TSTC accepting Vocational Nursing applications through September
By Ben Barkley/TSTC
Texas State Technical College is accepting applications for the Vocational Nursing program’s spring cohort.
Students who plan to apply must submit a completed application packet by Sept. 30. TSTC’s Breckenridge and Sweetwater campuses are accepting students for the 16-month program scheduled to begin in January.
Marchelle Taylor, TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program director, said prospective students should be aware of one change in this year’s application process.
“This year, the entire application process must be completed online,” she said. “This is the first time we are accepting applications and all supporting documents online for our West Texas programs.”
Prospective students must meet certain requirements before applying for entry, including providing all transcripts of courses taken from other colleges that must be sent to TSTC and reviewed by the Admissions Department. An additional requirement is that credits for anatomy, physiology I and II, medical terminology and medical administration courses must be no older than five years in order to transfer to TSTC.
Students must also submit a copy of a picture ID and Social Security card, pass an FBI background check, pass a drug screening, and take the Test of Essential Academic Skills at least once before acceptance into the program. All immunizations, including hepatitis B series, MMR series, varicella, Tdap, meningococcal, influenza and tuberculosis, must be current.
Also included in the application process is the prospective student’s letter of intent for the program.
“This is a one-page testimonial of why a person is seeking admission to the program,” Taylor said. “You need to explain the steps you have taken to assure instructors of your commitment to the program. Think about your reasons for wanting to become a nurse so we can know more about your commitment.”
Taylor said prospective students who have questions may call Lisa Langford at 254-559-7731 for guidance.
“It is a long application process, from transcripts, testing and financial aid,” Taylor said. “Lisa will be able to walk you through the process if you have any questions.”
For complete program requirements, visit www.tstc.edu/program-requirements/nursing/.
TSTC’s Vocational Nursing certificate program is also available at the Harlingen campus. Upon completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, graduates are classified as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).
Instructor Joan Coldiron has one goal for the program’s graduates.
“I want our nurses to graduate with the confidence that they can fill the needs of patient care and, if desired, continue their education to whatever level they wish,” she said. “Nursing is a profession that includes so many options. I would like to see our students find jobs that satisfy their passion for helping others and balance that with their personal lives.”
According to onetonline.org, LVN jobs are forecast to increase 11% in Texas by 2028, with more than 82,000 nurses in the workforce. The median salary for LVNs in Texas is $48,520, the website showed.
TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.
For more information, visit tstc.edu.
Cutline, top photo: Applications are being accepted for TSTC’s Vocational Nursing spring cohort for the Breckenridge and Sweetwater campuses. In this photo from the Spring 2022 semester, TSTC Vocational Nursing student Drew Young practices his nursing skills with a medical manikin, which is used for training purposes. (Photo courtesy of TSTC)
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