1. How do I get started?
Attend one of the scheduled nursing information sessions. This will help you clarify differences between programs. See MC Nursing Homepage for information session dates.
2. How can I apply to one of the nursing programs at Lone Star College-Montgomery?
The first step is to pick up from the nursing office in B100 or download from the documents section of the nursing website, one of the "Steps to Apply" sheets for whichever program you are interested in. Once you have read these steps and meet all the requirements to apply, you can apply during the appropriate application period. The application period and type of application for each program is listed toward the bottom of the MC Nursing Homepage.
3. What hospitals and or clinics will I have my nursing rotations at?
LSC-Montgomery has been utilizing Conroe Regional Medical Center, Memorial Hermann in the Woodlands, and St. Luke’s in the Woodlands. Additionally, there will be specialty clinical site visits scheduled throughout the city.
4. Do I have to take the TASP/THEA exam?
TASP/THEA status must be "Passed" in all three areas (Reading, Writing & Math), or the student must be SSI complete in all three areas by some other means (see an advisor or counselor).
5. How much does the program cost?
VN program: Including tuition, books, immunizations, uniforms, and license application fees, the cost is approximately $1,391 the first semester, $760 the second, and $755 the third, totaling $2906 for in-district students. Out of district students will have a cost of $1,911 in the first semester, $1,360 in the second, and $1,355 in the third, totaling $4,626.
Transition program: The cost is approximately $1,930 the first semester, $426 The second semester, and $1,029 the third, totaling $3,385.
ADN program: Please refer to the Approximate Program Costs section of the nursing website for a list of fees for this program.
6. How long is the program?
The VN program must meet the state board requirement of approximately 1400 hours; therefore, the program is a full-time, one year program that begins each May. Students typically, are in class all day Monday through Friday, except holidays and breaks recognized by the Lone Star College System.
The Transition program is three semesters long. It begins in June, with graduation the following spring.
The (Basic Track) ADN program is four semesters long, starting once a year each August.
7. Can I get financial assistance for the program?
Yes, the financial aid department utilizes several different sources to assist you with your financial needs, should you qualify. There are many different scholarships geared only for the nursing profession that are also available. For more information, visit the following web addresses:
8. Will taking science classes in college help me in the program?
Yes, since BIOL 2404 OR BIOL 2401 AND BIOL 2402 are pre-requisites for the VN and Transition programs, it is very beneficial to have these classes completed. BIOL 2401 is a pre-requisite for the Basic Track ADN program as well, but completion of BIOL 2401 and BIOL 2420 can help increase your score on your application ranking. If you have been out of school for some time, BIOL 1406 is recommended prior to BIOL 2401. Additionally, these courses are utilized in the ranking process for admission.
9. How many students are accepted?
LSC-Montgomery accepts twenty-four(24) students each year for the VN program starting in May, thirty(30) LVN/LP's to the LVN/LP to ADN transition program that starts each June, and thirty(30) students each year to the Basic Track ADN program that starts every August.
10. When will I be notified once I apply?
Letters will be sent to applicants approximately one month after the application deadlines. Deadlines are February 1st for the May VN class and March 1st for Transition and Basic Track ADN programs.
11. Is there a waiting list to get in the program?
No, the nursing program fills their allocation, then, places approximately 10 applicants as alternates. If you are not accepted into the program, you then must reapply the following year.
12. How often is the program offered?
The VN program is offered once a year starting every May with an application deadline of February 1st. Lone Star College-Tomball currently offers a spring start. Lone Star College-Kingwood and Lone Star College-CyFair offer a fall start.
The Transition program is offered once a year starting every June with an application deadline of March 1. The ADN (Basic Track) program is offered once a year starting every August, with an application deadline of March 1st.
13. Can I go part time?
No, the VN program is geared for full-time, Monday through Friday.
The Transition program is four days a week at approximately 25 hours per week.
The ADN program also meets 25 hours per week. Students are encouraged not to work more than 20 hours per week.
Classes can begin as early as 6:30 a.m. for clinical classes.
14. Can I transfer from one college to the other?
Only if the there are current openings at other campuses that are following the same schedule.
15. Can I transfer from an outside nursing program to any Lone Star College System nursing program?
See Transfer Policy.
16. Is your nursing program accredited on the state and/or national level?
Yes.
* The Associate Degree and Vocational Nursing Programs at LSC-Montgomery has the full approval from the Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas (BNE). The BNE has commended LSC-Montgomery for their strong administrative support and a director and faculty committed to a quality nursing program. For more information visit the BNE website at www.bne.state.tx.us.
* The LSC-Montgomery Associate Degree Nursing Program is a fully accredited program with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC). The NLNAC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as the national accrediting body for all types of nursing education programs. For more information visit www.nlnac.org.
17. Do you offer evening classes?
No evening classes are currently offered; however, evening clinicals are available the last VN semester and may be offered in the transition program.
Only Lone Star College-Kingwood offers an evening ADN program.
18. How much homework will I have?
Students average about 2-3 hours per evening.
19. Can I work full time and still go to nursing school?
No, the VN students find their schedules too demanding to accomplish program goals while working. Transition and Basic Track students are encouraged not to work more than 20 hours per week.
20. Can I be accepted to the program with a grade point average under a 2.0?
No, the VN admission requirements state that each applicant must have a 2.0 or higher. A 2.5 GPA or higher is required for the Transition program and the ADN program.
21. Can I become a nurse if I have been convicted of a felony?
Texas law states if you have ever been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, you may be ineligible to receive a nursing license in the State of Texas. You must submit to a criminal background check. Drug and assault related offenses are carefully scrutinized.
If this affects you, please contact:
The Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners Investigation Office
333 Guadalupe Street, Ste. 3-400
Austin, Texas 78701
or
The Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas
333 Guadalupe Street, Ste. 3-460
Austin, Texas 78701
22. How do I get a license to practice as a License Vocational Nurse?
When students graduate from the VN program, they are eligible to apply for licensure with the Board of Vocational Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas (BVNE). Paperwork will be completed with the faculty and the graduating students. Graduates then apply to take the national licensing exam, the NCLE-PN, which costs $200. In order to become an LVN and practice as a nurse, a person must graduate from a VN program, pass the NCLEX-PN, and qualify for a license through the BVNE.
23. Will it be easy to get a job once I graduate?
Texas, as well as the nation, is experiencing a critical nursing shortage, therefore the job market is excellent.
24. When is the deadline to apply?
See nursing homepage for application periods and deadlines.
25. What is the difference between Lone Star College System campuses?
Each campus has the same admission criteria for the type of programs they offer. Currently, Lone Star College - CyFair, Kingwood, Tomball, and Montgomery all have vocational nurse programs. LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, and LSC-Cy-Fair offer the full associate degree nursing program. LSC-North Harris, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-Montgomery all have the Transition programs. Clinical rotations will typically be more in proximity to the campus you chose.
26. What is the difference between an LVN and an RN?
One difference is the schooling. LVN’s typically go to school for one year and RN’s typically go to school from 2-4 years depending on whether you are going for an Associates degree in Nursing or a Bachelors degree in nursing. LVN’s and RN’s also have different responsibilities. The LVN delivers care to the bedside, in hospitals, clinics and home care. The RN delivers, plans, and manages care of clients in acute care and specialty areas. Salaries significantly increase in relationship to number of years of training. (See Career Opportunities)
27. What are the physical requirements of becoming a nurse?
See Compliance with Americans with Disability Act
28. Can I become a nurse if I have a disability?
Yes, if “reasonable accomodations” allow you to perform according to the standards.