The Texas Board of Nursing (bon.texas.gov) licenses every level of nurse in the state and approves the programs that lead to licensure. Go there for current requirements, fees, and renewal rules, and confirm any program you are considering appears on the board's approved list before you enroll.
Steps to Licensure
- Graduate from a board-approved vocational or registered nursing program.
- Apply for licensure by examination with the Texas Board of Nursing.
- Complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX-PN (LVN) or NCLEX-RN (RN).
- Receive your license and renew it on the board's two-year cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pass the NCLEX to be licensed in Texas? Yes. The Texas Board of Nursing requires you to pass the NCLEX-PN for vocational nursing or the NCLEX-RN for registered nursing before it issues a license.
Is a background check required? Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check as part of the licensure process.
Is Texas a compact state? Yes. Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact member, so a Texas multistate RN or LVN license lets you practice in other compact states without a separate license.
What is an LVN, and does Texas use that title? Texas licenses entry-level practical nurses as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) rather than LPNs. The scope is equivalent to an LPN in other states.
How long does it take to become a nurse in Texas? An associate degree route runs about two years and a BSN about four, plus time for the application, background check, and NCLEX scheduling.
How often do I renew my Texas license? The Texas Board of Nursing renews RN and LVN licenses every two years, based on your birth month, with continuing competency requirements each cycle.