Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing
General Information
About Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing is a vocational nursing institution located in Billerica, Massachusetts. It focuses exclusively on preparing students to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) via a compact, career-oriented curriculum. The school integrates classroom theory, skills laboratory work, and clinical experience to ensure graduates are ready for practice and eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensing exam. Courses run in evening and weekend formats to accommodate working students, and the program follows a schedule aligned with the regional high school calendar over roughly 40 weeks.
The institute emphasizes real-world readiness, small cohort sizes, and hands-on clinical training in local health care settings. This approach lets students gain exposure to patient care environments and develop the competencies required for entry-level practical nursing roles. The school is fully approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and accredited by the appropriate occupational education commission, ensuring that its curriculum and outcomes meet regulatory and quality standards. Over its two decades of operation, Shawsheen Valley’s practical nursing program has built a reputation for quickly transitioning motivated learners into trusted nursing roles in facility, home care, or clinical settings.
Contact Information
Address: 100 Cook Street, Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
Phone: (978) 671-3646
Email: Patricia Noonan, Program Coordinator (pnoonan@shawtech.org); Administrative Assistant Gina Cerbone (jcerbone@shawtech.org); Financial Aid Officer Carol Geary (cgeary@shawtech.org)
School Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established (Approx) | Over 20 years in practical nursing education |
| Institution Type | Vocational / Technical nursing school |
| Credential Offered | Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Diploma / Certificate |
| Program Duration | ~40 weeks (approximately full academic year schedule) |
| Format | Evening / weekend schedule to suit nontraditional students |
| Accreditation / Approval | Approved by Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing; accredited by Council on Occupational Education |
| Cohort Capacity | Typically limited to about 40 students per class |
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Rankings
| Category | Rank / Status |
|---|---|
| National (U.S.) | Not included in traditional university ranking systems |
| Global | Not ranked |
Because Shawsheen Valley operates as a specialized vocational program, it does not appear in general national or global university rankings. Its reputation is measured by licensing exam pass rates, completion, and job placement success.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Academics
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Faculties / Departments
As a dedicated practical nursing school, Shawsheen Valley does not have multiple academic faculties. Its instructional divisions include:
- Theoretical Nursing Education
- Skills Laboratory / Simulation
- Clinical Placement / Experiential Learning
- Student Services / Advising
- Licensing Preparation & Exam Readiness
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Courses and Programs / Majors
The sole major is preparation for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure. Key elements include:
- Anatomy & Physiology / Biology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Pharmacology / Medication Administration
- Medical–Surgical Nursing for LPN
- Maternal-Child and Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health / Psychiatric Nursing
- Clinical Practicum in healthcare settings
- NCLEX-PN Review and Licensing Preparation
Online Learning
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing does not offer fully online program delivery owing to the hands-on nature of nursing skills and clinical practice. Some supplemental lectures or reviews may be shared digitally, but laboratory and clinical components require in-person training and supervision.
Average Test Scores
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ACT | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| GRE / Other | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Standardized test scores like SAT or ACT are not required nor tracked for admission into the LPN program. Instead, the school uses a nursing pre-entrance test (NLN PN exam) for screening applicants.
Retention and Graduation Rates
Graduation and retention statistics at Shawsheen Valley reflect the intensive, short-term nature of its program. Because cohorts are small and structured, many students who are admitted tend to complete the program. While official retention rates are not broadly published, internal reports suggest that a high proportion of students who progress past initial screening persist through to graduation and licensing eligibility. The school aims to maintain strong retention by monitoring student performance, offering academic support, and intervening early to assist struggling students.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Shawsheen Valley does not enforce a minimum GPA threshold nor does it require SAT or ACT scores as part of its admissions criteria. Admission is determined more by readiness test performance and meeting preparatory prerequisites than by general academic metrics.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Acceptance Rate
| Category | Rate / Status |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 100 % (open to qualified applicants) |
The school operates on a rolling admissions basis and accepts all applicants who meet its eligibility and entrance exam requirements, assuming space is available.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the official application, pay a modest application fee, and take the National League for Nursing PN pre-entrance examination. They must submit official high school transcripts or GED evidence, a personal essay, a resume, and three letters of recommendation (preferably from academic or work supervisors). Applicants must also submit proof of legal residency or citizenship and may need to provide transcripts from prior college-level work.
Upon interview day, candidates take a timed reading comprehension test and a math for nurses test. Once accepted, students must submit health forms, immunization records, obtain CPR certification, and clear a criminal offender record check (CORI). Progression in the program requires maintaining minimum grades—often 75 percent overall and specified scores in pharmacology/math portions.
Application Process
- Complete and submit the application form with fee.
- Schedule and complete the NLN pre-entrance exam.
- Provide transcripts, resume, essay, and letters of recommendation.
- Attend interview and placement testing (reading and math assessments).
- If accepted, submit health, immunization, and background clearance documents.
- Enroll in scheduled classes and clinical assignments.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Session / Term | Deadline / Timing |
|---|---|
| Application Period | Rolling admissions (applications accepted September through June) |
| Start Date | Last Monday of August |
| Program Duration | Ends around late June of the following year |
Because applications are accepted on a rolling basis, prospective students are encouraged to submit as early as possible to secure slots in the cohort.
Essay Prompt
A personal essay is required as part of the application. Applicants are asked to articulate their motivations for pursuing nursing, their commitment to patient care, and how they plan to balance the demands of the program.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Scholarships
Financial aid is available to qualified students. Applicants are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and state grants. The school’s financial aid office also assists students in identifying and applying for scholarships, payment plans, or institutional assistance programs to lighten the tuition burden.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Tuition and Fees
| Cost Item | Estimate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (In-State / Out-of-State) | Around $13,940 (for full program term) |
| Books & Supplies | Approximately $1,500 |
| Other Fees / Administrative Costs | Varies by program / health requirements |
| Total Estimated Cost (Gross) | Around $15,440 |
These figures reflect published data and represent full program cost before applying financial aid. Students often receive grants or scholarships that reduce the net cost.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The student body is predominantly female, with estimates indicating about 82 percent female and 18 percent male enrollment. Racial/ethnic composition is diverse: approximately 54 percent identify as Black or African American, 31 percent as White, and smaller proportions as Asian or other groups.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Many students at Shawsheen Valley receive financial aid; federal and state grants assist with tuition and expenses. The institution supports accommodations for students with disabilities, ensuring compliance with equal opportunity policies and providing assistance where needed.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~35 students |
| Full-Time Students | ~85 percent |
| Part-Time Students | ~15 percent |
| Gender Ratio | ~82 % Female / ~18 % Male |
| Students Receiving Aid | ~100 % (all students reportedly receive some financial assistance) |
University Diversity
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing fosters a remarkably diverse learning environment for its cohort size. With a high representation of underrepresented racial groups, students share varied life experiences, cultural backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity enriches peer learning, especially in nursing where cultural competency is critical to quality patient care. Small cohort sizes allow individual attention, collaborative learning, and peer mentorship across demographic lines. The nursing practice setting also demands sensitivity to diverse populations, and the student body’s composition helps prepare graduates to provide culturally responsive care to patients across age, race, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the LPN program generally begin with entry-level practical nursing positions. Starting salaries may vary by region, employer type, and specialty area, but many LPNs secure jobs in long-term care, outpatient clinics, home health, or nursing facilities. Over time, as nurses gain experience, certifications, or transition to supervisory or specialized roles, their earning potential increases. Because Shawsheen Valley’s program is tightly aligned with licensing and workforce needs, many graduates see a return on investment relatively quickly, with stable employment opportunities and potential for upward mobility into further nursing credentials.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff are composed of licensed registered nurses, educators, and clinical practitioners experienced in practical nursing instruction. The school maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio, which enables personalized instruction, close mentoring, and hands-on supervision during labs and clinical rotations. Administrative staff include personnel handling admissions, financial aid, student services, and clinical placement coordination.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Instructors at Shawsheen Valley often hold advanced credentials such as RN licensure, Master’s degrees, or specialized certifications. Many maintain active clinical practice, allowing them to bring current, evidence-based approaches into the classroom. They supervise students in clinical settings, mentor students preparing for licensure, and guide professional development. Achievements of faculty include high licensure pass rates for graduates, publication or presentation in nursing education forums, and contributions to curriculum development that align with evolving nursing standards.
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Shawsheen Valley does not offer on-campus housing. Students must secure off-campus accommodation in the Billerica area or commute from home. Because the program is vocational and cohort-based, campus life revolves around classrooms, labs, and clinical settings rather than extracurricular or residential experiences. Despite this, students often form close bonds through study groups, peer support, and shared clinical rotation experiences. The campus facilities include dedicated nursing labs, simulation areas, skill rooms, and clinical preparation spaces within the technical high school environment.
Transportation
Transportation to campus and clinical sites is typically the student’s responsibility. Many rely on personal vehicles or public transit when available. Clinical placements may require travel to local hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities, sometimes on weekends. Reliable transport is essential for meeting clinical schedule requirements. There is no dedicated shuttle service offered by the school, so students must plan their commuting logistics carefully, including parking at campus and offsite facilities.