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), providing financial assistance and support services to help you succeed. This program is specifically designed for dedicated individuals working in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, home care, and community settings who have the endorsement of their current employer.
Recognizing the demanding nature of LPN training programs, the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program is structured to provide participants with comprehensive support throughout their journey. The program ensures that aspiring LPNs:
- Receive Financial Support: Assistance to manage living expenses, making it easier to focus on studies.
- Maintain Job Security: Opportunities to work reduced hours, ensuring job stability while in training.
- Access Support Services: Availability of support for academic or personal challenges that may arise.
- Secure Post-Licensure Employment: Commitment to return to their current employers as full-time LPNs after obtaining their license.
Benefits of the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program
Participants in the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program receive a robust package of benefits designed to alleviate financial strain and provide comprehensive support:
- CLP Advance Payments: Receive $440 per week (pre-tax) to help cover living costs for the typical duration of the LPN program, approximately 10 months. This financial cushion allows participants to focus on their studies without the overwhelming pressure of daily expenses.
- Personalized Coaching and Support: Access to weekly one-on-one coaching and support from JVS Boston, a dedicated nonprofit organization specializing in supportive services. JVS Boston provides guidance and resources to navigate both academic and personal challenges, ensuring participants feel supported every step of the way.
- 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 becoming a licensed LPN.
- Resource Referrals: Personalized referrals to other resources as needed, connecting participants with additional support networks and services that can contribute to their success.
How to Apply to the Career Ladder Program
Taking the first step towards advancing your career is simple. Here’s how to apply for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program:
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the free Massachusetts Career Ladder Program application form available online. Applications are reviewed continuously, so it is recommended to apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
- Assessment and Interview: Participate in an assessment and interview with JVS Boston. This step helps to ensure that the program is the right fit for you and allows JVS Boston to understand your individual needs and goals.
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, the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) may be a suitable option for you. More information on CLPrep is provided below.
Career Ladder Program Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current Employment: Be actively 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 detailed definition of “good standing”).
- LPN Program Acceptance: Have been accepted into an LPN training program at a Massachusetts community college approved by the program.
- Employer Approval: Have received conditional approval from your current employer to participate in the CLP. This demonstrates employer support for your career advancement.
- FAFSA Completion: Have completed or plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This is a standard requirement for many financial aid programs.
- U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration Status: Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card holder), Asylum Grantee, or refugee status with a valid U.S. work permit. (Note: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J1 Visa, and undocumented statuses are not eligible).
- Social Security Number: Possess a valid Social Security Number.
- Massachusetts Residency: Currently reside in Massachusetts.
- Commitment to Work in Massachusetts: Plan to work in Massachusetts for the next five (5) years, contributing to the state’s healthcare workforce.
- Post-Licensure Employment Commitment: Commit to working for your current employer as a full-time LPN for a minimum of four (4) years after obtaining your LPN license. This ensures a return on investment for both the employer and the program.
- Repayment Policy: Failure to return to your employer after licensure will require repayment of the full CLP Advance Payment amount received.
- Proportional Repayment: Leaving your employer before the four-year commitment is fulfilled will necessitate repaying a portion of the CLP Advance Payment, prorated based on the duration of employment post-licensure. Consult the FAQs for detailed repayment information.
Preference is given to applicants who qualify for and receive funding through MassReconnect. MassReconnect provides tuition coverage at Massachusetts community colleges for eligible individuals. Check the MassReconnect website for specific eligibility requirements.
Approved LPN Programs in Massachusetts
The following Massachusetts community colleges offer LPN programs approved for the Career Ladder Program. Explore each school’s admissions requirements by clicking on the provided links. For further guidance, refer to the Participant Guide to LPN Admissions.
Note: 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 extra preparation before entering an LPN program, the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) offers targeted support. CLPrep is designed to help candidates strengthen their applications and academic readiness.
The level of support within CLPrep is tailored to individual needs:
CLPrep I: General Admissions Support
- Guidance with navigating LPN program admissions requirements, including prerequisite courses, the TEAS exam, class registration, and financial aid applications.
- Coverage of the TEAS exam fee ($106), reducing financial barriers to application.
- Financial assistance for prerequisite classes, up to a maximum amount per student, subject to fund availability.
CLPrep II: Comprehensive Support
- A comprehensive online readiness class, nine hours per week for up to one year, focusing on essential English language and academic skills needed for LPN program admission and training.
- Assistance with navigating all aspects of the admissions process, as detailed in CLPrep I.
- Coverage of the TEAS exam fee ($106).
- Financial aid for prerequisite courses, up to a maximum amount per student, depending on funding availability.
Important Note: While CLPrep is designed to enhance your preparedness for CLP participation and LPN program admissions, participation in CLPrep does not guarantee acceptance into the Career Ladder Program.
CLPrep Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep), applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Current Employment: Be employed by your current employer as a full-time CNA or direct care worker in good standing (refer to CLP Applicants FAQs for the full definition).
- Employer Conditional Approval: Have received conditional approval from your current employer to participate in CLPrep, demonstrating employer support for your professional development.
- FAFSA Plan: Plan to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Immigration 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).
- Valid Social Security Number: Have a valid Social Security Number.
- Massachusetts Resident: Currently live in Massachusetts.
- Commitment to Work in Massachusetts: Plan to work in Massachusetts for the next five (5) years.
- Future 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, indicating long-term commitment to the employer and the healthcare sector.
Program Partners
The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program is a collaborative effort supported by key organizations dedicated to healthcare workforce development in the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, has invested $6 million to launch the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP). The program’s goals are to promote career advancement for direct care workers in health and human services and address the critical shortage of LPNs in long-term services and support sectors. Funding for the CLP includes $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, highlighting the significant public investment in this initiative.
JVS Boston
JVS Boston, a nonprofit organization founded in 1938, is a crucial partner in delivering support services for the Career Ladder Program. Serving over 10,000 individuals annually, JVS Boston is a leading provider of adult education and workforce development services in Greater Boston. Their mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to secure employment and build sustainable careers, while collaborating with employers to develop and retain productive workforces. JVS Boston offers a wide array of services, including adult education, vocational training, career counseling, and job placement, along with essential supportive services to ensure participant success.
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 continuing care retirement communities. MSCA members are vital to the healthcare continuum, providing housing, healthcare, and support services to over 100,000 individuals annually. They employ more than 45,000 staff members and contribute over $4 billion to the Massachusetts economy, demonstrating their significant role in the state’s healthcare landscape.
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This career ladder program is your opportunity to advance in the healthcare field and become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Apply today and take the next step in your career journey!
