If you wish to become a licensed vocational nurse in Texas, the requirements are pretty straightforward. Texas is a large state with no shortage of hospitals, and its temperate climate also makes it a great place to live and work. The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) provides a list of all the licensure requirements for those who will be graduating in-state, as well as for nurses who have already been working out-of-state. If you are about to enter a nursing program, or if you're already a nurse and considering a move to Texas, it's helpful to know what you will need to do to apply for licensure as soon as you can begin the process.
Requirements
The first requirement is that you must have graduated from high school or hold a GED. Second, you must have completed an approved vocational nursing program and scored at least a "C" in each of your courses. When you apply for licensure, there is a $186 nonrefundable fee.
You may also be eligible to apply for licensure by endorsement if you are already licensed in another state. In addition to having completed an approved program and taken the appropriate exams, you also must either have taken the vocational nursing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) or have worked as a nurse for four years previous. Those who have worked as a vocational nurse for at least ten years, do not have negative feedback in their disciplinary record, have graduated from an approved nursing program and have passed a TBON-approved vocational nursing NCLEX will be also eligible to apply for licensure by endorsement within Texas.
If it has been more than four years since you worked as a vocational nurse, you will need to apply for a six-month temporary permit and complete a refresher course that has been board approved, and also take the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam plus another exam on jurisprudence and ethics that is approved by the TBON.
Additional Materials
During your licensing application period, you will be subject to a criminal background check, and also submit fingerprints, as well as your demographic information, plus Social Security and Driver's License information. All applicants will not be eligible for the online application process. Any applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor, felony, pleaded no contest or guilty, been placed on probation, served jail time or court-ordered confinement must use a paper application packet. The board will also consider factors such as alcohol or drug treatment, specific psychiatric disorders, or licensing issues with your application. Although these issues may not keep you from obtaining your license, they are considered separately.
To learn more about licensing and the online application process for vocational nurses in Texas, visit the Texas Board of Nursing.
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