grants for prospective LVN students, like those offered by the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program.

Additional potential funding sources include federal and private loans. If you’re currently working, you can check with your employer about any potential employer tuition assistance programs that are offered. In any case, be sure to complete your FAFSA. This ensures that you’re considered for federal aid, plus many schools themselves use the information you provide in the FAFSA to gauge your eligibility for school-based assistance as well. For more information on financial aid for nursing students, be sure to check out EduMed’s practical nurse scholarships guide and financial aid guide.

How long do LVN programs in Dallas take to finish?

The duration of your in-person or online LVN program in Dallas depends upon several factors, primarily if you’re enrolled as a full- or part-time student. Full-time learners usually complete their LVN programs in about 12 months. For part-time students, these programs can take up to two years depending on course availability and the student’s chosen course load each semester.

Whether or not your school offers online courses may affect the duration of your program. This is, in part, because in-person programs often follow traditional semester course schedules. Full-time online LVN students at North Central Texas College, for example, typically complete all program requirements in three semesters. On the other hand, the Dallas College LVN program is taught primarily in person and requires a total of four semesters consisting of two 16-week academic semesters and two five-week summer semesters.

Will earning my credential from an online LVN program in Dallas impact my ability to get certified or licensed?

No. Earning credentials in an online LVN program in Dallas will not affect your ability to gain certification or licensure as long as your program is state-approved. State-recognized schools are designed to prepare you to meet state licensure requirements. However, if you attend an online LVN program in Dallas that is not approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, you may not be able to become certified or licensed as a Texas LVN.

Will employers care if I took some of my LVN classes online?

Probably not. Most employers today understand that the value and rigor of online education is comparable to traditional on-campus programs. Furthermore, the online LVN programs in Dallas require hands-on clinical experiences, allowing you to get the same real-world experience as fully on-campus students. In that way, there’s no difference.

Are online LVN programs more affordable than campus programs in Dallas?

For many distance students, online LVN programs in Dallas are more affordable than traditional on-campus programs. While the tuition rates for distance learners are often the same as for in-state students, or even less, remote learners save money in other ways. For example, by skipping the commute to and from campus, students save money on transportation costs. Additionally, by working from home students avoid day-to-day expenses like eating out or getting coffee at restaurants or cafes.

Can I complete my LVN training in Dallas faster by taking classwork online?

In some cases, yes. Many students can complete their LVN programs in Dallas faster by taking online classes. This is, however, highly dependent upon the structure of your program and whether classes are offered synchronously or asynchronously. If your classes are self-paced and progress quickly, you could save time in the long run. If your program requires you to attend regular meetings over the course of a semester, similar to traditional course schedules, the online component will take the same amount of time. In any case, you’ll need to complete in-person clinical training requirements for a certain number of hours which can’t be fast-tracked.