Odessa College

Odessa College is a public institution established in 1946.  The college offers the Vocational Nurse (LVN) program and the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) RN program.

Academic Nursing Programs

Vocational Nurse (LVN)

Odessa College offers a one-year certificate, vocational nurse program for students to become prepared as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). The program is available at the Andrews and Monahans extension centers. The LVN provides care to patients in different healthcare settings.

Pre-Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

• Enrolled at Odessa College as a Credit Student
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required from most recent college or high school work
• Submit all previous college/university/high school transcripts
• Maintain current AHA CPR card (Online CPR not accepted)
• Meet immunization requirements as outlined by college
• Provide proof of health which must be maintained throughout 12-month program
• A satisfactory score on the TEAS Test must be achieved:  Overall: 54, Math: 60, Reading: 60

Post-Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

• Purchase uniforms, supplies, and textbooks as required by the program
• Authorize the Board of Nursing to conduct a criminal background check as required for clinical rotations
• Liability Insurance
• Physical examination
• Drug screen
• Attend mandatory orientation

Program Length

The Practical Nursing program is a 12-month program that starts in August and ends the subsequent August. There are 3 semesters: Fall, Spring and Summer. The calendar runs concurrently with the Odessa College Academic Calendar.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The curriculum of the Odessa College Associate Degree Nursing program prepares graduates to care for individuals in a variety of healthcare settings; as an important member of the healthcare team. The nurse will have a deep focus on patient-centered care and patient safety. After completion and graduation from the program, students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, the licensure exam for registered nurses (RN). Students who follow the generic or transition tracks to complete non-nursing courses will receive the Associate of Science in Nursing degree (ASN/ADN) and be eligible for RN licensure. The transitional track allows current LVN students to be granted credit for their previous course work. LVN students must hold a current, unencumbered license in the state of Texas.

ADN Requirements (not all inclusive)

• Enrolled at Odessa College as a Credit Student
• Successful completion of TEAS test - The Test of Essential Academic Skills
• Completion of an online Health Careers Orientation
• Completion of all Prerequisite Courses listed on active Degree Plan with a “C” or better
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• GPA for points will be based on the general education courses completed within the nursing program plan of study
• Must be TSI College ready
• Submit all previous college/university transcripts prior to ranking
• High School Diploma or GED
• Maintain current CPR card (online certification is not accepted)
• Meet current immunization requirements as outlined by the college
• Provide proof of health insurance which must be maintained throughout the program
• Background check - The student will not be able to go to the clinical areas or health care facilities until cleared; fingerprinting with a background check from FBI is required by BON prior to entry into the nursing program
• Substance Abuse Screening - Students who cannot participate in clinical rotations due to adverse activities revealed through substance abuse testing cannot complete any course or program requirements; students who fail to obtain clearance may be prohibited from admission or enrollment in specified programs/courses

NCLEX Pass Rates - 2017

Approval and Accreditation

The Texas Board of Nursing approved The Odessa College associate degree nursing program and vocational nursing program.

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited the associate degree nursing program.

Odessa College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Awards

Odessa College was awarded the 2017 The Aspen Institute Aspen Prize For Community College Excellence as a Rising Star.