TSTC extends application deadline for Vocational Nursing program to help combat statewide shortage

TSTC is accepting applications through November 1 for the Vocational Nursing program cohort that is scheduled to begin in January. (Courtesy: Texas State Technical College/TSTC)

HARLINGEN — In an effort to help fill the nearly 1,800 vocational nursing job openings in the state, Texas State Technical College has extended the deadline to submit applications for its Vocational Nursing program cohort scheduled to begin in January.

Prospective students now have until November 1 to submit a completed application for the 16-month Vocational Nursing program, which is offered at the Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

According to onetonline.org, Texas had 1,783 vacant vocational nursing positions open in Texas as of October 4.

Adrienne Reyes, a TSTC Nursing instructor, said TSTC uses the latest technology to train students.

“Our programs utilize computer programs, high-fidelity manikins and virtual simulations to help instruct students and give them real-life experiences before they step foot into a hospital or nursing home,” Reyes said. “This allows students to learn in a safe environment and gain confidence in their technical and communication skills.”

Heather Sauceda, TSTC’s Vocational Nursing program director in Harlingen, said the program’s goal is to produce top-quality nurses.

“TSTC’s Nursing programs are working hard to ensure that we help meet the needs and demands of our community to graduate safe and competent nurses,” Sauceda said.

Prospective students must meet certain requirements before applying for entry, including providing all transcripts of courses taken from other colleges that must be sent to TSTC and reviewed by the admissions department.

In addition, TSTC will conditionally accept students who are in their final semester of taking the prerequisite courses of anatomy and physiology I and II, and medical terminology. By the first day of the cohort, the students’ official transcripts must show the required grade for official acceptance.

The application process must be completed online. For complete program requirements, visit www.tstc.edu/program-requirements/nursing/.

Prospective students may call Tanya Villarreal at 956-364-4690 for application guidance.

Upon completion of the program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination, graduates are classified as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs).

According to onetonline.org, LVN jobs were forecast to increase 11% in Texas between 2018 and 2028. The median salary for LVNs in Texas is $48,520, the website showed.

TSTC also offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing at the Harlingen and Sweetwater campuses.

For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.