Vocational Nursing Program

This intensive three or four-semester program offers classroom instruction and related clinical practice in the four basic areas of nursing care: adults, mothers and newborns, children, and the elderly. Graduates of this program will have a wide array of opportunities for providing nursing care for patients in structured health care settings. Patients cared for by Vocational Nurses typically are experiencing common, well-defined health problems with predictable outcomes.  Students seeking entry in the Vocational Nursing program must file a specific program on-line application and complete additional admission procedures as required (see VN advisor for specific criteria, courses and procedures).

Program Admission Requirements

1. All applicants must meet general admission requirements to South Texas College.
2. Documented High School graduation or GED Equivalent on file. International students must have official education equivalency evaluation on file.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in state-mandated general knowledge content through approved means; i.e., Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) with program specific exemptions accepted.
4. Satisfy program specific requirements for clinical practice (ie drug screening & clinical background check, immunization, CPR).
5. Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, on a 4.0 scale in all courses in the VN degree plan.
6. Submit a completed Vocational Nursing program application.
7. Participate in individual student advisement with VN faculty prior for applying and registration.

Selection Process

Selection criteria of the Vocational Nursing program is based on a point system of grade point average, courses completed, work experience, and certification in the health field.  Qualified applications are ranked from highest to lowest points. Ranking of students with the same scores will be in the following priority:

1. Date & time application submitted.
2. Previously accepted students from the previous year.
3. Re-entry students.

Due to program size limitations, a number of applicants who meet the program admissions requirements may not be admitted to the program.

Program Application

A new applicant pool is established for each class admission. All students interested in the program who are not granted admission (qualified and nonqualified) must apply for the next available class.

Applications are available every Fall for designated class admissions. A class is selected every fall. See program chair for schedule of traditional 3-semester option, extended 4-semester option, and program availability at McAllen, Starr Co., and Mid-valley campus sites.  To complete an application please call to see a VN advisor.

NOTE: Please see program WEB page for up-to-date information regarding admission requirements, curriculum changes, selection criteria and procedures, and application revisions at www.southtexascollege.edu/nah.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a certificate in Vocational Nursing, a student must meet college graduation requirements and complete all coursework as prescribed in the degree plan with a minimum grade of “C.”

Licensure of Persons with Criminal Convictions

According to the Vocational Nurse Practice Act (Rule 239.12), the Board of Nurse Examiners may deny a person admission to its licensure examinations and may refuse to issue a license to any individual who has been convicted of a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or engaged in conduct resulting in a revocation of probation imposed pursuant to such conviction.  Students having questions about this rule should see a VN Faculty advisor, VN Program Director, or the Dean of Nursing and Allied Health division.  All consultations are confidential.