Licensed Vocational Nursing Program

Students

Are you compassionate and looking to make a positive impact on people’s lives? Our Vocational Nursing program offers a practical, immersive education that prepares you for the fast-paced world of healthcare. Join us and take your first step towards a fulfilling career.

Program Details

Learn more about our LVN program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.
Our 12-month Vocational Nursing Program (LVN) is a three-term program that prepares you to serve on nursing teams as an entry-level vocational nurse. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week,  Monday through Friday program.  Classroom study covers basic nursing concepts and patient care-related subjects.  Clinical practice will take place in hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.  Classes start in the fall and are offered at the Wharton Campus only.

After completing the program, you are eligible to make an application to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Once you pass this exam, you earn the title of Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Licensed Vocational Nurses will likely find career opportunities in nursing homes, hospitals, residential care facilities, physician's offices and clinics, schools, home health, and hospice care agencies.

Learn more about your career opportunities after graduation on Career Coach!

Program Requirements

The LVN program requires that students complete a program application and purchase instructional supplies and materials specific to the program. There are no prerequisites needed to apply to the program.  For more information, contact Lori Baumgarten at (979) 532-6391 or BaumgartenL@wcjc.edu.
In addition to applying to WCJC, the LVN program requires a program application. Complete the application and return it and other required paperwork to the Vocational Nursing Department.
Learn more about the testing, vaccines, and other requirements to be accepted into the LVN program.
I owe my success in the nursing field to the WCJC LVN program! The attentive instructors and fantastic learning experience helped make me into the nurse I am today! I cannot say enough good things about the LVN program!
Julia Anne Loredo
LVN Program Graduate
Find success in the LVN program, just like Julia.
Holding hands

Meet the Faculty

Kayla Drabek, BSN, RN

Director, Vocational Nursing

Ms. Drabek received her Associate Degree in Nursing from WCJC in 2012. She completed her Bachelor in Nursing at the University of Texas at Arlington in 2014. She has worked as a floor and charge nurse RN in the Medical-Surgical and Skilled Nursing Unit for almost six years. Ms. Drabek has been a part-time WCJC clinical instructor since 2018. She started as a full-time employee in January 2020, teaching Pharmacology and Clinical II and III. Ms. Drabek became the Director of the program in August 2021.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Bldg 206-I
Phone: (979) 532-6497
Email: drabekk@wcjc.edu

Shawna Lindsey, MSN, RN

Instructor of Vocational Nursing

Ms. Lindsey received her Associates of Nursing degree from Deaconess College of Nursing in 2006 and went on to attend Chamberlain College of Nursing for RN-MSN program where she received her MSN in nursing education. She began her nursing career 11 years prior to that with an LPN certificate. She has been a nurse for 27 years and has worked in med/surg, tele, rehab, skilled, and hospice. Her other work experiences include working at WCJC in the associate nursing program for 9 years. Ms. Lindsey joined WCJC vocational nursing faculty fall 2023.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Bldg 137
Phone: (979) 532-6902
Email: lindseys@wcjc.edu

Gina Grosser BSN, RN CEN

Instructor of Vocational Nursing

Ms. Grosser received her Associate Degree of Nursing from Victoria College in 1997. She worked in ICU and the Emergency Department at Gulf Coast Medical for 9 years as a staff nurse and as Charge nurse.  She completed her Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Houston-Victoria in 2009.  For the past 14 years, she has worked in the Emergency Department. Ms. Grosser joined WCJC full time in May of 2023.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Bldg 138
Phone: (979) 532-6593
Email: grosserg@wcjc.edu

Ann Hernandez, BSN, RN

Instructor of Vocational Nursing

Ms. Hernandez received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Austin Community College in 2002 and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Walden University in 2018.  She is currently working on completing a Master of Nursing, Executive degree at Walden University.  A registered nurse for 22 years, she has worked in ICU, Renal, Peds, and ER.  She has also served as a charge nurse and house supervisor.  Ms. Hernandez joined WCJC full time in January 2024.

Office: Wharton Campus, Johnson Bldg 136
Phone: (979) 532-6399
Email: hernandeza@wcjc.edu 

When notified of my acceptance into the WCJC LVN program, I found myself extremely nervous yet excited. The program was intense, however our instructors took the time to prepare us! Thanks to their guidance, I have found myself to be an excellent nurse and an even better person. I am officially a Licensed Nurse in a wound care specialty! Thank you all so much!
Summer Deloach-Rutherford
LVN Program Graduate
Get the preparation, training, and skills you need to have a successful career helping others.
Student

Additional Program Information

Administrative Master Syllabi

Archived Administrative Master Syllabi

Vocational Nursing SCANS Matrix

  • Danny Alvarez, RN - Memorial-Hermann, SugarLand,TX
  • Dee Holmes - Oak Bend Medical Center, Richmond, TX
  • Liz Prather, RN - Retired LVN and ADN Faculty, Richmond, TX
  • Rochelle Chamberlain, MSN, RN, NPD-BC - Memorial Hermann SugarLand, SugarLand, TX
  • Sandra Davis, MSN, RN - Wharton County Junior College ADN Director, Wharton, TX
  • Jennifer Fuller, RN - Methodist, SugarLand, TX
  • Jennifer Griffin, LVN - Dr. Popatia’s office, Richmond, TX
  • Karen Miller, ADN, RN - Hospice Camassus, Houston, TX
  • Raytoysha McMillian-Gardner, FNP-C - Memorial Hermann Medical Group, Houston, TX
  • Katy Palermo, MSN, APRN, FNP-C - MEHOP, Bay City, TX
  • Latasha Powers, LVN - Fort Bend Premier Care, Richmond, TX
  • Kenchen Shaefer, RN - OakBend Medical Center, Richmond, TX
  • Andrea Shropshire, DNP, MSN, RN - Wharton County Junior College ADN Faculty, Wharton, TX
  • Heather Walters, MSN, RN - El Campo Memorial Hospital, El Campo, TX

Tuition/Fees:

  • In-District: $105/per Semester Hour ($4,590 total)
  • Out-District: $161/per Semester Hour ($6,942 total)
  • Out-of-State: $213/per Semester Hour ($9,126 total)

Additional Fees:

  • Technology Fees: $1,752
  • Testing Fees: $120
  • Criminal Background Check/Drug Screen: $175
  • Physical Exam/Immunizations Castle Branch: $250
  • Skills Lab Supply Fee (Fall semester): $145
  • Books: Around $1,200 (75% due at the beginning of the first semester)
  • Student Liability Insurance: $20
  • Student Incident Insurance: $15
  • Supplies (Stethoscope, bandage scissors, etc.): $550 
  • Uniforms/scrubs, shoes, lab coat: $200 
  • NCLEX-PN Examination Fee (Registration Fee): $200
  • Application for licensure: $75
  • Laptop: $500

Estimated Total:

  • In-District: $9,792
  • Out-of-District: $12,144
  • Out-of-State: $14,328

Texas Board of Nursing
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200
Austin, Texas 78701-3942
512-305-7400
www.bne.state.tx.us

Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
P.O. Box 12788
Austin, Texas 78711
1-800-242-3062
www.thecb.state.tx.us

The WCJC LVN program Texas Board of Nursing approval status is fully accepted.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requires students enrolled in health-related courses, which will involve direct patient contact in medical facilities to complete a three-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine prior to direct patient care. The Hepatitis B immunization series of three injections takes six months to complete with the second injection due one month after the first injection and the 3rd injection due five months after the 2nd injection.

All applicants are required to show proof of completion of at least the first two shots in the Hepatitis B series. This proof must accompany the application.

It is strongly recommended that applicants have begun this series no later than February 1.