Maria Delgado, RN
June 4, 2025
The Massachusetts healthcare system depends on Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who deliver direct patient care throughout nursing homes, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. The state needs LPNs most because it has a big elderly population that depends on extended care services. The work duties of LPNs throughout the United States include vital sign monitoring, medication administration, and daily care assistance but Massachusetts LPNs tend to work in elder care and community health settings. The LPN profession in Massachusetts provides an excellent entry into healthcare through a practical and respected career path which does not require the extended education needed for RN or BSN degrees.
Pittsfield, MA - Public 2-Year - berkshirecc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Berkshire Community College offers a one-year Practical Nurse Certificate program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam. Accredited by ACEN, it boasts a 100% pass rate and includes a debt-free Talent Pipeline option. The curriculum covers scientific knowledge and hands-on clinical experience for diverse healthcare settings, with admission requiring prerequisites in biology, English, and psychology. No entrance exam is needed, and graduates can expect strong job prospects with a median annual wage of $48,070.
Worcester, MA - Public 2-Year - qcc.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinsigamond Community College's hybrid Practical Nursing program is designed for LPNs seeking career advancement. It offers a 4-semester, 60-credit curriculum with in-state tuition at $223 per credit, focusing on patient-centered care, therapeutic communication, and healthcare technology. Admission requires a current LPN certification and high school diploma or equivalent. The program prepares students for transfer to bachelor's degrees and emphasizes culturally diverse clinical settings.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Quinsigamond Community College's Practical Nursing Evening program is a hybrid option for certified LPNs, spanning 4 semesters with in-state tuition at $223 per credit and out-of-state at $429. It includes courses in biology, English, mathematics, and psychology, focusing on patient-centered care and therapeutic communication. Admission requires a high school diploma or GED/HiSET and a current LPN credential, ideal for flexible learning and career progression.
Greenfield, MA - Public 2-Year - gcc.mass.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Greenfield Community College's 10-month Practical Nursing Certificate program delivers intensive 40-week training with 43 credits, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam. It emphasizes holistic patient care through classroom and clinical experiences, focusing on skills for settings like nursing homes and doctor's offices. With strong job growth projections, graduates enter a flexible and in-demand career path.
Holyoke, MA - Public 2-Year - hcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Holyoke Community College's Practical Nursing Certificate is an intensive 45-credit program designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam and a career as a licensed practical nurse. It combines rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology with hands-on clinical training, emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. The program requires a minimum C+ grade and has science courses valid for seven years, offering strong employment prospects in healthcare without any concentration focus. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are mentioned as required, as this is a certificate-level program.
Quincy, MA - Public 4-Year - quincycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Quincy College's Certificate of Completion in Practical Nursing is a campus-based program designed for Massachusetts residents, preparing students for the NCLEX-PN exam with high pass rates above 85%. The curriculum combines rigorous classroom learning with clinical training at top healthcare facilities, focusing on essential nursing skills and patient care. Admission requires prerequisites like College Algebra and Anatomy & Physiology, along with passing the TEAS entrance exam. This state-approved program emphasizes a concept-based approach, ensuring graduates are ready for rewarding careers as licensed practical nurses.
The state of Massachusetts does not offer LPN programs through full online delivery because students need to complete clinical and hands-on training. Hybrid models have become more prevalent in recent times. Students in these programs study academic subjects online but must attend physical sessions for laboratory work and clinical practice. Traditional in-person programs maintain their widespread presence throughout day cohorts. Students who need to balance education with work or family duties can choose from evening and weekend programs. The fastest completion time for accelerated programs reaches under one year yet part-time extended options provide students with more scheduling flexibility. LPN programs throughout Massachusetts require students to complete their clinical training through in-person sessions despite their delivery methods.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Holyoke Community College |
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| Quinsigamond Community College |
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| Mount Wachusett Community College |
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| Certifying Board | Board of Registration in Nursing, Massachusetts Department of Public Health |
|---|---|
| Certification | National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) via Pearson VUE |
| Educational Prerequisite | Graduation from a Board-approved practical nursing program with official transcript and program verification |
| Application & Background Check | $230 application fee, submit Social Security Number, complete CORI Acknowledgement Form and state criminal history & sex offender registry checks, application remains active for one year, and NCLEX must be passed within this period |
| Temporary Permit & Compact | Massachusetts does not issue temporary LPN permits and does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact |
| License Renewal Period | LPN licenses expire at 11:59 PM on the licensee’s birthday in odd-numbered years, renew online starting 90 days before expiration with a $120 renewal fee |
| Continuing Education | Completion of 15 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education during each renewal cycle |
| Licensure by Endorsement | $275 endorsement application fee and $30 license verification fee per license, submit Nursys verification of a current unrestricted license, CORI & sex offender registry checks, and proof of recent practice or board-approved refresher if required. |
The average salary for a LPN in Massachusetts is 16 percent higher than the national average, and can range from $60,000 to $75,000 per year. Rates of pay for nurses in this area are determined by the state’s high cost of living and demand for highly skilled nursing professionals. The demand for LPN jobs is always strong, since LPN’s are employed in both long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics and home health agencies. While Boston has the most LPN job openings, the aging rural and suburban population ensures constant work for nursing professionals. The job outlook for LPNs in Massachusetts is higher than the rest of the country where the population is aging and the healthcare industry is growing. Employment New graduates have a number of career options available to them, such as advancing specializations or careers. Massachusetts’s strong job market combined with competitive pay make it one of the best states for LPN careers.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Massachusetts | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual LVN Salary | $62,507 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $30.00 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$69,856 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $62,507 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$56,346 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | ~8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~410 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Essex Community College |
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| Quinsigamond Community College |
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| North Shore Community College |
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Massachusetts LPNs are able to gain a few different career opportunities. LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs The bridge programs allow LPNs to achieve associate or bachelor degrees with preferential admission. These schools prepare nurses for more complicated work that results in higher wages. LPNs may earn certificates in IV and wound care to supplement their clinical skills. As part of the career trajectory for LPNs, or charge nurses and team leaders within long-term care facilities. Further education can progress nurses into more advanced clinical or non-clinical careers such as nurse practitioner or healthcare administrator. In Massachusetts, becoming an LPN offers long term employment opportunities as individuals who wish to further their careers can use this as a stepping stone to become an RN or obtain specialized skills in different areas.
Additional Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
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