Health Sciences
CONTACT CARD
Jason Smith, DNP, RN
Associate Vice President of Health Science Center
Jason.Smith@tvcc.edu
FAQs
Select one of the Health Sciences below to learn more about the program:
How long is the program?
This three-semester (12-month) pathway is designed to validate and update the previous experiences and education of licensed vocational nurses and paramedics. Upon successful completion of the transition courses in the summer, the transition students enter the second year of the ADN program.
How much does the program cost?
In-district about $9,000; Out-of-district about $12,000. This includes all general education courses.
What is the program schedule?
The LVN-to-ADN and Paramedic-to-ADN Transition pathways begin each May, and students graduate the following May. The schedule covers approximately three days a week in the transition courses in the summer and three to four days a week during the sophomore year.
If I am going to start in Summer 2026, what are the required orientation dates I need to schedule around?
Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 1 pm-4 pm
Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 8 am-4 pm
When will selections be done for the summer 2026 transition pathway programs?
Selections will be made before March 16, 2026.
Where will I do clinicals in the ADN program?
Clinical experiences are offered at various sites, including Terrell, Kaufman, Athens, Palestine, Greenville, Rowlett, Forney, Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Rockwall, and Dallas. Clinical locations for the summer clinical will be limited due to the class size. Clinical sites are rotated to provide students with a variety of experiences.
How many students are accepted into the program?
We currently accept up to 60 LVNs / Paramedics into the transition program annually.
How many points do I need to have to be selected into the program?
On average, students should aim for 40 points to meet selection requirements, and we sometimes get to those in the mid-30s. For the last few years, we have been able to accept all qualified paramedic transition students. For more information on specific points needed for a given application period, contact the HSC counselor.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the ADN program?
How long is the program?
This three-semester (12-month) pathway is designed to validate and update the previous experiences and education of licensed vocational nurses and paramedics. Upon successful completion of the transition courses in the summer, the transition students enter the second year of the ADN program.
How much does the program cost?
In-district about $9,000; Out-of-district about $12,000. This includes all general education courses.
What is the program schedule?
The LVN-to-ADN and Paramedic-to-ADN Transition pathways begin each May, and students graduate the following May. The schedule covers approximately three days a week in the transition courses in the summer and three to four days a week during the sophomore year.
If I am going to start in Summer 2026, what are the required orientation dates I need to schedule around?
Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 1 pm-4 pm
Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 8 am-4 pm
When will selections be done for the summer 2026 transition pathway programs?
Selections will be made before March 16, 2026.
Where will I do clinicals in the ADN program?
Clinical experiences are offered at various sites, including Terrell, Kaufman, Athens, Palestine, Greenville, Rowlett, Forney, Mesquite, Sunnyvale, Rockwall, and Dallas. Clinical locations for the summer clinical will be limited due to the class size. Clinical sites are rotated to provide students with a variety of experiences.
How many students are accepted into the program?
We currently accept up to 60 LVNs / Paramedics into the transition program annually.
How many points do I need to have to be selected into the program?
On average, students should aim for 40 points to meet selection requirements, and we sometimes get to those in the mid-30s. For the last few years, we have been able to accept all qualified paramedic transition students. For more information on specific points needed for a given application period, contact the HSC counselor.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the ADN program?
How long is the program?
The certificate program can be completed in 2 Semesters.
How much does the program cost?
In-district about $4,000, Out-of-district about $5,000.
What is the program schedule?
Students can register for any clinical medical assistant course during the regular college registration periods on a first-come, first-served basis. The times for the classes will be noted on the schedule. Students can take these courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by the posted deadlines.
How many students are accepted into the program?
Since the CMA program does not have selective admission, there are not a certain amount of students selected each semester. Students may register for courses until they are full. Some courses are limited due to the nature of the skills and are capped at about 15 students each.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the CMA program?
How long is the program?
EMT Basic is one semester with 2 courses. The EMT Basic courses can be taken in Athens or at the Health Science Center in Terrell. The Paramedic program is 3 semesters and can be taken at the Health Science Center in Terrell.
There is also an AAS degree that you can achieve with the Paramedic program.
How much does the program cost?
EMT Basic is approximately $500. The paramedic program is approximately $10,000.
How many students are accepted into the program?
EMT Basic accepts 20 students while 10 students are accepted into the Paramedic program.
Who can I contact for more information about the EMS programs offered?
What do patient care technicians (PCTs) do?
PCTs work directly with patients and collaborate with nurses.
PCTs may:
- Measure vital signs
- Draw blood & collect specimens for diagnostics
- Manage patient food & fluid intake
- Perform basic laboratory work
- Perform electrocardiograms (ECGs)
- Monitor patient safety & protect patient rights
- Offer emotional support to patients & their loved ones
PCTs work in a variety of settings, such as:
- Hospitals
- Doctors’ offices
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation Clinics
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Cancer clinics
- Blood banks
How long is the program?
The PCT program is a one-semester course offered during both the fall and spring semesters. Fall semester starts on July 14th.
How much does the program cost?
In-district about $2,400, Out-of-district about $3,400.
What is the program schedule?
Class days begin at 8am and Clinical days begin at 6:45am. Class/skills will be at the Health Science Center in Terrell. The courses require 37 hours per week in class, skills and clinical (usually four days with one day of assignments that can be done at home).
How many students are accepted into the program?
We can take a maximum of 10 students.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the PCT program?
How long is the program?
The certificate program is completed in two semesters, starting in August, and graduating in May. Students in the AAS degree plan can do the pharmacy tech courses first so that they can work as a technician while completing the other courses or take core courses during their senior year of high school or before they do the pharmacy technician courses.
How much does the program cost?
The certificate costs $4,000 and the AAS costs $8,000.
What is the program schedule?
Program is a hybrid program. Hybrid means that some coursework is done face to face and some is done online outside of class time. Classes meet face to face, Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 am - 11:00 am for coursework and simulation activities. Additional coursework is done outside of these times and due dates are provided. This allows for those students that have jobs, families, etc., to still participate in the program.
How many students are accepted into the program?
20 students are accepted at the Terrell Health Science Center.
I have “math-phobia” and I’m not sure I can get through a math intensive program? Will I be able to complete this program successfully?
First of all, don’t panic! Believe it or not, many students have this same fear or concern regarding math. It is generally based on a bad experience they had in the past, or due to the fact that it has been a long time since they took a math course, and/or performed mathematical calculations.
What do Pharmacy Technicians usually make?
Pharmacy Technicians who complete our certificate program generally earn $18 to $26 per hour. Graduates of our AAS degree plan generally start out $3 - $5 or more higher than certificate-only students.
Where can I read more about the Pharmacy Technician Program, admission and dismissal policies, criminal background checks, drug screening requirements, and academic progress requirements?
View the latest version of the Pharmacy Technician Program Handbook.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the Pharmacy Technician program?
Cindy Darragh, Pharmacy Tech Director
cindy.darragh@tvcc.edu
469-614-3829
You can also meet with an Advisor
How long is the program?
The program can be completed in 2 semesters. Each semester is divided into two 8-week terms.
How much does the program cost?
In-district is about $3,670, Out-of-district is about $5,678.
What is the program schedule?
This program is offered in a hybrid format with face to face and online components, and faculty-supervised assignment-based clinical experiences in leadership and community and public health. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by the posted deadlines.
How many students are accepted into the program?
The RN to BSN Transition Program has a selective admission, 30 applicants are selected each semester.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the RN to BSN program?
Dr. Gail Ellis, Program Coordinator
gellis@tvcc.edu
469-614-3814
You can also meet with an Advisor
How long is the program?
Once prerequisites are completed and you have been accepted into the Surgical Technology program, classes start each fall and are two semesters long. The Surgical Technology program is located at the Health Science Center in Terrell.
How much does the program cost?
In-district about $7,000, Out-of-district about $12,000.
What is the program schedule?
- Fall Semester – First seven weeks T/W/Th 8am-4pm, Last nine weeks Wednesdays 8am-4pm,
M/T or Th/F 7am-3pm
- Spring Semester – Class Monday 8am-4pm, Clinical Tue-Fri 7am-3pm
How many students are accepted into the program?
10
Who can I contact for more information about admission into the Surgical Tech program?
How long is the program?
The Vocational Nursing Program of Trinity Valley Community College is a one-year, 46 credit hour curriculum leading to a certificate in Vocational Nursing.
How much does the program cost?
Palestine- In-district about $8300; Out-of-district about $11,500
Terrell - In-district about $7900; Out-of-district about $11,100
What is the program schedule?
The Vocational Nursing Program in Palestine begins each August. The Vocational Nursing Program in Terrell begins each January. Classes are conducted Monday through Friday approximately six – eight hours per day. Some clinicals may be 12 hours.
How many students are accepted into the program?
A maximum of 40 students are accepted in Palestine.
A maximum of 24 students are accepted in Terrell.
What are the required orientation dates I need to schedule around?
The Palestine Class will have an orientation in late April.
The Terrell Class will have an orientation in early December.
Where will I do clinicals in the VN program?
Clinical experiences for the Palestine program are offered in Palestine and Athens.
Clinical rotations for the Terrell program are located in Terrell, Forney, Kaufman, or Athens.
If I got an email in January about getting my fingerprints for the FBI background check for the Board of Nursing, can I wait until after I get selected to the nursing program to get them done?
No, you should get your fingerprints done as soon as possible as the approval process can take several months, especially in there are an hits in your background.
When will selections be done for the VN program?
All qualified applicants will be sent an email regarding their acceptance status by end of March for the Palestine Program and by October 15th for the Terrell Program.
Who can I contact if I would like more information about admission into the VN program?