This Selective Program has a competitive entry selection process based on a competitive point system. Application requirements are included in the description below.
Vocational Nursing
Certificate
The Vocational Nursing Program (VN) is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). Upon completion of this one year program, the graduate will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After successful completion of the exam, the individual will be a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). The Texas Nurse Practice Act (NPA) defines the legal scope of practice for licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). The LVN scope of practice is a directed scope of practice and requires appropriate supervision of a registered nurse, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, physician, dentist or podiatrist.
The program prepares the graduate to provide compassionate patient-centered care, to be a patient safety advocate and to be a member of the health care team in various health care settings. This intensive three 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 program specific application and complete additional admission procedures as required. Please see a VN advisor for specific criteria, courses and procedures.
Admission Requirements
All applicants must:
- Participate in the required Prospective Student Information Session at the Health Science Professions Campus. For the session schedule, access the information on the Vocational Nursing Program website online at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/vn.
- Be admitted to the college as a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
- Meet TSI College Readiness Standards or meet TSI exemption standards.
- Earn a " B" or better in the following: VNSG 1420 Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health or both BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology I AND BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology II.
- Achieve a HESI A2 Admission Assessment exam test score of 70% or higher in English Language Composite, Science (Anatomy & Physiology only) and Math. HESI Exam test scores must be current within two years.
- Pass a criminal background check, 10-panel drug screen through approved providers, and complete all required immunizations including Hepatitis B series before applying to the program. For more information on these requirements access the Clinical Affairs website: https://nah.southtexascollege.edu/clinical_affairs.html.
- Meet the HSP Functional Abilities Standards available on the HSP Clinical Affairs website at https://nah.southtexascollege.edu/clinical_affairs.html.
- Submit a completed Program application by stated deadline. For more information access the website at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/vn.
Competitive Entry Selection Process
The VN Program uses a point‑based selection process. Applicants are evaluated on several criteria, including VN program prerequisite courses, prerequisite GPA, and any optional items listed on the application form. Each application period has a maximum possible acceptance‑point total, which is determined by the qualified applicant pool and the number of available program slots. This maximum point value may vary from one application period to another. Due to the program's limited capacity, some applicants who meet all requirements may still not be admitted. Applicants whose total points fall above the acceptance cutoff will be admitted, while those below the cutoff will be denied. Applicants whose total points match the acceptance cutoff may be designated as alternates. If any admitted applicant declines their spot, an alternate may be offered admission. When needed, alternates will be selected through a random draw. A new applicant pool is established for each admission period. Applicants who were not admitted for the current application period must re-apply to be considered for a later application period.
NOTE: Please see program webpage for additional information regarding the application process at https://www.southtexascollege.edu/vn.
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
Texas Senate Bill 1058 amended the Nurse Practice Act by implementing mandatory criminal background checks for students accepted for enrollment in a nursing education program and permits the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) to initiate declaratory orders for eligibility proceedings based on positive criminal background checks; made permanent the Texas Board of Nursing’s authority to impose deferred disciplinary action; clarified that action may be taken against a nurse’s license based on action taken by a division of the United States Military; authorized the TBON, in conjunction with a disciplinary action, to require a nurse to abstain from use of alcohol and drugs and submit to random drug testing; provided for limited non-disclosure of disciplinary proceedings that result in a TBON order requiring the nurse to participate in a Board-approved peer assistance program to address a problem that the nurse is experiencing with mental illness or chemical dependency; as well as making other changes relating to disciplinary action taken by TBON.
The STC Board of Trustees approved Board Policy EFA (LOCAL) on July 22, 2025 for all students participating in a Health Science Professions clinical program to meet established program standards for professional practice in accordance with applicable law, state education and licensing agencies, college district policies and procedures, and institutional and programmatic accreditor standards. The vice president for academic affairs and the dean supervising health-care programs shall develop specific guidelines, program standards, and procedures, including guidelines and procedures for the immediate removal of students from a clinical course or program, when, in their professional opinion, the student is not in compliance with established program standards or continued participation puts a clinical affiliate and/or its clientele at risk. Students having questions about this policy should see the Clinical Affairs Specialists or the VN Program Chair. All consultations are confidential.
Advisory Committee Members
Mariam Hammad, RN Chief Nursing Officer-Doctors Hospital at Renaissance
Alfred Mascorro, RN Chief Nursing Officer- Rio Grande Regional Hospital
Frank Tostado, RN Director of Nursing Services - McAllen Transitional Care
Romeo Valladares, RN Administrator- Presidente Home Care, Inc.
Cesar Guerra, RN Chief Nursing Officer- Prime Healthcare, Mission Regional Medical Center
Lorda Tauli, RN Project Director of Clinical Education Coordination-South Texas Health Systems
Martha Torres, RN Director of Nursing- Starr County Memorial Hospital
