Best 22 LPN Programs in MA in 2024

Looking for a nursing school in MA? You’re in luck. The Best LPN programs in Massachusetts are available at many community colleges at an affordable rate.  Many offer both part-time and full-time options to meet needs of adult learners. The following programs have been ranked according to a matrix using the cost, faculty to student ratio, NCLEX-PN pass rate, and delivery options.  The lower the cost and faculty to student ratio the higher the ranking, the higher the NCLEX-PN pass rate the higher the ranking, and institutions that offer multiple delivery times/options will earn an extra point.  For further detail on point methodology see the end of article.  Whether you’re looking for accelerated nursing programs in MA or other types of nursing programs, you’ll be sure to find an option here.

 

1. Berkshire Community College

A public community college in Pittsfield, Berkshire Community College offers an affordable and accredited nursing program.  Students will need to complete general education courses prior to applying to the nursing program.  There are different nursing programs available with some courses available online, while all clinical experiences will be in person.  As the need for qualified nursing professionals increases so has the need to well trained students in the field. This program is accredited by the ACEN and takes approximately two years to complete.  

At A Glance

Location: Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,492 (Resident) $11,52(Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 96%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1

Graduation Rate: 24.5%

 

2. Blackstone Regional Vocational Technical High School

As the nursing shortage continues and the demand for qualified health care providers increases, more institutions are providing quality training and certificate programs to meet the nursing needs of communities.  Blackstone Regional Vocational Technical High School offers a part-time evening LPN program that provides coursework, labs, and clinical experiences over the course of 60 months enabling adult learners to meet other obligations while working towards their career goals.  Participants are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam upon completing the program and they will receive a LPN certificate.  Graduates are employed in a variety of healthcare settings.  

At A Glance

Location: Upton, Massachusetts

Cost:  $11,000 In District   $18,000 Out Of State

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  100%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 13 to 1

Graduation Rate: 99%

 

3. Diman Regional Technical Institute

Diman Regional Technical Institute has been ranked as providing one of the top LPN programs in the state of Massachusetts boasting a 100% LPN pass rate for first take takers.  The LPN program seeks to educate skilled workers, students that have not only the knowledge of theory but also of practical skills to be effective in their career.  Students will complete general education courses as well as nursing courses.  The coursework will be completed on campus and in person.  Students will also have opportunities to learn hands-on skills through required clinicals throughout the area.    

At A Glance

Location: Fall River, Massachusetts

Cost: $12,415

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 100%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 8 to 1

Graduation Rate: 50%

 

4. Assabet Valley Regional Technical School

Assabet Valley Regional Technical School provides education for practical nursing students that are seeking to earn a certification that allows them to practice as a practical nurse.  The program is comprehensive and prepares students with knowledge and skills to provide direct care.  The entire program can be completed in 10 months through the full-time day courses that are available on campus.  Upon completion of the program students can take the licensure exam.  This career path prepares students to work in a variety of settings including long-term care facilities, hospitals, clinics, doctors offices, and more.  

At A Glance

Location: Marlborough, Massachusetts

Cost: $10,565

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  97%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1

Graduation Rate: 100%

 

5. Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School Points:  15

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School is a vocational high school that provides training programs for admitted high school students and young adults.  Those students seeking a career in the healthcare field right away can enroll in the LPN program that has excellent pass rates.  There are two options for those aspiring to earn their LPN, a full-time path.  The full-time path allows students to complete the entire program in less than a year but does require them to attend courses on campus full-time during the day.  The other option is a part time plan that is offered during the evening and on weekends.  This path takes two years to complete.  Booth awarded a LPN certificate and prepared students to earn their license upon passing the exam.  

 

At A Glance

Location: Taunton, Massachusetts

Cost: $7,000 (In-District) $8,000 (Out-of-District)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 97%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 13 to 1

Graduation Rate: N/A

 

6. Blue Hills Regional Technical School

With a need for increased nursing professionals in Massachusetts, now is the time to enter a stable career in nursing.  Blue Hills Regional Technical School offers a comprehensive LPN program that prepares students for roles in the healthcare industry.  With a high NCLEX-PN pass rate, students are assured to receive a quality education preparing them to pass on their first attempt.  Coursework is completed in person on campus and approved clinics.  Upon graduation students are ready for employment within local clinics and healthcare settings.  

At A Glance

Location: Canton, Massachusetts

Cost: $13,660 (Resident) $14,660 (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 93%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1

Graduation Rate: 

 

7. Holyoke Community College

The profession of nursing is the art of caring for others.  At Holyoke Community College students that aspire to enter a career where they can care for others with confidence and competence will find the LPN program to be the first step to that career path.  This is a certification program that will prepare students with the knowledge to pass the NCLEX-PN exam as well as the skills required to provide care in a variety of settings.  Participants will take courses in human anatomy, pharmacology, practical nursing, and more.  

At A Glance

Location: Holyoke, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,114 (Resident) $10,058 (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  100%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1

Graduation Rate: 26%

 

8. Massachusetts Bay Community College

The LPN program available at Massachusetts Bay Community College is among the top ranked programs in the state.  With a 100% pass rate, affordability, good pay, and satisfaction it is obvious why.  Students are well prepared with the knowledge and theory of nursing as they enter the healthcare field.  With clinicals and simulations, students are competent and confident in their skills as they provide bedside care to patients.  Students will experience clinicals at various healthcare facilities within the area exposing them to a variety of settings and atmospheres that they can be employed in.  

At A Glance

Location:Wellesley, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,232 (Resident) $10,176 (Non-Resident) 

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  100%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1

Graduation Rate: 17.4%

 

9. Quincy College

The LPN program at Quincy College is a forward-thinking and innovative program that focuses on both evidence-based curriculum and the concept-based curriculum of Nurse of Future Competencies.  The learning environment is engaging and promotes student exploration and participation through on-campus courses.  Students learn the theory, knowledge, and skills necessary to be a competent and confident nurse that provides direct care to patients across the lifespan.  Graduates will qualify for the NCLEX-PN exam, which has a 100% pass rate for students of Quincy College, as well as the LPN certification.  

At A Glance

Location: Plymouth and Quincy, Massachusetts

Cost: $6,686

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  100%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 14 to 1

Graduation Rate: 13.2%

 

10. Southeastern Technical Institute

At Southeast Technical Institute students can rest assured they will receive a return on their investment.  Those who enroll in the LPN program will not only receive an excellent education but will be prepared to pass the licensure exam.  What is even better is the 100% job placement rate that Southeastern Technical Institute holds for its LPN graduates.  Students learn to think critically, be effective communicators, provide evidence-based direct care to patients from culturally diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan, as they work as part of a healthcare team.  

At A Glance

Location: Easton, Massachusetts

Cost: $11,125

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  96%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 14 to 1

Graduation Rate: 42%%

 

11. Bay Path Regional Technical Vocational High School

Bay Path Regional Technical Vocational High School prides itself on offering training and education to adults from culturally diverse backgrounds to improve the community and lift lives.  The LPN program fits into this model as a means of providing affordable education to train and prepare students for meaningful careers in the growing healthcare industry.  The LPN program is offered in the evening as a full-time program that enables students to complete it in under one year.  With courses offered in the evening students are able to meet other obligations they may have, be they work, childcare, etc.  

At A Glance

Location: Charlton, Massachusetts

Cost: $14,500

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 86%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1

Graduation Rate: 95%

 

12. Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School

Aspiring nurses can enroll at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School to earn a LPN certificate.  The program prepares students to successfully pass the licensure exam as well as equip them with the skills of an LPN.  Graduates are able to deliver care to culturally diverse clients, communicate effectively with clients and those within their healthcare team, apply nursing theory as they provide competent nursing care, and educate and promote health of individuals or groups.  Two delivery tracks are offered; a full-time day track and a part time evening and weekend tracks. The first can be completed in under one year, while the latter takes 20 months to complete.  

At A Glance

Location: Franklin, Massachusetts

Cost: $12,800 Entire Program (Resident)  $13,900 Entire Program (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 92%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1

Graduation Rate: 100%

 

13. North Shore Community College Points

Providing direct patient care is only a short 10 month away.  The LPN program at North Shore Community College awards graduates with a certificate and the knowledge to pass the required licensure exam.  Students can work in a variety of settings providing direct patient care to individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds and across the lifespan. Graduates are able to quickly find work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, doctors offices and more.  Help fill the nursing shortage with a fulfilling career that has numerous opportunities for advancement.    

At A Glance

Location: Danvers, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,256 (Resident) $10,824 (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  91%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 14 to 1

Graduation Rate: 27%

 

14. McCann Technical School

The healthcare industry is expected to continue growing and the need of nursing professionals at every level is expected to grow with it. McCann Technical School offers a comprehensive LPN program that prepares students to enter the healthcare industry with the knowledge and experience they need to provide direct patient-centered care.  This program alone provides students with 1,125 hours of instruction and a minimum of 540 hours of clinical experience.  Students are prepared to pass the licensure exam and lead out in direct patient care.  

At A Glance

Location: North Adams, Massachusetts

Cost: $3,485

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 87%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 4 to 1

Graduation Rate: 76%

 

15. Mount Wachusett Community College

The LPN program at Mount Wachusett Community College is designed for those that are serious about a career in nursing, whether they are a first time students or returning with a CNA and seeking to advance their career.  Graduates are able to work in a variety of healthcare settings from long-term care facilities to hospitals and more.  Students are prepared with the knowledge and theory to pass the LPN exam as well as be skilled care providers.  The program is seven courses and is accredited by the ACEN.  Seats for the program are limited so it is encouraged to apply early.  

At A Glance

Location: Gardner, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,668 (Resident) $10,588 (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 84%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1

Graduation Rate: 25%

 

16. Shawsheen Valley Technical High School

For aspiring nurses, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School offers a LPN program that provides students with the theoretical framework necessary for all levels of nursing.  Students will participate in laboratories and clinical practices where they gain and build upon nursing skills that are used in direct care of patients.  Coursework is done in person on campus.  Courses include anatomy, fundamentals of nursing, nutrition, microbiology, pharmacology, maternity, mental health, pediatrics, and more.  Students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them not only for the licensure exam but for advancement if they choose.  

At A Glance

Location: Billerica, Massachusetts

Cost: $9,000 For Program

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  84%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 3

Graduation Rate: 87%

 

17. Quinsigamond Community College

Having skilled LPN’s that provide direct patient care is critical in every healthcare setting.  At Quinsigamond Community College students of the LPN certificate program will gain both the knowledge and the skills to prepare them to be effective LPN’s.  Students are able to provide patient centered care to culturally diverse patients throughout the life span. Upon completion of the program students can take the NCLEX-PN exam to earn the Practical Nursing License that enables them to work in many settings across the field of healthcare.  

At A Glance

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,658 (Resident) $10,602 (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  89%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 15 to 1

Graduation Rate: 23%

 

18. Northern Essex Community College

As the national nursing shortage continues the need for LPN’s in Massachusetts reflects the same shortage.  At Northern Essex Community College students can earn an LPN certificate in under one year and begin working across a variety of healthcare settings as an LPN earning a salary over $50K per year.   Students of the program will learn the knowledge they need to pass the exam required for licensure as well as the daily skills that they will be utilizing to properly care for patients.  They learn how to care for culturally diverse individuals across the lifespan.    

At A Glance

Location: Haverhill, Massachusetts

Cost: $5,280 (Resident) $11,064 (Non-Resident)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  86%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 20 to 1

Graduation Rate: 28%

 

19. Greater Lowell Technical School

The LPN program at Greater Lowell Technical School is a post-secondary program that enables students to earn their LPN certificate in under one year.  In the program, students will take courses in anatomy, mental health concepts, fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and more.  With a high pass rate for the NCLEX-PN exam and a high placement rate, students will know their investment is well worth it.  To better meet the needs of attending students two divisions are offered to meet schedules, a day division and an evening/weekend division.  Students can also apply for pell grants and/or loans to pay for tuition.  

At A Glance

Location: Tyngsborough, Massachusetts

Cost: $7,500 (In-District) $11,579 (Out-Of-District)

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  89%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1

Graduation Rate: N/A

 

20. Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School is home to an excellent LPN program that provides aspiring nurses with the education needed to not only pass the NCLEX-PN licensure exam but also to be able to confidently provide direct care to patients as a member of the healthcare team.  This certificate path is offered as both a 10 month full-time path and a part time evening course path that is completed in 20 months.  Graduates are prepared for careers in many healthcare settings.  Students can also choose to continue their education for more advanced nursing positions.  

At A Glance

Location: Bourne, Massachusetts

Cost: Contact School

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  91%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 10 to 1

Graduation Rate: 94%

 

21. Greenfield Community College

For individuals that want to be part of the hands-on care patients receive, earning an LPN will provide that opportunity.  At Greenfield Community College students can earn a certificate that qualifies them to be employed as an LPN upon completing the NCLEX-PN exam.  The coursework will not only prepare students with the knowledge necessary to pass the exam but also with the skills to be competent and confident care providers to adults and children alike.  LPN’s are employed in a variety of healthcare settings and the need for trained LPN’s continues to increase each year.  Courses are provided on campus at Greenfield Community College. 

At A Glance

Location: Greenfield, Massachusetts

Cost: $775 Per Semester

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate: 81%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1

Graduation Rate: 29.7%

 

22. Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School is home to a comprehensive nursing program that trains practical nurses for employment giving direct care to patients.  Students learn from an evidence based curriculum as they complete coursework on campus as well as labs and clinical experiences.  THrough these teaching methods students learn more than the skills of caring for patients but also leadership, effective communication, professionalism, collaboration, and health informatics.  Knowledge in these various areas prepares students for the licensure exam as well as for leadership positions soon after they enter the field of nursing. 

At A Glance

Location: Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Cost: Currently Unavailable 

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  88%

Faculty to Student Ratio: 12 to 1

Graduation Rate: 87%

 

Points Methodology

Cost:  Entire Program Under $15,000 Points: 5

Entire Program Between $15K and $20K Points: 3

Entire Program Above $20K Points: 1

Faculty to Student Ratio:  10 to 1 and Under   Points:  5

Between 10 and 20 to 1 Points:  3

Above 20 to 1   Points:  1

NCLEX-PN Pass Rate:  Above 95%  Points:  6

Between 90% and 95%   Points:  4

Between 85% and 90%  Points:  2

Below 85%   Points: 1

Offers both part-time and full-time courses:  Points:  2