Also known as the “Bay State”, Massachusetts has a rich history and is home to a number of large cities and metropolitan areas. One of the areas is Greater Boston where two-thirds of the population resides. The state has grown economically in the 21st century and is widely recognized for its diverse industries. Massachusetts’s economic growth stemmed from its manufacturing industries. However, over the years, the state has developed extensively in the field of technology, financial services, higher education and healthcare. It is ranked as a leader in these sectors and employs thousands of workers from all over the country.
Healthcare Industry in Massachusetts
The healthcare industry in the state of Massachusetts comprises of many renowned hospitals and educational institutes. The state’s government has invested greatly in this sector, ensuring all patients and families receive quality healthcare services. The United Health Foundation has ranked MA as the third healthiest state in the nation.
Nurses play a crucial role in this industry, and are reputed for their exceptional services. 3% of the total employed nurses in the United States can be found employed in MA. The nursing sector has experience a rapid growth of 7%, mainly due to shortage of nursing professionals and increasing healthcare demand. There are a number of nursing schools in the state that offer specialized nursing degrees to individuals preparing for this profession. Students can choose from a range of nursing programs such as the LPN degree, RN degree, and BSN degree.
LPN Programs in Massachusetts
The Licensed Practical Nurse or LPN qualification is offered by a number of accredited nursing schools in Massachusetts. The LPN nursing program is a basic nursing degree that prepares students for entry-level nursing jobs in hospitals. The program will teach students how to care for patients in a variety of work-settings such as hospitals, nursing-care facilities, and clinics.
The program components can be divided into fundamental courses, practical courses, and advanced subjects. The general coursework and theory-based subjects are typically covered in classroom settings whereas practical courses are taught in learning labs. The curriculum of an LPN degree may vary a little with different institute, but generally cover courses such as the following:
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Fundamentals of Nursing (2-3 credits): This course will introduce students to the basic of nursing. Students will acquire a brief understanding of the healthcare industry, nursing trends, and basic practices. Some of the core topics covered are basic human needs, nursing principles, communication skills, and nutrition.
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Medical/surgical Nursing (2-3 credits): In this course, students will learn about the theories of adult development, cultural diversity, and medication administration. The course is basically a continuation of the fundamentals of nursing, and is designed to provide students with more knowledge about the framework of the nursing profession.
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Human Biology (2-3 credits): This course will cover the relationship of scientific theories and the human anatomy. Students will gain an understanding of the basic structure and function of human bodies. Some of the topics include organ systems and homeostatic mechanisms.
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Anatomy and Physiology (2-3 credits): In this course, body organ systems are discussed in detail. Students will cover various aspects of chemistry and microbiology. Some topics covered include: disease processes, physiology of the human body, and anatomy.
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Introduction to Healthcare (2-3 credits): Students in this course will acquire an overview of the healthcare delivery system. The course will cover areas such as the following: prevention and wellness, nursing ethics, technology in healthcare, legal and moral aspects of nursing, professional characteristics, and more.
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Medical Terminology (2-3 credits): This course is designed to help students develop a strong vocabulary in medicine. The course will highlight important abbreviations, definitions, spellings, and medical terms commonly used in the industry.
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Gerontology Nursing (2-3 credits): This course helps students build concepts regarding gerontology practices. Students will learn about the ageing process of humans and importance of holistic health. Some key topics covered in the program are: communication skills, human needs framework, medical administration, and pharmacology.
Practicum
An LPN program will include a series of training session in the curriculum. Practical experience is necessary for the field. Students will participate in various training courses conducted in learning labs. This will provide the necessary exposure and help develop clinical skills.
Objectives
After completing the program successfully, students will be able to:
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Apply theory-based knowledge in real work settings
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Understand the role of licensed practical nurses
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Practice nursing safely and within legal, moral, and ethical boundaries
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Assist and collaborate with other physicians
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Perform various clinical tasks such as administering medication, checking vital signs, monitoring patients, and more.
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Identifying common health problems and providing appropriate treatment procedures
Duration of the Program
The duration of an LPN program will basically depend upon the institute. Usually, this program can take 12-18 months to complete. It is also possible to complete the degree in a short period by opting for an accelerated track.
Admission Criteria
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Submit the official transcript of your High school diploma
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Completion of Nursing prerequisite courses that typically include:
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Human development
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Anatomy and physiology
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Microbiology
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General sciences
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Meet the minimum CGPA requirement (2.0 - 2.5)
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Provide all documents requested by the school
The admission requirements and application process of LPN programs in MA will depend upon the institute.
Licensing
Once you have completed an LPN degree, you are eligible to sit for the licensing exam conducted by the State Board of Nursing in MA. This exam in known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-LPN) and is necessary to practice nursing.
Online LPN degree
Students can choose between online and on-campus programs. Online learning, having gained a lot of popularity is now being offered by a number of schools. The coursework is covered online through videos, tutorials, and online lectures. Students don’t have to worry about accommodation or travelling to class every day. Flexibility, low costs, and convenience are a few major benefits of distance learning education. On the other hand, working individuals can easily pursue their academic goal without having to give up their job thanks to online education.
Career Opportunities in MA
Licensed practical nurses in Massachusetts earned a mean annual wage of $53,020 in 2013. The demand for LPNs is growing at a steady rate. These professionals are hired by many healthcare institutes such as hospitals and clinics. LPNs typically perform general duties that may include administering medication, assisting patients, monitoring vital signs, and more. Nursing jobs are expected to grow in the coming few years. Nursing professionals are appreciated for their skill and dedication, making it a noble and respected career all over the world.