2024 - Best LPN Programs in Massachusetts

Details on Massachusetts LPN Schools & Classes

There are quite a variety of schools in Massachusetts that offer approved LPN programs, from community colleges to technical/vocational schools. Most programs can be completed in 1-2 years of study, depending on full-time or part-time attendance. Students enrolled in an LPN program will gain the intellectual development and hands-on training needed to excel in the role. The curriculum of a typical LPN program requires students to take core nursing courses as well as labs. Some common nursing course titles may include:

• Medical Terminology
• Essentials of Nutrition
• Foundations of Practical Nursing
• Human Growth & Development
• Principles of Pharmacology
• Medical-Surgical Nursing

Accreditation

In order to ensure that you are choosing a respectable LPN program, you should check for proper accreditations. Schools and programs accredited by national organizations such as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing are held to high standards and carry more weight on job resumes. You may also find schools accredited by regional organizations as well. Lastly, you will want to check with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing to make sure that your program of choice is board-approved.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to your school and LPN program of choice, you’ll need to make sure you meet or exceed all requirements. While these may vary based on school, they generally consist of the following:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of any prerequisite courses
• Satisfactory HESI exam scores
• Proof of CPR certification
• Must pass a criminal background test

Tuition and Costs

Each LPN program will have slightly different costs due to factors like location, type of school, and more. All students will be responsible for covering the costs of tuition, fees, and course materials such as textbooks and supplies. As an example, the total cost for the LPN program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton is estimated at $14,300 for in-district residents, $15,800 for out-of-district MA residents, and $16,800 for out-of-state residents. This does not include additional expenses for things like uniforms and parking. Financial assistance and payment plans are typically available for students who qualify.

For those interested in advancing their nursing career, see our Massachusetts LPN to RN/BSN programs page.

Massachusetts LPN Licensing Requirements

Massachusetts requires individuals interested in becoming an LPN in the state to first attend an approved practical nursing program and pass the required testing. To apply for licensure, the applicant must submit:

• The licensure by exam application.
• A declaration of the primary state of residence.
• Pass a criminal background check.

NCLEX Exam Information

As previously stated, the NCLEX-PN exam is the final test that prospective LPNs must pass in order to gain official licensure. The test covers a wide variety of nursing topics broken up into different sections. For further information on the NCLEX-PN, check out our guide here. Additionally, students are encouraged to take the NCLEX-PN practice test to get an idea of how the real exam will go.

LPN Reciprocity and NLC

Massachusetts is currently pending legislature in order to enter into the Nurse Licensure Compact. The NLC allows nurses to practice in any state within the compact without having to apply for a new nursing license. Until then, those from out of state who wish to apply for a license in the state of Massachusetts must do so by reciprocity. The applicant must submit a completed Determination of Eligibility for Practical Nurse Reciprocity, and by submitting an official transcript from the attended state-approved nursing program in their state of origin. The transcript must include:

• Dates the student entered and withdrew (or graduated) from the school.
• Proof that the student was in good standing.
• Calculation of theory and clinical clock hours that were successfully completed.
• Statement verifying that coursework and clinical practice was in medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetrical, mental health, and nursing concepts.

To learn more about Massachusetts nurse licensure by reciprocity, visit here.

2024 MA NCLEX-PN Pass Rates and Statistics

• Total Number of State Approved LPN Schools: 18
• 2022 Average Statewide Massachusetts NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100.0%

LPN Salary in Massachusetts

The table below lists career information organized by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for licensed practical nurses in Massachusetts. The table is sorted by total employment, with the largest metropolitan areas listed first.

Table data sourced from 2022 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes292061.htm)