The purpose of the Vocational Nursing Program is to prepare individuals to use a systematic problem-solving process to function within the nurse’s legal and ethical scope of practice while safely providing quality care and demonstrate the Differentiated Essential Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs (DECs). The Vocational Nursing Program is accredited by Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
Admission to the Vocational Nursing Program is based on accrual of points for meeting the following requirements within the stated time frame. 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.
Program Admission Requirements
Students are required to make application to Lee College before applying to the nursing program. Students are responsible for furnishing official transcript(s) to the Admissions and Records Office. Nursing applicant transcripts are evaluated during the application and selection process. Students who have foreign transcripts should plan extended time for transcript evaluation.
Applications will not be accepted without documentation of the state required immunizations and/or titers (contact the Nursing Office or the Counseling Center for an application packet). Applications will be kept on file for one academic year. Applicants interested in maintaining an active application file must notify the nursing office in writing prior to the expiration of one academic year.
A copy of the high school diploma or transcript with the graduation date or GED certificate is required to be attached to your application before the candidate review.
Applicants must meet with a Lee College counselor to complete assessment/placement tests. Developmental courses must be completed if required. A VN Program Degree Plan form, with a statement of documented reading level, signed by your counselor is required to be attached to your application before the candidate review.
Students are required to demonstrate competency in Allied Health Math (MATH 350 ) or a “C” or better on an advanced placement test for MATH 350 .
A mandatory information session with a VN faculty member is also required for candidate consideration.
Other areas impacting admission
See the Nursing Office for more information.
Nursing students are required to carry personal health insurance to meet hospital affiliation clinical requirements. A copy of the student’s health insurance card will be required to be submitted to the Nursing Office upon invitation into the Nursing program. All changes in health insurance coverage must be reported to the nursing office. A copy of the updated Health Insurance card must be submitted when changes occur.
Applications are accepted between February 1 and April 1. A VN admission packet may be obtained in the Nursing Office or the Counseling Center.
Because of academic demands of a curriculum that prepares students for national licensing examination and performance of safe nursing care in clinical situations, applicants must meet the academic criteria outlined for acceptance into nursing programs at Lee College. Meeting minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission to the nursing program. Admission requirements are monitored continuously and may change between catalogs. Contact the nursing office for the most current requirements included.
The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) requires schools to inform enrolled students (verbally and in writing) about eligibility requirements and to maintain students’ signed receipt of the required information. Applicants for NCLEX and Nurses seeking licensure in Texas are required to submit a complete and legible set of fingerprints on a form prescribed by the board for the purpose of obtaining a criminal history from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. (Section 301.252 9b) and Section 301.252 (e) of the Texas Occupations Code). Positive criminal background history may impact admission and/or progression in the nursing program.
All NCLEX applicants with outstanding eligibility issues that could prevent them from taking the NCLEX examination upon completion of a nursing program are urged to complete a Declaratory Order application prior to applying for the nursing program. The Declaratory Order process permits the Board to make decisions regarding an applicant’s eligibility for licensure prior to entering or completing a nursing program. The BON 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 for a Declaratory Order as to their eligibility in accordance with article 4519(a) of the Nursing Practice Act. View www.bon.state.tx.us for further information and forms.
All nursing applicants must provide proof of BON criminal background clearance to take the NCLEX exam upon invitation to the nursing program in the form of the “BLUE CARD” or Declaratory Order Outcome letter.
Drug tests are required upon invitation to the nursing program. Results must be negative to be eligible to begin the nursing program. Random drug tests, at the student’s expense, are required while in the nursing program. A positive drug test may result in dismissal from the nursing program.
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