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).

Funding & Support

• CLP Advance Payments: $440/week (pre-tax) to cover living costs throughout standard ~10-month LPN program duration
• NCLEX-PN Exam Fee Coverage: $200
• LPN License Registration Coverage: $230
• Supportive Services: Weekly one-on-one coaching through JVS Boston (nonprofit supportive services provider)
• Resource Referrals: As needed

Eligibility Requirements

• Currently employed full-time as CNA or direct care worker in good standing
• Accepted into approved LPN training program (must occur before CLP application)
• Conditional approval from employer to participate
• Completed or planning to complete FAFSA
• U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card), Asylum Grantee, or refugee with valid work permit
  • NOT eligible: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J-1 Visa, undocumented individuals
• Valid Social Security Number
• Current Massachusetts resident
• Plan to work in Massachusetts for next 3 years
• Commitment to work for current employer as full-time LPN for at least 2 years after obtaining license

Repayment Obligation

• Full Repayment Trigger: Failure to return to employer after obtaining LPN license
• Partial Repayment: If returning to employer for less than 4 years, responsible for proportional repayment based on tenure
• No Repayment: If working for employer for 2+ years

Funding Priority

Preference given to eligible applicants also eligible for:

• MassReconnect: Covers tuition at Massachusetts community colleges for MA residents with FAFSA completion and no bachelor's degree
• MassEducate: Similar tuition support program

Approved Training Programs

Community Colleges (Most have May deadline for Fall admission; Mount Wachusett has January Spring admission with September 1 deadline):

• Berkshire Community College (Pittsfield)
• Greenfield Community College (Northampton)
• Holyoke Community College (Holyoke)
• Massachusetts Bay Community College (Framingham)
• Mount Wachusett Community College (Gardner)
• North Shore Community College (Danvers)
• Northern Essex Community College (Lawrence)
• Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester)

Vocational Tech Programs:

• Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School (Bourne)
• Southeastern Technical Institute (South Easton)
• McCann Technical School (North Adams) - does not qualify for free tuition

Employer Partners

Signature list includes 30+ employers including AdviniaCare, Alden Court Nursing, Alliance Health, Atlas Healthcare, BaneCare, and many others across Massachusetts.

Program Partners

• Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services: Provides $6 million funding ($5M from U.S. Treasury/American Rescue Plan Act Section 9817; $1M legislature appropriation)
• JVS Boston: Provides supportive services/coaching
• Massachusetts Senior Care Association: Conducts assessments and interviews

How to Apply

1. Complete free online application: Massachusetts Career Ladder Program application
   • Submissions reviewed on rolling basis
   • Recommend completing as soon as possible
2. Complete assessment and interview: With Career Ladder Program Representatives at Massachusetts Senior Care Association
3. Pre-requisites before applying:
   • Must be accepted into approved LPN program for current admissions cycle
   • Meet all eligibility criteria
   • Have conditional employer approval

Application Support

If not yet accepted to LPN program and need additional academic/admissions support, may be eligible for Massachusetts Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep)

Required Documentation

• FAFSA (completed or plan to complete)
• Employer conditional approval
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, asylum grant, or refugee status with work permit
• Valid Social Security Number
• Proof of Massachusetts residency
• Documentation of full-time CNA/direct care worker employment in good standing

Overview

For individuals needing additional preparation/support for LPN program admission. Two support levels:

CLPrep I: General Admissions Support

• Assistance with admissions requirements (prerequisite courses, TEAS exam)
• Class registration help
• Financial aid application assistance
• TEAS exam fee coverage ($106)
• Financial assistance for prerequisite classes (max amount per student, subject to fund availability)

CLPrep II: Full Support

• CLPrep online readiness class (9 hours/week for up to 1 year)
  • Focus: English language and academic skills
• Assistance with admissions requirements (prerequisite courses, TEAS exam)
• Class registration help
• Financial aid application assistance
• TEAS exam fee coverage ($106)
• Financial assistance for prerequisite classes (max amount per student, subject to fund availability)

CLPrep Eligibility

• Currently employed full-time as CNA or direct care worker in good standing
• Conditional employer approval to participate in CLPrep
• Plan to complete FAFSA
• U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, Asylum Grantee, or refugee with valid work permit
  • NOT eligible: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J-1 Visa, undocumented
• Valid Social Security Number
• Current Massachusetts resident
• Plan to work in Massachusetts for next 3 years
• Commitment to work as full-time LPN for employer for at least 2 years after obtaining license

Note

CLPrep participation does not guarantee spot in main CLP program.