Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing program is the entry level pathway into the Nursing field. Following completion of three prerequisite courses, the VN program takes one year to complete and prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-VN). Licensure as a Vocational Nurse must be granted by the Texas State Board of Nursing.

Applicants to the VN program must have completed the required prerequisite courses with a "C" or higher to be eligible for the program. Grade point averages of at least 2.7 will be considered for entry into the Nursing program; however, overall and Science grade point averages of 3.0 are recommended. Applicants should be aware that grade point averages of 3.0 and higher provide a better chance of being selected into the Nursing program. Students may apply with one final prerequisite in progress; however, this class must be completed with a "C" or better prior to the start of the program to maintain eligibility.

Prospective students should meet with Amy Cohen, Health Sciences Counselor, and then with Joy Raines, Health Sciences Assistant, to ensure all requirements are met. Applications should be submitted to the Health Sciences office.

Application Procedures

A limited number of students are accepted in each class. As a result, the admittance process is deliberate and decisive.

1. Must have completed the Cisco College general admission application and be enrolled as a student of Cisco College.

2. Must be TSI complete or college ready in Reading, Writing and Math.

3. Must submit official copies of all college transcripts regardless of classes or grades.

4. Must be a high school graduate or have a GED. Either an official copy of the high school diploma or a copy of the GED must be submitted.

5. Students may apply with one final prerequisite in progress; however, this class must be completed with a "C" or better prior to the start of the program to maintain eligibility.

6. Students that have attended another nursing program prior to applying to Cisco College must submit a Letter of Good Standing from the Program Director at the previous institution.

7. Must submit a current, complete nursing program application available in the Health Sciences office.

8. Must have completed the Hep B immunization series of 3 shots or provide serologic confirmation of immunity to the Hepatitis B virus before student can submit an application.

9. Must complete the CNA program prior to starting the Vocational Nursing program.

10. Must be certified as a CNA prior to the start of the second semester.

11. Must take the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI A-2) Admission Assessment during one of our scheduled testing sessions. A minimum passing rate is 75% on each component of the test; however, scores of less than 75% do not automatically preclude a student from consideration. The test includes the following subjects: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, Critical Thinking, and Math.

The Vocational Nursing Program accepts three classes of nursing students each year. Please complete the application process in conjunction with the following schedule:

• January - December term
  • Deadline to Apply: October 15th
• May - May term
  • Deadline to Apply: February 15th
• August - August term
  • Deadline to Apply: June 15th

Selection Criteria

1. All applicants for admission who meet the minimal criteria for admission will be considered; however, the number of applicants normally exceeds the number of students who can be admitted to each class.

2. Preference for admission is determined by the following factors:

3. Applications are accepted for the January program through October 15th; February 15th for the May program, and June 15th for the August program.

Prerequisites

BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I (4 Hours)

BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II (4 Hours)

MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology (3 Hours)

Please see the Cisco College Course Catalog for complete course information.