LPN Programs in Massachusetts: Schools, Requirements & Salary (2026)
Massachusetts LPN programs prepare students for a high-demand nursing career in one of the nation’s leading healthcare markets. With approximately 16,810 LPNs employed across the state and a median salary of $65,680, Massachusetts ranks among the top-paying states for practical nurses in the country. LPN schools in Massachusetts include community colleges, regional technical schools, and accredited private institutions spread across Greater Boston, the South Shore, the Merrimack Valley, and western Massachusetts. The MA Board of Registration in Nursing oversees all LPN licensure requirements. If you are searching for LPN classes in Massachusetts, this guide covers the top programs, state requirements, salary data, and the steps to launch your nursing career in the Bay State.
LPN Salary in Massachusetts
The median annual salary for LPNs in Massachusetts is $65,680, which is $5,950 above the national median of $59,730. The state employs approximately 16,810 LPNs, with projected job growth of 5% through 2032.
Top-Paying Cities in Massachusetts
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Cambridge | $68,500 |
| Boston | $68,100 |
| Worcester | $64,200 |
| Springfield | $62,500 |
For detailed salary percentiles and metro-area data, see our complete LPN salary guide.
How to Become an LPN in Massachusetts
To practice as an LPN in Massachusetts, you must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Here's the process:
Complete prerequisites
High school diploma or GED, CPR/BLS certification, passing TEAS or HESI entrance exam score, background check, and current immunizations.
Enroll in an approved LPN program
Choose a program approved by the MA Board of Registration in Nursing. Massachusetts LPN programs typically require 600+ clinical hours across acute care, long-term care, and community health settings.
Complete coursework and clinical rotations
Programs cover nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, anatomy, medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and mental health. Clinical rotations take place at hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics across Massachusetts.
Pass the NCLEX-PN
After graduating, register with the MA Board of Registration in Nursing and pass the NCLEX-PN exam to earn your LPN license.
Apply for Massachusetts licensure
Submit your license application through the MA Board of Registration in Nursing. Processing typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. Many Massachusetts employers hire pending license verification.
Top LPN Programs in Massachusetts
The following accredited programs are among the most established LPN schools in Massachusetts:
| School | City | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massasoit Community College | Brockton | 12 months | In-person |
| Assabet Valley Regional Technical School | Marlborough | 12 months | In-person |
| Northern Essex Community College | Lawrence | 12 months | In-person |
| Quincy College | Quincy | 12 months | In-person |
Program details are subject to change. Verify current offerings directly with each school.
Browse LPN programs in all 50 states
Career Pathways for Massachusetts LPNs
Your LPN license in Massachusetts opens several advancement routes:
MA to LPN
Already a medical assistant? Bridge programs can fast-track your LPN in 6–12 months.
CNA to LPN
CNAs can earn advanced standing and complete LPN programs faster.
LPN to RN
Advance to Registered Nurse and boost your salary to $86K+ median.
LPN to BSN
Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing for the widest career options.
Exploring options in nearby states? Check out LPN programs in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Frequently Asked Questions: LPN Programs in Massachusetts
How much do LPNs make in Massachusetts?
The median LPN salary in Massachusetts is $65,680 per year, one of the highest in the country. LPNs in the Boston and Cambridge metro areas earn the most, with median salaries reaching $68,100 and $68,500 respectively. The state's large concentration of hospitals, nursing homes, and specialty clinics drives strong demand and competitive pay.
How long does it take to become an LPN in Massachusetts?
Most Massachusetts LPN programs take 12 months to complete as a full-time student. After graduating, you must pass the NCLEX-PN exam and apply for licensure through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, a process that typically takes 2 to 6 additional weeks.
What are the best LPN programs in Massachusetts?
Massasoit Community College in Brockton and Quincy College in Quincy are among the most established LPN programs in eastern Massachusetts. Northern Essex Community College in Lawrence serves the Merrimack Valley region, and Assabet Valley Regional Technical School in Marlborough offers a well-regarded vocational pathway for aspiring LPNs.
Does Massachusetts have online LPN programs?
Some Massachusetts LPN programs offer hybrid formats with online lecture components alongside required in-person clinical rotations. Fully online LPN programs are not available in Massachusetts because clinical hours must be completed at approved healthcare facilities under direct supervision.
What does the Massachusetts Board of Nursing require for LPN licensure?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requires completion of an approved practical nursing program, a passing score on the NCLEX-PN exam, a criminal background check, and submission of a licensure application with fees. Massachusetts does not currently participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a separate Massachusetts license is required to practice in the state.
Find LPN Programs in Massachusetts
Compare accredited LPN programs near you. Search by location, schedule, and cost to find the right fit.
Last updated: 2026-03-03. Salary data: BLS May 2024 OES, SOC 29-2061.