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Accredited LPN Programs & Colleges in Massachusetts
Quincy College, Massasoit CC, and other community colleges run LPN programs at affordable tuition with clinical placements across Boston's teaching hospital network. Programs run 12–15 months. Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Lahey are the largest employers. Massachusetts's concentration of academic medical centers creates clinical experiences that shorter programs in other states cannot match.
| School | City | Type | Program Length | Approx. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assabet Valley Regional Technical School | Marlborough | Technical School | 10 months | $8,200 |
| Greater Lowell Technical High School | Tyngsborough | Technical School | 10 months | $7,800 |
| Quincy College | Quincy | Community College | 12 months | $9,400 |
| Massasoit Community College | Brockton | Community College | 12 months | $7,200 |
Tuition figures are approximate and reflect in-state rates. Contact each school for current pricing, financial aid, and enrollment deadlines. Always confirm the program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Online & Hybrid LPN Programs in Massachusetts
No Massachusetts LPN program is fully online — the Board of Registration in Nursing requires supervised clinical training. Some programs offer hybrid coursework options, but Boston-area programs are primarily campus-based given the density of clinical sites.
Hybrid programs are ideal for working adults, parents, or anyone who needs scheduling flexibility. Typical hybrid programs cover 40–60% of coursework online, with the remainder as on-site clinical hours at approved partner hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and clinics.
For a complete list of online-friendly LPN programs available to Massachusetts residents, visit our dedicated guide:
Requirements to Enroll in a Massachusetts LPN Program
Massachusetts programs are among the most competitive in New England, reflecting the high salaries and world-class clinical environments graduates enter. Strong TEAS scores and prerequisite GPAs are essential. Massachusetts is NOT an NLC compact state — your license works only in Massachusetts.
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum age of 18 (some programs accept students at 17 with parental consent)
- Completed prerequisite courses — typically includes basic math, English, and introductory biology or anatomy & physiology
- Passing score on an entrance exam (TEAS or HESI A2 are most common)
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Current CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association)
- Up-to-date immunization records including TB test, Hepatitis B, and flu vaccine
Quick Facts: LPN Licensing in Massachusetts
After completing an approved program, graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN examination and apply for licensure through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Most candidates receive their results within 48 hours of testing.
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LPN Salary & Job Outlook in Massachusetts
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024 OEWS data), LPNs in Massachusetts earn an average of $76,400 per year ($36.73/hour). This places Massachusetts well above the national LPN average of $62,340.
Salaries in Massachusetts typically range from $57,200 for entry-level positions to $94,800 for experienced nurses in high-demand specialties or metro areas.
LPN Salary by City in Massachusetts
| City / Metro Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $79,800 |
| Worcester | $74,200 |
| Springfield | $72,800 |
Job Outlook
Employment of LPNs in Massachusetts is projected to grow 3% over the next decade — about as fast as average for all occupations. The state sees approximately 1,400 annual job openings for LPNs, driven by retirements, career transitions, and growing demand in skilled nursing facilities and home health.
Where LPNs Work in Massachusetts
The majority of LPNs in Massachusetts work in skilled nursing facilities and long-term care, which together employ roughly 35% of the state's practical nurses. Other common employers include hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, and outpatient care centers. Shift differentials for evenings, nights, and weekends can add $2–$5/hour on top of base pay.
First Job Tips for New LPN Graduates
Landing your first LPN position in Massachusetts is usually straightforward given current demand. Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care centers actively recruit new graduates and often offer sign-on bonuses. Staffing agencies are another option — they can place you quickly and often pay above-average hourly rates. Once you have 6–12 months of experience, you'll qualify for positions in hospitals, clinics, and specialty practices.
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Explore More Nursing & Healthcare Careers in Massachusetts
Whether you're starting out or planning your next credential, these guides can help:
Massachusetts
Massachusetts LPN Scope of Practice — What You Can and Can't Do
Massachusetts LPNs are regulated by the Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) under 244 CMR. Massachusetts enacted the NLC in November 2024 but has NOT yet implemented it — you still need a Massachusetts-specific license as of 2026.
You Can Direct Patient Care
Massachusetts LPNs practice under direction of an RN or physician. The BORN issued Advisory Ruling AR 25-01 in 2025 clarifying LPN vs RN scope:
- Medication administration (oral, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhaled)
- Basic, focused assessments — contributing to the RN's systematic assessment
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Vital signs and point-of-care testing
- Foley catheter insertion and management
- Tracheostomy care and suctioning
- Participating in implementing and evaluating outcomes of the care plan
- Initiating or encouraging changes in plans of care when appropriate
- Implementing the RN's teaching plan for patients
- Supervising CNAs/UAPs
Conditional IV Therapy
- LPNs may perform IV therapy after completing a BORN-approved IV therapy course
- Must work under direction of an RN or physician
- Peripheral IV starts and IV fluid/medication administration permitted after training
- LPNs CANNOT administer blood products, chemotherapy, or manage central lines
You Cannot RN-Only Functions
- Completing the systematic patient assessment
- Developing the nursing plan of care
- Coordinating the teaching plan (LPNs implement, not coordinate)
- Blood product or chemotherapy administration
- Central line management
- Triage
- Independent practice
Massachusetts LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs
| School | Format | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massasoit Community College | On-campus + clinical | 12–18 months | ADN bridge south of Boston |
| Quincy College | On-campus + clinical | 12–16 months | ADN bridge in Quincy/Plymouth area |
| Excelsior University | 100% Online | Self-paced | Online + local clinicals, no waitlist |
Massachusetts Board of Nursing Contact
- Website: mass.gov — Board of Nursing
- Phone: (617) 973-0900
- Address: 250 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108
Ready for the Next Step?
Bridge from LPN to RN — Expand Your Scope and Your Paycheck
Tired of scope limitations? RNs earn 35–50% more, perform initial assessments, create care plans, start IVs without extra certification, and run triage. Bridge programs let you earn your RN while you keep working.
Explore LPN-to-RN Bridge Programs →