Established in 1953, The Academy of Health Care Professions (ahcp.edu) offers a vocational nursing program at its Houston Northwest campus. The program teaches students medical terminology, leadership and professional development skills, basic nursing skills, nutrition, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, mental health, pediatrics, geriatrics, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-newborn nursing. To apply, students must first meet with an admissions adviser, decide a route of financial aid, attend orientation and finally begin classes. The Academy of Health Care Professions provides students with job placement assistance, as well as help with writing resumes and preparing students for job interviews. Students who graduate from the program can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-PN, to become licensed practical nurses.
Lonestar College (lonestar.edu) offers a full-time practical nursing diploma program. This year-long program prepares students to be practical nurses with courses in nutrition, basic nursing skills, mental illness, pharmacology, pediatric nursing, gerontology and maternity nursing. To be able to start classes, students must have already completed an anatomy and physiology course. Students who complete the program can sit for the NCLEX-PN. Financial assistance is available to students who qualify.
Houston Community College (hccs.edu) offers a yearlong practical nursing certificate program. While in the program, students complete courses in nursing concepts, nutrition, professional development, medication administration, mental illness, anatomy and physiology, neonatal nursing, pediatrics, and basic and advanced nursing skills. To advance in each course, students must achieve at least a C grade. Students must have graduated high school or have a general education degree to be accepted into the program. They must also complete and pass a drug and background test and pass the Nurse Entrance Test with a 75 percent or more in math and reading. Students that complete the program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN.
San Jacinto College (sanjac.edu) has practical nursing programs available at two campuses in North and South Houston, Texas. These programs are both one-year long and provide students with the training necessary to pass the NCLEX-PN and become skilled licensed practical nurses. The practical nursing program consists of lectures, labs and clinical learning, including 576 classroom and 880 clinical hours. Classes range from pharmacology to advanced nursing skills. To apply, students must present proof of a high school diploma or GED, as well as have proof of immunizations and American Heart Association CPR training. Students must pass a criminal background and drug check.