Submit an application to Texarkana College. If you have questions or need any assistance , we have recruiters on hand ready to help you get started today, just call 903-823-3012.

Please note as you complete the application, you will need to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) or above on all college-level work to qualify for the VN program.

Start your application

For questions about previous scores, how to take the TSI test, or exemptions please contact the Health Sciences Enrollment Advisor. 

Email: Karen.holt@texarkanacollege.edu

Phone: 903-823-3351

Schedule an appointment with the Health Sciences Enrollment Advisor, Karen Holt. Call Health Sciences Division to schedule an appointment 903-823-3351

On the TEAS, an overall score of 50 or greater is required for admission. 

The TEAS must be within 2 years of the program application date. A maximum of three TEAS attempts within a 12-month period is allowed. A minimum of 15 days is required between testing attempts. TEAS exam scores taken at proctored testing sites other than Texarkana College may be submitted. 

Students may pay and register for the TEAS online at www.atitesting.com.

The exam must be taken in-person with a proctor, either at a college/university or at a PSI Testing Center.  Exam scores from online remote proctoring will NOT be accepted.

An official high school transcript, GED scores and transcripts from all colleges attended must be submitted.  

High school seniors must submit a 7-semester transcript with a completed transcript to be on file 2 weeks prior to registration.

Process for Selection of Students

Points System

• Students applying to the Vocational Nursing Program will be ranked according to the “Points System Admission Process”. (Download a copy of the Vocational Points System Admission Process form) Students will be accepted until all available spots are filled. Students not accepted will be placed on an alternate list. Alternate list applicants may be admitted if another student’s “Conditional Acceptance” is forfeited or revoked, provided they have met the other application requirements.

Notification of Selected Applicants

• Selected applicants will be sent notification of their “Conditional Acceptance” pending receipt of the required documentation to the Office of the Health Sciences Enrollment Advisor.
• Applicants who were not selected initially will be placed on an alternate list.
• In the event of cancellations or forfeitures, eligible applicants from the alternate list will be notified.
• The alternate list will be maintained until the current class begins the semester.
• Applicants who are not selected for admission and those that decline a position must re-apply to the program to be considered for admission.
• Any questions regarding the status of an application should be directed to the Health Sciences Enrollment Advisor

Re-Entry Admission Procedure

• Any student who is dismissed from the LVN program due to professional and/or ethical violations is not eligible for re-entry into the LVN program. In addition, any student who has had a clinical course failure due to unsafe clinical practice is not eligible for re-entry into the LVN program.
• Candidates for re-entry to the LVN program must complete all re-entry procedures.
• A student who leaves the LVN program for any reason other than a professional/ethical violation or clinical course failure will be permitted one other opportunity to re-enroll.
• A VN student must reapply within 12 months of the date of withdrawal or must reapply as an entry level student regardless of the coursework completed prior to the date of withdrawal.
• Transfer VN students who were unsuccessful in other programs after two attempts will be denied admission to the Texarkana College VN Program.
• Due to differences in nursing curriculum, transfer students who have prior credit for nursing courses may be required to begin as an entry-level student.
• Readmission is based on a competitive point system that ranks students based on nursing coursework GPA, TEAS overall and reading scores, and space availability.
• A third entry into the VN program may be offered by petition after consideration of extenuating circumstances by the admissions committee. Eligibility will be determined by the admissions committee after review of letter of petition explaining the circumstances leading to withdrawal and the student’s action plan to improve and be successful if readmitted. Students may also be asked to interview with the admissions committee and complete a test for foundational nursing knowledge.

NOTE: The student accepted for re-entry will be under the current policy and procedures of the Health Sciences Division at the time of re-entry. Candidates who re-apply, meet the criteria, and are accepted for readmission will be offered two opportunities to re-enter the LVN program. If the candidate declines re-entry both times, they will be removed from the list of applicants and will be required to apply as a new applicant for the first semester.

Steps for Re-Entry Admission

1. 1. Complete the Health Sciences Application for Readmission form.
2. Have a personal guidance appointment with the Health Sciences Enrollment Management Specialist (EMS). Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. Inform the EMS that you have been enrolled in the LVN program previously.
3. If required, interview with Admissions Committee.
4. Complete re-entry testing, if required.
5. Complete all other requirements set forth by the Admissions Committee.
6. The student will be required to have a current physical examination and negative drug screen. The student will also have a clear criminal background check through the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON). These are not required until notification in writing of “Conditional Acceptance” into the nursing program has been received.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

1. Experience in healthcare is recommended prior to admission to the LVN Program.
2. Math resources are available from the Enrollment Services Office or LVN faculty.
3. BIOL 2301/2101 and BIOL 2302/2102 may be transferred from another institution.
4. Notification of conditional acceptance or denial will be mailed to all candidates. Any questions should be directed to the Enrollment Management Specialist.
5. There is no waiting list carried over from one admission cycle to the next. Students who do not get accepted into the class must re-apply for the next class.
6. Applicants are ranked according to the criteria on the Vocational Nursing Points System for Admission Ranking tool.
7. The number of students admitted is based on clinical space availability and faculty members.
8. Students are responsible for keeping their files updated, including mailing address, email address, and phone number.

Transfer Procedure

Transfer students will be evaluated and placed in the LVN Program on an individual basis, as space allows.

Steps for Transfer Admission:

1. Complete the First Admission process.  (Admission scores from other programs or a college GPA may be accepted).
2. Have a personal guidance interview with the Enrollment Management Specialist.
3. Submit course syllabi of previous nursing classes.
4. Sign permission for obtaining a letter of reference from previous school of nursing.
5. Prior to acceptance, a physical examination, negative drug screen and satisfactory criminal background check.  These are not required until notification in writing of “Conditional Acceptance” into the nursing program has been received.

Students must have the American Heart Association Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification.  (AHA/BLS-HCP).  Must be current throughout enrollment in the program.  Students are encouraged to take the course after the “Conditional Acceptance” is received to ensure the course is current throughout the program enrollment.  

Visit the Community and Business Education website or call 903-823-3270 for information regarding registration.

Students must receive a negative drug screen and a “satisfactory” Texas Board of Nursing background check.

Please watch for your conditional acceptance letter following your application submission for further instructions.

• If all required documentation (TB test/CPR/drug screen/fingerprinting) is not submitted by the deadline, the conditional acceptance status will be revoked and the student will have to reapply to the program.
• If a Declaratory Order is required by the Board of Nursing (BON) for a prior offense on the criminal background check, the applicant will be given until July 1st to obtain clearance from the BON, otherwise the “Conditional Acceptance” to the program will be revoked.
• If low grades earned early in the applicant’s college career are making the GPA less competitive, the student is encouraged to ask about the “Academic Fresh Start”. See Academic Fresh Start Policy in the TC Catalog/Handbook.
• Turn in the Admission Checklist to the Enrollment Advisor with an original signature and date

Learning outcomes are based on the Differentiated Essential Competencies set forth by the Texas Board of Nursing for graduates of vocational nursing education programs.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate has the ability to:

1. Utilize the nursing process to assist with identifying the patient’s physical and mental health status, their needs, and the preferences of culturally, ethnically and socially diverse patients and their families based on interpretation of health-related data. (DECs I, II)
2. Observe, report, and document pertinent nursing information including alterations in patient responses to therapeutic interventions. (DECs I, II, III, IV)
3. Safely perform nursing interventions according to the vocational nurse level of practice. (DECs II, III)
4. Implement teaching plans that are based upon accepted scientific principles in order to give direct care with skill and safety. (DEC II)
5. Provide compassionate care which maintains comfort and dignity. (DECs II, III)
6. Assign nursing care to others for whom the nurse is responsible based upon an analysis of patient and unit needs, continuing to supervise this assignment through its completion. (DECs I, II, III, IV).

7. Utilize self-assessment and reflective practices to identify strengths and areas for growth to enhance professional nursing competency. (DEC I)
8. Coordinate, collaborate and communicate with the interdisciplinary health care team to plan, deliver and evaluate care for diverse patients, families, and community populations. (DECs I, II, III, IV)
9. Practice within legal and ethical nursing standards. (DECs I, II)
10. Acknowledge the value of continuing education and participation in lifelong learning. (DECs I, III)

https://www.bon.texas.gov/pdfs/publication_pdfs/Differentiated%20Essential%20Competencies%202021.pdf

• Critical Thinking 
• Leadership 
• Adaptability 
• Management 
• Problem Solving 
• Technical Proficiency 
• Life-long Learning 
• Cultural Awareness 
• Ethical Decision Making 
• Professionalism 
• Time Management 
• Organization 
• Safety Awareness

Documents:

• Degree Plan – Fall Admission (PDF)
• Degree Plan – Spring Admission (PDF)
• Pathway (PDF)
• Vocational Nursing Point System Admission Process (PDF)
• Health Sciences Student Handbook
• Disability Statement