Nursing-Vocational Nursing (LVN)

Certificate. Classes at KC-Longview.

About the program:

Vocational nursing prepares the graduate to function as a member of the nursing team in performing basic nursing skills. Kilgore College's program is accredited by the Board of Nursing for the State of Texas. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the state examination for licensure. The 12-month program is taught in three semesters for a total of 47 credit hours. A certificate of completion is issued upon successful completion of the program.

Vocational Nursing classes are offered at KC-Longview:

This program consists of a combination of classroom instruction at Kilgore College-Longview, and clinical training at local hospitals and medical facilities.  Two classes are admitted annually.  One in August and one in January.  A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon successful completion of course requirements. Students will then be eligible to take the state board examination to receive their vocational nursing license.

  • 52-week program that varies from 35-38 hours per week, Monday through Friday.
  • All classes are at KC-Longview from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • All clinicals are held at various area facilities. The days and hours at clinical sites will vary depending on the availability of clinical sites.
  • At this time, no weekend clinicals are required, but evening clinical rotations may be required after the first semester.

Course information:

NOTE: For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.

Vocational Nursing

Application Checklist - How to Apply and What is Required

Application Checklist:

Application deadline for the August 2020 program is April 13, 2020.

Please follow these steps:

1) Apply for Admission to KC (FREE!)

2) Apply for Financial Aid

3) Request official transcripts (high school, GED and/or college/university).

Send transcripts to:
Kilgore College c/o Registrar's Office
1100 Broadway
Kilgore, TX 75662

4)  The HESI-A2 is the entrance exam we will use to determine the next class. Exam is $65. Exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Study guides are available for purchase online. Earning minimum scores does not guarantee acceptance into the program and may not be enough to earn placement in the program. Scores must not be older than 5 years. Applicants must earn the following minimum scores to be considered for the program:

  • Math: 75%
  • Reading: 75%
  • Grammar: 75%

5) Please print the LVN application by clicking on the link below. Turning in an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program:

Apply for the LVN Program (begins August 2020) (pdf)

Application Dates:

  • Application dates for the August VN Program: Jan. 1-March 1. Deadline date may vary.
  • Application dates for the January VN Program: May 1-July 6 Deadline date may vary.

Other Important Information:

Background Check:

After submitting a vocational nursing application, applicants will receive instructions for submitting fingerprints. Applicants that have clear backgrounds will receive a "blue" clearance card from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). This will need to be submitted to the vocational nursing program in order to complete the application process.

If you have an eligibility issue, you will have to decline admission, file a petition for a Declaratory Order with the BON, and re-apply once you receive your "Outcome Letter" from the BON. This process can take three to six months. For more information, see "Eligibility Issues" at https://www.bon.texas.gov/exam-eligibility.asp.

Pre-Courses:

The following courses should be taken prior to the start of the 12-month LVN program to help ensure student success and entry into the program. Only pre-courses taken within the past two years are acceptable.

  • VNSG 1420 (A&P)
  • VNSG 1216 (Nutrition)

Applicants must earn a “C” or better in pre-courses for program credit.

Medical Terminology may be taken for points towards admission in the program and to prepare for the program. It is NOT required.

The following courses are acceptable substitutes for VNSG 1420 & VNSG 1216:

  • BIOL 2401 & 2402 (A&P) (both courses must be taken to earn credit)
  • EMSP 1471 (A&P)
  • BIOL 1322 (Nutrition)
  • HECO 1322 (Nutrition)

Courses that applicants would like to substitute other than those listed above must be approved by the vocational nursing program director.

Tuition and Fees:

Books, Additional Fees & Supplies:

  • Books: $2,800
  • Additional Fees: $1,125 (Background check fee, NCLEX exam fee, BON application fee for licensure, orientation/student handbook, CPR book, mask, card, class and skills kit, Castlebranch account fee (for shot record submission.)
  • Uniforms and Supplies**: $555  (Two uniforms from the KC-Longview Bookstore, one white lab coat (wrist and knee length), burgundy polo w/ vocational nursing logo, black scrub pants or slacks, white, leather shoes (no color), watch with sweep second hand, index cards, one LVN patch, gold-filled LVN graduation pin, (KC Bookstore only) cap and gown, clip case, tablet with GPS capabilities.)

**Prices are estimates

Application and Admission Requirements

LVN Application & Admission Requirements (August 2019):

Testing:

View the schedule, instructions and dates for HESI-A2 testing (pdf)

Register for the HESI-A2 Entrance Exam in person at the KC—Longview campus. Exam dates are limited, please register early.

  • Applicants may only take the HESI-A2 twice per calendar year.
  • Please use your KC school email to register for the exam. Your school email will be the first four letters of your last name, the first four letters of your first name and the last four numbers of your KC-student ID# @go.kilgore.edu (Ex. Smitjohn1111@go.kilgore.edu)
  • Please prepare for entrance exam.
  • The exam takes approximately 4 hours. (HESI-A2 exam scores may not be older than 5 years.)

 Minimum Passing Scores:

  • 75% Reading
  • 75% Math
  • 75% Grammar

HESI-A2 Study Guide/Workbook can be purchased online to prepare for the exam.

Other Nursing Programs Offered at KC

Frequently Asked Questions

What do graduates of the program do?

The Vocational Nursing Program offers many opportunities for employment after only 12 months of training.  Many LVN's work in acute care hospitals.  Many more have discovered opportunities in nursing homes, extended care facilities, physicians offices, public health agencies, and child-care centers.  With the demand for nursing in health care, the prestigious profession of nursing offers you an opportunity for job satisfaction in the rewards of caring for others, while also providing for employment opportunities and job security.

What kind of salary can graduates expect?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for Vocational Nurse is $42,910. Local salaries will vary.

What is the job outlook for graduates?

Outstanding! Graduates of this program are actively recruited by health care institutions in this area.

How long does it take to complete the program?

This program is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the state examination for licensure. The twelve-month program is taught in three semesters for a total of 47 credit hours.

For information about Vocational Nursing:

Michaelle Green, RN
Instructor
Vocational Nursing
Phone:
(903) 236-2037
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
mgreen@kilgore.edu
Adrienne D. Jackson
Support Specialist
Health Occupations
Phone:
(903) 236-2036
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
adjackson@kilgore.edu
Amy Collins, BSN, RN, MBA
Department Chair, Instructor
Vocational Nursing - Nurse Assistant
Phone:
(903) 236-2042
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
acollins@kilgore.edu
Candice Dotson, BSN, RN
Instructor
Vocational Nursing
Phone:
(903) 236-2040
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
cdotson@kilgore.edu
Kay Hawthorne, BSN, RN
Instructor
Vocational Nursing
Phone:
(903) 236-2041
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
kneal@kilgore.edu
Samantha Spiro
Instructor
Vocational Nursing
Phone:
(903) 236-2038
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
sspiro@kilgore.edu
Tami Yates RN, MSN, MBA-HC
Instructor
Vocational Nursing
Phone:
(903) 236-2039
Office:
KC-Longview Hendrix Bldg. (LVHDX), 200
tyates@kilgore.edu

Science & Health Sciences