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Massachusetts Career Ladder Program

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The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP) helps current Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other direct care workers in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, home care, and community settings become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). To be eligible, participants must have the endorsement of their employer. 

We know that LPN training programs are rigorous. The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program is designed so that participants studying to become LPNs:  

  1. Receive some financial support to help cover living costs; 
  2. Can work reduced hours while maintaining job security;
  3. Have access to support services should academic or personal challenges arise; and
  4. Agree to return to their employers as full-time LPNs after obtaining an LPN license. 

Massachusetts Career Ladder Program participants receive the following benefits: 

  • CLP Advance Payments of $440 per week (pre-tax) to help cover living costs throughout the standard duration of the LPN program (approximately 10 months) 
  • Access to weekly one-on-one coaching and other supports with JVS Boston, a nonprofit supportive services provider 
  • Coverage of the NCLEX-PN exam fee ($200) and LPN license registration ($230) 
  • Referrals to other resources as needed 

How to apply: 

  1. Complete the free Massachusetts Career Ladder Program application. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis so we recommend completing it as soon as possible.
  2. Complete an assessment and interview with JVS Boston.

Note: To participate in the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program, you must first be accepted into an approved LPN program for the current admissions cycle (i.e. Fall 2024 – Spring 2025) and meet the eligibility criteria below. If you have not been accepted to an approved LPN program and believe you need additional academic and admissions support, you may be eligible for the Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep – more info below). 

Career Ladder Program Eligibility Criteria

Approved LPN Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply here →

 

Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) Overview 

CLPrep focuses on individuals that need additional preparation and/or support to be admitted into an LPN program.  

The level of support offered to CLPrep participants vary based on readiness level: 

CLPrep I: General Admissions support 
  • Assistance with navigating admissions requirements (prerequisite courses, TEAS exam etc.), class registration, and financial aid applications;  
  • Coverage of the TEAS exam fee ($106); and 
  • Financial assistance for prerequisite classes up to a maximum amount per student, as necessary and subject to the availability of funds. 
 CLPrep II: Full support  
  • A CLPrep online readiness class nine hours per week (for up to 1 year) that focuses on English language skills and other academic skills to help you prepare for the LPN program admissions process and training;
  • Assistance with navigating admissions requirements (prerequisite courses, TEAS exam etc.), class registration, and financial aid applications;  
  • Coverage of the TEAS exam fee ($106); and 
  • Financial assistance for prerequisite classes up to a maximum amount per student, as necessary and subject to the availability of funds. 

While CLPrep aims to prepare you for CLP participation by helping you complete admissions requirements for eligible LPN programs, CLPrep participation does not guarantee you a spot in CLP. 

CLPrep Eligibility Criteria

Partners

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Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provided $6 million to launch the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP). Administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the goals of the CLP are to: (1) encourage career advancement for direct care workers currently employed in the health and human services field; and (2) provide a targeted intervention to address the critical need for LPNs in the long-term services and supports sector. The CLP is funded with $5 million received by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), as well as $1 million appropriated by the legislature.

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JVS Boston

JVS Boston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonsectarian organization founded in 1938. JVS Boston serves more than 10,000 individuals annually and is one of the largest community-based providers of adult education and workforce development services in Greater Boston. JVS’s mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers, while partnering with employers to hire, develop, and retain productive workforces. In support of this mission, JVS provides a wide range of adult education, vocational training, job readiness, career counselling, and job placement services, as well as related supportive services.

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Massachusetts Senior Care Association

The Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA) is a non-profit trade association whose members include nearly 400 nursing and rehabilitation facilities, assisted living residences, residential care facilities and continuing care retirement communities. Forming a crucial link in the continuum of care, Mass Senior Care members provide housing, health care and support services to more than 100,000 people a year; employ more than 45,000 staff members; and contribute more than $4 billion annually to the Massachusetts economy.