Top LPN Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts LPN Schools, License Requirements, Jobs, and Salary

The state of Massachusetts promotes the health care department by ensuring proper nursing education to the aspirants. Employers prefer to hire nursing professionals with good communication skills and who are able to take care of the patients and sympathize with their families. The state provides numerous nursing programs through hospitals and community colleges. These institutions are well-equipped with efficient faculty and follow proper training process to inculcate the requisite knowledge in the students.

Certain colleges that serve LPN programs in Massachusetts require the students to possess certain abilities like the capability to lift 40 pounds of weight, be free from any communicable disease, capacity to stand for 2 hours at a stretch and be able to bend and twist. The LPN aspirants should also have the ability to gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from the data. Interested students can earn a diploma, degree or certificate from any of the LPN schools in Massachusetts that are listed below.

Practical Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
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A nursing school ranks on the top according to the following criteria-

  • Higher Passing Rate of Alumni in NCLEX
  • Financial Aid that a school provides
  • Higher number of students

The nursing schools were then included in the ranking on the basis of following factors-

  • Well-developed Architecture
  • Better Infrastructure
  • Superior Technology
  • Ranking in US News and World Report
  • Teachings offered by world-class faculty
  • Inclusion of world-class facilities
  • World-class Opportunities

We hope that the list will help you to opt the best college as per your preferences in the state. The programs available in these colleges will give you an opportunity to begin your journey as a successful nurse.

1
Rank

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School

Type of Course:Practical Nursing Program (Full-Time/ Part-Time)

Bristol-Plymouth is one of the reputed accredited nursing schools in Massachusetts. Incepted in September 1972, the college aims at developing students from all the perspectives and enabling them to identify their potential. Along with 18 different high school technical courses, it provides extracurricular activities to enhance the morale of the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    100.00 %
  • Address:

    207 Hart Street, Taunton, MA 02780
  • Contact Number:

    508-823-5151
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Practical Nursing Program (Full-Time/ Part-Time)
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
2
Rank

Blue Hills Regional Technical School

Type of Course:Certificate

Blue Hills Regional Technical School was opened in 1966. The students enrolled in the college get technical training and academic excellence. Spread over an area of 35 acres; the school offers cutting-edge courses that make the students productive and competent to face the challenges of the world.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    97.80 %
  • Address:

    800 Randolph Street, Canton, MA 02021
  • Contact Number:

    781-828-5800
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
3
Rank

Southeastern Technical Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

Southeastern Technical Institute is counted among the top nursing schools in Massachusetts. The college aims to provide quality education to the students and help them achieve excellence. It provides fully authentic student-centered education programs. Along with this, the college provides various support services that help the students succeed. These support services include financial aid, counseling, and peer tutoring.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.80 %
  • Address:

    250 Foundry Street, South Easton, MA 02375
  • Contact Number:

    508-230-1297
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
4
Rank

Greater Lowell Technical High School

Type of Course:Diploma

The school is one of the largest schools in Massachusetts with approximately 2,200 students. It offers various courses in different streams for the students. Along with that, there are a variety of clubs and other curricular activities that guarantee the overall development of an individual.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    96.20 %
  • Address:

    250 Pawtucket Boulevard, Tyngsborough, MA 01879
  • Contact Number:

    978-454-5411
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Diploma
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
5
Rank

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational College

Type of Course:Certificate

The college came into existence in 1964 in order to provide the students with sufficient knowledge to cope up in the challenging world. It offers 18 vocational technical programs. The school is managed by a committee consisting of 13 members. Blackstone tries to improve the facilities and work opportunities, and enhancing the life of the students by being the partner with local colleges and economic development agencies.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    94.50 %
  • Address:

    65 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA 01568
  • Contact Number:

    508-529-7758
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
6
Rank

Bay Path Vocational Technical High School

Type of Course:Certificate

The school was established in 1972 with an aim to providing an integrated vocational technical and academic education. It instills job skills and a wide range of knowledge that are essential to function in the real work settings. It offers 20 career choices to the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.00 %
  • Address:

    Bay Path RVTHS, 57 Old Muggett Hill Road, Charlton, MA 01507
  • Contact Number:

    508-248-5971
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
7
Rank

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School

Type of Course:Certificate

The college provides rigorous training sessions and relevant education to the students to prepare them for the future. The LPN course lasts for 10 months. The practical nursing programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. After completion of the course, the college offers a Certificate of Proficiency in Practical Nursing to the students.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    93.00 %
  • Address:

    215 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
  • Contact Number:

    508-485-9430
  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
8
Rank

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School

Type of Course:Certificate

The Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School is dedicated to developing the employability skills of the students and help them realize their technical, academic, social, and personal potential. The college adapts itself to the changing needs and evolves its technologies for the betterment. It works for the welfare of the students and develops intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.20 %
  • Address:

    220 Sandwich Road, Bourne, MA 02532
  • Contact Number:

    508-759-7208
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
9
Rank

Greenfield Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    91.00 %
  • Address:

    One College Drive, Greenfield, MA 01301
  • Contact Number:

    413-775-1801
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
10
Rank

North Shore Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

The college is one of the oldest community colleges in the state. It has its campuses located in Lynn, Danvers, and Middleton. Initially, this college used to offer 5 programs, but now, it is providing more than 80 different courses. Along with emphasizing on academics, it also offers some lifelong learning opportunities through different resources and clubs.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.80 %
  • Address:

    1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923
  • Contact Number:

    978-762-4000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
11
Rank

Holyoke Community College

Type of Course:Diploma Program

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    90.60 %
  • Address:

    303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040
  • Contact Number:

    413-538-7000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
12
Rank

Shawsheen Valley Technical High School

Shawsheen Valley Technical High School ensures safe learning environment for all the students. Along with developing job skills, the school fosters a strong work ethic. The LPN program runs for a duration of 40 weeks (evening and weekend classes).

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.80 %
  • Address:

    100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA 01821
  • Contact Number:

    978-667-2111
  • Official Website:

  • Financial Aid:

    yes
13
Rank

Mount Wachusett Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

Mount Wachusett Community College serves the tradition of imparting personal enrichment, innovative education, and community service to the Massachusetts area. The college is running successfully since 1963. Around 70 associate degree and certificate programs, adult education programs, and non-credit community service programs are offered by this college. Courses are designed as per the comfort of the students, and they can avail them online or during daytime, evening, or weekends.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.80 %
  • Address:

    444 Green Street, Gardner, MA 01440
  • Contact Number:

    978-632-6600
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
14
Rank

Diman Regional Technical School

Type of Course:Certificate

The college offers a challenging coursework that enables the students to stand up in the highly competitive world. It gives the students a great practical experience; thereby enriching their knowledge. The institute ensures that all the students are provided with equal opportunities to grow and develop, irrespective of the caste and creed. Along with this, the Diman Regional Technical School provides counseling and guidance to the students regarding social issues.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.80 %
  • Address:

    251 Stonehaven Road, Fall River, MA 02723
  • Contact Number:

    508-678-2891
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
15
Rank

Northern Essex Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

The college provides the students with great academic support services and expertise faculty. The faculties give extra time to the queries and needs of the students and direct them towards better understanding. This community college in Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    89.40 %
  • Address:

    100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
  • Contact Number:

    978-556-3000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
16
Rank

Quinsigamond Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    87.80 %
  • Address:

    670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606
  • Contact Number:

    508-853-2300
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
17
Rank

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School

Type of Course:Certificate

The college was established in 1977 and received its accreditation from New England Association of Schools and College. The partnership between the area employers and the college authorities guarantee dynamic growth of the individual through various programs that are designed to meet the needs of the 21st century. Presently, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in the college.

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    86.60 %
  • Address:

    Tri-County RVTHS, 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038
  • Contact Number:

    508-528-5400
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
18
Rank

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    85.60 %
  • Address:

    50 Oakland Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
  • Contact Number:

    781-239-3000
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
19
Rank

McCann Technical School

Type of Course:Certificate

Type ofMcCann Technical School opened its door for the first time for the students in 1962. Built over an area of 80 acres, it puts emphasis on high standards of vocational technical education. The school provides quality education to the students and offers training in nine secondary technical majors and five post-secondary majors. The programs pay focus to project-based learning and hands-on practice. Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    84.80 %
  • Address:

    70 Hodges Cross Road, North Adams, MA 01247
  • Contact Number:

    413-663-5383
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
20
Rank

Berkshire Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    82.00 %
  • Address:

    1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
  • Contact Number:

    413-499-4660
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
21
Rank

Quincy College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    75.40 %
  • Address:

    1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02169
  • Contact Number:

    617-984-1700
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
22
Rank

Medical Professional Institute

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    68.40 %
  • Address:

    380 Pleasant Street, Suite 21, Malden, MA 02148
  • Contact Number:

    781-397-6822
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes
23
Rank

Roxbury Community College

Type of Course:Certificate

  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:

    66.60 %
  • Address:

    1234 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120
  • Contact Number:

    617-427-0060
  • Official Website:

  • Type of Course:

    Certificate
  • Financial Aid:

    yes

License Requirements

After completing the LPN course from a recognized institution, the state tests you for all that you have been taught during the course through the NCLEX-PN. If you score equal or above the minimum marks, you are awarded a license that enables you to work in clinics and hospitals as a licensed practical nurse.

Licensure by Examination

The candidates who have completed the LPN course in Massachusetts can follow the below-given procedure to gain the practical nursing license.

  • Complete the Application for Initial Nurse Licensure by Examination.
  • The next step is to register with Pearson VUE, a company that organizes the NCLEX-PN test. This can be done online or by calling at 866-496-2539
  • After completing the registration process with Pearson VUE, the candidates must submit a fee of $230 (payable via money order or credit card) and application to PCS, the credential review service of the Board
  • Next, the candidate can schedule the exam within 60 days. If the candidate fails to turn up for the exam or schedule the exam within the time period, s/he is required to register again
  • The candidate can check the status of his license at https://checkalicense.hhs.state.ma.us/MyLicenseVerification. The license would be mailed to the candidates in 21 working days. But, the individual can start working as an LPN within next three days as the number would appear on the site after 3 business days. Those who are unable to clear the exam are given another chance to take the test after 45 days

Licensure by Endorsement

Massachusetts is not a member of Nurse Licensure Compact. Their active license in another state is verified by the nursing board. Massachusetts nursing license verification can be done via Massachusetts nurse aide registry. LPNs from other states can get the license through endorsement, provided they meet the following requirements:

  • As of April 1, 2016, candidates who are applying for licensure by reciprocity need to submit an official transcript from the nursing program where you completed your LPN course
  • As of April 4, 2016, all the educated nurses who do not hail from the United States and are applying for licensure by reciprocity have to submit a Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation
  • Fulfillment of the Board’s good Moral Character Evaluation is a must. For this, you need to send a completely filled application with the required fee to the Professional Credential Services and documents must be submitted to the nursing board
  • After this, you need to ask for the submission of the license verification from all the states where you held the license to the Professional Credential Services (PCS), irrespective of the status (whether active or inactive)
  • After getting all your documents and official transcripts, PCS will review and verify all the information for accuracy, completeness, and authenticity. In case, any information or document is missing; Professional Credential Services will inform the same to the candidate
  • On complete verification of the information, PCS sends the license to the applicant through an email. Also, at the same time, it also submits a copy of it to the Massachusetts Board of Nursing
  • Your license number will be posted by the State Board on their website within 24 hours of approval of your licensure, and official license will be mailed to you within 21 business days

Massachusetts Nursing License Verification

Massachusetts nursing license can be verified by visiting the following link:
https://checkalicense.hhs.state.ma.us/MyLicenseVerification/

For verification, the candidates must submit license number and other personal information. The database will then furnish the latest information about that license as it is updated on a regular basis.

For verification to a Board of Nursing located in the United States or its territories, visit NURSYS (www.nursys.com) to request the verification of the license. On completion of the verification process, the report will be made available to the jurisdiction; you have selected. The nurses can also contact the License Verification Department by making a call at the toll-free number: 866-819-1700.

Massachusetts Nursing License Renewal

The license has to be renewed within a time period of 2 years. Working with an expired license is illegal in the state. Hence, it is mandatory to apply for the license renewal six months before its expiration date. All the licensed practical nurses can renew their licenses on their birthday in the odd number years.

For LPN license renewal, it is required that the candidate must complete 15 contact hours of continuing education in the last two years. You can opt any of the following methods to get the license renewed.

In case of any queries regarding online license renewal, you can make a call at 617-973-0935 or drop an email at [email protected]

Duplicate License, Name and Address Change

The candidates who want to obtain a duplicate license or wish to change the name or address on the license must fill the following form and submit it with the requisite fees to the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure.
http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/quality/boards/nursing/nursing-change-address.pdf

If the candidate is applying for the name change and you have a current or expired license issued by any other Board within the Bureau, the name change would be applicable to all the Boards. Along with the form, the candidate must return the original hard copy of the nursing license along with photocopies of the supporting documents like marriage certificate, court documents, and divorce decree.

A duplicate license is not issued during three months before the license expiry date (i.e. licensee’s birthday in an odd-numbered year).

Fee Charged

  • Duplicate License: $17
  • Address Change: No fee
  • Name Change: No fee
  • Name Change with New License: $27

The fee is accepted through a check or money order payable to "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Electronic funds transfer or cash is not accepted.

Reinstatement of the LPN License

If the license is not renewed before its expiration, then it gets lapsed. In that case, it has to be reinstated. Getting the license reinstated is a simple process that requires the candidate to register with the below-mentioned site and complete the application form.
https://onlineservices.hhs.state.ma.us/MyLicense%20Enterprise/

Average Annual Salary of the Licensed Practical Nurses in Massachusetts

As per the data of indeed.com, the average salary earned by the LPNs in Massachusetts was $61,000 per annum (as of October 7, 2016). According to the reports of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual income of Practical Nurses was $54,160, whereas the mean hourly wage was $26.04 (as of May 2015).

Various Job Titles for LPNs/LVNs With Average Annual Salaries

Job Titles Salary
Long Term Care LPN $32,000
Renal Dialysis Nurse $63,000
LPN Ambulatory $41,000
Nurse RN LPN $59,000
CNA Medical Surgical $33,000
Nar Nursing Assistant Hope $30,000
Clinical Nurse LPN $45,000
LPN Primary Care $56,000
Patient Care Technician Student $20,000
Medical Assistant Family Practice $35,000
Correctional Prison Facility $28,000
LPN Cma Rma $37,000
LPN Long Term Care $40,000
LPN LVN $49,000
Psychiatric Nurse $69,000

Information Source: indeed.com (as of October 7, 2016)

As per the analysis of the above table, it can be inferred that Psychiatric Nurses earned the maximum salary (i.e., $69,000), while the Patient Care Technician Students received the least salary (i.e., $20,000).

Average Annual Salaries of LPNs/LVNs in Different Cities of Massachusetts

Name of the City Salary
Arlington $48,745
Barnstable $46,772
Brockton $48,745
Cambridge $49,665
Fitchburg $47,662
Haverhill $47,662
Hyannis $47,089
Leominster $47,612
Malden $49,665
Methuen $47,662
Newton $48,745
Pittsfield $46,362
Quincy $49,665
Salem $48,745
Springfield $48,483
Westfield $48,483
Worcester $47,612
Weymouth $48,745
Waltham $49,665
Taunton $48,745
Revere $49,665
Somerville $49,665
Peabody $49,665
Plymouth $48,745
Medford $49,665
New Bedford $48,844
Lynn $49,665
Lowell $48,745
Lawrence $47,662
Holyoke $48,483
Framingham $49,665
Fall River $48,844
Chicopee $48,483
Chicopee $49,665
Chicopee $48,745
Chicopee $47,487

Information Source: salary.com (as of October 7, 2016)

Licensed practical nurses received the highest salary (i.e., $49,665) in Boston, Framingham, Lynn, Medford, Revere, Peabody, Quincy Malden, Waltham, Somerville, and Cambridge, whereas they were paid the least (i.e. $46,362) in the city of Pittsfield.

Job Outlook for Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurses in Massachusetts

LPNs have a bright future in the state. The practical nurse is the entry-level profession of the healthcare industry. Since the duration of the LPN programs is short, you can join the workforce just after finishing the coursework. Salary of these professionals is quite good and expected to increase in the near future. The nursing industry is likely to witness a spectacular hike in the demand of LPNs due to increased awareness about the health and self-care among people, and rise in the population of the baby boomer.

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