Nursing Admission Info

Vocational Nursing Admission Information

Looking to start a career in nursing? San Jacinto College’s three-semester vocational nursing program can help get you there. 

Application periods:
Fall applications: Feb. 1 - April 15
Spring applications: July 1 - Sept. 15

How to Apply

After you’ve been admitted to San Jac, follow these steps to prepare for your program. By the way, if you haven't applied to San Jac, you'll need to do that first.

Please note that the online application will close automatically at 12 p.m. on the closing dates. Unfortunately, there are no exceptions. 

If you have any questions or just want to talk to someone about the program, please reach out to us.

  1. Admission Criteria and Prerequisites

    To be considered for acceptance into the VN program, you’ll need to meet both San Jac’s general admission requirements and the additional requirements specific to our program. These include:

    • Pass the placement test with acceptable scores
    • Complete the needed college preparatory courses
    • Pass a physical exam
    • Complete the prerequisite class BIOL 2301/2101 or BIOL 2401. You may have a prerequisite course in progress when you apply. However, any prerequisites not completed before applying will not be used in the scoring rubric.
    To make the process easier, we’ve created a program information packet that includes an application checklist and all required forms. We encourage you to download it and review the application steps. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the key highlights.

    Program Information Packet

  2. Attend an Information Session

    Interested in learning more about the LVN Program at San Jacinto College? Join one of our upcoming information sessions!

    As a prospective student, you're strongly encouraged to attend an information session. You'll get a much better understanding of what's required and ensure you have a complete and competitive application.

    For in-person sessions, please sign in at the door. 

    Information Sessions



  3. Create a CastleBranch Profile

    We use CastleBranch for document tracking and background checks.
    CastleBranch Package Codes:
    North Campus:     SQ23
    South Campus: SV22

    CastleBranch

  4. Immunization and Clinical Requirements

    With your application, you'll need to submit copies of your immunization record showing the following immunizations within the past 5 years:

    • Tetanus/Diptheria (Tdap) 
    • MMR titer that shows immunity
    • Varicella (chicken pox) titer that shows immunity – History of disease is not accepted
    • HEP B titer that shows immunity 
    • Hep C titer, should be negative
    • COVID-19 vaccine may be required at some clinical sites.
    Please note that once you are accepted, you'll need to show proof of the following within the past year:
    • TB (PPD) skin test, QuantiFERON test, or chest x-ray
    • Seasonal flu shot
    It's also a great idea to download the immunization schedule so you can be sure you are always up to date on your immunizations. 

     

    Immunization Schedule

  5. Additional Documents Needed for Application

    The following items will also need to be submitted with your application:

    1. Current San Jacinto College graduate plan of study (GPS) report to show evaluation results and college readiness. You'll need to go to My San Jac to pull the report. For assistance in downloading your GPS report, please use this guide.
    2. Basic Life Support (BLS) provider CPR card from American Heart Association (AHA). Please make sure to submit a copy of the front and back. 
    3. Proof of health insurance showing front and back of the card. Harris County Gold Card or Medicaid for pregnancy only are not accepted.

  6. Submit Transcripts

    Please be sure to submit copies of all transcripts, including your San Jac transcript. Here's how to print an unofficial transcript from San Jac. Transcripts submitted with the application can be unofficial. We won't be able to accept applications without your transcripts. 

    Please remember that all transcripts must:

    • Have been printed within 60 days of applying
    • Be submitted in PDF format
    • Have your name visible

    Please note:
    You will also need to submit official college transcripts to San Jacinto College for evaluation. Learn how to submit an official college transcript to the admissions department.

  7. Take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Exam

    The TEAS exam evaluates basic academic knowledge in reading, math, science, English, and language usage. Scores may not be older than 2 years from the VN application deadline.

    You'll need to create an ATI TEAS student account. We also recommend that you take a TEAS practice exam to get comfortable with the format.

    You may take the four-hour exam in-person at San Jac or take a remote exam from home.

    Applicants will pay for the exam when entering the testing suite. You must have your photo ID and a credit card for payment. If choosing to do remote testing, applicants need to select either the North or South Campus as the school to receive their scores.

    Testing at North Campus

    Sign up for in-person testing
    TBD
    Cost: $71 + tax


    Sign Up for Remote Testing - proctored by ATI:
    Cost: $120 + tax


    Testing at South Campus

    Sign Up for In-Person Testing
    TBD
    Cost: $71 + tax

    Sign Up for Remote Testing
    Cost: $120 + tax


    Register for the TEAS Exam

  8. Apply to the VN Program

    Application Periods:

    Fall applications: Feb. 1 - April 15
    Spring applications: July 1 - Sept. 15

    Once you have gathered your documents and completed the rest of the steps, you’re ready to apply to the program! Upload your documents and complete the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. You'll need to complete your application in one sitting so please have your documents ready.

    Use your student login to access the application. 

    Vocational Nursing Application - North Campus  
    Vocational Nursing Application - South Campus

Downloading GPS Report

 

You’ll need to include your San Jac GPS (Graduation Plan Strategy) report when you apply. Access your GPS report through My San Jac. To get your GPS report:

  1. Log into the My San Jac Student Portal.
  2. Click on My San Jac GPS under Academic Resources (may have to click on "show more" to find the option).
  3. Go to Worksheets.
  4. Click on "What If."
  5. Select Associates of Applied Science from the degree drop-down. 
  6. Select a desired year from the catalog year drop-down. 
  7. Select Vocational Nursing from the major drop-down.
  8. Click the Process What-If button near the top of the screen. This process may take a few minutes to generate the request. 
  9. Click Print on the top right corner. Keep a copy and submit one copy in the application packet.

Get Your GPS Report

Get Your GPS Report

Log into your My San Jac dashboard to get your GPS Report.
My San Jac

You’ll need to include your San Jac GPS (Graduation Plan Strategy) report when you apply. Access your GPS report through My San Jac. To get your GPS report:

  1. Log into the My San Jac Student Portal.
  2. Click on My San Jac GPS under Academic Resources (may have to click on "show more" to find the option).
  3. Go to Worksheets.
  4. Click on "What If."
  5. Select Associates of Applied Science from the degree drop-down. 
  6. Select a desired year from the catalog year drop-down. 
  7. Select Vocational Nursing from the major drop-down.
  8. Click the Process What-If button near the top of the screen. This process may take a few minutes to generate the request. 
  9. Click Print on the top right corner. Keep a copy and submit one copy in the application packet.

Get Your GPS Report

Get Your GPS Report

Log into your My San Jac dashboard to get your GPS Report.
My San Jac
Vocational Nursing Students

I’m Accepted! Now What?

We know there’s a lot to our application process, but the hard work has paid off. Get more information on paying for school and registering for classes.
Register for ClassesPaying for CollegePerkins Grant

Requirements Upon Acceptance

There are a few more requirements you must meet once you’ve been accepted. 

New student orientation for the VN program is mandatory. Orientation details will be included in your acceptance letter.

  • Learn about the program expectations and how to prepare for the program
  • Be able to ask questions of administration, faculty, and staff
  • Receive course materials with information on registration, books, supplies, and more
  • Receive other resources to prepare you for the course, labs, and clinicals

We use CastleBranch to document and track immunization records, drug screenings, and more. It is also a good idea to obtain hard copies of your immunizations for your own records. Be sure to download the immunization schedule to make sure you stay on track. Once you are accepted, please upload documentation for the following immunizations:

  • Tdap (within the last 5 years) 
  • TB (PPD) skin test, Chest X-ray, or Quantiferon test (within the past year)
  • Influenza (flu shot, must be current and updated throughout the program)
  • Titer showing proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR)
  • Titer showing proof of immunity to Hepatitis B
  • Titer showing negative screening for Hepatitis C
  • Titer showing proof of immunity to Varicella (chicken pox)

Additional Vaccine Requirements
As part of the VN program, you will be studying in facilities outside of the College. During these times, you will be required to comply with the immunization policies of each facility to be able to participate. This includes COVID-19 vaccinations. These requirements are implemented by the outside facilities and are not mandated by San Jac. Failure to meet the immunization requirements may limit your ability to complete the program. It may also delay your graduation date. San Jac does not process exemptions. You must address potential vaccination exemptions directly with the external learning site.

Please upload to CastleBranch proof of Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and AED Training for Health Care Professionals Certificate card from the American Heart Association. Online courses are not accepted.

 

Texas Board of Nursing (BON)

  • At the end of the application period, applicants selected for acceptance, as well as those selected as alternates, will receive an email from Morphotrust/Identogo with instructions for completing the fingerprint/ background check process.
  • Once they have completed this process, students are sent an outcome letter of their fingerprint submission.  Students may receive a blue card, an outcome letter, or a letter requesting a declaratory order (DO) and $150.
  • Enrollment in the program is contingent upon Board of Nursing (BON) eligibility approval. Proof of clearance must be provided in the form of either a “Blue Card” or an “Outcome Letter” issued by the BON.

Declaratory Orders with the BON

  • If the initial review finds that the student’s eligibility issue requires an in-depth investigation with the BON’s Enforcement Department, students will be asked to submit a declaratory order (DO) and the $150 fee.
  • Students should wait to file a declaratory order until receiving a request to do so from the BON. Please note that students who were required to submit a DO and $150 fee should allow a minimum of 90 days for the Enforcement Department to provide an outcome.

CastleBranch

  • Students will also be required to complete a background check and drug screen through CastleBranch.
  • Drug screen results must be negative. Diluted or positive results will not be accepted. 

The physical exam is required after you are accepted into the program. You will receive information once you’ve been accepted. You may schedule the exam with a private physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Just make sure you use the forms the Vocational Nursing program provides. 

The exam:

  • Should show that you are physically and emotionally fit to perform all the requirements of direct patient care 
  • Should show you are free from communicable diseases
  • Are subject to review by the department, medical opinion, or policy of hospitals and agencies that serve as extended campus sites for clinicals.

You must have health insurance when you are accepted into the program, and maintain your insurance without lapses throughout the program. The Gold Card does not count as health insurance.

San Jac doesn’t participate in a specific College-sponsored health insurance plan. You may obtain insurance through private companies. Compare companies and study the terms of their policies before buying coverage. We are offering the following providers as a resource only, not as an endorsement:

Contact Us

 

South Campus Vocational Nursing

Call: 281-998-6350 ext. 3592
Email: vocational.nursing@sjcd.edu  

North Campus Vocational Nursing

Call: 281-998-6350 ext. 7128
Email: vocational.nursingno@sjcd.edu