Massachusetts Career Ladder Program Application

Overview

The Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP) helps current Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other direct care workers in senior care, home care, and community settings become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

CLP 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 (typically 10 months)
• Tuition assistance for expenses not covered by public funds
• Access to weekly one-on-one coaching and other supports through JVS Boston, a nonprofit supportive services provider
• Coverage of the NCLEX-PN exam fee ($200) and license registration ($230)
• Referrals to other resources as needed

Click this link to learn more: https://socialfinance.org/massachusetts-career-ladder-program/

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Massachusetts CLP, you must:

• Be currently employed by your employer as a full-time CNA or direct care worker in good standing;
• Be accepted into an LPN training program at an approved Massachusetts community college;
• Have received conditional approval from your employer to participate in the CLP if you are accepted into an approved LPN program at an eligible Massachusetts community college;
• Be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident (green card holder), Asylum Grantee or refugee status with a valid U.S. work permit (not eligible: TPS, asylum seeker, parolee, J1 Visa, undocumented);
• Have a valid Social Security Number;
• Currently live in Massachusetts;
• Plan to work in Massachusetts for the next five (5) years; and
• Make a commitment that upon obtaining your LPN license, you will continue to work for your current employer as a full-time LPN for at least four (4) years.

If you do not return to your employer after obtaining your LPN license, you will be responsible for repaying the full CLP Advance Payment amount you received.

If you return to your employer for a period of less than 4 years, you will be responsible for repaying a portion of the CLP Advance Payment amount you received. This portion will depend on how long you remained with your employer. See the FAQs here for more information: https://socialfinance.org/massachusetts-career-ladder-program

Career Ladder Preparatory Program (CLPrep) Interest

CLPrep focuses on individuals who need additional preparation and/or support to be admitted into an LPN program. The level of support offered to CLPrep participants vary based on application readiness level.

This could include: assistance with navigating admissions requirements, coverage of the TEAS exam fee, and an online readiness class (for up to 1 year) focusing on English and Math skills.

Your CLPrep eligibility will be determined as part of your screening and assessment with Massachusetts Senior Care Association (MSCA).

Click here to learn more about CLPrep: https://socialfinance.org/massachusetts-career-ladder-program

MSCA determines eligibility during assessment and screening and may not be required of all applicants.