Shawsheen LPN Program Application
100 Cook Street
Billerica, MA 01821
978-671-3646
APPLICATION BOOKLET
ROLLING ADMISSIONS
APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FROM
SEPTEMBER thru JUNE
LENGTH OF PROGRAM
10 MONTHS
AUGUST TO JUNE
PROGRAM HOURS
EVENINGS
MONDAY TO FRIDAY (5–10 pm)
EVERY OTHER WEEKEND
FULLY APPROVED BY
MASSACHUSETTS BOARD OF REGISTRATION IN NURSING
PROGRAM INFORMATION and ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Charles Lyons, Superintendent Director ~ Carissa Karakaedos, Director of Community Services
Patricia A. Noonan, R.N., M.S.N., LPN Program Coordinator
Anthony Celata, Financial Aid Officer
Admissions Booklet
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Shawsheen LPN Program Application
Application Deadline
Admission to this program is on a rolling basis. Students who have completed their application
are encouraged to schedule their interview early. You cannot schedule an interview unless the
entire application process is complete.
Shawsheen Valley Technical High School is an equal educational opportunity employer and is in
compliance with Title IX, Chapter 622 and section 504.
No person shall be excluded from, or discriminated against, in admission to a public school in
any town; or in obtaining the advantages, privileges, and course of study of such public school
on account of race, color, gender, handicap, religion or national origin.
Program Description
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing is designed to provide eligibility for the graduate
to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses)
examination upon graduation. This program is offered over a 40-week period that follows the
Shawsheen Valley Regional High School’s calendar and is offered in an evening and weekend
format. This course provides the theoretical framework, skills laboratory and clinical practices
that enable the graduate nurse to work within the scope of the practical nurse in Massachusetts.
Career and Transfer Outlook
Graduates are prepared to assume entry-level practical nursing positions in a variety of health
care settings. An articulation agreement exists with Middlesex Community College that enables
graduates with an average on an 83% or greater the ability to pursue their associates degree once
their pre-requisites are completed.
Admission Information and Program Specifics
Admission to this program is based on a rolling basis. The maximum number of allotted
students accepted into a class is 40.
All nursing classes are held at Shawsheen Valley Regional High School on Monday, Tuesday
and Wednesday evenings starting at 5PM until 10 PM. Nursing labs and clinical are scheduled
Wednesday through Friday evenings and day shift on alternating Saturday and Sunday.
Practicum hours may vary and may start at 7 AM and end at 4 PM on weekends. Weeknight
clinical start at 5 PM and end at 11 PM. Transportation to campus and clinical sites is not
provided.
Applicants to the Nursing program are advised that compliance with the “Good Moral
Character” requirement of the Massachusetts Board of Nursing is evaluated for any applicant for
initial licensure with a criminal conviction or disciplinary action by a licensure body.
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Shawsheen LPN Program Application
Standard Skills for Nursing
The following is a list of standard and/or technical skills required for performing duties in
the nursing field. All nursing students must be able to satisfy these standards with or
without a reasonable accommodation.
1. Communicate clearly, in English, through reading, oral communication and in writing to
instructors, clinical staff, clients and families and all members of the healthcare team.
2. Ability to lift 25 pounds, unassisted in a safe manner, thereby protecting yourself, the client
and those in close proximity to you.
3. Transfer clients to and from wheelchairs, stretchers, beds, or X-ray tables and move, push
or pull equipment, beds, stretchers, wheelchairs, etc.
4. Respond appropriately to sounds, for example, vocal sounds at normal volume, client
movements and equipment signals such as audible beeps and indication lights.
5. Manipulate dials, levers, keyboard, and other switches and devices associated with
nursing/medical equipment.
6. Ability to raise arms over one’s head in order to assist clients and manipulate equipment or
safely use an adaptive device.
7. Perform duties for a prolonged period, which involve walking, standing, and bending,
for a period of 8 hours.
8. Possess visual acuity sufficient to read all written information pertaining to the client
including items in the medical record, equipment readings, syringes, pumps, specimen
containers, etc.
10. Listen and respond appropriately to types of client responses and distress behaviors
including bed and chair alarms.
11. Manipulate syringes, needles and other invasive devices while maintaining sterility 12.
Successfully don and remove sterile gloves.
13. Perform arithmetic calculations with accuracy and efficiency.
14. Don and remove protective equipment such as surgical gloves, goggles, face shields and
masks.
15. Use the nursing process problem- solving method to assess, implement and evaluate client
care.
16. Exhibit social skills to behave with politeness, tact and sensitivity to others in all settings
including the use of therapeutic communication.
17. Exhibit appropriate and professional skills in all interactions.
18. Remain free from alcohol and/or chemical impairment at all times.
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Shawsheen LPN Program Application
Admission Requirements

Applicant must be at least 17 ½ years of age

Take the National League for Nursing PN Entrance examination and receive a minimum
placement score of 50% in Reading and Math. Higher percentile scores will be given
preference.

Preference will be given to the top 10% of qualified Tech Prep applicants graduating from
the Health Technology Program

Take the timed Stanford Diagnostic Reading Comprehension scans test on the day of the
interview and receive a score of 27 out of 30 correct

Complete the Math for Nurses test on the day of the interview and receive a score of 80% or
higher

Complete the Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing application

Complete the personal essay

Submit a Resume

Submit three letters of recommendation on the enclosed forms. It is recommended that at
least two of the references are obtained by individuals who can evaluate your performance in
the classroom or work environment.

Submit official high school transcripts or proof of receipt of a GED

Submit College transcripts (required from all colleges attended)

Applicants with transcripts from outside the United States must obtain written official
documentation of transcripts showing high school graduation or equivalency from native
country. Transcripts from outside the US may be translated by the Center for Educational
Documentation in Boston. 617-522-4738

Proof of Residence: Birth certificate with seal, green card with valid dates and/or
Naturalization paper work. We can only accept applicants with paperwork that will
not expire during our school year.
** If you have Naturalization paper work that is not finalized please
DO NOT MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
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Shawsheen LPN Program Application
Requirements Following Admission to the School of Practical Nursing

Submit the student health form received at orientation to the school no later than July 15th.
Required documentation of health status includes a completed physical examination, proof of
immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus-diphtheria and Hepatitis B (three
dose series). Documentation of immune titer for varicella and a negative mantoux and/or
Chest X-ray for TB is required. (Mantoux must be valid for one year)

Earn certification in CPR at the Health Care Provider level, which is valid for the entire year.

Students are expected to attend orientation scheduled in June.

Students will be asked to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check at
orientation. The results of the CORI check may impact the student’s ability to participate in
this program.

Students must maintain an average of a 75% in all courses in order to progress to the next
term. Students must also receive a passing grade in clinical and a 90% on the Pharmacology
Math tests to progress to the next term.

Students must adhere to the absenteeism and tardy policies as stated in orientation and
written on page 11 of the student handbook.

Students are responsible for purchase of uniforms and required textbooks.

All nursing students are required to carry health insurance for the entire length of the
program.
Criminal Offender Record Information
In order for a student to be eligible to participate in an academic, community or clinical
program that involves potential unsupervised contact with children, the disabled, or the
elderly, the student will be required to undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information
(CORI) check. Students found to have certain criminal convictions or pending criminal
actions will be presumed ineligible to participate in such activities. The school is authorized
by the Commonwealth’s Criminal History Systems Board, pursuant to Massachusetts
General Laws, Chapter 6, Section 167-178B, to access CORI records. All information will
be kept strictly confidential.
Financial Aid Services
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA form on-line. (Free
Application for Federal Student Aid). The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Federal School
Code is Shawsheen Adult Technical Institute (031040). Mr. Anthony Celata is the Financial Aid
Counselor at the school. He can be reached at 978-667-3615. Title IV Federal Funding is
available through 12/11/2011.
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Shawsheen LPN Program Application
Checklist Prior to Interview
1. Application completed
2. Application fee of $50 in the form of check or money order
3. Personal statement completed
4. Resume completed
5. Three letters of reference completed (Please check and ensure these have been sent prior to
scheduling your interview)
6. Birth certificate or valid green card or naturalization paperwork
7. Original high school transcript with seal or GED with seal (these may be mailed directly to
Shawsheen Valley School of Practical Nursing 100 Cook Street Billerica, MA 01821)
8. Evidence of health insurance will be collected by July 15th
It is your responsibility to make certain all parts of the application process have been completed
and that all requested information is submitted.
Please bring the remaining items to the interview with you. You will not be interviewed without
a complete application packet. Please call 978-671-3646 to schedule an interview
Information you provide on your application will be kept confidential and only released to the
admissions committee.
Day of Interview


Take the timed Stanford Diagnostic Reading Comprehension scans test on the day of the
interview and receive a score of 27 out of 30 correct
Complete the Math for Nurses test on the day of the interview and receive a score of 80%
or higher
If the above scores are not meet the student may be asked to complete the following prior to
acceptance:

Pharmacology Math Course offered at the Shawsheen Adult Technical Institute

English Comprehension Course at a community college: the applicant must receive a B or
better and receive a recommendation from the instructor

Academic Reading Course at a community college: the applicant must receive a B or better
and receive a recommendation from the instructor
The admissions committee reserves the right to conditionally accept a student into the program.
Students accepted conditionally must meet the conditions set prior to the start of the program.
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Shawsheen LPN Program Application
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