• Applicants must be enrolled in Austin Community College. Click here for more information. Admission to Austin Community College does not guarantee admission to a Health Sciences program.
• The Vocational Nursing (VNG) program is open to all students over age 18 on the first day of the semester.
• The Vocational Nursing Certificate program is open to non-licensed students. A health science background is not required to apply.
• All applicants must meet TSI (testing) requirements. Visit a campus advisor to determine status.
• A minimum composite score of 58.7% is required on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to submit an application to the Evening & Weekend program and traditional daytime program.
• Applicants must meet all Technical Standards required by the program.

New students are accepted to the Vocational Nursing Program Traditional Track in the Spring and Fall.

• Spring 2026 Admission: October 1, 2025 by 5 p.m. All applicants will be notified late October or early November.
• Fall 2025 Admission: May 1, 2025 by 5 p.m. All applicants will be notified late May or early June.

If a deadline ends on a weekend, the date will be pushed to the end of the next business day. Deadlines are subject to change. Continue to check this page for additional information.

• Vocational Nursing Specialty Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree
• Vocational Nursing Level 2 Certificate

If you previously graduated from the ACC Vocational Nursing program, please see the FAQ about additional steps to complete to complete the Health Sciences – Vocational Nursing Specialty AAS.

1. Activate your ACC email account. All correspondence regarding your application will be sent to your ACC email address. For information on how to set up your ACC email account, please see this page.
2. Complete program-required immunizations and retain a copy of your immunization form.
3. Complete the Vocational Nursing Program Information Session. Retain a copy of the post test confirmation email to submit to CastleBranch as part of the application process.
4. All applicants must complete the TEAS Exam (Nursing version) before submitting an application. For information on how to schedule your TEAS Exam through an ACC testing center, click here. You may also choose to schedule your TEAS Exam online or at a PSA testing center. TEAS Exam scores expire two (2) years from date of examination. TEAS may only be taken two times. If a third time is needed, please contact the Vocational Nursing Department for permission. A minimum score of 58.7% is required to submit an application. Listed below are resources to aid in preparing for the TEAS Exam:
   • TEAS Exam Study Guide (Mometrix)
   • TEAS Exam Review Guide (registerednursing.org)
   • ATI Study Guide (this resource has a charge)
   • Learning Express Library
5. Obtain official transcripts for coursework taken at any schools other than ACC.
6. There are no required pre-requisite courses for the Vocational Nursing Program although students are highly encouraged to complete the following courses with a grade of “C” or better prior to entering the program. Students will have the opportunity to complete these courses during the program but must successfully complete the courses before progressing to the next level (see Degree Plan).
   • BIOL 2404: Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology (completed within 5 years of application) or
   • BIOL 2401: Anatomy & Physiology I and BIOL 2402: Anatomy & Physiology II (both completed at the same college or university within 5 years of application ) and
   • HPRS 2300: Pharmacology for Health Care Professions (completed within 5 years of application)
   • Will accept BIOL 2304 and BIOL 2101 from other regional or SACS accredited colleges if within time frame.
7. Additional points will be awarded for completion of any of the following (not required for admission into the program):
   • Military Medical Training such as Air Force Medic, Army Combat Medic, Navy Corpsman, or Coast Guard Medic
   • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Medical Assistant (MA) training
   • College level computer course with a grade of “C” or better
   • Patient Care Tech (PCT)
8. During the application period (see “Deadlines” above), Go to the CastleBranch website and click the link “Place Order.”
9. Enter UL64im in the “Package Code” field. After entering your personal information, the system will prompt you to upload your 1-page immunization form for each of the four required immunizations. The cost to set up the account is $47.
10. Next input code UL85im in the “Package Code” field. The system will prompt you to upload the following application documents:
    • Information Session post test confirmation email, signed
    • TEAS Individual Performance Profile
    • Eligibility Form (Upload a signed and dated copy of page 3 of the Vocational Nursing Program Application)
11. Documents are approved when you receive a green check next to the requirement. All items must be approved in CastleBranch before your application will be accepted.

1. After completing the CastleBranch requirements (green checks = clearance) download and complete the application for the Vocational Nursing Program.
2. Applications will not be accepted in person until further notice. Follow the instructions on this page to submit your application remotely.

Competitive ranking is based on ATI TEAS score, a passing grade on recommended prerequisite courses, prior medical experience, and attending an Information Session. A minimum composite score of 58.7% is required on the TEAS to submit an application.

Rank = (ATI TEAS Score) + (completing courses with a passing grade of A, B, or C) + (previous medical experience) + (attending Information Session)

*TEAS test score expires two (2) years from date of examination.

**Science courses expire five (5) years since last attempt. Course has a prerequisite as required by the college. Will accept BIOL 2304 and BIOL 2101 from other accredited colleges if within time frame. If taking Anatomy & Physiology I and II, the courses must be from the same College or University.

How

• All applications and re-applications turned in during an admission cycle are reviewed and ranked to compile the current ranking list.
• Applicants are selected for admission based on their placement on the current ranking list from highest rank to lowest rank.
• The Vocational Nursing Program does not maintain a rank list that allows an applicant to automatically advance in rank from one application cycle to the next.
• To be considered for admission, you must apply during each admission cycle. The new ranking list is compiled from only those who applied during that cycle. This may result in upward or downward movement on the rank from one cycle to the next as individual scores are compared to the scores of all the applicants in the current pool at that time.
• Each applicant selected for admission will be notified via e-mail and given a deadline to accept or decline the invitation to join the upcoming class.
• Acceptance letters are sent to each applicant in order of rank until all available seats in the class are filled.
• Applicants who do not respond to letters of acceptance will be removed from the applicant pool and lose all review points.

When

Admission reviews are conducted twice each year. During the Spring review, applicants are selected for the upcoming Fall semester. During the Fall review, applicants are selected for the upcoming Spring semester.

Declining

A student can defer one (1) time without penalty. Deferring a second time would result in the loss of all accumulated ranking points. The applicant must notify the admissions committee of declination of the offer of admission within thirty (30) days of receiving the acceptance email. Non-responsiveness to an acceptance email will result in loss of placement in the program.

Provisional Admission Information

Admission to the Vocational Nursing program is provisional until the following clinical requirements are met. Do not take action on these items until instructed by the department:

• Criminal Background Check
• Drug Screening
• TB Testing
• Health Data Form
• CPR Certification
• Proof of Health Insurance
• Seasonal Flu Vaccine
• Completion of Online Education Modules

If you have concerns about events in your background, you may contact the Health Sciences Compliance Coordinator Lisa Enloe at (512) 223-5867 or [email protected].

• If an applicant is unable to begin the Vocational Nursing program at the scheduled time after having accepted the admission, the applicant must notify the Vocational Nursing Program Admissions Coordinator at least thirty (30) days prior to the first class day. Failure to do so will result in the loss of all review points and the student will be required to skip an application cycle.
• It is critical that each applicant maintain current contact information on file with the college Admissions Office and the Nursing Office (name, address, and telephone number) since these are the official sources of information for contacting applicants.