Vocational Nursing- LVN

Director of Vocational Nursing- Allisa Cornelius, MSN-RN

Andrews Extension

201 NW Ave D, Andrews, Texas 79714

Phone: 432-524-4022

Monahans Center 

806 S. Dwight Monahans, TX. 79756

Phone: 432-335-6390

Main Campus (Dual Credit): 

201 W. University, Heals Sciences Building, Odessa TX. 79764

Phone: 432-335-6797

The Odessa College vocational nursing program is a one-year certificate program to prepare the graduate to become a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). The LVN functions as an important member of a health care team under a licensed physician and/or a registered nurse’s supervision. Vocational nurses provide care in a variety of structured health care settings for individual clients who are experiencing common health problems.

The Odessa College vocational nursing programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing. The BON is located at 333 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas, 78701; phone 512-305-7400. The nursing curriculum plan is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).

Licensing as a Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Texas utilizes the title of LVN. Many other states use LPN (licensed practical nurse) for this level of nursing practice. The Odessa College vocational nursing graduate must meet state requirements to take the licensing examination National Council for Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN®).

Requirements to take the licensing examination to become an LVN include the application and approval process with the BON, payment of fees to the BON, graduation from the nursing program, and graduate certification by the director of the vocational nursing program. Be advised that the BON requires fingerprint identification to screen all applicants for licensure. The fingerprints are analyzed by the state of Texas and the FBI, and there must be clearance on the background check by the BON prior to being allowed to attend any VNSG clinical courses. Contact the Director of Vocational Nursing or the BON directly for further questions.

Pre-Admission Requirements

The vocational nursing program has selective admission criteria. Not all students who apply are accepted. Applications are only accepted during the acceptance period of May 1st - June 1st every academic year.  

•  Enrolled at Odessa College as a credit student.
•  High School Diploma or GED.
•  Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required from most recent college or high school work.
•  Maintain current AHA CPR card. (Online CPR is not accepted.)
•  Meet immunization requirements.
•  Provide proof of health and auto insurance.
•  A satisfactory score on the TEAS Test must be achieved.

Post-Admission Requirements

• Authorize a Board of Nursing required criminal background check.
• Obtain a physical examination.
• Obtain and pass a drug screen.
• Attend a mandatory orientation prior to beginning the LVN program to be held at Odessa College.

Completion Requirements

All courses in the curriculum are required. Students must complete outcome competencies for each level with a minimum grade of “C” in all nursing courses. A grade of “C” is 75-79. Students must achieve a minimum requirement on multiple thresholds throughout the LVN program. Graduates have the opportunity to participate in a completion ceremony at the end of the educational experience. Students must satisfy all college financial obligations and return any borrowed school property.

Student Responsibility

Students must comply with all Odessa College Student Policies, and the Vocational Nursing Program Student Handbook policies. Program policies are delineated in the VNSG Student Handbook.