16 YO Looking at LVN Programs in TX

Hello, I'm 16 years old and I would like to become an LVN.

I've done some research and found that their isn't any age restrictions (correct?). One of the requirements is a High School Diploma, and I have that. (attended an accredited long distance home school program and I graduated 2 years early). I'm a very precocious person, I became a Vet Tech and DONA Trained Birth & Postpartum Doula at 14, Graduated High School and became a Lamaze Trained Childbirth Educator at 15.

I live in Small town Sweetwater, Texas and I was hoping someone would be able to offer some advice or recommend a LVN Program. There is one in my town locally through TSTC a technical community college. I was looking for a program that didn't require a TSI Placement, SAT or ACT testing as being homeschooled I haven't tested. I was looking for an online LVN program that wasn't through a college or university if anyone has heard of something like that. I don't mind traveling to do clinical's, but also would prefer to be able to do them locally if allowed.

Any advice or recommendations?

Thanks so much for your time and reading this.

I'm sorry how can you legally have a doula business when you are a minor child, unless you are an emancipated minor? As a parent, I'm not certain if I would be comfortable with a young teen as a doula or childbirth educator.

There is no such thing as an online practical/vocational nursing program. You may have issues as you cannot legally sign certain documents and consents as a minor which will preclude employment in many facilities.

Most require an entrance exam (TEAS, NLN, TABE, HESI) which is a basic skills math, reading comprehension, writing. You can view the basics of these standard education exams online. You should have no issue passing any of the entrance exams and the cost is not too high. Not too many LVN programs ask for sat or act scores as these are vocational not collegiate programs

Or- why not just take the required tests?

(home school mom of 25 years here)

Or- why not just take the required tests?

(home school mom of 25 years here)

I was also home schooled, and I have no problem with nursing programs requiring pre-entrance testing. I took the ACT as well as whatever nursing specific exam my school required. I know you said that you have never taken an exam, but it really isn't that big a deal. And almost any future career plans will require testing of some sort

Oh hon. At some point, you're going to have to leave the nest and venture out into the cold cruel world. If you're that smart, you need to be aimed toward a bachelors degree. Head for a real school, not one of the overpriced commercial (for profit) programs that don't include any transferable credits.

I know of many (many many) people who became LVNs in their teens... some HSs have LVN programs. However, they were unable to actually get jobs until they were at least 18. There are legal limitations - such as handling schedule II drugs that rule out any involvement until you are legally an adult. Healthcare is a VERY conservative industry -& extremely attuned to the preferences of the patients and their families. Even though it was amusing, Dougie Howser was only a TV show. Patients want their health care professionals to look the part.

Lol. She's not gonna know who Dougie Howser is.

But you're better off going for your RN-BSN since you're so young. If you know that's what you want to do, go to a community college & knock out your prereqs then apply to universities to BSN programs.