CNA to LPN Programs Boston, MA

Every healthcare worker makes a valuable contribution to the smooth flow of the health delivery systems. Workers such as certified nursing assistants are more hands-on with care. While nurses are also hands-on, they approach it from a more managerial perspective. They are involved in the development and implementation of patient care plans and may supervise the work of nursing assistants. If you enjoy your work as a CNA, but want to up your earnings, enrolling in a bridge CNA to LPN program can help you to make the transition in one year or less.

MassBay Community College

The practical nursing program at MassBay Community College leads to a Practical Nursing Certificate. Certified nursing assistants who want to complete the educational requirements to start an entry-level career as a licensed practical may apply to the program and receive extra points in the competitive selection process. The curriculum will include theoretical, lab, and clinical components of nursing courses that run sequentially. A minimum grade of C, 75% is required for progression in all Practical Nursing courses. Course topics include anatomy and physiology with lab, medical terminology, foundations of practical nursing, issues and trends in practical nursing, principles of pharmacology, introduction to medical surgical nursing, and care of the family. The Practical Nursing Program has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). They will be able to use the nursing process and judgment to provide client centered care, communicate effectively to contribute in team making decisions, demonstrate leadership skills within the role of the practical nurse, and use technology to evaluate and apply evidence-based nursing care.

Admission criteria:

  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent or associate degree or higher
  • Must place into Freshman English I or complete Fundamentals of Composition II with a grade of C or higher
  • Place into Intermediate Algebra or complete Introductory Algebra with a grade C or higher
  • Complete the Reading Assessment Test with a score of 246 or higher
  • Complete Anatomy and Physiology I and II with a grade C or higher – within a five-year timeframe. Students can repeat each science course only once to achieve a C or higher
  • Submit documentation from a healthcare provider indicating completion of 3-dose Hepatitis B vaccine or 2-dose HEplisav-B
  • Take and pass the HESI (A2) exam with a score of 70% or better – scores are valid for one year – or a minimum composite score of 60% on the ATI TEAS
  • Attend a mandatory New Student Orientation – students who do not attend and do not provide a legitimate excuse will be withdrawn from the program
  • Initiate a Castle Branch account at least 6 weeks before the first day of class
  • Upload medical clearance with proof of immunization to the Castle Branch account
  • Provide proof of CPR certification – Basic Life Support Provider Card from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer Card from the American Red Cross
  • Complete Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form to authorize search of conviction and pending criminal case information
  • CNA applicants must provide documentation of CNA certification

Tuition costs $224 per credit for resident students and $430 per credit for non-residents. Other costs for textbooks, insurance, uniforms, and nursing kit must be covered by the student.

Quincy College

The Practical Nursing Certificate program at Quincy College is open to certified nursing assistants who are seeking to prepare for a career as a licensed practical nurse. The program of study includes theory in the biological and behavioral sciences, which provide a foundation for nursing courses. Students will participate in clinical experiences conducted in a variety of health care settings. Both theory and hands-on learning experiences will help students develop nursing competencies consistent with current practices. The curriculum covers a total of 44 credit hours. Course topics include human growth and development, human behavior, nutrition, microbiology, fundamentals of nursing, concepts of adult health nursing, and practical nursing across the continuum. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a practical nurse.  They will provide safe, quality, evidence-based patient-centered care, use critical thinking/clinical reasoning to make decisions, address patient needs through teamwork and collaboration, and incorporate management, legal, and ethical guidelines within the scope of practice of a practical nurse. Full-time and part-time schedules are available.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a required Nursing Program Information Session – dates are available on the website
  • Submit an application for admission to the PN program and the non-refundable application fee.
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED scores
  • Submit official college transcripts from previously attended colleges
  • Submit copies of any certifications in the medical field – CNA, medical assistant, etc.
  • Must attend an Information Session
  • Submit passing scores on the ATI TEAS test – Reading 65% or higher, Math 50% or higher, English 55% or higher. Applicants may take the TEAS a maximum of three times a year
  • Provide information for a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check
  • Create a CastleBranch account
  • Must upload mandatory health data to CastleBranch – current health immunization, physical exam report, and current CPR for health care provider
  • Complete the drug screening as required by clinical agencies

Tuition costs $14,194 for prerequisite and core nursing courses. The cost does not include textbooks, supplies, and other nursing fees.

Greater Lowell Technical High School

Certified nursing assistants may apply for admission at Greater Lowell Technical High School and prepares for a role as a licensed practical nurse. CNAs will be given recognition for previous learning. The curriculum covers 1,097 hours of classroom and 540 hours of clinical instruction. The clinical rotations are mandatory and will take place at various healthcare facilities in the community. They will give students the opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts covered in the classroom. Course topics include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, mental health concepts, growth and development, fundamentals of nursing, medical surgical nursing, maternity nursing, pediatric nursing, pharmacology, and vocational trends. Nursing assistants will add to their knowledge and skills to succeed as a practical nurse. The training will encourage them to become lifelong learners and pursue their potential for personal and professional success. Daytime and evening schedules are available. Daytime classes meet Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Evening classes meet Monday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm and every other weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. Admission is limited to 40 students with each cycle.

Admission criteria:

  • Fill out the online registration form completely and accurately and pay the application fee of $140 which includes payment for one entrance exam session
  • Must be at least 17.5 years of age before classes begin
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS which tests the Reading Assessment and Mathematics Assessment. Applicants must achieve a passing score of at least 60% current answers in the Reading Assessment and score at least 56.7% in the Mathematics Assessment
  • Schedule and an attend an Admissions Interview via Zoom – available only for
  • Provide a Personal Statement of not more than 200 words
  • Provide a copy of a recent resume indicating any healthcare related work
  • Provide official high school and college transcripts
  • Must provide documentation of CNA certification
  • Provide three letters of reference from current/former supervisors and/or teachers. Must be on company/business letterhead
  • Provide proof of Citizenship status – birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, resident alien card, or employment authorization card
  • Provide social security card
  • Provide proof of residency including driver’s license
  • Upload medical clearance with proof of immunization to the Castle Branch account
  • Provide proof of CPR certification – Basic Life Support Provider Card from the American Heart Association
  • Complete Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form
  • Must provide proof of COVID vaccination

The cost of tuition for in-district students is $7,500 and requires a down payment of $3,500. Costs not included in the tuition are drug testing, health immunizations, seat reservation, textbooks, uniforms, NCLEX-review, state exam, and graduation.

Northshore Community College

The Practical Nursing Program at Northshore Community College is open to Certified Nursing Assistants who are currently certified in the State of Massachusetts. The comprehensive curriculum is based on accepted nursing concepts with a curriculum based on accepted nursing concepts with emphasis on the development of technical competencies, communication skills and critical thinking. Students will learn in the classroom as well as through hands-on, real-world experiences during the clinical rotations scheduled at local healthcare facilities in the community. Course topics include anatomy and physiology for allied health, overview of microbiology, human development and health promotion, fundamental of practical nursing, nutrition for practical nursing, pharmacology for practical nursing, medical surgical nursing, maternal child health, contemporary trends and issues in practical nursing, and life continuum nursing. Students must complete 43 credit hours to obtain a Practical Nursing Certificate. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX for licensure as a Practical Nurse. The duration of the program is 10 months.

Admission criteria:

  • Attend a mandatory information session before submitting an application
  • Take and pass the ATI TEAS with a scores of Reading (69%) Math (63.3%), Science (45.8%), English (54.2%) – taking the exam at NSCC is recommended
  • Submit an application online and upload the remaining documents to the student account
  • Provide a copy of high school transcript or GED scores
  • Demonstrate communications proficiency. This may be demonstrated through SAT or Accuplacer scores
  • Demonstrate math proficiency – SAT or Accuplacer scores are accepted
  • Submit an electronic reference from a most recent employer or school advisor. Must include name and email address of reference on the application
  • Upload a completed essay responding to the question – “Why would you like to pursue a Practical Nursing career and what qualities do you feel would make you a good candidate for our program.”
  • Submit all official college transcripts from previously attended colleges
  • Must undergo a criminal background check
  • Submit evidence of physical and emotional health
  • Submit a completed immunization record – TdaP, MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Meningitis, TB test
  • Provide proof of current CPR certification (BLS certified by the American Heart Association) and health insurance

Tuition costs $2,676 per semester for students completing 12 credits and $3,345 per semester for students completing 15 credits. Additional expenses include textbooks, uniforms, fees, CPR certification, health certification, and nursing kit.

 

 

 

 

Crystal G

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.