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Practical Nurse (PN) Program

Practical Nursing Certificate Courses and Requirements →

MassBay Health Sciences | Practical Nursing | Information →

 

Announcements

NEW! Evening Practical Nursing Program starts during the Fall 2024 semester, joins the Day Practical Nursing Program at the MassBay Center for Health Sciences, Early Childhood, and Human Services, 490 Franklin Street in Framingham.

Nursing Students

MassBay is pleased to announce it will begin offering an evening practical nursing program option, beginning with the class that will start in September 2024.

This program option is designed to support students with families and day jobs and to provide the same quality nursing education in a night program that you would receive during the day program. You will learn from compassionate experts who have centered their working lives around helping nurses grow and succeed — from faculty members and academic advisors to tutors, financial aid experts, and 24/7 tech support.

Evening Practical Nursing Program Information →

 

PracticalNursing.org has ranked the MassBay PN program #1 in Massachusetts

Read more on PracticalNursing.org →

MassBay Nursing Programs Admission Policy →

 
 
 

Overview

WHAT IS A PRACTICAL NURSE (PN)?
The practical nurse (PN) is a nurse who has successfully completed a practical nursing program, and has passed the NCLEX-PN, the national licensing exam. The PN works under their own license in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws.

WHAT ROLES DOES A PRACTICAL NURSE HAVE AND
WHERE DO THEY WORK?

Practical nurses provide nursing care for medical surgical patients in the hospital/or skilled nursing facility. Practical Nurses work with patients that have predictable outcomes and their responsibilities include, direct patient care hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, home health agencies, doctor's offices, clinics to name just a few. PN’s are valued members of the health care team and are responsible for assessing and treating patients in accordance with best nursing practice.

WHAT IS MASSBAY’S PRACTICAL NURSING (PN) PROGRAM?
This is a 10-month day and/or evening program that starts in the Fall semester.  The program focuses on nursing theory and practice. You will learn to effectively use the nursing process to gather data and plan patient care. Formal classroom instruction takes place at the MassBay Framingham, MA campus. Clinical experiences take place at area healthcare facilities.

SAMPLE OF DAY AND EVENIING SCHEDULE

 

 

WHAT MAKES PRACTICAL NURSING A GOOD CAREER CHOICE?

  • Short-term Training: MassBay’s program is only 10 months long, including both lecture and lab/clinical practice.
  • Solid Job Growth Prospects: In Massachusetts, this job is expected to grow 12% from 2016-2026.
  • Good Pay: Typical entry-level wage is approximately $23/hr.
  • Room for Advancement: The PN can continue their nursing education to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Typical job benefits include medical and other insurance and 401(k) retirement savings plan.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Admission criteria include taking the Evolve Reach Admission Assessment Exam (sometimes referred to as the “HESI” or “HESI A2” test). This exam must be taken prior to the admission application period deadline. Please check MassBay's HESI A2 Exam for PN Admission web page for further instructions and updates on the testing process. Carefully review the steps you must follow to register for and take the HESI A2 Exam. For information on the admission process and requirements please visit the Selective Admissions webpage.

Accreditation/Certification/Licensure:
Program graduates are awarded certificates in Practical Nursing. MassBay’s Practical Nursing program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), a required exam for practice as a practical nurse.   

ACCREDITATION/APPROVAL

Practical Nursing program at Massachusetts Bay Community College at the Framingham Campus located in Framingham, Massachusetts is accredited by the:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326

404-975-5000

Year of Initial Accreditation:
January 10, 2020

CONTINUING ACCREDITATION

Evaluation Visit:
October 5-8, 2020

Most Recent Action:
March 2021 — Accredited

Next Evaluation Visit:
Fall 2025

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | Accredited Programs →

The Practical Nursing Program at Massachusetts Bay Community College at the Framingham Campus located in Framingham, Massachusetts is Approved by the:

Massachusetts Board of Nursing Approval
Massachusetts Board of Nursing
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Professions Licensure
Board of Registration in Nursing
250 Washington St., Boston, MA 02114

617-973-0900

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/about-board-approved-prelicensure-nursing-programs →

Full Approval Status Maintained from 2010 — present
Next Evaluation Visit:
Fall 2022

View the public information disclosed by the ACEN regarding this program:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | Accredited Programs →

Why choose MassBay’s Practical Nursing program?
The Practical Nursing Program has had a 100% NCLEX–PN pass rate for 2017 through 2020. The program is committed to continuous quality improvement. For more details, please view the PN end of program outcomes and PN program updates.

Questions

If you have questions, please attend an upcoming health program information session. Scroll to the bottom of the Info Sessions page linked below! Check out our Info Session schedule and sign up today. 

MassBay Health Sciences Info Sessions →

Courses & Admission Requirements

Please refer to the Practical Nursing Option curriculum sheet.

MassBay Health Sciences Curriculum Sheets →