As the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP) enters into its second year, several changes have been made that makes this first in the nation program to upskill direct care workers to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) more accessible than ever. In its first year, participating schools included all Massachusetts community colleges with an LPN program. The southeastern part of the state does not have a community college with an accredited LPN program, and to fill this gap Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School (UCT) in Bourne and Southeastern Technical Institute (STI) in South Easton are now participating in the CLP.
Also new this year is the CLPs ability to leverage the evolution from MassReconnect to Free Community College which has eased the eligibility requirements for free tuition at community colleges. Notably, it eliminates the previous MassReconnect age requirement to be 25 or older, expanding access to more prospective students. In addition to tuition assistance, the CLP provides a weekly stipend to participating direct care workers to offset a reduction in work hours to attend school. The CLP is available to direct care workers who live in Massachusetts and are employed in senior living or home and community-based services. Mass Senior Care (MSCA) strongly encourages participation in this program as a key strategy to grow your nursing workforce. Please contact MSCA with questions.