Online LPN Programs in Massachusetts: See Top Schools

Spotlight on Massachusetts’s LPN Programs

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a great way to start your nursing career with a solid educational foundation. If your goal is to eventually become a registered nurse, becoming a practicing LPN is the first step toward entering an LPN to RN bridge program. LPN programs are a great way to get your foot in the door and begin making money while continuing your nursing education in Massachusetts.

Although practical nursing programs can’t be taken entirely online, many Massachusetts schools offer partially online coursework, while clinical rotations — a cornerstone of practical nursing education — require in-person participation at local healthcare facilities. As a student, you may also need to attend labs and simulations on campus. Examples include LPN programs at MassBay Community College and Greenfield Community College.

The first step to becoming a licensed LPN is graduating from a state-approved program that meets Massachusetts LPN licensing requirements. From there, you’ll take the NCLEX-PN exam and then apply for licensure. A good way to discern between programs is by looking at the program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate and whether they are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). To help start your search, we’ve outlined three schools below offering Massachusetts-based LPN programs.

Student Support: Frequently Asked LPN Program Questions

Choosing the right program is only the first step to becoming an LPN in Massachusetts. While that may sound simple, there are a lot of factors to consider, and you likely still have unanswered questions. Below, we answer some of the most common student questions about choosing a program and becoming an LPN.

What skills do you learn in LPN programs in Massachusetts?

LPN programs in Massachusetts prepare you to pass the NCLEX-PN exam, which is the key to becoming a licensed practical nurse. You’ll get hands-on practice in labs, real-world experience through clinicals, and learn essential nursing theory. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Provide quality, evidence-based care to diverse patients of all ages in various settings, including administering medicine, using medical equipment, monitoring health, and preventing injuries.
• Utilize sound judgment and critical thinking for safe, effective, patient-centered care.
• Apply appropriate legal and ethical standards in all practice settings.
• Demonstrate leadership skills in the practical nurse role.
• Communicate verbally and in writing with patients, families, supervisors, colleagues, and the public.

Are there financial aid options available for LPN programs in Massachusetts?

Yes. Aspiring LPNs in Massachusetts have a variety of financial aid avenues to explore. Funding sources can include student loans, scholarships, and grant programs. Many students also benefit from tuition assistance, employer reimbursement, or work-study arrangements. There’s also an array of valuable VA education benefits for active-duty military and veterans. The best way to find out about paying for your Massachusetts LPN program is by contacting the financial aid office at each school you’re considering. Another great resource is the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

What is the standard completion time for LPN programs in Massachusetts?

Full-time students can complete most LPN programs in a year or less. Nearly all Massachusetts LPN programs feature a 10-month course of study that runs through the fall, spring, and summer semesters, with some including brief intersession terms between the fall and spring. Most offer annual start dates, typically in the fall. Exceptions include those at Mount Wachusett Community College (spring start) and Quinsigamond Community College (begins and ends with half-sessions in consecutive summers). Another exception is Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, which offers a 20-month part-time option.

What else do I need to know about becoming an LPN?

Along with completing a state-approved LPN education program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam, all applicants for Massachusetts LPN licensure must provide proof of good moral character, as defined by law. To accomplish this, applicants must answer questions concerning criminal or disciplinary history. Affirmative answers to questions will require additional documentation. Applicants must consent to a criminal background check conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Applicants with open criminal or disciplinary cases will not be licensed until those cases have closed. Conduct related to some felony convictions may result in exclusion from licensure.

Does Massachusetts offer any LPN student resources?

The state has a plethora of resources available to aspiring LPNs, including the following organizations:

• Massachusetts Board of Registered Nursing
• Massachusetts Student Nurses Association
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Greater Boston Chapter
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Western Massachusetts Chapter
• National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses
• New England Regional Black Nurses Association
• Western Massachusetts Black Nurses Association

Licensing for Practical Nurses in Massachusetts

Practicing as an LPN in Massachusetts requires a current and valid practical nurse license issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABRN). To be eligible, all applicants for LPN licensure in Massachusetts must take and pass the NCLEX-PN exam, graduate from a board-approved nursing program, and prove they are of good moral character. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply for a nursing license by exam; the application fee is currently $230/person. Successfully passing this exam demonstrates your readiness to practice as a licensed professional in your field.

After becoming a licensed professional nurse, you must renew your license every other year; your LPN license expires at 11:59 PM on your birthday in odd-numbered years. At the time of renewal, you must attest, under penalty of perjury, to comply with:

• Board laws and regulations, including completion of 15 contact hours of continuing education for the current registration period;
• Good Moral Character, as defined by state law;
• Mandatory abuse reporting laws, including the reporting of abuse or neglect of children; and
• Prescriber training requirements according to Massachusetts General Law.

Renewals can be completed up to 90 days before expiration, and the current cost to renew an LPN license is $120.

Massachusetts LPN Job and Pay Outlook

Now that you know what it takes to become a licensed practical nurse in Massachusetts, let’s look at what you can expect from the job market and salary. Nationwide, the growth of LPN positions is expected to be 5.3% between 2022 and 2032. However, Massachusetts LPNs will see a growth rate of 7.7% in the state. About 370 of these are new jobs, while the remaining positions become available as individuals vacate them, such as for retirement or moving up to become a registered nurse.

The median annual salary for LPNs in Massachusetts is $73,380, with the 10th percentile earning $62,230 and the highest percentile earning $82,850. Those who choose to work in more urban areas are likely to earn more, as evidenced by the median salary of $75,360 for those in the Boston area. Regardless of the area in which a person works in Massachusetts, LPNs who specialize in their field will likely find more targeted and higher-paying job opportunities in the state.