(SWEETWATER, Texas) – For those with a strong desire to help others, a degree in nursing can lead to a fulfilling career.
Texas State Technical College offers prospective nurses the chance to learn from experienced instructors and in local hospitals during the 16-month Licensed Vocational Nursing program in Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater. Applications for prospective students to begin the journey to become a nurse will be accepted through August 6, instructor Marchelle Taylor said.
According to onetonline.org, Texas had 74,390 LVNs employed in 2018. The need will only increase over the next few years. The website forecast that an additional 6,770 LVNs will be employed by 2028, an 11% increase in the workforce.
Graduates of the program said the instructors and clinical sessions prepared them for what they encounter at work.
“The pace is fast, but I think that is a challenge,” said Blaine O’Byrne, who studied at the Breckenridge campus. “I always have something to do. I think that will make for better students and eventually better nurses.”
Student Jadin Casto said learning from experienced instructors was one reason she chose to attend TSTC.
“The staff is one of the best you can ask for. They have implemented the policies and rules that comply with the nursing board,” she said. “They want to make sure we have everything available to be successful.”
Jesse Mendez, who completed the LVN program in December, said he saw a difference in himself after he finished his last clinical.
“One of the highlights for me is to see where I was as a person,” he said. “I have seen how much I have grown not only as a student, but as a person. I know I will have to put others above myself. That is what we have to do to help others”
Prospective students must meet certain requirements before applying for entry. All transcripts of courses taken at other colleges must be sent to TSTC and reviewed by the admissions department. An additional requirement is that anatomy, physiology I and II, medical terminology and medical administration courses must have been completed in the last five years to transfer to TSTC.
Students must also submit a copy of a picture ID and Social Security card, pass an FBI background check and drug screening, and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills before acceptance into the program. All immunizations, including hepatitis B series, MMR series, varicella, Tdap, meningococcal, influenza and TB, must be current.
Students who complete the program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination will be classified as an LVN. Taylor said instructors work to make sure students are prepared to pass the exam and begin work.
“We want all of our students to be successful in every aspect of their career,” she said.
To download a copy of the LVN application, visit https://www.tstc.edu/programs/nursing.
Registration for the fall semester is underway. For more information, visit tstc.edu.
