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Directory of state-approved LPN training classes |
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Practical Nursing Careers in Massachusetts A licensed practical nurse works with people in just about every facet of the health care system. A registered nurse, doctor or dentist supervises an LPN. The LPN performs many functions depending on the facility. Some of these duties are evaluating patient needs, changing wound dressings, starting care plans, taking vital signs, patient observation and collecting lab specimens. They may work with catheters, oxygen equipment, intravenous lines and monitoring systems. Working in a doctor’s office or clinic, an LPN might be responsible for giving injections, scheduling appointments, chart documentation and supervising medical assistants. In nursing homes LPNs typically supervise the nurse aides. In long-term care facilities that house twenty-four hour residents, LPNs work all shifts including weekends and holidays.
LPN salaries in Massachusetts depend on multiple factors such as population, type of facility and job competition. The median LPN salary in Boston is $46,043, ranging between $38,519 to $54,052 per year. The cities of Brockton and New Bedford have median LPN salaries within $100 of each other, but can range anywhere between $38,209 to $50,859 per year. Massachusetts has a number of community colleges offering LPN programs that count towards earning a Practical Nursing Certificate. Classes are given in psychology, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology. Neighboring health care facilities provide clinical experiences. Students practice job skills in on-campus labs. Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 for all general education and nursing courses to remain in the program. Before enrollment acceptance, students must pass a criminal background check, sex offender registry check and physical exam. Immunizations must be up to date and certification in CPR must be current. This is common procedure for anyone providing direct patient care. The nursing field is competitive. Many LPNs remain competitive within the job market by becoming certified in IV therapy, long-term-care, hemodialysis, pharmacology and wound care. Certifications increase your marketability to employers and increase your knowledge base. List of LPN Programs in Massachusetts (MA)
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Massachusetts LPN SchoolsOur directory lists all Massachusetts schools that currently offer approved practical nursing programs. The Massachusetts state board of nursing is the regulatory organization in charge of approving LPN education programs. To gain approval, educational institutions must demonstrate to the board of nursing that their program sufficiently prepares students with the knowledge and skills expected of a licensed practical nurse. The on-going approval of a program depends largely upon their graduation rates and the NCLEX pass rates of their graduates. If a program starts to produce poor results in either of these two categories they can quickly lose their state approval or be placed on probationary approval status until their results improve. Required LPN Classes in MassachusettsThe specific course work required in practical nursing programs can differ from institution to institution. However, there are some subjects that are almost always included in most programs. Typical LPN classes include Anatomy & Physiology, Basic Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Math for Nurses, Psychology and Pharmacology. Topics covered within these subjects prepare students with the knowledge base required to perform the work of a licensed practical nurse. How to Become an LPN in MassachusettsStart the process by researching available education programs to find one that suits your schedule and preferences. The next step is to enroll and complete an LPN training program that is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing. Most LPN programs take roughly one year to finish. Upon successful completion of all course requirements you are eligible to challenge the NCLEX-PN exam. After passing the test you can register with the state of Massachusetts as a licensed practical nurse and begin searching for employment. Taking the NCLEX-PN Exam in MassachusettsWhen it comes time to challenge the practical nursing license exam it is advisable to prepare for the exam with a self-study program or classroom prep course. Knowing what to expect on the actual test and completing practice questions can increase your chances of passing. When you feel ready to take the test, apply for your practical nursing license with the Massachusetts state board of nursing and register with Pearson VUE. There is a $200 fee required in order to register for the exam. The next step is to wait until you receive confirmation of your Authorization to Test (ATT). Once you receive your ATT you can schedule your NCLEX exam with Pearson VUE at a nearby testing center. LPN Quick Reference Links Massachusetts Board of Nursing
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