LPN Programs Greenfield, MA

Licensed practical nurses enjoy a rewarding career caring for patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. LPN programs that are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing prepare you to assume full accountability for the quality of care you provide and to practice with the legal and ethical guidelines outlined by the state. You’ll learn nursing interventions and protocols to care for children and adults with common health problems, how to administer medications and treatments, and assist registered nurses with the development, implementation, and assessment of patient care plans.

LPNs typically work in long-term care settings and physicians’ offices. Opportunities in hospitals and other facilities may be available after you’ve gained some experience in the field. The employment outlook is positive as more than 25 percent of the workforce in Massachusetts are approaching retirement. The growing number of seniors that will need long-term care is another factor that is expected to increase job growth. Continuing your education, through enrollment in a registered nursing program, will also broaden your prospects and prepare you to fill a greater role on the nursing team.

Greenfield Community College

Greenfield Community College facilitates a Practical Nursing program that prepares adults to provide safe and competent care under the supervision of a registered nurse. Combined theory and practical instruction will deliver the essential knowledge reinforced with supervised hands-on activities in a simulation lab on-campus and clinical experiences in approved health care settings. Course modules include Fundamentals of Practical Nursing, Comprehensive Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Psychology, Practical Nursing Practicum, Nursing Care of Adults, Human Growth and Development, and Advanced Concepts in Practical Nursing. The Practical Nursing Certificate will be issued to students who successfully complete 43 credit hours including the liberal arts and core nursing requirements. Students are expected to attend all classes and have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and a grade C or better in all courses to graduate. Graduates will be prepared to take the NCLEX to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and secure employment in nursing homes, hospitals, physicians’ offices and other health care facilities. The duration of the program is 10 months. New classes begin in September and end in June of the following year.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit an application for admission to GCC
  • Official high school transcript or GED submitted to GCC
  • Official transcripts of all college courses completed
  • Meet the math requirement of Introductory Algebra or equivalent with a grade C or better
  • Meet the English requirement by completing English Composition I or equivalent
  • Complete once science course with a grade C or better – Biology, Comprehensive Anatomy and Physiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I or II
  • Complete TEAS with a composite score of 50% with a reading score of 50% and math score of 55%
  • Submit a signed and completed PN Program Application
  • Complete the Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgment Form
  • Copy of valid government-issued photo identification
  • Documentation of active health insurance
  • Maintain CPR certification (American Health Association BLS) throughout the program
  • Meet the immunization requirements – Hepatitis B, MMR, Meningococcal, Tdap, Varicella
  • Complete a physical exam – submit completed GCC PNC Physical Attestation Form signed by a physician
  • Complete TB screening
  • Complete 11-panel drug screening

The estimated costs for nursing courses is $7,674 for resident students. Additional costs include fees, AHA CPR for BLS, malpractice insurance, books and software, drug screening, uniforms, shoes, nursing pin, licensure application, NCLEX fee, NLCEX review course, fingerprinting, health insurance, ATI Testing fees, exam soft testing, and stethoscope.

Quinsigamond Community College

The Practical Nursing program at Quinsigamond Community College leads to a Practical Nursing Certificate that will qualify graduates to apply to the Massachusetts Board of Nursing to take the licensure exam. Graduates can also improve their job outlook and assume a greater role on the nursing team by continuing their education to the Associate or Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. The curriculum includes theory and practical work with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity, communication and collaboration, improving health care outcomes, use of technology to collect and analyze data and make clinical decisions, critical thinking, and accountability in practice. Topics covered include Human Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Psychology, Practical Nursing I: Fundamentals of Nursing, Introduction to Pharmacology, Survey of Life Span Development, Introduction to Leadership, Medical/Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Nutrition Concepts in Health and Illness, Clinical Pharmacology, Trends in Practical Nursing, Maternal Newborn Nursing, and Pediatric Nursing. Students must complete 43 credit hours to receive the Practical Nursing Certificate. The duration of the program is 5 semesters.

Admission criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • A completed application and non-refundable fee of $20 (MA residents)
  • Official high school transcripts or GED scores
  • Transcripts of any college courses completed
  • Obtain a satisfactory score on the Math and English placement test – applicants can skip this requirement by completing Math 095 with a grade B or better and ENG 091 with a minimum grade C
  • Attend a Health Information Session
  • Up-to-date immunization records – including varicella, MMR, Tdap, Hepatitis B, flu vaccine, and TB test
  • Current Healthcare Provider Level CPR card
  • Completed health evaluation form – examination must be performed and signed by a licensed physician
  • A composite score of 55% or greater on the TEAS V or TEAS
  • An acceptable result on Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and National Background checks
  • Must carry health insurance throughout the program

The program cost is $4,575 – based on completion in 5 semesters. Additional expenses for books, fees, uniforms, and supplies are not reflected in the cost.

  • Website: https://www.qcc.edu/
  • Address: 670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606
  • Phone: 508-853-2300
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86%

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School facilitates a practical nursing program that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Committee for Education in Nursing (A.C.E.N.). The program incorporates 1090 hours of theory and hands-on experiences to prepare students for the licensure exam and safe and competent practice in acute and long-term care facilities. Students are required to complete 945 of the required hours on campus – in the classroom and simulation lab and conclude the final 540 hours at local healthcare facilities. Instructors will emphasize care of the older patient, industry trends, managing complex issues, community nursing, and new technologies. Course modules include Fundamentals of Nursing, Concepts in Human Biology, Introduction to Nursing Trends I, Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Introduction to Pharmacology I, Fundamental Nursing II, Human Growth, Development and Behavior, Pharmacology II, Nursing Concepts I, Mental Health Concepts, Nursing Concepts II, Nursing Care of the Family, Pharmacology III, and Nursing Trends and Issues II. The part-time program is specifically targeted to working professionals who want to prepare for a career in nursing without interrupting their work schedules. Classes meet Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:50 pm to 10:10 pm for 60 weeks. Clinical sessions may be carded for at least one weekend per month.

Admission criteria:

  • Submit a completed application and non-refundable fee of $125 – applications must be filled out by hand
  • A professional resume outline work history, education, and experience
  • An essay that answers the question “What characteristics do you possess that would make you want to be a practical nurse?”
  • Three letters of reference – employer, coworker, supervisor, or teacher
  • Official high school transcript or GED equivalency
  • Proof of identification – original birth certificate or passport
  • Immunization records – MMR, Tdap, hepatitis B, varicella, and TB test results
  • A completed physical exam report – not more than 6 months old
  • Active CPR Health Care Provider and AED certification
  • Must maintain health insurance throughout the program
  • Complete Criminal Offender Record Information Release (CORI)

In-district students can expect to pay $11,000 tuition. Other costs for books, fees, uniforms, and miscellaneous items will apply.

Bay Path RVTHS

Bay Path RVTHS prepares adults for entry-level employment as a practical nurse through its accredited Practical Nursing Certificate program. The curriculum includes theory and hands-on instruction in nursing fundamentals with an emphasis on the care of the older adult. Course topics include Fundamentals of Practical Nursing, Structure and Function of the Human Body, Pharmacology I, Essentials of Nutrition, Issues and Trends in Practical Nursing, Life Span Psychology, Medical Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology II, Family Centered Care/Leadership, and Transition to Practice. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. They will be prepared to apply the nursing process and critical thinking to meet the health care needs of a diverse clientele, coordinate nursing interventions using research consistent with professional standards, communicate effectively with patients, their families, and the health care team to restore health and promote wellness, demonstrate professionalism and accountability in practice, and community to lifelong learning. The duration of the program is 10 months based on full-time attendance. New students are admitted in late August and conclude in late June. Admission to the program is competitive since space is limited.

Admission criteria:

  • Must be at least 17.5 years of age
  • Provide documentation of US citizenship or a green card
  • Meet the “Good Moral Character” requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Nursing
  • Submit a completed application packet and non-refundable fee of $75
  • Register for, take, and pass the TEAS Entrance Test – the specific areas for evaluation are Reading (61.9%), English (53.3%), Math (50%), and Science
  • Submit three professional written references
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Attend an interview with a representative from the Nursing Department
  • Submit official high school transcripts
  • Attend a mandatory orientation – upon acceptance to the program
  • Sign and return the Technical Standards Informed Consent form
  • Submit to COIR and SORI upon admission
  • Complete 12-panel drug screening
  • CPR course completion for Health Care Provider Certification by the American Heart Association
  • Proof of in-district residency
  • Immunization records – MMR, Tdap, hepatitis B, varicella, and TB test results

The cost of attendance is $14,500 for students who complete the program in the normal time.

Assabet Valley RTS

The Practical Nursing Certificate of Proficiency program at Assabet Valley RTS prepares students with a strong foundation in nursing fundamentals. Over 1085 hours of theory and practical instruction will emphasize the importance of delivering safe, competent, and patient-centered care to culturally diverse patients. Lectures, presentations, and simulations will foster growth in the areas of critical thinking, professional behaviors, clinical reasoning, effective communication, and ethical standards in care. Students will complete 545 on campus and includes practical workshops in a simulated lab. The clinical rotations at various approved health care facilities will account for the other 540 hours. During the supervised patient care sessions, students will learn physical assessments, respiratory disorders, maternal-newborn nursing, fluids and electrolytes, health policy, care coordination, ethics, health promotion and infections. Course topics include Nursing Concepts I, Human Biology, Nursing Care of the Older Adult, Foundations of Nursing I, Clinical Conference, Nursing Concepts II, Nursing Care of the Family, Nursing Concepts III, and Preparation for Professional Practice. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a Practical Nurse. They may also continue their education to the associate or baccalaureate degree in nursing to become a registered nurse. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 7:50 am to 2:20 pm for 10 months. New classes begin in late August and run through June.

Admission criteria:

  • Be at least 17 years old at the time of application
  • Attend a practical nursing information session
  • An application for admission
  • A professional resume and personal essay (topic will be provided)
  • Three professional references – including one from an employer
  • Satisfactory ATI TEAS VI scores – Reading (61%) Math (50%)
  • Proof of US citizenship or residency – original birth certificate or passport
  • Official high school transcript, GED scores, or college transcripts – must be mailed directly to AVRTS
  • Attend an interview with a representative from the Practical Nursing Department
  • Maintain health insurance and professional liability insurance throughout the program
  • Fulfill the program’s health requirements
  • Have current American Heart Association for Health Care Providers
  • Submit to a CORI and SORI, Nurse Aide Registry check and Social Security Verification
  • Tuition for resident students is $3,000. Expenses for the program will amount to $2,680. The registration fee of $500 must be paid upon acceptance to the program.
  • Website: https://assabetvalleylpn.org/
  • Address: 215 Fitchburg Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
  • Phone: (508) 485-9430 ext. 2881
  • NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 93%

Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community prepares adults for a career in nursing through its Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing approved Practical Nursing Certificate program. The program includes theory and practical instruction with supervised clinical activities in various health care facilities. The curriculum is developed to support to the smooth transition to the ASN degree – for those students who might want to become a registered nurse. HCC also offers an approved ASN program. Course sequence includes Fundamentals of Nursing, Pharmacology I, Role Development I, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I, Practical Nurse Role Development II, Nutrition, Health Promotion and Maintenance Across the Lifespan, Pharmacology II, Human Development, Anatomy and Physiology II, Practical Nursing Acute & Complex Care. Students who successfully complete the required 44 credits will graduate from the program. Graduates will be eligible to take the NCLEX for Practical Nurses.

Admission criteria:

  • Provide documentation of completing high school or GED
  • Submit a completed application to Holyoke Community College
  • Attend a mandatory nursing information session
  • Proof of eligibility for college algebra and college-level English
  • Complete the NLN Pre-Admission Exam with a minimum score of 50% in English verbal. Students with the highest scores in math and science will receive first priority for admission
  • Submit the Health Requirements to the HCC American Database Services by the application deadline – these include proof of immunization compliance, completed Physical Exam form, and fulfill the Essential Functional Abilities requirements
  • Submit a completed Work Experience Form – for applicants who have two or more years of healthcare experience
  • Proof of CNA certification or its equivalence
  • CPR certification through American Heart Association, Basic Life Support CPR and AED
  • Complete a two-step TB test
  • Provide CORI/SORI information
  • Complete a 12-panel drug screen
  • Provide proof of health insurance coverage and liability insurance
  • Proof of completing online Dementia training and Centralized Clinical Placement orientation – before the first day of class

Tuition for completing 12 credits is $2,451 per semester – including student service fees and information technology fees. Students are responsible for the cost of textbooks, uniforms, admission costs, and supplies. All students must have reliable transport to the clinical facilities.