LPN Programs Canton, MA

With your passion for people and longing to work in the health sector, there’s no better option than to become a nurse. Registered nursing is a great option, but time and money may be in short supply. Fortunately, there’s the option to enroll in a practical nursing program and become a Licensed Practical Nurse in half the time it takes to complete a registered nursing program. As an LPN, you’ll perform many of the same duties as a registered nurse but under the supervision of an RN or physician.

Licensed practical nursing, like other nursing careers, offers job security and will help you to develop skills and gain valuable experience to move up the nursing career ladder. The scope of practice of a practical nurse is determined by the Board of Nursing. Common responsibilities are monitoring patient health through visual observation and recording of vital signs, changing catheters, wound care, recording patient histories, assisting patients with personal care, and collaborating with nurses on patient care plans. In general, their duties cover a range of technical duties and administrative functions.

LPN programs can be completed in just 12 months. The training will not only put you on the path to nursing but also provide a foundation for further studies in nursing. However, if you’re not considering a career as a registered nurse, the training will provide all that you need to support patients in their time of greatest need. Licensed practical earned a median annual salary of $46,240 in 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary and job growth rate of 12 percent proves that this branch of nursing can be both financially and personally rewarding for incoming nurses.

North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College offers a Practical Nursing certificate program that prepares students for employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Students will learn through classroom lectures and hands-on experiences aimed at the development of technical competencies, critical thinking, communication, and clinical judgment. The certificate program is based on the completion of 43 credits. Course topics include Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health, Overview of Microbiology, Human Development and Health Promotion, Fundamentals of Practical Nursing, Nutrition I, Pharmacology for Practical Nursing, Life Continuum Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal Child Health, Nutrition II, Vocational Trends & Adjustments for Practical Nursing, and Life Continuum Nursing II. These areas of study will enable graduates to provide safe, effective, and culturally sensitive care, use safety measures to minimize risk to patients, use information technology to provide care, and communicate effectively with patients and the health care team. Program graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses for licensure in the state. They will have the knowledge and competencies to care for patients in clinics, physicians’ offices, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and home health. The duration of the program is 10 months. The program admits approximately 40 students in the Fall semester.

Admission criteria:

  • Take the ATI TEAS exam and obtain minimum required scores of Reading – 69%, Math – 63.3%, Science – 45.8%, English 54.2%
  • Demonstrate Communication and Math proficiency by placement testing or college transcripts
  • Attend a mandatory information session and obtain the attendance form to submit with the application
  • Complete the Admission Reference Forms. Forms must be completed by an immediate supervisor, employer or teacher, and friend
  • Complete the Questionnaire
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED score report
  • Review the Practical Nursing Student Handbook
  • Submit a completed NSCC Application for Admission
  • Request and submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  • Attend a Mandatory Orientation/Registration upon acceptance
  • Undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Information (SORI) check and National County Background Check
  • Undergo a drug screening analysis to participate in the clinical externship
  • Complete the health and immunization requirements – Tdap, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, 2-step TB, Meningitis, and annual flu vaccine
  • Have CRP certification at the Health Care Provider level
  • Maintain Student Liability Insurance throughout the program

Tuition costs $215 per credit or $2,580 for 12 credits. There is an additional fee of $450 per term for the practical nursing program.

Massachusetts Bay Community College

The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Massachusetts Bay Community College emphasizes safe and effective nursing care that will enable graduates to participate in direct patient care activities in acute and long-term care settings. The curriculum includes theory and practical experiences in the nursing process. The theory and lab skills sessions will take place on campus and clinical experiences will be conducted at local health care facilities. The 43-credit curriculum covers modules in Medical Terminology, Foundations of Practical Nursing, Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing, Principles of Pharmacology I, Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing, Principles of Pharmacology II, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Medical Surgical Nursing II, and Care of the Family. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Practical Nurse. The duration of the program is 40 weeks (10 months). New students are admitted in the Fall semester and continue through June. The class size is limited to 35 students in each cycle.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a Mandatory Information Session before submitting an application
  • Obtain a grade C or better in the a college level Math, Anatomy and Physiology, and English course
  • Demonstrate reading proficiency by obtaining a grade of 72% or higher on a Reading Assessment Test or use a current College or University degree to apply for a waiver
  • Take the HESI exam and obtain a score of 70% or better to be given priority in the selection process
  • Obtain transcripts of all college courses and submit with the application
  • Complete the health and immunization requirements – Hepatitis B, 2-step TB skin test or QuantiFERON or chest x-ray, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, seasonal influenza
  • Have a high school diploma, associate degree or higher
  • Provide proof of CPR certification – Healthcare Provider Card from American Heart Association and the Professional Rescuer Card from the American Red Cross or National Safety Council
  • Complete Criminal Offender Record Information and Sexual Offender Registry Information

In-state tuition and fees will cost $4,808. Additional expenses include textbooks, uniforms, fees, watch with a second hand, stethoscope, criminal background check, CPR, immunizations, and liability insurance.

Roxbury Community College

The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Roxbury Community College is designed for adults who are desirous of a career as a Practical Nurse. The program requires completion of prerequisite courses before submission of an application – completing the courses does not guarantee admission. The curriculum includes theory and practical experiences in a clinical setting to prepare students for success on the NCLEX for Practical Nurses. The 40-credit certificate program includes course modules Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology I, Role Development I, Anatomy and Physiology II, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Pharmacology II, Bio-Behavioral Health Across Lifespan, Fundamentals of Nursing, English Composition, Microbiology, Maternal Child Health, PNC Capstone Role Development, and Medical Surgical Nursing II.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the free online application
  • Schedule and take the placement test
  • Provide evidence of immunization again MMR, Tdap, Varicella, and Hepatitis B
  • Provide proof of CPR certification – Healthcare Provider Card from American Heart Association and the Professional Rescuer Card from the American Red Cross or National Safety Council
  • Complete Criminal Offender Record Information and Sexual Offender Registry Information
  • Submit official transcripts of any college courses completed

Resident tuition costs $211 per credit. Other costs will include fees, uniforms, shoes, insurance, CPR, background check, immunization, watch with second hand, stethoscope, and graduation.

Southeastern Technical Institute

Southeaster Technical Institute offers a Practical Nursing program that leads to a Certificate of Completion. The program includes theory and practical instruction to prepare students for the NCLEX-PN exam. The classroom and lab hours total 540 and the clinical rotation will cover an additional 540. Areas of study include Fundamental of Nursing, Nursing Care of the Child, Adult and Aged, Advanced Concepts of Practical Nursing, Integrated Science, Introduction to Pharmacology, Human Growth and Development, Medical Surgical Nursing, Maternal Health Nursing, and Clinical Practice. Graduates will be able to use critical thinking in the nursing process, implement safe therapeutic nursing care, communicate effectively with patients, families, and members of the health care team, participate in the decision-making process with the standards of the LPN score of practice, and commit to lifelong learning. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. The full-time program is 40 weeks. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:10 pm in the classroom and 7:00 pm to 3:30 pm for the clinical rotations. The part-time program is 80 weeks. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

Admission criteria:

  • Complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable application fee of $80
  • Take the TEAS entrance exam and meet the minimum adjusted individual score – Math – 50%, English – 55%, Reading – 65%
  • Provide proof of high school graduation – an official transcript or original GED scores
  • Complete two reference forms – a recent supervisor, employer, or teacher
  • Provide a copy of current health insurance card
  • Complete a satisfactory Criminal Offender Record Information
  • Attend an interview with the Program Director
  • Provide proof of current CPR certification Health Care Provider level
  • Pay the $500 deposit to reserve a seat upon acceptance to the program
  • Sign the enrollment agreement

In-district tuition will cost $10,000. Books and supplies will cost an additional $1,042.

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.