1. What nursing programs are offered at LSC-Montgomery?
v Basic Trackprogram two-years in length (4 semesters) is designed for the entry level pre-licensure student and uses the cohort model of class scheduling requiring full-time enrollment. Students move as a group through the designated nursing courses in sequence
v Transitionprogram one-year in length, the program is designed to provide a pathway from Licensed Vocational Nurse or Licensed Paramedic to Registered Nurse (RN) with the merger of these articulating students with the second-year Basic Track students
2. Can I become a nurse in the state of Texas if I have been convicted of a felony?
Texas law states if a person has been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, that person may be ineligible to receive a nursing license in the state of Texas. All program applicants are subject to a required FBI background check via the Texas Board of Nursing. Drug and assault related offenses are carefully scrutinized by the Texas Board of Nursing Investigation Office. For more information on this subject contact:
Texas Board of Nursing Investigation Office
333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 3-400
Austin, Texas 78701
Important Changes in Texas Board of Nursing Background Check and Declaratory Order Process
The process for filing a Declaratory Order (DO) with the Texas Board of Nursing has changed. Students can no longer file a DO in advance. All prospective applicants who were fingerprinted PRIOR to 2010 will be required by the Texas Board of Nursing to redo their fingerprints. Here is the process for filing a DO:
In-depth reviews are conducted by the Enforcement Department of the TBON and the cost to the student is $150. Students can expect to receive an outcome letter approximately 90 days after an in-depth review.
Applicants who think they may have a background issue of any kind are strongly encouraged to start the Declaratory Order process prior to applying to the Nursing Program.
3. How do I get started?
It is recommended that you view the information session video here. The sessions are designed to answer frequently asked questions and highlight the differences in the nursing programs.
4. How do I apply to one of the nursing programs at LSC-Montgomery?
Each nursing program has a designated application period. The form Steps to Apply for the separate nursing programs are available for download on the Document Section of the Nursing Home Page, or available on campus in Building B, suite 120. This form provides information on requirements for application and the dates applications will be accepted for the individual nursing programs.
5. Which hospitals/clinics do LSC-Montgomery nursing programs use for student clinical rotations?
The Lone Star College System has affiliation agreements with many local hospitals and clinics in the Houston area. LSC-Montgomery attempts to schedule student rotations with neighboring hospitals and clinical sites in close proximity to the college, such as Conroe Regional Medical Center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, St. Lukes Hospital The Woodlands; however, to achieve a learning environment in some specialties, the programs do utilize clinical sites throughout the Houston area.
6. Am I required to take the TASP/THEA exam?
A students TASP/THEA status must be PASSED in all three areas of reading, writing, and math or student must be SSI complete in all three areas by an alternate process. See an Advisor or Counselor for more information.
7. What is the approximate cost of each nursing program?
VNProgram the approximate cost for in-district students $5,527.00:
Refer to college catalog for course listing or http://www.lonestar.edu/nursing-certificates.htm#Vocational
VN Program the approximate cost for out-of-district students $8,817.00:
Basic Track Program the approximate cost for in-district students $7,079.75:
Refer to college catalog for course listing or http://www.lonestar.edu/nursing-aas.htm#Specialization_Integrated
Basic Track Program the approximate cost for out-of-district students $12,119.75:
Transition Program the approximate cost for in-district students $5,271:
Refer to college catalog for course listing or http://www.lonestar.edu/nursing-aas.htm#Specialization_Integrated
Transition Program the approximate cost for out-of-district students $9,473:
8. What is the time period of each nursing programs?
Nursing programs follow Lone Star College System holiday and break schedule
9. Can I work while in the nursing program?
Employment while in the nursing programs is discouraged due to the volume of program content; however, some students do work. Students must pass each individual course required in the nursing program and maintain satisfactory scores in pharmacological math in order to proceed to the next semester.
10. How much homework will I have?
Homework on average, is two to three hours per evening.
11. Is financial assistance available?
LSCS continues to seek ways to help students manage the cost of education. Each year, federal, state, and endowment funds are allocated to LSCS to be awarded to eligible students. See an Advisor or Counselor for more information.
12. What are the required science courses?
13. How many students are accepted in the LSC-Montgomery nursing programs?
14. How will I know if I have been accepted into the program?
Letters are mailed to each applicant, approximately one month after the application deadline, informing the applicant of the Acceptance Committees decision on an offer of program admittance.
15. Does the program have a wait list?
Generally we receive twice as many applicants as we have open space. Students are selected based on an objective point system criterion. The top students fill the open slots, there is no wait list; however, after filling the open slots, the next 10 to 20 qualified applicants will be considered alternates if an opening becomes available prior to the program start date.
16. Can I become a nurse in the state of Texas if I have a disability?
LSCS is dedicated to providing the least restrictive learning environment for all students. The College System promotes equity in academic access through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 501-504 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which will enable students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all post-secondary education programs and activities.
The Texas Board of Nursing does not have statements or policies that specifically address students with disabilities in nursing education programs. Texas Board of Nursing Rules §214 and §215 require that the curriculum for a nursing education program be designed so that graduates are able to demonstrate the appropriate Differentiated Essential Competencies (DEC) for Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs: Vocational (VN), Diploma/Associate Degree (DIP/ADN), Baccalaureate Degree (BSN).
Any graduate from an approved vocational or professional nursing education program may apply to take the NCLEX Examination in Texas and for licensure. Eligibility for licensure in Texas as a nurse is determined on an individual basis. Eligibility questions on the application by NCLEX Examination do not address general physical disabilities, (i.e., blindness, loss of hearing).
Once licensed as a nurse, it is the nurse, taking into consideration client/patient safety, who must determine which client/patient care assignments can be accepted that are commensurate with the nurse's educational preparation, experience, knowledge, and physical and emotional ability.