If you’re searching for a career in healthcare that allows you to make a direct impact in patients’ lives—without spending years in medical school—becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in Houston could be the perfect path. LVNs are in high demand across hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living centers, and home healthcare agencies throughout the Greater Houston area.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to becoming an LVN in Houston—from education and certification to state licensing and job placement. Whether you're just starting your healthcare journey or looking for a career change, this guide has everything you need to know to succeed.
As a Medicare agent based in Houston, I also work closely with LVNs and other healthcare providers who need support connecting patients to better Medicare coverage. If you ever have questions about Medicare for your future clients or patients, I’m here to help—just call 281-870-3599 or visit HoustonMedicareHelp.com.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements to Enroll in an LVN Program
Before you begin your LVN training, you must meet several requirements. Most LVN programs in Houston require you to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a background check and drug screening
- Complete prerequisite coursework (if required)
- Take a basic skills or entrance exam (such as the TEAS)
Each school may have different admissions criteria, so check with individual nursing programs to see what they require. Competitive programs may give preference to applicants with strong academic records or prior healthcare experience (such as CNAs or medical assistants).
Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved LVN Program in Houston
To be eligible for licensure in Texas, you must graduate from a state-approved LVN training program. These programs typically take 12 to 18 months to complete and include both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
Popular LVN Programs in Houston:
- Houston Community College – Coleman College for Health Sciences
- 1900 Pressler St., Houston, TX 77030
- www.hccs.edu
- 713-718-7353
- Lone Star College – North Harris
- 2700 W. W. Thorne Drive, Houston, TX 77073
- www.lonestar.edu
- 281-618-5400
- The College of Health Care Professions – Houston Northwest Campus
- 12230 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77092
- www.chcp.edu
- 800-487-6728
- Fortis Institute – Houston Campus
- 1201 W. Oaks Mall, Houston, TX 77082
- www.fortis.edu
- 281-896-8844
Make sure the program you choose is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing, which maintains a current list of accredited LVN programs at www.bon.texas.gov.
Step 3: Apply for Your Texas LVN License
While you're enrolled in your LVN program or shortly after graduating, you’ll begin the licensing process through the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
Steps to apply for LVN licensure in Texas:
- Create an account at www.bon.texas.gov
- Submit your application and pay the licensing fee (around $85)
- Register for a background check via IdentoGO
- Submit your fingerprints for a criminal background screening
- Send transcripts from your LVN school to the Board of Nursing
This process ensures that you're eligible to become licensed and that you’ve met all education and character requirements.
Step 4: Pass the NCLEX-PN Exam
To officially become an LVN in Houston (or anywhere in Texas), you must pass the NCLEX-PN, which is the national licensure exam for vocational nurses.
NCLEX-PN Registration Steps:
- Register with Pearson VUE at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex and pay the $200 exam fee
- Wait for your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Board of Nursing
- Schedule your exam at a local Pearson VUE testing center in Houston
- Study thoroughly using NCLEX-PN prep books, online courses, and practice exams
Once you pass the NCLEX-PN, your license will be issued, and you'll be eligible to begin working as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in Texas.
Step 5: Find an LVN Job in Houston
Houston has one of the largest and most diverse healthcare job markets in the country. LVNs are employed in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, physician offices, home healthcare, and hospice organizations.
Top Employers Hiring LVNs in Houston:
- Houston Methodist Hospital System
- Memorial Hermann Health System
- HCA Houston Healthcare
- CHI St. Luke’s Health
- Texas Children’s Hospital
- Kindred Healthcare
- Aveanna Healthcare (Home Health)
You can find job listings through major sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or healthcare-specific job boards like Health eCareers.
Starting salaries for LVNs in Houston range from $23 to $30 per hour, depending on experience and setting.
Step 6: Consider Advancing Your Career Later
Once you’ve become an LVN, you can choose to continue your education and increase your earning potential by enrolling in an LVN-to-RN bridge program. These programs allow you to build on your LVN experience and become a Registered Nurse (RN) in as little as 12 to 18 months.
Schools like Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, and Houston Community College offer LVN-to-RN pathways.
Step 7: Stay Licensed and Renew Your Credentials
Texas LVNs must renew their license every two years through the Texas Board of Nursing.
Renewal requirements:
- 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE)
- Renewal fee (typically around $65)
- Criminal background re-check (if applicable)
Stay on top of renewal deadlines to avoid license expiration or disciplinary action.
Conclusion
To become an LVN in Houston, you need to complete a state-approved vocational nursing program, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, and apply for licensure with the Texas Board of Nursing.
Starting your nursing career as an LVN in Houston is a smart and impactful move, and as someone who works with many LVNs in the field, I commend your decision to serve the healthcare needs of our community.
If you ever need help answering Medicare questions for your patients—or if a client could benefit from better Medicare coverage—I’m here to support you. I’m Nick Bryant, a licensed Houston Medicare agent, and you can reach me at 281-870-3599 or visit HoustonMedicareHelp.com for personalized guidance.
Whether you're caring for patients or helping them understand their healthcare options, I’m here to help you every step of the way.