Licensed Practical Nurses are important members of the health care delivery team.   They work as licensed nurses within the framework specified by the Nursing Statutes and regulations of the Commonwealth. 

Practical Nurses may be employed in various settings including, but not limited to, doctors' offices, acute care, long term care, clinics and rehabilitation centers.  LPN's provide direct care to clients whose conditions are relatively stable and non-complex.  LPN's work as part of the health care delivery team to insure the client's plan of care is followed thoroughly.  Employment of LPN's is expected to grow significantly over the next three to five years due to the percentage of the population that is aging and in need of long-term care.  This suggests strong employment opportunities for program graduates.

The curriculum provides you with the classroom and clinical experiences necessary to develop the skills necessary to be an effective Practical Nurse and to pass the professional licensure examination offered through the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).  It can be completed in forty weeks if pursued on a full time basis.  This program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, 239 Causeway Street, Boston, MA   02114 (617-973-0800); and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, 61 Broadway, New York, NY   10006 (800-669-1656). 

Courses in both Practical Nursing and the biological and social sciences are required in the program.  Practical Nursing courses include clinical experiences in area hospitals, community healthcare settings and long term care facilities, as well as classroom study and laboratory practice on campus.  All clinical experiences are conducted under the direction of the Quinsigamond faculty.

In addition to achieving a grade of "C" or better in all courses required within the certificate program, you must demonstrate satisfactory progress in the clinical setting in order to continue within the PN program.  You must also satisfy all course and program requirements, including regulations on attendance and conduct, in order to be eligible for licensure and graduation.  Students must maintain a QPA of at least 2.0 in order to qualify for a certificate in Practical Nursing.

Upon completion of this certificate program and successful completion of the NCLEX-PN, you will be prepared to obtain employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse or to continue your studies at the Associate degree level in such disciplines as Registered Nursing, Medical Support Specialist or other related field of study.