Unlock Your Nursing Potential: The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program

Are you a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or direct care worker in Massachusetts looking to advance your healthcare career? The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP) offers a fantastic opportunity to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This program is specifically designed to support dedicated individuals like you in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, home care, and community settings to climb the career ladder in nursing. A crucial aspect of eligibility is the endorsement from your current employer, highlighting the program’s commitment to workforce development and employer partnerships.

We understand that LPN training programs are demanding. The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program is thoughtfully structured to provide participants with comprehensive support throughout their journey to becoming LPNs. This includes financial assistance, flexible work arrangements, and dedicated support services to navigate any academic or personal challenges that may arise. Crucially, participants commit to returning to their current employers as full-time LPNs upon successful completion of the program and licensure, fostering career growth within their existing workplace.

Key Benefits for Massachusetts Career Ladder Program Participants:

• Financial Support: Receive CLP Advance Payments of $440 per week (pre-tax) to help manage living expenses during the LPN program’s standard duration, which is approximately 10 months. This financial cushion is a significant advantage for those balancing work and study.
• Personalized Coaching and Support: Gain access to weekly one-on-one coaching and a range of support services provided by JVS Boston, a reputable nonprofit organization specializing in career development and support. This personalized guidance ensures participants have the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.
• Exam and Licensing Fee Coverage: The program covers the cost of the NCLEX-PN exam fee ($200) and the LPN license registration fee ($230), removing these financial barriers to licensure.
• Resource Referrals: Benefit from referrals to other relevant resources as needed, ensuring holistic support throughout the program.

Ready to Apply? Here’s How:

1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the free Massachusetts Career Ladder Program application. Applications are reviewed continuously, so early submission is highly recommended.
2. Assessment and Interview: Participate in an assessment and interview with JVS Boston to evaluate your suitability for the program and identify any support needs.

Important Note: To be eligible for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program, you must first be accepted into an accredited LPN program for the upcoming admissions cycle (e.g., Fall 2024 – Spring 2025) and meet the detailed eligibility criteria outlined below. If you require additional academic and admissions support to gain acceptance into an LPN program, the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) may be a suitable starting point (more details provided below).

Career Ladder Program: Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program, applicants must meet the following essential criteria:

1. Current Employment: Be currently employed as a full-time CNA or direct care worker in good standing with your endorsing employer. (Refer to the CLP Applicants FAQs for a comprehensive definition).
2. LPN Program Acceptance: Secure acceptance into an LPN training program at a Massachusetts community college that is officially approved for the CLP.
3. Employer Approval: Obtain conditional approval from your current employer to participate in the Career Ladder Program, demonstrating a collaborative partnership.
4. FAFSA Completion: Have completed or be in the process of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to explore financial aid options.
5. U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status: Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card holder), Asylum Grantee, or refugee with a valid U.S. work permit. (Note: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J1 Visa, and undocumented statuses are not eligible).
6. Social Security Number: Possess a valid Social Security Number.
7. Massachusetts Residency: Currently reside in the state of Massachusetts.
8. Commitment to Massachusetts Workforce: Plan to work within Massachusetts for at least the next five (5) years, contributing to the local healthcare sector.
9. Post-Licensure Employment Commitment: Commit to working full-time for your current employer as an LPN for a minimum of four (4) years after successfully obtaining your LPN license.
   • Repayment Obligation: Failure to return to your employer after LPN licensure will result in the responsibility to repay the full CLP Advance Payment amount received.
   • Proportional Repayment: If you return to your employer for a period less than four years, a portion of the CLP Advance Payment will be required to be repaid, proportional to the duration of employment. Detailed information is available in the FAQs.

Priority consideration is given to applicants who qualify for and receive funding through MassReconnect, which covers tuition costs at Massachusetts community colleges for eligible individuals.

Approved LPN Programs in Massachusetts

The following Massachusetts community colleges offer LPN programs approved for the Career Ladder Program. Visit each school’s website via the links below to explore specific admissions requirements. Refer to the Participant Guide to LPN Admissions for comprehensive guidance.

Please note that most schools, with the exception of Mount Wachusett Community College, typically have a May deadline for Fall (September) admissions.

Participating Community Colleges:

• North Shore Community College (1 Ferncroft Road, Danvers, MA 01923)
• Northern Essex Community College (414 Common Street, Lawrence, MA 01840)
• Quinsigamond Community College (670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606)

Vocational Technical Programs: (Currently, the program description only lists Community Colleges, so this section is intentionally left as is based on the original text)

Frequently Asked Questions

(This section is intentionally kept concise as in the original, as a heading to suggest further information is available, likely in linked FAQs)

Apply here →

Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep): An Overview

For individuals who need additional preparation and support to gain admission into an LPN program, the CLPrep program offers a valuable stepping stone. CLPrep is designed to bridge the gap and enhance your readiness for LPN training.

The level of support within CLPrep is tailored to individual needs and readiness levels, encompassing two distinct tracks:

CLPrep I: General Admissions Support

• Admissions Navigation Assistance: Receive guidance and support in navigating LPN program admissions requirements, including prerequisite courses, the TEAS exam, class registration processes, and financial aid applications.
• TEAS Exam Fee Coverage: The program covers the TEAS exam fee ($106), reducing financial barriers to program entry.
• Prerequisite Class Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available for required prerequisite classes, up to a maximum amount per student, based on need and funding availability.

CLPrep II: Comprehensive Support

• Online Readiness Class: Participate in a comprehensive online readiness class, nine hours per week for up to one year. This class focuses on enhancing English language skills and other crucial academic skills essential for success in the LPN program admissions process and subsequent training.
• Admissions Navigation Assistance: Receive the same admissions navigation support as offered in CLPrep I, covering prerequisite courses, the TEAS exam, class registration, and financial aid applications.
• TEAS Exam Fee Coverage: The TEAS exam fee ($106) is also covered under CLPrep II.
• Prerequisite Class Financial Assistance: Similar financial assistance for prerequisite classes is available, up to a maximum amount per student, subject to need and funding.

While CLPrep is strategically designed to prepare participants for eventual participation in the Career Ladder Program by facilitating the fulfillment of LPN program admission requirements, it’s important to note that CLPrep participation does not guarantee automatic entry into the CLP. It is a preparatory pathway to enhance your competitiveness and readiness.

CLPrep Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) largely mirror those of the main CLP program, with a focus on current employment and commitment to the healthcare field in Massachusetts:

1. Current Employment: Be currently employed as a full-time CNA or direct care worker in good standing with your endorsing employer. (Refer to CLP Applicants FAQs for a detailed definition).
2. Employer Approval: Obtain conditional approval from your current employer to participate in the CLPrep program.
3. FAFSA Completion Plan: Plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to explore financial aid options for further education.
4. U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status: Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card holder), Asylum Grantee, or refugee with a valid U.S. work permit. (Note: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J1 Visa, and undocumented statuses are not eligible).
5. Social Security Number: Possess a valid Social Security Number.
6. Massachusetts Residency: Currently reside in Massachusetts.
7. Commitment to Massachusetts Workforce: Plan to work in Massachusetts for at least the next five (5) years in the healthcare sector.
8. Post-Licensure Employment Commitment: Plan to work for your current employer as a full-time LPN for a minimum of four (4) years after successfully obtaining your LPN license.

Partners

Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP) was launched with a significant $6 million investment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the CLP is strategically designed to: (1) foster career advancement opportunities for direct care workers within the health and human services sector; and (2) directly address the critical shortage of LPNs in long-term services and support settings. Funding for the CLP includes $5 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), alongside $1 million allocated by the state legislature.

JVS Boston

JVS Boston, established in 1938, is a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonsectarian organization. Serving over 10,000 individuals annually, JVS Boston is a leading community-based provider of adult education and workforce development services in the Greater Boston area. JVS Boston’s core mission is to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to secure employment and build fulfilling careers. They achieve this by partnering with employers to facilitate effective hiring, employee development, and workforce retention. To support this mission, JVS offers a comprehensive suite of services, including adult education, vocational training, job readiness programs, career counseling, and job placement assistance, complemented by essential supportive services.

Massachusetts Senior Care Association

The Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) is a prominent non-profit trade association representing nearly 400 nursing and rehabilitation facilities, assisted living residences, residential care facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. Playing a vital role in the continuum of care, MSCA members provide housing, healthcare, and essential support services to over 100,000 individuals each year. They collectively employ more than 45,000 staff members and contribute over $4 billion annually to the Massachusetts economy, underscoring their significant impact on the state.