Join the healthcare industry by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. The Practical Nursing profession offers an opportunity to provide care in many healthcare settings. Through classroom, laboratory and clinical training, you can begin your journey in nursing.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

The program enables graduates to apply the nursing process and safely manage the patient-centered care of culturally diverse clients throughout the lifespan, and effectively use therapeutic communication and technology in all aspects of your profession. You will learn to demonstrate professional attributes of a Practical Nurse in the provision of safe effective patient-centered care.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

5 Semesters

46 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed less than 50% online.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • Attendance at a Health Information Session or complete FYE 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
  • Required TEAS V or TEAS composite score of 55% or higher (cannot be a combination of multiple tests) must be achieved within five years of applying to the program.
    • Applicant must obtain a composite score of 55% or higher in no more than three attempts within a three-year period.
    • A TEAS composite score between 51% and 54% meets the admission criteria with appropriate biology and college GPA (see table below).
TEAS ScoreOverall QCC College Biology GPA (4 credit minimum)Overall QCC College GPA (15 credit minimum)
542.72.7
532.82.8
522.92.9
513.03.0

Locations

  • This program will be completed utilizing a blended modality; some coursework will be completed at QCC at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center in downtown Worcester while other coursework will be completed online.
  • This program will require students to travel to clinical sites within the Worcester County and MetroWest area.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

Associate of Science

Nurse Education - Advanced Placement LPN

The Nurse Education - Advanced Placement LPN program is for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) seeking advanced placement into the evening associate degree program to prepare the LPN for a career as a registered nurse (RN). Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, hospitals, clinics, extended care facilities, home and community health agencies.

Career Stats

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More Info
Course TitleCourse #Semester OfferedCreditsPrerequisites

Semester 1 (Summer I or II)

  • Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in five semesters.
  • Semester 1 must be completed prior to entry into PNP courses.
  • Take BIO 111 and BIO 112 if considering advancing to the RN level.
  • Ensure all Healthcare Compliance requirements are met prior to Semester 2.
  • Complete all general education courses each semester with grades of “C” or higher.
Principles of Human Biology ORBIO 100F/S/SU4Placement into college level English
Anatomy & Physiology IIBIO 112BIO 111
Introduction to PsychologyPSY 101F/S/SU3Placement into college level English
  Total7 

Semester 2 (Fall)

  • Ensure all Healthcare Compliance requirements are met prior to Semester 3.
  • Complete all PNP courses each semester with grades of “C” or higher.
Practical Nursing I: Fundamentals of NursingPNP 101F10BIO 100 or BIO 112, PSY 101, Acceptance to the PNP Program
Introduction to PharmacologyPNP 111F3BIO 100 or BIO 112, PSY 101, Acceptance to the PNP Program
Survey of Life Span DevelopmentPSY 121F/S/SU3PSY 101
  Total16 

Semester 3 (Intersession)

  • Ensure all Healthcare Compliance requirements are met prior to Semester 4.
Nutrition Concepts in Health and IllnessPNP 210IN1PNP 101
Trends in Practical NursingPNP 233IN1PNP 101
  Total2 

Semester 4 (Spring)

  • Ensure all Healthcare Compliance requirements are met prior to Semester 5.
  • Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss associate degree (Program Code: NUL); or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
  • Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Practical Nursing II: Medical/Surgical/Mental Health/Leadership NursingPNP 235S15PNP 101, PNP 111, PNP 210, PNP 233, PSY 121
  Total15 

Semester 5 (Summer I)

  • Apply to associate degree (Program Code: NUL); or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board.
  • Complete all ATI requirements and obtain the “Green Checkmark”.
Practical Nursing III: Maternal/Newborn/Pediatric NursingPNP 240SU6PNP 235
  Total6 
Total Credits Required:  46 

The Quinsigamond Community College Practical Nursing program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN), and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). MABORN can be contacted at: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing | 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108 | 800.414.0168 | www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing. ACEN can be contacted at: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. | 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326 | 404.975.5000 | www.acenursing.org. The Board of Commissioners granted continuing accreditation to the Practical Nursing program and scheduled the next evaluation visit for Spring 2026.

Program Outcomes:
Program outcomes are defined as performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the purposes of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Program outcomes are measurable, consumer-oriented indexes designed to evaluate the degree to which the program is achieving its mission and goals. Examples include, but are not limited to, program completion rates, licensure/certification examination pass rates, and job placement rates.

Program Statistics:
Aggregate Program Completion:

  • Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC PN Faculty (and reported to ACEN accrediting body) are that 70% of students will complete the program within 150% of stated program length beginning with enrollment in first PNP course.
    • 2020-2021: 98%
    • 2021-2022: 100%
    • 2022-2023: 100%
  • Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC PN Faculty (and reported to ACEN accrediting body) are that 50% of students will complete the program on time beginning with enrollment on the first day of the first nursing course and ends with completion of course required for conferral of a certificate.
    • 2021-2022: 67%
    • 2022-2023: 71%

NCLEX Licensure Pass Rates:

  • Expected Level of Achievement developed by QCC PN Faculty (and reported to ACEN accrediting body) are at or above National Mean.
    • 2021: National Results = 80% | QCC Results = 73%
    • 2022: National Results = 79% | QCC Results = 78%
    • 2023: National Results = 86% | QCC Results = 91%

Graduate Satisfaction (as answered on Post-Graduate Survey):

  • Question asked - “As a graduate, the length of the program prepared me for entry into the novice level of nursing practice”.
    • 100% of the students responded “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” to the above statement

Program Goals:

Practical Nurse Education prepares students with skills and education that will enable them to become an effective licensed practical nurse (LPN). The Practical Nursing Certificate will prepare the graduate to assume an entry-level position in the field or pursue additional education. Graduates of the program assume responsibilities related to direct patient care in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, doctor’s offices, clinics, extended care facilities, home health agencies, community health agencies, and acute care facilities. Upon successful completion of this program, students are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The program also prepares students for further study at two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply the nursing process to the patient-centered care of culturally diverse patients, throughout the life span, who have actual, common, well-defined, or potential health-deviation requisites.
  • Use therapeutic communication effectively with clients, families, and members of the collaborative healthcare team.
  • Illustrate use of relevant technology for patient-centered care and documentation.
  • Implement goal-directed teaching plans to assist clients in resolving self-care deficits.
  • Safely manage the nursing care of clients with actual or potential common, well-defined health-deviation requisites, in a variety of structured settings, in accordance with ethical, legal and professional standards.
  • Demonstrate professional attributes of a Practical Nurse in the provision of safe, effective patient-centered care.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

  • High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • Attendance at a Health Information Session or complete FYE 102 with a grade of “C” or higher.
  • Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
  • Required TEAS V or TEAS composite score of 55% or higher (cannot be a combination of multiple tests) must be achieved within five years of applying to the program.
    • Applicant must obtain a composite score of 55% or higher in no more than three attempts within a three-year period.
    • A TEAS composite score between 51% and 54% meets the admission criteria with appropriate biology and college GPA (see table below).
TEAS ScoreOverall QCC College Biology GPA (4 credit minimum)Overall QCC College GPA (15 credit minimum)
542.72.7
532.82.8
522.92.9
513.03.0

Program Retention / Progression Requirements:
To be eligible to continue in the program, students must:

  • Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all program courses designated by PNP.
  • Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in BIO 100 or BIO 112, PSY 101, and PSY 121; students who have received a grade below a “C” in BIO 100 or BIO 112, PSY 101, and PSY 121 are required to repeat the course and obtain a grade of “C” or higher by the end of the semester in which they are required or required as a prerequisite. Science courses must be completed within five years of application to the program. There are no expiration restrictions for general education courses.
  • Demonstrate satisfactory progress in the laboratory and clinical components of each nursing course.
  • Demonstrate satisfactory performance in the nursing laboratory and in the clinical settings.
  • Satisfy all course and program requirements, including regulations on attendance and conduct, in order to be eligible for certification for licensure.
  • Maintain documentation of current Healthcare Provider Level BLS/CPR Certification.
  • Maintain documentation of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, clinical affiliates, and satisfactory health status.
  • Maintain documentation of annual TB testing.
  • Maintain documentation of health insurance.

Program Readmission Requirements:
There is a one-time readmission policy for the program.

  • Readmission is not guaranteed and is always based upon space availability. See the QCC Student Handbook for the complete readmission policy.
  • Practical Nursing students who leave the program due to withdrawal or academic failure in Semester 2 (PNP 101 and/or PNP 111) should reapply for entry into the program through the Admissions Office.
  • Students eligible for readmission include students who left the program due to withdrawal or academic failure in Semesters 3, 4, or 5 (PNP 210, PNP 233, PNP 235, or PNP 240).
    • An appointment must be made with the Program Coordinator to ensure all readmission requirements and documents are completed.
    • In addition to the criteria listed in the QCC Student Handbook, a student requesting readmission into the Practical Nursing program must have met the requirement of a composite score on the TEAS test to be considered for readmission. Additional immunization requirements may be required for clinical experiences.
    • The request for readmission must be submitted to the Program Coordinator within one year of date of separation from the program. If the student does not apply for readmission within one year, the student is ineligible for readmission and can apply to the program through the Admissions Office.
  • Students who have been dismissed or administratively withdrawn from a program within the School of Healthcare at Quinsigamond Community College for reasons of “clinically unsafe practice/behavior” or who violate the College’s Student Code of Conduct or Policy on Affirmative Action are not eligible for admission/readmission to any Healthcare program.

Program Graduation Requirements:
Students must satisfy all course and program requirements, including regulations related to attendance and conduct, in order to be eligible for graduation.

  • Students are required to attend the three-day NCLEX review course.
  • All students must complete an “Intent to Graduate” card (even if not attending the QCC graduation ceremony in May). Completion of the “Intent to Graduate” card will prompt the Registrar to print a “Certificate of Graduation”. The “Certificate of Graduation” is required to register and sit for the NCLEX-PN Licensure exam.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), and National Background checks are required in the program, either annually or every semester. Fingerprinting and drug testing may be required. Fingerprinting and drug testing results must meet clinical requirements. An issue with CORI/SORI, National Background, fingerprinting and/or drug testing could prevent a student from participating in a clinical/field rotation, which could result in dismissal from the program.

  • Applicants should understand that the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN) reserves the right to refuse an applicant the privilege of sitting for the NCLEX examination based on a Good Moral Character Licensure requirement.
  • The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN) requires all candidates for licensure to disclose any incidents with Child Protective Services. These may affect a candidate’s ability to sit for the NCLEX examination and obtain licensure.
  • More information is available from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MABORN).

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

  • Students should anticipate additional expenses for professional uniforms and required supplies, CPR certification, health immunizations, and physical exams. Also, there may be additional costs associated with the purchase of textbooks, licensing examinations applications, clinical make-up, and any required skills for remediation.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 51.3901.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

  • Students interested in transferring to QCC can find more information on the Admissions webpage at www.QCC.edu/admissions.
  • Students interested in transferring from QCC can find more information on the Transfer Services webpage at www.QCC.edu/transfer. See the Educational Mobility Policy.
  • Transfer Policy for the QCC Practical Nursing programs:
    • A student may seek a transfer of credit from another approved institution, provided that a passing grade has been earned in all previous nursing courses and the coursework is comparable to the course offered at QCC. Transfer credit will be considered for PNP 210 and PNP 233 (or equivalent courses offering similar content) only if the student has not been away from the program for more than one year. Transfer of Practical Nursing coursework will not be accepted. See the QCC Catalog for additional information. Transfer is not guaranteed.
    • Students who wish to request transfer from one QCC nursing program to another QCC nursing program must meet with the Program Coordinator of the most recently enrolled program to review the process. The student must meet the admission requirements of the prospective program. Transfer is not guaranteed.

Additional Information:

  • This program prepares students for further study at two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as providing a broad background for employment in healthcare facilities.
  • Courses in both Practical Nursing and Liberal Arts are required in the program curriculum. Nursing courses include clinical experiences in area hospitals, rehabilitation, long-term care and community agencies, schools, as well as classroom study and laboratory practice on campus.
  • A Social Security Number is mandatory for NCLEX Application (Licensure).
  • All clinical experiences are under the supervision of QCC Nurse Education faculty, and entrance into most clinical agencies will require the wearing of a standardized school uniform.
  • Clinical experiences will start before 3:00 p.m. Some clinical experiences may be held on Saturday, Sunday and on weekday or weekend evenings.
  • Additional requirements for students participating in clinical placement:
    • Complete the Health Screening form and submit it to Castle Branch by identified due date.
    • May be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in compliance with the most stringent requirement of clinical agencies.
    • Receive annual influenza vaccine.
    • Complete tuberculosis screening.
    • Submit a titer following the completion of the Hepatitis B series of immunizations to document immunity.
    • Create an account and complete the student orientation on Massachusetts Centralized Clinical Placement website (www.mass.edu/mcncps/orientation/welcome.asp). Assign a clinical site and print a ticket to clinical for each clinical term.
Program Page

The purpose of Quinsigamond Community College, Nurse Education unit, is congruent with the Mission Statement of the College. The Nurse Education Unit provides a high quality education that is accessible and affordable to a diverse student population. The program in nursing serves the learner, the community and the nursing profession. At the completion of each program, the graduate is prepared to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, (NCLEX-RN) [NUL, NUP, NUR] and the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) [LP, LPE] and to assume an entry level nursing position.

Philosophy

We believe that:

Nursing is a caring, theory-based discipline focused on assisting the patient and significant support person(s) to achieve an optimal level of self-care, while protecting and promoting patient dignity. The science of nursing is a distinct, constantly evolving body of knowledge that encompasses rational and scientific principles upon which nursing interventions are based. Plan of care is flexible, patient centered, cost effective, attentive to patient diversity, and occurs within the context of the patient’s family and environment. Nurses utilize the nursing process, open, civil and therapeutic communication, critical thinking, and evidence-based information while working collaboratively with members of the health-care team. Nurses function within the standards of practice, demonstrating safe, competent, and legal-ethical practice.

The individual (Healthcare Consumer) is a valued, complex and unique being that has a dynamic capacity for self-care. The individual is understood as an integrated and whole being who functions biologically, psychologically, socially, spiritually and developmentally. The individual has the potential to make choices that will meet his/her own needs for self-care and lead to ongoing growth as human beings.

Environment – Individuals are best understood in the context of their environment. The environment consists of evolving, dynamic, culturally diverse conditions, which are influenced by family, specific living conditions, political, social, demographic, and economic factors.

Health is a state of physical, social, and spiritual well-being and not merely the absence of illness. Health status exists on a continuum and varies because of interactions between the patient and the environment.

Teaching/Learning is an active, dynamic, continuous and creative process of attaining and sharing knowledge, involving the patient, significant support person(s) and the health care team. As educators, nurses assist the patient/families by supporting self-care activities, while facilitating informed decision and achievement of positive outcomes.

Nursing education/scholarship occurs within a system of higher education and is a planned approach to the acquisition of knowledge. Nursing education progresses from the simple to the complex, facilitates the development of cognitive, psychomotor and affective knowledge and provides for multiple points of entry into the profession. The outcome of nursing education, at all levels, is to prepare a graduate who accepts professional responsibility and accountability. Nursing education supports participation in professional organizations. Cultural diversity within the classroom is valued and promotes appreciation and respect for differences within the college and beyond. The role of the faculty is to guide, support, facilitate learning, and model professional practice, while instilling commitment to lifelong learning. Faculty also strive to instill a sense of professional empowerment including commitment to social justice and community service. The role of the student is to translate classroom learning into nursing practice through the spirit of inquiry, evidence-based and reflective nursing practice.

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides quality patient-centered, evidenced-based care to vulnerable multicultural/diverse groups across the health care continuum, particularly among older adults and other population clusters that need long-term, community-based chronic care. The Practical Nurse cooperates and collaborates with health team members, patients and families and delegates the nursing care provided by unlicensed personnel. The Licensed Practical Nurse uses scientific knowledge and technical skills to continually assess the physical, emotional, and social status of their clients and they work with patients and their families to devise care plans for each situation in accordance with best nursing practice. 

The Associate Degree Nurse advances the nursing process to implement nursing actions in varied complex settings, and assist patients in meeting or maintaining self-care needs. The associate degree nurse cooperates and collaborates with other members of the health care team to give direct care to patients, families, and community groups. The associate degree nurse is also responsible for the delegation of nursing action.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are defined as performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the purposes of the nursing education unit are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Program outcomes are measurable, consumer-oriented indexes designed to evaluate the degree to which the program is achieving its mission and goals. Example include, but are not limited to, NCLEX examination pass rate, program completion rate, and job placement rates. 

Graduates from either the QCC Associate Degree or Practical Nursing Program are qualified to work in the state of Massachusetts upon the successful attainment of the appropriate licensure. Not all states accept a Massachusetts license. If you intend to practice outside of Massachusetts and obtain a license in another state, you are encouraged to review the NCSBN website for eligibility. As an applicant to the QCC Nursing Programs, you are encouraged to discuss your eligibility for licensure and work in another state other than Massachusetts with the Program Chair of the Associate Degree or Program Chair of the Practical Nursing program.

QCC Health Requirements

  • Physical Exam - Performed and signed by PCP/NP/ PA within 12 months of the start of the program
  • Tetanus -(Tdap) documentation of receiving Tetanus injection within the last 10 years
  • Flu vaccination - Documentation of receiving flu vaccination for the current Influenza season.
  • Tuberculosis Screening - documentation of two negative Tuberculin Skin Tests (2 step) and annual testing thereafter. If result is positive, students must provide documentation of a Chest x-ray showing no active disease within 12 months of program start date. A serum TB test may be used instead of a 2- step Tuberculin Skin Test
  • Varicella - Varicella titer demonstrating immunity to Varicella
  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - immunity titers for each disease demonstrating immunity to each disease
  • Hepatitis B Antibody titer - Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer which demonstrated immunity to the Hepatitis B Virus. If titer result is negative, students must provide documentation of having a complete Hepatitis B vaccination series, receive Hepatitis B boosters, and recheck Hepatitis B antibody titers as ordered by their PCP
  • Copy of current health insurance card on file
  • Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification

Please contact our Healthcare Compliance Officer at healthcompliance@qcc.mass.edu