Admission Criteria & Applying to LVN-to-RN Program

Paris Junior College has been training nurses to serve our communities since 1968. Our Nursing Program follows a one-plus-one ladder model, offering both Vocational Nursing (LVN) and LVN-to-RN pathways.

The first year is the Vocational Nursing program, designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the health care field as Licensed Vocational Nurses.

Graduates who meet all admission requirements may continue their studies in the LVN-to-RN Associate Degree Nursing program, building on their skills to become Registered Nurses and expand their career opportunities.

A student must maintain a current, unencumbered Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) licensure in Texas or a Compact Nursing State in order to be considered for admission to the LVN-to-RN program at PJC. 

The LVN-to-RN program prepares nurses for entry-level positions integrating knowledge and skills to provide care to patients in a variety of health care settings. The LVN-to-RN program may be completed in 12 months (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters). Upon successful completion, the graduate receives an Associates of Applied Science Nursing Degree and is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN)

Application Timeline

An admission application for the LVN-to-RN Associate Degree Nursing Program may be obtained March 1 through May 31. To receive a nursing application by mail, or to pick one up in person, contact Health Occupations staff at 903-782-0734 or email nursing@parisjc.edu. Completed applications are accepted in the Health Occupations Office until the date listed on the application. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered for admission.

If you have not attended PJC in the last year, contact the PJC Office of Admissions and Records; the PJC Application for Admission is available upon request or at www.parisjc.edu/apply. All college transcripts must be reviewed by the PJC Office of Admissions and Records staff prior to admission. Only those courses approved by PJC will be used to calculate the admission score.

LVN-to-RN Nursing Program Admission Selection Criteria

Admission to the LVN-to-RN Associate Degree Nursing program is selective. Prospective students cannot register for nursing courses without permission.

Admission to the program is dependent upon:

  • Available space.
  • Students must show proof of LVN or PN licensure .
  • Completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of "C." A minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher in the prerequisite courses is also required.
    • PSYC 2314 - Lifespan Growth and Development
    • PSYC 2301 - General Psychology
    • BIOL 2401 - Anatomy and Physiology I
    • BIOL 2402 - Anatomy and Physiology II
    • BIOL 1322 - Nutrition and Diet Therapy
    • ENGL 1301 - Composition I
  • Admission Criteria point score
    • The following areas are used to calculate the 17 available admission points:
      • Preadmission HESI RN Mobility Exam or HESI Exit PN (2 - 5 points). Testing is available at the PJC Testing Center. Information and additional sites are provided in the admission application forms. A minimum score of 850 is required.
      • A minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses (2 - 8 points).
      • Successful completion of the Vocational Nursing program at Paris Junior College.
      • Nursing Support Courses (1 - 3 points). Students are encouraged to complete some or all of the following LVN-to-RN program support courses. A minimum grade of "C" is required.
        • BIOL 2420 - Microbiology for Non-Science Majors
        • SOCI 2301 - Introduction to Sociology
        • MUSI 1306 (or any equivalent fine art course)