This site is best viewed in Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or EdgeX

Practical Nursing Certificate

NECC Home  /  Academics  /  Programs  /  Health  /  Practical Nursing Certificate

Four Practical Nursing Certificate students in a simulation hospital room with a 'patient' on the bed.

If you are seeking a career in nursing, beginning as a practical nurse is a great way to start. The Practical Nursing Certificate at NECC includes classroom study, laboratory practice, and clinical experiences to prepare you for an entry level job as a practical nurse.

Why Choose NECC?

NECC’s program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. As a successful graduate of the program you will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). You can also apply credits earned to NECC’s associate degree in nursing, which also offers an advanced placement option for licensed practical nursing. In this program you will:

  • Learn about human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
  • Compete a sequence of nurse training courses including significant laboratory work
  • Benefit from multiple supervised experiences in clinical care settings
  • Gain the skills to provide effective, safe, entry-level patient care
  • Prepare for a career that is emotionally and financially rewarding

Because of NECC

You will be well prepared to take the national certification exam and begin a career working in a variety of practical nursing roles. Upon completion of the program you can:

  • Take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN)
  • Work for long-term care facilities, outpatient clinics, home health care, rehabilitation centers, and more
  • Apply credits toward NECC’s Associate Degree in Nursing, or the Nursing Advanced Placement LPN to RN
Health

CLINICAL RECORDS COMPLIANCE NOTICE

Requirements for admitted health profession students to participate in clinicals, externships, or fieldwork training.

DIVISION HEALTH RECORDS

BACKGROUND SCREENING
– Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (Mass CORI).
– National Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI).
– New Hampshire Criminal History Record.
– Office of Inspector General (OIG) exclusion search: individuals barred from federally funded healthcare programs.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT (BLS / CPR) Healthcare provider course level.

COVID-19

INFLUENZA

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FORM (TSF)

TUBERCULOSIS

STATE IMMUNIZATIONS

HEPATITIS B (Hep B)

MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR)

MENINGCOCCAL (MenACWY) for students 21 years of age and younger.

TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (Tdap)

VARICELLA

Courses and Requirements

Show Courses and Requirements
Reading information…
Show less
 

Program Pathway

A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for Practical Nursing.

Career Paths & Job Market

Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

There is a growing market for LPNs. See the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information, including median expected salaries. As working professions, LPNs may specialize in a particular disease, ailment or condition. They can practice in a variety of settings and may specialize in a particular disease, ailment or condition or they may provide basic care to patients. Most LPNs work alongside registered nurses, physicians, surgeons, and other health care practitioners. LPNs may practice in a variety of settings:

  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Physicians’ offices
  • Schools
  • Outpatient treatment facilities
  • Home health care agencies
  • Correctional facilities
  • Travel Corps
  • Summer Camps
  • Military
Career Paths

Career Paths

Students in NECC’s Practical Nursing Certificate Program graduate as competent nurses eligible and prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Upon successful completion of NCLEX and ability to meet specific Nursing Board of Registration requirements, you are issued the title of Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Students who complete a certificate program may choose to directly enter the workforce or they may further their education by transferring into an associate degree or bachelor’s degree program in preparation of their registered nursing licensing exam. Please contact the Academic Advising Department for further information. Students may also refer to the Transfer Programs and Events pages. Transfer information specific to the program.

Contact

Assistant Dean of Nursing and Health Professions

Assistant Dean of Nursing and Health Professions

Kelly Fisher, PhD, RN

Phone: 978-655-5931 Please call to schedule an appointment
Email: kfisher@necc.mass.edu

Faculty Contact Information

Faculty Contact Information

Allison Belisle, MSN, RN
Email: abelisle@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-655-5865

Cynthia Fichera, MSN, RN
Email: cfichera@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-655-5866

Patricia Cunniff, MSN, RN
Email: pcunniff@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-655-5880

Additional Information

Accreditation

Accreditation

The Certificate in Practical Nursing program is Approved with Warning from the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Nursing.

The Nursing Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400; Atlanta, Georgia 30326; (404) 975-5000; https://www.acenursing.org

The Associate Degree nursing program at NECC located in Lawrence, MA is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.

The Practical Certificate nursing program at NECC located in Lawrence, MA is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Practical Certificate nursing program is continuing accreditation.

BORN Approval Status

BORN Approval Status

NECC’s Certificate in Practical Nursing Program is approved with Warning by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN).

What does Approved with Warning mean?

After reviewing the Certificate in Practical Nursing program, BORN has directed NECC to complete a review and update different areas of the program. The Health Professions Division has already started work to address the areas, including:

  • Formalizing student governance process to ensure students have opportunities to participate in decision making for the program
  • Updating faculty and administrator job descriptions with required duties included
  • Documenting specializations of clinical experiences including mental health and maternity and updating curriculum to adopt and integrate a clinical judgment model
  • Reviewing and updating 14 BORN policies
  • Evaluating and documenting time spent by students in direct patient care, laboratory hours, simulation hours, and clinical sites
  • Identifying and documenting evaluation methods to assess student achievement of learning outcomes
  • Developing and documenting course-specific student learning outcomes
  • Conducting a gap analysis of NECC curriculum and NCLEX test to ensure full coverage of required content areas and competencies
  • Revising of course assignments and evaluation rubrics
  • Revising of clinical agreements to including provision for annual review

How does the Warning status affect current and former students?

There is no immediate impact to current or former students. Current and former students who meet graduation requirements can complete their program and take the NCLEX exam in order to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

When will the Certificate in Practical Nursing be eligible to return to fully approved status by BORN?

The Health Professions Division will submit regular reports to BORN updating the Board on our progress in the areas identified above. Updates to the program’s status will be posted on this web page as they are available.

Who should I contact with questions about the BORN approval status of the Certificate in Practical Nursing?

Contact Dean of Health Professions Kathy Hudson (khudson@necc.mass.edu)

Program Effectiveness Data

Program Effectiveness Data

Student Achievement Outcome Data

Graduates’ success on the licensure/certification examination

Class of 2025 – pending
- #24 Graduates
Class of 2024 – 85% – #25 Graduates
Class of 2023 – 95% – #16 Graduates
Class of 2022 – 78% – #23 Graduates

Students’ completion of the nursing program within 150% of the stated time for the program.


Graduates per Year 2023, 2024, 2025 is 100% completion rate

Students’ completion of the nursing program within 100% of the stated time for the program.


Class of 2025-83%
Class of 2024-68%
Class of 2023-60%

Graduates employed within one year

Class of 2022-2024 100%

Program Costs

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, health for-credit courses have a cost of $346/credit for in-state students.

Additional Program Costs

View the Additional Program Costs for Nursing Programs

Required Documents

Criteria Packets Technical Standards

Print View
Request Information Icon

Request Info
Pin on Map Icon

Plan a Visit
Application Form Icon

Apply Now
NECC Logo

Haverhill Campus
100 Elliott Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
978-556-3000

Lawrence Campus
45 Franklin Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
978-556-3000

Locations & MapsContact UsDirectoryNewsroom

Resources

General Information

© 2026 Northern Essex Community College. All Rights Reserved.