Ready to start helping others heal through the proven power of expert nursing care? Then pursuing an Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) career in the thriving Fort Worth region promises tremendous personal and professional rewards.
This step-by-step guide explores everything from program options to financial aid resources so you can confidently begin your journey toward joining this vital and growing healthcare field!
What Exactly is an LPN?
LPNs provide direct basic medical and personal care to patients of all backgrounds and support nurses and doctors across healthcare environments. Their versatility allows them to monitor health status, coordinate care plans, administer treatments and ensure patients receive the supervision and assistance they need to live life to the fullest, whatever their circumstances.
Approximately 728,500 LPNs currently fill this essential role in the U.S. healthcare workforce. The job outlook continues rapidly expanding as well, with over 80,000 new nationwide openings expected by 2030.
LPNs provide vital stabilized hands-on care before and after the RN or physician directly intervenes. Experienced LPNs can take on leadership duties like supervising unlicensed caregiving staff.
While earning slightly less than RNs initially, LPN roles offer promising advancement potential through bridge programs and specializations. Ambitious LPNs can progress over time into supervisory roles, teaching positions or continue onto RN licensure for maximum responsibility and earning power.
The Growing Need for LPNs in Fort Worth/Dallas
Major hospital networks serving Fort Worth like Texas Health Resources, Baylor Scott & White Health and JPS Health Network will continue relying on talented new LPNs to deliver compassionate care across pediatrics, oncology, trauma, emergency services and outpatient clinics.
In fact, recent projections estimate over 50,000 additional nurse openings of all license levels will emerge in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex alone by 2026. This unprecedented demand stems from an influx of new residents, aging populations with chronic conditions and staffing shortages exacerbated by strains like COVID-19.
CEOs from are urgently calling for investments in nursing education and recruitment to ensure their facilities have sufficient workforce pipeline to provide safe, effective patient care.
“Growing and developing the nursing workforce is the number one way we can make healthcare more accessible and equitable in communities like Fort Worth” said Kristin Hayes, Chief Nurse Executive at JPS Health Network.
LPN graduates possess the mindset, medical knowledge and care techniques to help fill persistent gaps in the nursing workforce — making your skills extremely valued among healthcare employers in both hospitals and outpatient settings.
What Will I Study in an LPN Program?
LPN programs blend scientific knowledge with hands-on practice to equip you with the comprehensive skill set required for nursing excellence.
While curricula varies slightly between schools, students can expect to complete coursework and demonstrations in areas like:
- Fundamentals of Nursing Practice
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Adult Medical/Surgical Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Nursing Leadership & Community Health
- Pediatric Nursing
- Maternal/Infant Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
Program lengths range from 12-24 months for full-time students. accelerated tracks condense this into 11-15 months for those who can commit significant time to their studies.
No matter what timeline you choose, instructors will cover the key concepts needed to pass the LPN licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) and meet requirements from the Texas Board of Nursing.
Hands-on clinical rotations and simulation lab practice comprise a major program component as well. These allow students to hone technical skills like taking vitals, dressing wounds, tracking patient records and operating specialized medical equipment under licensed nurse supervision.
Why Pursue Your LPN in Fort Worth?
The Fort Worth/Dallas Metroplex is home to an array of accredited LPN programs across public community colleges and private vocational training schools.
This localized educational infrastructure coupled with high nursing job demand makes the Fort Worth area an ideal launching point for aspiring practical nurses rather than commuting to more distant programs.
Not only does learning alongside classmates and instructors within your community facilitate networking, the lower cost of living compared to other major Texas cities results in a lower overall financial burden through your training.
Fort Worth also provides a supportive environment to build confidence in nursing skills through diverse clinical rotation partnerships before transitioning into professional practice after graduation and licensure.
And you’ll find no shortage of family-oriented amenities, dining and cultural attractions that make Fort Worth a vibrant place to call home as you embark upon this meaningful career!
Spotlight: Exceptional LPN Programs in Fort Worth
While many quality options exist, these three renowned schools offer the resources and track record to set practical nursing graduates up for success:
Tarrant County College:
TCC offers respected part-time and full-time LPN certificate programs at its Trinity River, Southeast and Northwest campuses. Graduates benefit from TCC‘s longstanding partnerships with major regional employers.
- Format: Part-time (2 years) and Full-time (12 months)
- Annual Tuition: $2,550 plus textbooks and fees
- Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, transcripts, TEAS test, immunizations, 2.0 GPA
“TCC prepared me with absolutely every tool I needed to pass the LPN exam and nursing skills to feel confident in clinical practice across multiple healthcare settings.” – Maria S., TCC LPN Program Graduate
American Red Cross Training Services:
This unique program combines online coursework with in-person nursing skills sessions in a hybrid LPN format. Students graduate career-ready in just 18 months through the program‘s comprehensive online and clinical training.
- Format: Part-time Hybrid
- Cost: $13,500 plus uniforms, textbooks and supplies
- Competitive Admissions: Application, placement testing, transcripts, orientation interview
Concorde Career College:
Concorde’s Dallas campus offers a rigorous full-time LPN diploma program spanning just 12 months for dedicated soon-to-be nurses seeking an accelerated route into the field.
- Format: Full-Time Accelerated (12 months)
- Cost: $25,000 inclusive of textbooks and uniforms
- Admissions Requirements: High school diploma/GED, passing Accuplacer scores, health records
Compare each school‘s tuition rates, schedule formats, location convenience and applicable admission requirements side-by-side to determine your top choice aligned with your needs!
Key Steps to Enroll in an Accredited LPN Program
Follow this checklist when preparing your application to Fort Worth nursing schools:
1. Submit transcripts and verify GPA
Programs often require a minimum 2.0-2.5 GPA. Official sealed transcripts prove academic standing.
2. Take entrance exams
TEAS, HESI A2, SAT or ACT scores help demonstrate college readiness alongside high school grades.
3. Gather immunization records
Up-to-date vaccinations ensure you meet healthcare environment standards for clinical participation.
4. Complete CPR certification
Many schools mandate current BLS CPR certification for healthcare providers. Taking the American Heart Association course shows initiative!
5. Request letters of recommendation
Submit written endorsements from teachers, employers or nursing mentors highlighting your strengths.
6. Write a compelling essay
Share your motivations for pursuing an LPN career and alignment with program values.
Checking off each step thoroughly prepares you to submit a polished application and prove you’ll excel in practical nursing studies!
Paying for Your LPN Education in Fort Worth
Between tuition, textbooks, transportation and living expenses, LPN programs require financial planning and literacy.
In partnering with an accredited school, you open funding avenues including:
Federal Student Aid
- Pell Grants: Up to $6,895 annually based on financial need
- Federal Loans: Borrow up to $12,500 per year
- FAFSA Application Required
Scholarships & Grants
- School and external scholarships for academic merit or community service
- Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG): $2,500 grant for qualifying students
Private Education Loans
- Fixed-rate loans covering any gaps between federal aid and costs
- Typically require good credit or co-signer eligibility
Prioritizing FAFSA completes, then scholarship applications helps minimize expensive private borrowing. Most LPN programs also offer personalized financial aid guidance along the way!
You’ve Got This! How to Approach Your LPN Journey
Committing to an intensive LPN diploma or certification provides a rigorous yet rewarding road to impactful medical service. Here’s my best advice for prospective students:
Stay Organized
On top of lectures and clinicals, you’ll need to track assignments, skills checklists, pediatric vital sign ranges and the like. A planner and notebook system will become your best friend!
Actively Engage
Questing to deepen knowledge shows initiative and amplifies learning. Connect concepts covered in courses to clinical encounters you observe.
Form Study Groups
Having classmates to review case studies, practice skills and quiz each other fortifies everyone’s comprehension. You’ll likely form lasting professional bonds as well!
Prioritize Self-Care
Carve out designated downtime for healthy meals, sleep, exercise and fun with loved ones. Your brain and body will perform their best when nurtured holistically.
Lean On Your Support Network
Turn to instructors, academic advisors, classmates, friends and family during the inevitable moments of frustration or uncertainty. Sharing the load makes all the difference.
With commitment to your education, care for patients undoubtedly follows. I’m excited for all the lives you’ll change for the better!
Jennifer Caldwell, BSN RN
Education Reform Expert, Nurses for Progress Initiative