Advance Your Nursing Career: The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program

Are you a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or direct care worker in Massachusetts looking to take the next step in your healthcare career? The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP) offers a unique opportunity to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) while receiving financial and professional support. This program is specifically designed for dedicated individuals like you, working in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, home care, and community settings, who have the endorsement of their current employer.

We understand that pursuing an LPN license is a significant undertaking. LPN training programs are demanding, requiring both time and financial commitment. The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program is thoughtfully structured to address these challenges, ensuring participants have the resources they need to succeed. The program provides:

1. Financial Assistance: Receive stipends to help manage living expenses during your LPN studies.
2. Reduced Work Hours with Job Security: Maintain your employment while reducing your working hours to focus on your education.
3. Comprehensive Support Services: Access personalized coaching and support to overcome academic or personal obstacles.
4. Career Advancement Commitment: Agree to return to your current employer as a full-time LPN after licensure, ensuring job placement and career progression.

Key Benefits of the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program

Participants in the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program gain access to a range of valuable benefits designed to support their journey to becoming an LPN:

• CLP Advance Payments: Receive $440 per week (pre-tax) to assist with living costs throughout the typical LPN program duration, which is approximately 10 months. This financial support is crucial for allowing participants to focus on their studies without undue financial strain.
• Personalized Coaching and Support: Benefit from weekly one-on-one coaching and additional support services provided by JVS Boston, a reputable nonprofit organization specializing in career development. JVS Boston offers guidance and resources to help participants navigate both academic and personal challenges, maximizing their chances of success.
• Exam and Licensing Fee Coverage: The program covers the $200 NCLEX-PN exam fee and the $230 LPN license registration fee, removing these financial barriers to licensure.
• Resource Referrals: Get connected to other resources as needed, ensuring you have access to comprehensive support throughout your program.

How to Apply to the Career Ladder Program

Taking the first step towards advancing your career as an LPN is simple. Follow these steps to apply for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program:

1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out the free Massachusetts Career Ladder Program application. Applications are reviewed continuously, so early submission is highly recommended to increase your chances of acceptance.
2. Assessment and Interview: After submitting your application, you will be contacted to complete an assessment and interview with JVS Boston. This step helps to ensure the program is the right fit for you and that you have the support needed to succeed.

Important Note: To be eligible for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program, you must first be accepted into an approved LPN program for the current admissions cycle (e.g., Fall 2024 – Spring 2025) and meet the specific eligibility criteria outlined below. If you require additional academic and admissions support before applying to an LPN program, consider the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep), detailed further below.

Career Ladder Program Eligibility Requirements

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

1. Current Employment: Be actively employed as a full-time CNA or direct care worker in good standing with your sponsoring employer. Refer to the CLP Applicants FAQs for a complete definition of “good standing.”
2. LPN Program Acceptance: Have already received acceptance into an LPN training program at a Massachusetts community college that is approved for the CLP.
3. Employer Approval: Obtain conditional approval from your current employer to participate in the CLP, signifying their support for your career advancement.
4. FAFSA Completion: Have completed or plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to explore all avenues of financial aid.
5. Eligible U.S. Status: Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card holder), Asylum Grantee, or have refugee status with a valid U.S. work permit. Note: Those with TPS, asylum seeker status, parolee status, J1 Visas, or undocumented status 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 the next five (5) years, contributing to the state’s healthcare sector.
9. Post-Licensure Employment Commitment: Commit to returning to your current employer as a full-time 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.
   • Pro-rated Repayment: If you return to your employer for less than the required four years, a portion of the CLP Advance Payment will need to be repaid, pro-rated based on your length of service post-licensure. Consult the FAQs for detailed repayment information.

Preference for MassReconnect Participants: Priority consideration will be given to applicants who qualify for and are offered funding through MassReconnect. MassReconnect is a state program that covers tuition costs at Massachusetts community colleges for eligible residents.

Approved LPN Programs in Massachusetts

The following Massachusetts community colleges offer LPN programs approved for participation in the Career Ladder Program. Visit each school’s website to explore specific admissions requirements and program details. Refer to the Participant Guide to LPN Admissions for further guidance on the admissions process.

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

Community College Programs:

• 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)

Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep)

For individuals who need additional preparation before applying to an LPN program, the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) offers targeted support. CLPrep is designed to assist candidates in strengthening their academic skills and navigating the LPN program admissions process.

The level of support within CLPrep is tailored to individual needs and readiness:

CLPrep I: General Admissions Support

This track provides assistance with the logistical aspects of applying to LPN programs, including:

• Guidance on navigating admissions requirements such as prerequisite courses and the TEAS exam.
• Support with class registration and financial aid applications.
• Coverage of the $106 TEAS exam fee.
• Financial assistance for prerequisite classes, up to a maximum amount per student, based on need and fund availability.

CLPrep II: Comprehensive Support

This more intensive track offers a broader range of support for those needing more significant academic preparation:

• A CLPrep online readiness class, meeting nine hours per week for up to one year, focused on enhancing English language skills and other essential academic skills needed for LPN program success.
• Assistance with navigating LPN program admissions requirements, class registration, and financial aid applications.
• Coverage of the $106 TEAS exam fee.
• Financial assistance for prerequisite classes, up to a maximum amount per student, as needed and subject to funding availability.

Important Disclaimer: While CLPrep aims to prepare participants for eventual CLP participation by helping them meet LPN program admission requirements, participation in CLPrep does not guarantee acceptance into the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program. CLP and CLPrep are separate programs with distinct application processes and eligibility criteria.

CLPrep Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program mirror those of the main CLP program, with the focus on individuals aiming to progress to LPN studies:

1. Current Employment: Be currently employed as a full-time CNA or direct care worker in good standing with your sponsoring employer. (See CLP Applicants FAQs for the full definition).
2. Employer Approval: Have received conditional approval from your current employer to participate in the CLPrep program.
3. FAFSA Completion Plan: Plan to complete the appropriate Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
4. Eligible U.S. Status: Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card holder), Asylum Grantee, or refugee status with a valid U.S. work permit (not eligible: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J1 Visa, undocumented).
5. Valid Social Security Number: Have a valid Social Security Number.
6. Massachusetts Resident: Currently reside in Massachusetts.
7. Commitment to Massachusetts Workforce: Plan to work in Massachusetts for the next five (5) years.
8. Future LPN Employment Commitment: Plan to work for your current employer as a full-time LPN for at least four (4) years after obtaining your LPN license.

Program Partners

The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program is a collaborative effort, made possible through the support and partnership of key organizations dedicated to healthcare workforce development in the Commonwealth.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services is the administering body for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has invested $6 million to launch and support CLP, recognizing the critical need for LPNs in the long-term services and supports sector. Funding for the CLP is provided through $5 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and $1 million appropriated by the state legislature. The program’s goals are to promote career advancement for direct care workers and address the LPN shortage in Massachusetts.

JVS Boston

JVS Boston is a vital partner, providing comprehensive supportive services to CLP participants. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a long history dating back to 1938, JVS Boston is a leading provider of adult education and workforce development services in the Greater Boston area, serving over 10,000 individuals annually. JVS Boston’s mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to achieve employment and build sustainable careers. They offer a wide array of services, including adult education, vocational training, job readiness, career counseling, and job placement, along with essential supportive services, playing a crucial role in the success of the Career Ladder Program.

Massachusetts Senior Care Association

The Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) is a non-profit trade association representing nearly 400 nursing and rehabilitation facilities, assisted living residences, and other long-term care providers in Massachusetts. MSCA members are a critical part of the healthcare continuum, providing housing, healthcare, and support services to over 100,000 individuals each year, employing over 45,000 staff, and contributing significantly to the Massachusetts economy. Their partnership underscores the industry-wide commitment to developing and supporting the LPN workforce through the Career Ladder Program.