Monitoring and assisting medical patients is the job description in most states in the United States for licensed practical nurses or licensed vocational nurses. Yet, an aspiring nursing student will only be able to work upon completion of 1-2 years of vocational nursing training and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
The job title of LVN or licensed vocational nurse is specific to the states of California and Texas. In other states, LVN is known as LPN.
Frank Phillips College offers a 12-month LVN program to prepare aspiring students to provide chronically and acutely ill patients direct nursing care in various health care settings.
The Frank Phillips College LVN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners.
A certificate is awarded to a student upon completing the program and may become an LVN or Licensed Vocational Nurse upon passing the NCLEX-PN in Texas. Like all LVN programs in Texas, the Frank Phillips College program includes laboratory work and classroom campus setting in addition to clinical experience at different health care facilities.
LVN programs in Texas are full-time educational experiences. A student will be unable to work and study at the same time until the completion of the program. Classes begin from 8:00 am to 5 pm, Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays are set for online programs that have to be completed on the same day.
The successful completion of the program is dependent on the proper attendance by the aspiring student.
Frank Phillips College LVN Program Application Requirements
1) Complete the admission procedure either online or in-person at the Admission and Records Office of the Frank Phillips College LVN program. However, admission to the Vocational Nursing Program is not guaranteed with admission to the college.
2) Arrange an appointment with the TSI or Texas Success Initiative Assessment testing center. Bring the result of the exam to the Vocational Nursing Program office of Frank Phillips College.
3) Submit an admission application to the Vocational Nursing Program.
4) Submit proof of the following required immunizations before enrollment:
- Mumps and rubella
- Diphtheria/tetanus toxoid
- Hepatitis-B series
- Varicella measles
- Bacterial meningitis
5) Obtain from the American Heart Association a Healthcare Provider CPR card. This card is obtained by undergoing CPR classes through Continuing Education
6) Fill out the free online application for FAFSA or Federal Student Aid
7) Licensure as an LVN may be denied for a student that commits a felony related to an LVN’s responsibilities and duties.
Frank Phillips College Schedule of Classes for the LVN Program
Prerequisites
Composition 1 3 units
Applied Human Anatomy & Physiology I 4 units
General Psychology 3 units
Total of 10 units
Semester I
Foundations of Nursing 2 units
Basic Nursing Skills 3 units
Clinical-Licensed Vocational/Practical
Nurse Training 3 units
Nursing in Illness and Health II 4 units
Total of 12 units
The first semester consists of classes that are meant to immerse the student in the different nursing practices from Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Basic Nursing Skills, and Growth & Development. Clinical rotations at various health facilities start during the first semester.
Semester II
Anatomy & Physiology II 4 units
Nursing in Illness and Health II 4 units
Pharmacology for Health Professions 3 units
Clinical – Licensed Vocational/Practical
Nurse Training 4 units
Total of 15 units
Pharmacology and more advanced nursing skills are introduced to the student during the second semester. Clinical rotations will now include the proper administration of medications.
Semester III
Pediatrics 2 units
Clinical-Licensed Vocational/Practical
Nurse Training 2 units
Maternal/Neonatal Nursing 2 units
Total of 6 units
Maternal and pediatrics are introduced during the third and last semester. Clinical rotations will involve neonatal and maternal care.
Overall total credit hours/units 43 units
Generally, vocational nursing programs in Texas take three semesters to complete. In compliance with this, Frank Phillips College offers the same three-semester LVN program fitted into 12-months. Frank Phillips College also has an accredited LVN to RN program.
The required 43 units to complete the entire nursing program offered by Frank Phillips College demands dedicated attention and focus from aspiring students. While this can be a tough 12-month period for any student, the reward at the end in terms of salary and benefits will be worth the hard work. Working as a professional licensed vocational nurse once NCLEX-PN is taken and passed opens work horizons and opportunities like no other.