STARTING SPRING 2025
Attendance to a Nursing Program Information Session is mandatory prior to submitting an application. Failure to attend a session will result in automatic rejection of your application.
Important Update for LVN/RN Program Applicants
We are introducing a new requirement for students applying to the LVN/RN programs. All applicants must attend a mandatory information meeting and have a transcript evaluation with a Success Coach before submitting their application. These are important steps to ensure you have all the necessary details for a successful application.
Information Session Dates for Applicants starting a program in January 2026:
- In Person: September 8th, 2025, at 9:00 AM - In the Wood Health Science Building Community Rm, 201
- In Person: September 29th, 2025, at 5:00 PM - In the Wood Health Science Building Community Rm, 201
- Virtual (Zoom): October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM [Join Here]
Vocational Nursing
The Licensed Vocational Nursing program will be accepting applications for the New Part Time Traditional LVN program October 1st til October 31st. *No applications will be accepted after October 31st 5pm.
Are you ready to blend your compassion and care with the highest quality nursing training available? Then consider vocational nursing and provide hands-on care for sick, injured, or long-term care patients in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and an endless variety of settings locally or across the nation.
The Odessa College vocational nursing program is a certificate program that prepares the graduate to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). We currently offer 2 pathways in our LVN program:
- Traditional Pathway: A 1-year full time program offered only at Andrews and Monahans Extension Centers.
- Extended Pathway: An 18-month part-time option offered on the Odessa College Main Campus.
The LVN functions as an important member of a health care team under a licensed physician and/or a registered nurse’s supervision. Vocational nurses provide care in a variety of structured health care settings for individual clients who are experiencing common health problems. The Odessa College vocational nursing programs are approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.
The BON is located at 333 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas, 78701; phone 512-305-7400. The nursing curriculum plan is approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
NCLEX-PN 5 Year Pass Rates
| NLCEX-PN-5-Year Pass Rate | National Pass Rate | Texas Pass Rate | Monahans Pass Rate | Andrews Pass Rate |
| 2024 | 88.38% | 93.26% | 96.3% | 100% |
| 2023 | 86.68% | 92.92% | 100% | 100% |
| 2022 | 79.93% | 87.38% | 100% | 94.87% |
| 2021 | 79.6% | 86.49% | 100% | 93.94% |
| 2020 | 83.09% | 88.53% | 93.33% | 100% |
Licensing as a Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Texas utilizes the title of LVN. Many other states use LPN (licensed practical nurse) for this level of nursing practice. The Odessa College vocational nursing graduate must meet state requirements to take the licensing examination National Council for Licensure Examination – Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN®). Requirements to take the licensing examination to become an LVN include the application and approval process with the BON, payment of fees to the BON, graduation from the nursing program, and graduate certification by the director of the vocational nursing program. Be advised that the BON requires fingerprint identification to screen all applicants for licensure. The fingerprints are analyzed by the state of Texas and the FBI, and there must be clearance on the background check by the BON prior to being allowed to take the licensing examination. There are other issues that may prevent an applicant from being allowed to test. Contact the nursing department or the BON directly regarding any questions.
Links:
- Vocational Nursing Handbook
- VN Program Fact Sheet/Admission Requirements
- VN Program Application
- Admission Guide Video