Valley Baptist Medical Center

Vocational Nursing Program

PRE-ENTRANCE PACKET
Dear Prospective Student,
You must read all the information in this packet and on the school website before you may register
for the pre-entrance exam. This packet contains information about the program and the pre-entrance
process required to be considered for enrollment.
The school faculty are pleased about your interest in nursing. The nursing profession is challenging
yet rewarding and offers you the opportunity to be part of an exciting era in health care.
The Texas Board of Nursing (TBON) and our program are committed to providing quality, safe health
care to persons in need.
1. Due to strict qualifications for licensure, set forth by the TBON, and policies on healthcare
employment by Valley Baptist, a criminal background check (CBC) is required. The CBC is
processed through the TBON by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Once the TBON receives the DPS/FBI CBC, the TBON will:
A. Mail a postcard directly to the applicant who has a cleared CBC; or,
B. Correspond with anyone who has a positive CBC and request a petition for a
declaratory order; or
C. Correspond with the applicant who has a rejected fingerprint scan and request another
one.
Any applicant with a positive CBC is required to follow the directions from the TBON. You must be
cleared by TBON and submit their letter of clearance to the school to be eligible for admission.
This must all be complete by the application deadline.
2. The TBON, in compliance with the authority granted by the Texas Legislature, may refuse to approve
persons to take the licensure examination who have been convicted or plead guilty or no contest
(including deferred judgments) to a felony, a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude, or engaged in
conduct resulting in the revocation of probation imposed pursuant to such conviction or plea.
The TBON review of applicants with eligibility issues can take three (3) to six (6) months.
If you answer YES to any of the following questions, you may have eligibility for licensure issues.
For any criminal offense, including those pending appeal, have you:
A. been convicted of a misdemeanor?
B. been convicted of a felony?
C. pled nolo contendere, no contest, or guilty?
D. received deferred adjudication?
E. been placed on community supervision or court-ordered probation, whether or not adjudicated
guilty?
F. been sentenced to serve jail or prison time? court-ordered confinement?
G. been granted a pre-trail diversion?
H. been arrested or have any pending criminal charges?
I. been cited or charged with any violation of the law?
J. been subject to a court-martial; Article 15 violation; or received any form of military judgment/
punishment / action?
(You may only exclude Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.)
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NOTE: Expunged and Sealed Offenses: While expunged or sealed offenses, arrests, tickets or
citations need not be disclosed, it is your responsibility to ensure the offense, arrest, ticket or
citation has, in fact, been expunged or sealed. It is recommended that you submit a copy of the
Court Order expunging or sealing the record in question to our office with your application.
Failure to reveal an offense, arrest, ticket or citation that is not in fact expunged or sealed, will
at a minimum, subject your license to a disciplinary fine. Nondisclosure of relevant offenses
raises questions related to truthfulness and character.
NOTE: Orders of Non-Disclosures: Pursuant to Tex. Govt Code 552.142(b), if you have
criminal matters that are the subject of an order of non-disclosure you are not required to
reveal the criminal matters on this form. However, a criminal matter that is the subject of an
order of non-disclosure may become a character and fitness issue. Pursuant to other sections
of the Govt Code chapter 411, the Texas Nursing Board is entitled to access criminal history
record information that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure. If the Board discovers a
criminal matter that is the subject of an order of non-disclosure, even if you properly did not
reveal that matter, the Board may require you to provide information about any conduct that
raises issues of character.
-Are you currently the target or subject of a grand jury or governmental agency
investigation?
-Has any licensing authority refused to issue you a license or ever revoked, annulled,
cancelled, accepted surrender of, suspended, placed on probation, refused to renew a
professional license, certificate or multi-state privilege held by you now or previously, or ever
fined, censured, reprimanded or otherwise disciplined you?
-Within the past five (5) years have you been addicted to and/or treated for the use of
alcohol or any other drug?
-Within the past five (5) years have you been diagnosed with, treated, or hospitalized for
schizophrenia and/or psychotic behavior, bipolar disorder, paranoid personality disorder,
antisocial personality disorder, or borderline personality disorder?
*Pursuant to Occupations Code 301.207, information regarding a persons diagnosis or treatment for
a physical condition, mental condition, or chemical dependency is confidential to the same extent that
information collected as part of an investigation is confidential under the Occupations Code 301.466
Any questions or concerns related to the above information may be discussed with the TBON or
School personnel.

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General Information
Valley Baptist Medical Center Vocational Nursing Program began in 1957 and is the longest running
School of Vocational Nursing in the Rio Grande Valley. This program provides knowledge and
learning opportunities that allow an individual to become a safe practitioner who is capable of meeting
the basic care needs of an acutely or chronically ill client. This is an equal opportunity educational
institution and complies with all Federal and State laws regarding affirmative action requirements in
all Program policies and procedures. In compliance with all Federal laws, this institution does not
discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability in the administration
of its educational programs and related policies and procedures.
Our program, approved by the TBON, and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is one year long,
which begins in January and ends in December. The hours are full time Monday thru Friday. Lecture
hours are typically 8:00 4:00 and clinical hours 6:30 5:00. Strict attendance and academic
policies are enforced.
Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are prepared to take the licensing (NCLEX-PN)
examination. A Licensed Vocational Nurse assumes roles and responsibilities for patient care in a
variety of hospital and community based settings, caring for patients of all ages with a variety of
conditions, under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Physician.

Requirements for the Program:

Each applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age before graduation. Each applicant must take the
current ATI - TEAS pre-entrance exam. The test must be taken at least one time at Valley Baptist.
An official high school transcript or General Education Degree (GED) must be submitted with the
application. Non-United States citizens must show proof of citizenship or hold a valid permanent visa
from Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). A medical background or health care classes may
be helpful but are not required. Each applicant must complete a (SAFRAN) MORPHOTRUST USA
Criminal Background Check (CBC) and must be cleared by the Board of Nursing. A health
assessment must be completed at Valley Baptist Health Management Services.

Testing Process:
The pre-entrance exam is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) V, or current updated TEAS.
It is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science,
english, and language usage. The test is computerized, consists of 170 multiple-choice questions,
and is timed. Any person arriving 10 minutes after the test begins must reschedule.
Required: 1.) Before the registering for a test date, candidates must create an ATI account online.
Go to www.atitesting.com, click on Create New Account, and follow the screen prompts. 2.) To take
the test, candidates must bring a valid picture ID, the receipt/confirmation from ATI, and # 2 lead
pencils. Failure to follow the instructions or comply with testing rules (written or verbal) will result in
dismissal from the exam. Calculators are not permitted.
Test results are generated upon completion of the exam and will not be given over the phone. To
retake the exam, a candidate must follow the same payment and registration process as the first time.
Candidates must wait at least 5 calendar days between pre-entrance exam attempts. The highest
score will be considered for the application process.

Study Guide:
To prepare for the pre-entrance exam, a study guide is available for purchase at the VBMC Gift Shop
or www.ATItesting.com.

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Qualification for Selection

Test of Essential Academic Skills Five (TEAS-V) test scores will be ranked according to the following
criteria:
SUITABLE:
60% or greater: Total Score
69% or greater: Reading
63% or greater: Math
BORDERLINE:
54.5% - 59.9%: Total Score
57% - 68.9%: Reading
53.3% - 62.9%: Math
UNACCEPTABLE:
54.4% or lower: Total Score
The names of the top qualified candidates for the admission process will be posted on the VBMC
Vocational Nursing Program office window on September 27th. Once selected, candidates must
attend a mandatory Information Session on October 2nd (a designated time slot will be posted by the
candidates name). At the information session, application packets, background checks, fees, and
general information will be reviewed. Candidate interviews will be scheduled.
Final selection of candidates and alternates will be posted in November (school office window).

Admissions and Enrollment:

Applicants are chosen on the basis of the pre-entrance test score, the application, the background
check, interview, reference letters, and health screening.
You are required to complete a health assessment by Valley Baptist Health Management Services.
Assessment includes: health history, blood work, drug screen, and TB test. The Chest X-Ray may be
required if TB test is positive or if you are a positive converter. Hepatitis B Series-3 vaccine doses is a
requirement. You MUST bring Immunization record to show proof of starting or completion of the
Hepatitis B series-3 doses.
Any applicant who has attended this Program or any other nursing program(s) must meet all
admission requirements and give written authorization to request any additional information from
previous schools or programs. Each applicant will be considered for admission on an individual
basis.

Program Cost
Program tuition and fees are divided into scheduled payments throughout the year. Payments can be
paid with cash or credit card. Personal checks will not be accepted. Failure to comply with the
payment schedule will place the applicant/student at risk of not being processed for enrollment or
continuation in the program.
The Program is not approved to offer Federal Student Aid (F.S.A). However, the Program is
approved by the Veterans Administration for students who qualify for the G.I. Bill.
If any additional information is needed, contact a program representative at 956-389-1721.

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Tuition and Fees (Class of 2013)

Tuition.............................................................................................................................. $8,251.00
Fees................................................................................................................................. $1,739.00

*Other Fees
The following expenses are the responsibility of the student and are not covered in tuition and
fees: Immunizations, any medical treatments for clearance, (Safran) MorphoTrust USA (Criminal
Background Check), Basic Life Support training, health assessment, transportation, clinical site
parking, shoes, books (textbooks, reference books, & PrepU), uniforms, replacement items,
medical equipment, personal nursing assessment equipment, school supplies, Texas Board of
Nursing Licensure application fee, NCLEX-PN examination fees, and testing site fees.
*Estimated Cost
Item
Books (if purchased in packages)
Uniforms
Health Assessment
Basic Life Support
Criminal Background Check

Cost
$858.52
$350.00
$183.00
$35.00
$45.00

*Purchase of these is the responsibility of the student. Estimates of costs have been provided but
may be subject to change by vendors.

Timeline
June 13
July 9 Sept 26
Sept 28
Oct. 2
Nov 6
Nov 13

Pre-Entrance registration begins

Pre-entrance testing dates including retakes
Candidates posted for the Information Session
Information Session
Application Deadline by 12:00 noon
Post Final Selection with alternates

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To Register:
The registration form must be printed, completed and signed by the individual test taker. Testing
registration will begin June 13, 2012. To register, a NON-REFUNDABLE VENDOR FEE of $60.00
(credit card or cash only) must be paid at the Valley Baptist Medical Center East Tower Cashiers
Window. The receipt and the program registration form must be presented to the school office
(before the test) to schedule a date for testing. Registration for test dates and times is Monday thru
Thursday 8:00am 4:00pm and Friday 8:00am 12:00 noon, except for the week of July 4th (July 2nd
July 6th) and Labor Day, (September 3 rd) when the office is closed. To reschedule, for any reason,
for another available testing date, a fee of $60.00 (non-refundable vendor fee) is required.
PRE-ENTRANCE INFORMATION FORM
(PLEASE PRINT)

_______________________

_________________________

____

________________

LAST NAME

FIRST NAME

MI

SSN

____________________________________
MAILING ADDRESS

______________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE

Area code/telephone Daytime: _________________

___________________
DOB (M/D/Y)

Home: _______________________ Cell: ___________________

Email address: _______________________________________________________________________

Have you APPLIED at/ ENROLLED in/ TAKEN a Pre-Entrance Test for ANY LVN program? Yes No
_____________________
When?

_______________________________________________________
Where?

Valley Baptist Health System employee: (please mark if applies)

Current? Yes No If Yes, Harlingen Brownsville What Department? _____________
Previous? Yes No If Yes, What Year(s)? _____ Harlingen Brownsville What Department? _______
High School Grad? Yes No If Yes, What year? ________________
GED? Yes No If Yes, Last Grade Completed? ________________
Attended College? Yes No

Choice of test date: ____________________ Receipt # ________________

My initials and signature indicate the following:

_____ I have READ and UNDERSTAND all the pre-entrance information on the Valley Baptist
Medical Center, School of Vocational Nursing website .
_____ I have Read and Understand the information on ATIs website.
_____ I understand I must bring a Valid photo ID, two (2) or more pencils, and my ATI username and
password.
_____ I understand this form must be submitted to the school office to reserve my seat for testing.
_______________________________________________________
Signature (blue ink) Here

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Pre-Entrance Testing Dates-2012

For class of 2013
Sign-up hours are: Monday Thursday 8:00 4:00pm, Fridays 8:00 12:00 noon
Office Closed: July 2nd -6th, and September 3rd.
Date

Time

Location

Monday, July 9
Tuesday, July 10
Wednesday, July 11
Tuesday, July 17
Wednesday, July 18
Thursday, July 19
Monday, July 23
Tuesday, July 24
Wednesday, July 25
Thursday, July 26
Monday, July 30
Tuesday, July 31
Wednesday, August 1
Thursday, August 2
Tuesday, August 7
Wednesday, August 8
Thursday, August 9
Tuesday, August 14
Wednesday, August 15
Thursday, August 16
Tuesday, August 21
Wednesday, August 22
Monday, August 27
Wednesday, August 29
Thursday, August 30
Tuesday, September 4
Wednesday, September 5
Monday, September 10
Tuesday, September 11
Wednesday, September 12
Monday, September 17
Wednesday, September 19
Thursday, September 20
Monday, September 24
Tuesday, September 25
Wednesday, September 26

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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8:30 am - 12:30 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
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5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Computer
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Lab
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Valid Photo ID, receipt, pencils and ATI Username and Password are
required to take the exam.

CL Computer Lab

LVN SCHOOL

Cashiers Window

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