Vocational Nursing
This intensive three semester program offers classroom instruction and related clinical practice in the four basic areas of nursing care: adults, mothers and newborns, children, and the elderly. Graduates of this program will have a wide array of opportunities for providing nursing care for patients in structured health care settings. Patients cared for by Vocational Nurses typically are experiencing common, well-defined health problems with predictable outcomes. Students seeking entry in the Vocational Nursing program must file a specific program on-line application and complete additional admission procedures as required (see VN advisor for specific criteria, courses and procedures).
Get Started at STC!
Selective/Competitive Entry Disclaimer
Students are admitted to South Texas College through the provisions of Board Policy 3200. General admission to the College does not imply admission to all programs of the College. The Nursing and Allied Health Division offers Selective Programs with application requirements. Application requirements are included in the description of each program. In addition, some Selective Programs have a Competitive Entry selection process based on a competitive point system.
- Start: Spring 2021
- Application Dates: November 2, 2020 - November 13, 2020
- Application Review Dates: November 16 - November 19, 2020
- Location: NAHC, Mid-Valley and Starr County
- 3 semester program - 46 Credit Hours
- Notification of Acceptance Letters: November 20, 2020
Information Sessions
Due to COVID 19, we are unable to hold a face to face informational session.
To better serve our prospective student, the Vocational Nursing Program will offer Informational Sessions on Zoom.
Students will need to download the Zoom app on their own devices, such as desktop or laptop computers, tablets, or cell phones. Please ensure your electronic device has a camera.
Zoom is a free application that you can download to any device.
To invite you to one of our informational sessions please email:
Sara Paz at spaz7@southtexascollege.edu
We will need your full name and preferred e-mail address
The sessions will be conducted on Tuesday(s) and Thursday at 10:00am and 3:00pm
A certificate of attendance will be emailed to you after the session.
For more information, please contact: Suzy Castellanos at 956-872-3011 OR Liz San Roman at 956-447-6632
For immunization and background checks, please contact a Clinical Affairs Specialist at 956-872-3022
The VN Program will be accepting applications from November 2, 2020 - November 13, 2020 for Spring 2021.
Application Requirements
- All applicants must meet general admission requirements to South Texas College.
- Must have a high school transcript, GED and or HS equivalency on file with STC Admissions office
- Demonstrate proficiency in state-mandated general knowledge content through approved means; i.e., Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA), ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS and/or course work with program specific exemptions accepted.
- HESI A-2 Scores with 70% or better in all sections.
- Attend a VN Program advisement session at Mid-Valley Campus (MVC), Nursing Allied Health Campus (NAHC) or
Starr County Campus (RIO) and receive a Attendance Certificate. - Submit a completed Vocational Nursing program application.
- Earn a minimum grade of "B" in Anatomy & Physiology courses.
- Satisfy program specific requirements for clinical practice. (i.e. Drug Screening, Criminal Background Checks, Immunizations, CPR, etc.)
- Have in possession the BON Blue Clearance Card or Letter.
Note: Selection criteria of the vocational nursing program is based on a point system of grade point average and courses completed.
Qualified applications are ranked from highest to lowest points.
Due to program size limitations, a number of applicants who meet the program admissions requirements may not be admitted to the program.
Site Selection: Site placement (Starr, Mid-Valley, and McAllen) is determined following group ranking of the applicant pool. Students are given the opportunity to select a program site in the acceptance letter.
If more accepted applicants are given for a particular site, preference is given to the home address in ranking order. Students that cannot be accommodated at their home site will be given a second site preference according to ranking.
Degree Plans Faculty Staff Career Exploration
For faculty not listed, please contact the department.
Potential Job Settings
- Hospitals
- Medical Offices from General/Specialist
- Home Health
- Schools
- Long Term Care
- Hospice
- Adult Day Care
Salary Data
- Average Wage: $13.00/hour
- Top Earners: $23.00/hour
- Average Annual Pay: $44,000.00
Contact Vocational Nursing Program
Department Chair
Dr. Margo Vargas-Ayala
NAHC A-4.314
Email: mavargas-ayala
Department Contact
Sara Paz
NAHC A 100-G
956-872-3192
Pecan & Starr County Campuses:
Suzy Castellanos
NAHC A 4.302
956-872-3011
Mid-Valley Campus:
Elizabeth San Roman
Mid-Valley K1.803
956-447-6632