Are you looking for information on LPN Programs in MA? then you are on the right article. If you live in Massachusetts and want a rewarding career, consider becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs are in high demand across the state, and job growth is predicted to continue through 2024 and beyond.
LPN programs in MA are typically shorter than those necessary for registered nurses, with completion times of less than two years. As an LPN, you might achieve a certificate, diploma, or associate degree within this time frame.
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According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average LPN pay in Massachusetts exceeds $68,170 per year, or about $12,310 higher than the national average. The state has 25 accredited practical nursing programs approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. To help you make an informed decision, we have developed a list of the top 12 colleges that offer LPN programs in MA geared to your specific needs.
What is a LPN program?
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are in high demand in Massachusetts, owing to the current national nursing shortage. Aspiring healthcare professionals in the state may consider pursuing this rewarding career path, with job possibilities expected to expand by 9% by 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). LPN programs in Massachusetts have a relatively short duration, allowing students to enter the healthcare sector considerably faster than typical 4-year nursing programs.
LPNs in Massachusetts earn an hourly wage of approximately $32.78, resulting in an average yearly salary of $68,170, which is approximately $12,310 higher than the national average.
Are you looking to become a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts? Selecting the correct school is critical to gaining your license. Approved LPN programs in MA are provided at community colleges, technical centers, and private career schools, totaling 18 institutions across the state. If you live in NYC and looking for programs then you can check out a detailed article on LPN Programs in NYC.
After completing a thorough review of NCLEX-PN exam first-time pass rates over the last several years, we have developed a list of the top 12 LPN programs in MA, to help you make an informed decision. The following programs are listed below; let’s take a closer look.
Top 12 LPN programs in MA
1. Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg
Mount Abbe Regional Vocational Technical School at Scenic Road 2 connects Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (Monty Tech) to Boston and Worcester. The second largest vocational-technical school in the state, Monty Tech serves students and communities from 18 cities in rural, suburban, and metropolitan areas.
These MA LPN sessions run from August to June in the evening. Over 41 weeks and four terms, the faculty intensively trains you to become a nurse. You need CPR certification to take this course. After graduation, you can take the NCLEX-PN and become a licensed practitioner. You can also enroll in the LPN to BSN Bridge Program at Fitchburg State University and Worcester State University.
2. Danvers North Shore Community College
Sustainability and resource conservation are evident at North Shore Community College’s Danvers campus. A rooftop garden and ZeroNet Energy building recycle water on campus. High NCLEX-PN passing and job placement rates show that this positive environment improves learning.
To become an LPN in Massachusetts, NSCC offers a 10-month practical nursing certificate. About 40 students are admitted each fall. Two semesters (16 weeks each), a winter intersession (2 weeks), and a summer session (6 weeks) make up the 40-week course. Weekdays and evenings are required for theory lectures and clinical training. After the program, you can work as an entry-level nurse in numerous healthcare settings.
3. Diman Regional Vocational Technical High, Fall River
Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School serves Fall River and three nearby municipalities near Boston. This Massachusetts LPN school is known as one of the greatest vocational schools in the nation due to its regular Skills USA contests. Through exciting learning experiences, the faculty helps nursing students discover their potential.
If nursing is your calling, Diman offers a practical nursing curriculum with three flexible options:
- The full-time course is a day program with 4 terms from August to June and 3 weeks off. The 40-week course requires 30–35 hours of study and clinical experience on weekdays.
The part-time day program lasts 80 weeks. The program starts every other year (odd years) and includes 6 weeks of vacation and summer break. The part-time evening program is done every other year (even years) if a minimum number of students enroll.
The curriculum is demanding, so the college advises restricting work throughout training. Graduates must complete 1,106 didactic and clinical clock hours.
4. MABCC, Framingham
Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) in Framingham is regarded for academic achievement. The faculty’s focus on student success prepares nursing students to serve the community and improve regional health.
The 40-week practical nursing program has two semesters and a summer session. It runs from October until June the following year. To graduate, you must complete 43 credits in medical terminology, nursing basics, practical nursing concerns and trends, pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and family nursing care. After graduation, you can take the NCLEX-PN. You can then work as a practical nurse or pursue LPN to RN training.
5. Northern Essex Community College, Lawrence
The Lawrence-based Northern Essex Community College is minutes from two major Massachusetts interstates. The faculty prepares nursing students to be active learners, community leaders, and contributors.
This top Massachusetts LPN program begins in the fall and lasts three semesters, including classwork, lab practicals, and day or evening clinics. College-mandated coursework sequences must be followed. After completing the program, you can take the licensure exam and work in long-term facilities, outpatient clinics, home health care, and rehab centers. For aspiring RNs, this program prepares you for advanced nursing courses and helps you transfer credits toward an Associate in Nursing.
6. Northampton Greenfield Community College
LPN is offered at Smith Vocational High School in Northampton by Greenfield Community College. Greenfield’s tiny 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters close-knit learning for its varied student body.
Massachusetts offers a full-time 10-month LPN curriculum from September to June. To finish 43 liberal arts and nursing program credits, you must spend 25–35 hours per week on labs, clinical, and theoretical study. Classes are held 2-3 days a week at Smith Vocational while clinical experiences are held 1-2 days a week at Hampshire and Hampden hospitals. You must maintain a 2.0 GPA and a “C” throughout to graduate.
7. Gardner’s Mount Wachusett Community College
Mount Wachusett Community College’s diversified student body has many exciting learning options on its 269-acre main campus. With their unique perspectives and life experiences, the nursing faculty will help you succeed.
Starting in January, MWCC’s LPN course in Massachusetts can help you enter nursing. Spring, summer, and fall semesters teach nursing, psychology, and anatomical basics in a close-knit atmosphere. The faculty teaches you how to treat patients in various clinical situations. You must pass the NCLEX-PN to become a nurse practitioner after graduating. You can transfer credits from this course to a nursing degree if eligible.
8. Southeastern Technical Institute, South Easton
Southeastern Technical Institute in Easton, a suburb, has helped nursing students succeed since 1967. Faculty are skilled in creating an engaging learning and professional growth environment.
Full-time and part-time practical nursing programs are available at STI. The 40-week full-time option runs from August to June the following year. Weekdays are for classes, labs, and clinicals. The 80-week part-time option allows you to attend evening lessons three days a week. Taking courses in fundamental nursing principles, integrated science, introduction to pharmacology, human growth, development, and behavior will improve decision-making, leadership, and patient communication.
9. Tyngsboro’s Greater Lowell Technical High School
Greater Lowell Technical High School is in Tyngsboro, near Boston. The campus’s varied student body and exceptional nursing faculty aim to shape students’ careers and help them attain their greatest potential in class and community.
This credential program offers day and evening/weekend classes, like most Massachusetts LPN programs:
- The 40-week day course runs from August to June each year. You will attend sessions five days a week from 8 am to 2.35 pm.
- If you take the evening/weekend course, you must work four days a week from 4 to 10 pm and every other weekend from 8 to 2.30 pm.
With 40 other students, you’ll complete 1,097 hours of lectures and 540 hours of clinicals. Anatomy, physiology, mental health, growth and development, nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical, geriatrics, pediatrics, pharmacology, and nursing trends are taught.
10. Worcester’s Quinsigamond Community College
Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts, is noted for its career-focused academic offerings, teacher dedication, and community involvement. The college addresses students’ different needs and nursing career goals.
The 40-week Massachusetts LPN program at QCC offers full-time (day) and part-time (evening) alternatives. Coursework includes theoretical study, lab work, and clinical experiences at Worcester County facilities throughout three semesters and an intersession. Weekdays and weekends are needed for clinical experiences in this course.
You will work as an entry-level nurse in home and community health agencies, extended care homes, clinics, and hospitals after completing the training.
11. Billerica Shawsheen Valley Technical High School
Shawsheen Valley Technical High School excels at job readiness due to its dedication to community improvement and student success. The student population from 5 adjacent towns is diverse. Nursing educators work with industry experts to provide compelling learning experiences.
The intense 40-week course requires 568 theory hours and 542 clinical hours. You will learn to apply nursing theories to patient care at Tewksbury Hospital, Emerson Hospital, New England Rehabilitation Hospital, New England Pediatrics Care, Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley, Woodbriar, Bear Hill Nursing Home, and Wingate of Andover. Trained practical nurses can provide holistic patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, physician’s offices, and healthcare facilities.
12. Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, Taunton
Since September 1972, the Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School has served the community and drawn students from Berkley, Bridgewater, Dighton, Middleboro, Raynham, Rehoboth, and Taunton. Nursing students here are ready for work and to help the region’s economy.
One of MA’s top LPN programs prepares students for the NCLEX-PN. Choose full-time or part-time based on your flexibility. The full-time day course runs from September to June, 5 days a week. Starting in September, the evening program is a two-year part-time course. Complete the curriculum and learn critical thinking and clinical reasoning to provide holistic patient care. You’ll also improve your communication, leadership, and interdisciplinary healthcare teamwork.
FAQs
1. How to Become an LPN in Massachusetts?
To become an LPN in Massachusetts, individuals must first enroll in an approved practical nursing program and successfully pass the necessary examinations. To apply for licensure, applicants must submit the licensure by exam application along with a declaration of their primary state of residence.
2. Is an MA the Same as an LPN?
Medical assistant (MA) roles typically involve more administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, while LPN roles primarily focus on direct patient care. LPNs generally earn a higher median salary compared to medical assistants. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects higher employment growth for medical assistants.
3. What is the duration of LPN Courses in the USA?
To become an LPN, individuals must complete a diploma in practical nursing through an approved educational program. These programs typically last for about one year and equip prospective nurses with basic nursing skills through a combination of coursework and clinical experiences.
4. What state presents the most challenging conditions for becoming a nurse?
Ohio holds the distinction as the state with the longest average licensure process for nurses. Despite this, Ohio remains an attractive destination for nurses due to its vibrant cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland.
5. What is a Grade 1 Nurse?
A Nursing Sister Grade I is responsible for the comprehensive care of patients in the wards and oversees Nursing Sister Grade II, student nurses, and domestic staff. They report to the Assistant Nursing Superintendent.
Conclusion
LPN programs in MA allow medical students to enter the nursing profession. As per the growing demand of the profession, the students can make a good sum of money as well as easily find decent employment. We have researched and mentioned the top 12 LPN programs in MA, meet the eligibility requirements, and get admission to these schools.
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