This articulated classroom and clinical education program prepares students to become eligible to take the Licensure Examination for Practical (Vocational) Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Vocational Nurses perform routine nursing procedures under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or physicians. These procedures include observation, reporting, and the environmental and physical management of patients. Successful completion of the first semester of VNSG courses allows students to apply to test for Certified Nursing Aide through the Texas Nurse Aide Registry.
• Capstone experience (Certificate of Completion, C2-VNSG): VNSG 1263, Clinical–Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
• Capstone experience (Certificate of Completion, C2-VCNA): VNSG 1260, Clinical Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
• Minimum grade required for specialized and academic courses: C
• Students will be expected to pay all of the fees that are associated with ATI Standardized testing. Students who are admitted to the Vocational Nursing Program will be required to pay a testing fee each semester as part of their registration fees.
• Other fees may be assessed for some courses, including the Nursing Supplies Kit fee and Live NCLEX Review Course fee.
• BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, and RNSG 1301 have a ten-year limit. Biology courses may be taken prior to or concurrent with RNSG 1301. Biology courses must be lecture plus lab that totals four credits.
• BIOL 1306 and BIOL 1106 are prerequisites for BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2402. Prerequisites can be met through CLEP (College Level Examination Program) or course completion.
• RNSG 1301, Pharmacology is a mandatory and ranking course.
• Students who successfully complete VNSG 1323, VNSG 1160 and VNSG 1402, VNSG 1260 with a “C” or better may apply for a Nurse Aide Certificate of Completion and are eligible to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
• Only the high school students pursuing the Vocational Nursing program will not have to have Pharmacology and Math as a prerequisite for the first semester.
• VNSG 1160, VNSG 1260, VNSG 1323, VNSG 1402 may run concurrently and can be co-requisites for high school students only as appropriate.
• Students, by special exception, may take RNSG 1301 and VNSG 1227 after the first semester courses, VNSG 1160, VNSG 1260, VNSG 1323, and VNSG 1402.
• This program has been approved by the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Board of Nursing.
Important:
This program requires students to fulfill Specialized Admissions criteria and procedures, including (but not limited to): EPCC cumulative GPA, testing scores, a background check, substance abuse screening, and immunizations/titers. Acceptance into this program is determined by a competitive ranking formula that factors in individual academic performance, Specialized Admissions criteria, and the successful completion of ranking and/or mandatory courses, as applicable. Students should view the Program Information Guide on the program’s website and consult with a Vocational Nursing Counselor when considering applying to this program.
For more information including ranking dates, pre/post-admissions requirements, and program contact information, view the Program Information Guide at epcc.edu/academics/health/nursing
Degree PlanCareer Information
This program provides skills and knowledge used in the following careers:
Note: Different levels of education and experience may be required to attain the careers listed above.
- indicates a bright career outlook.