The state of Texas is home to the second-largest nursing population in the country, including 190,090 registered nurses (RNs), 72,020 licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and 86,630 certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Educational programs and career opportunities are plentiful in cities across the state, including Amarillo. So what do these nursing professionals do, and how do they prepare for success?
Registered nurses treat patients; perform diagnostic tests and analyze results; start, maintain, and discontinue intravenous lines; and establish care plans for patients. In addition to a license, these professionals must hold either a hospital diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree from a state-approved prelicensure program.
Graduates of Amarillo’s accredited nursing schools will have the requisite skills for employment at the city’s top hospitals and healthcare systems. These include Northwest Texas Healthcare System, BSA Health System, and Northwest Texas Women’s Clinic. Thanks to high demand in all areas of nursing, salaries in Amarillo are competitive. The city’s RNs earn an average of $56,830 per year, while its LVNs and CNAs receive a median annual salary of $40,710 and $24,470, respectively.
As a starting point for Amarillo’s aspiring nurses, we’ve organized below a complete list of the city’s accredited nursing schools and programs.