Online LPN Programs in Massachusetts: See Top Schools
Are you considering an LPN career in Massachusetts but need flexibility? While fully online LPN programs aren’t available due to in-person clinical requirements, MA offers excellent hybrid options blending online coursework with hands-on training. Discover which Massachusetts Board of Nursing-approved programs offer online components, what to expect from clinical rotations, and how to balance online learning with clinical training. We’ll also touch on program lengths, prerequisites, and everything else there is to know about becoming an LPN in this comprehensive guide.
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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.
Quinsigamond Community College
Quinsigamond Community College’s (QCC) Practical Nursing Certificate program features a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom instruction in nursing fundamentals, anatomy, pharmacology, and lifespan care with hands-on experience in labs and clinical settings. This program boasts a 91% NCLEX-PN exam pass rate in 2023 and is accredited by MABORN and ACEN.
QCC’s LPN program has a blended modality, with some in-person courses at the school’s Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester and some completed online. For clinicals, students must travel to approved sites within the Worcester County and MetroWest area. After graduating, you may be eligible to enroll in the school’s Nurse Education – Advanced Placement LPN program, which prepares students for careers as registered nurses.
Duration: 5 semesters
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $9,430 (residents) – $18,906 (non-residents); tuition does not include additional program fees
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A passing score on the TEAS exam (55% or above)
- Attend a mandatory health information session
- Meet the school’s math requirement
- Pass a background check
- Fulfill health requirements upon acceptance
Curriculum:
- Principles of Human Biology OR Anatomy & Physiology II
- Introduction to Psychology
- Practical Nursing I: Fundamentals of Nursing
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Survey of Life Span Development
- Nutrition Concepts in Health and Illness
- Trends in Practical Nursing
- Practical Nursing II: Medical/Surgical/Mental Health/Leadership Nursing
- Practical Nursing III: Maternal/Newborn/Pediatric Nursing
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke Community College has a one-year Practical Nurse (PN) Certificate program that emphasizes a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills development in labs, and real-world application through clinical rotations, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-PN exam. Although there is no online/hybrid option, the school’s state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, patient simulators, and task trainers provide simulated hands-on experiences that can’t be replicated at home.
ThisMABORN and ACEN accredited program is also an excellent option for Massachusetts students who want to eventually pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The school has a Nursing Program Articulation Agreement with nearby colleges, allowing students to complete their undergraduate education and then transfer to earn their four-year degree. It also offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and multiple ASN pathways.
Duration: One year
Mode: In-person
Cost: $9,752 – $19,228 (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or GED/HiSET
- Passing the TEAS exam
- Participation in a mandatory information session.
- Program-specific prerequisite courses, a successful background check and drug screening, and documentation of required immunizations are also necessary.
Curriculum:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- Human Growth and Development
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Pharmacology I & II
- Practical Nurse Workshop
- Health Promotion & Maintenance
- PN Role Development
- Acute & Complex PN Nursing Care
- Live NCLEX-PN Review
- Summer NCLEX-PN Preparation & Exam
North Shore Community College
North Shore Community College’s 43-credit Practical Nursing program provides a quick pathway to a fulfilling career as an LPN. The program balances core nursing principles with specialized geriatrics, mental health, and maternal-child care training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, gaining practical skills in labs and real-world experience through clinical placements integrated within each of the three semesters.
Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-PN exam thanks to a curriculum emphasizing technical proficiency and professional ethics. Prospective students should note that admission to this popular program is competitive. Successful completion of this program positions graduates well for the promising job market for LPNs in Massachusetts.
Duration: 10 months
Mode: In-person
Cost: $9,589 – $19,565 (residency dependent)
Admissions Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum 2.7 GPA
- A passing TEAS score (58.7% or higher)
- Completion of a specified psychology or human development course with a C or higher
- Proven math competency
Curriculum:
- Anatomy & Physiology for Allied Health
- Overview of Microbiology
- Human Development and Health Promotion
- Fundamentals of Practical Nursing I & II
- Life Continuum Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal Child Health
- Contemporary Trends and Issues in Practical Nursing
- Advanced Life Continuum Nursing
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
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $47,960 | $62,340 | $80,510 |
| Massachusetts | $62,990 | $76,560 | $90,230 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $62,420 | $72,570 | $81,020 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $62,410 | $77,030 | $92,900 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $65,060 | $78,670 | $93,650 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $59,230 | $67,790 | $79,150 |
| Springfield, MA | $61,430 | $72,760 | $80,450 |
| Worcester, MA | $62,670 | $74,870 | $82,330 |
Source: Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 655,000 | 689,900 | 34,900 | 5.30% | 54,400 |
| Massachusetts | 4,790 | 5,160 | 370 | 7.70% | 410 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
