Texas LVN to RN Guide
Requirements, Programs, Salary & Career Pathways
📋 Quick Summary: Texas LVN to RN Path
- Bridge Program Duration: 12 months to 2 years
- Average Cost: $8,000 - $24,000
- LVN Salary: $50,220/year
- RN Salary: $78,000/year (Potential increase: $27,780/year)
- Board of Nursing: Texas Board of Nursing
1. Why Advance from LVN to RN in Texas?
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) in Texas who advance to Registered Nurse (RN) credentials can expect significant career benefits:
- Higher Salary: RNs in Texas earn an average of $78,000/year compared to $50,220/year for LVNs (a $27,780 increase)
- Expanded Scope of Practice: RNs can administer medications, interpret test results, and create patient care plans
- Career Advancement: RN credentials open doors to management, specialization, and advanced practice roles
- Job Security: 8% projected job growth for RNs in Texas through 2034
- Largest Healthcare Market: Texas has one of the nation's largest healthcare systems with extensive opportunities in major cities like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio
- No State Income Tax: Keep more of your higher RN salary with Texas's tax-friendly policies
2. Texas LVN to RN Bridge Program Requirements
2.1 Prerequisites
To enroll in an LVN-to-RN bridge program in Texas, you typically need:
- Active, unencumbered LVN license in Texas
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA: 2.5-3.0 (varies by program, competitive programs may require higher)
- Prerequisite courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology, English Composition, Developmental Psychology
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- CPR certification (BLS for Healthcare Providers)
- Minimum 1 year of LVN work experience (recommended by most programs)
- TEAS or HESI entrance exam (competitive scores required)
- Immunization records and TB test
2.2 Program Options
| Program Type | Duration | Format | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| LVN to ADN (Associate Degree) | 12-18 months | Campus, Hybrid | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| LVN to BSN (Bachelor's Degree) | 2-3 years | Campus, Hybrid, Online | $16,000 - $38,000 |
| Accelerated LVN to RN | 12-15 months | Intensive, Full-time | $12,000 - $24,000 |
3. Top Accredited LVN to RN Bridge Programs in Texas
3.1 Recommended Programs
- Collin College - LVN to RN Bridge Program – McKinney/Plano, Texas
Duration: 12-15 months | Format: Campus | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.collin.edu/nursing/LVNtoRN - Galen College of Nursing - San Antonio Campus – San Antonio, Texas
Duration: 18 months | Format: Campus | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: galencollege.edu/nursing-programs/lpn-lvn-adn-bridge - St. Philip's College - LVN to RN Mobility Program – San Antonio, Texas
Duration: 12 months | Format: Hybrid/Online | Accreditation: ACEN
Website: www.alamo.edu/spc/academics/programs/nursing-education/lvn-adn-mobility-program
4. Texas LVN vs RN Salary Comparison
| Experience Level | LVN Salary | RN Salary | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-2 years) | $43,000/year | $68,000/year | +$25,000 |
| Mid-Career (3-5 years) | $50,220/year | $78,000/year | +$27,780 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $57,000/year | $88,000/year | +$31,000 |
💰 Return on Investment: With an average salary increase of $27,780/year (and no state income tax!), most LVN-to-RN bridge programs pay for themselves within 1 year. Texas's booming healthcare sector offers excellent career opportunities.
5. How to Apply to LVN to RN Programs in Texas
5.1 Application Timeline
| Step | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Research Programs | 4-6 months before | Compare programs, costs, formats, Texas Board of Nursing approval |
| 2. Complete Prerequisites | 6-12 months before | Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology courses |
| 3. Submit Application | 3-6 months before start date | Transcripts, LVN license, references, work history, personal statement |
| 4. Entrance Exam | 2-3 months before | TEAS or HESI (competitive scores required) |
| 5. Acceptance & Enrollment | 1-2 months before | Secure funding, complete health requirements, register for classes |
6. Financial Aid for LVN to RN Students in Texas
Funding options for Texas LVN-to-RN students include:
- Federal Financial Aid: Complete FAFSA for Pell Grants, Direct Loans
- Texas Workforce Commission Grants: Skills Development Fund for nursing education
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: Nursing shortage reduction programs
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many Texas hospitals offer $2,500-$6,000/year
- Texas Nurses Foundation Scholarships: Merit and need-based scholarships for Texas nursing students
- Military/Veterans Benefits: VA education benefits, Texas Hazlewood Act for veterans
- Private Scholarships: Texas Nurses Association, AACN, National League for Nursing, local foundations
7. NCLEX-RN Exam in Texas
After completing your LVN-to-RN program, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed in Texas.
7.1 Texas NCLEX-RN Requirements
- Application Fee: $50 (Texas Board of Nursing) + $200 (Pearson VUE exam fee)
- Pass Rate: 87% first-time pass rate in Texas
- Exam Format: 75-145 questions, adaptive testing
- Scheduling: Test within 90 days of authorization to test (ATT)
- Processing Time: 2-4 weeks for initial application review
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Texas is an NLC state - your RN license is valid in 40+ states
8. Texas Board of Nursing Contact Information
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://www.bon.texas.gov/ |
| Phone | 512-305-7400 |
| Fax | 512-305-7401 |
| webmaster@bon.texas.gov | |
| Mailing Address | Texas Board of Nursing 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-460 Austin, TX 78701 |
| Physical Address | 1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200 Austin, TX 78701 |
| Office Hours | Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CT |