Skip to main content

DDS LPN Certificate Program 2025

The DDS Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Certificate Program is designed to support DSWs, Recreation Therapists and Residential Supervisors to advance in their careers by becoming LPNs.

For DSWs, Recreation Therapists and Residential Supervisors who have worked in good-standing full-time with DDS for 2 years or more, the program provides the opportunity to receive an LPN certificate -- fully funded by DDS up to $20,000 while receiving paid educational leave.

The LPN certificate program provides:

  • TUITION AND FEE COVERAGE 
    DDS will cover the cost of your education at one of the 20 approved LPN certificate programs in the Commonwealth, up to $20,000.
  • PAID EDUCATIONAL LEAVE
    Paid educational leave (32 hours per week) to support your full-time program education while maintaining full DDS benefits and salary. Work only one shift per week while enrolled in the program.  Residential supervisors to work one weekend shift and two four-hour shifts scheduled per week. 

Spots are limited for this program to 30 statewide.

Please complete the DDS application AFTER you have reviewed all program requirements and have both applied and been accepted into one of the 20 approved LPN certificate program. Refer to the list of DDS LPN Certificate Participating Programs 2025 and the DDS LPN Certificate Program Checklist and FAQ  .

Each of the four DDS regional selection committees will review and make decisions on applications Beginning March 10th on a rolling basis. This means applications will be reviewed and decided as they come in until all the slots are filled. 

Paper applications will be available in all DDS offices. 

Review DDS LPN Program Brochure 2025 to learn more

Skip table of contents

Table of Contents

You skipped the table of contents section.

DDS LPN Certificate Program Requirements

DDS LPN Certificate Program requirements:

  • The program is open to DSWs, Recreation Therapists and Residential Supervisors who have worked with DDS in good-standing for at least 2 years.
  • Participants must apply and be accepted to one of the 20 full-time LPN programs in the Commonwealth BEFORE applying to the program.
  • Participants must pass LPN licensing exam
  • Participants must continue working with DDS for at least 2 years after program completion.

Note that a portion of this education assistance program is considered taxable and may impact your taxes. Consult with a tax professional to determine tax implications.

Review  DDS LPN Certificate Program Checklist and FAQ  to learn more.

If you have any additional program questions, please email DDSCOOperationsEmail@mass.gov.

DDS LPN Certificate Information

Review information about the DDS LPN Certificate Program, and watch an informational session.

If you have any additional program questions, please email DDSCOOperationsEmail@mass.gov.

Open DOCX file, 251.68 KB,  DDS LPN Certificate 20 Participating Programs 2025 (English, DOCX 251.68 KB)
Open PDF file, 2.92 MB,  DDS LPN Program Brochure 2025 (English, PDF 2.92 MB)
Open DOCX file, 53.41 KB,  DDS LPN Certificate Program Participation Agreement 25-26 School Year (English, DOCX 53.41 KB)
Watch a program information session  

Common Program Questions

Please find answers below to common DSW to LPN Certificate Program questions from our informational sessions. Be sure to review the  DDS LPN Certificate Program Checklist and FAQ for more information. 

If you have a question not answered by these materials, please reach out to DDSCOOperationsEmail@mass.gov.

  • Each of the four DDS selection committees will review and make decisions on applications beginning March 1 on a rolling basis. This means applications will be reviewed an decided on as they come in until all the slots are filled. 
  • DSWs should submit their application to the DDS DSW to LPN Certificate Program after they have been accepted into an LPN Certificate Program.
  • If you have been accepted into a program with a deposit deadline before April 1, we encourage you to reach out to your program directly to request an extension. Please contact DDSCOOperationsEmail@mass.gov if you would like help in seeking a deposit extension. Do not pay the deposit yourself. 
  • You must have worked as a full-time DSW for two years or more as of July 1, 2024 to be eligible to apply to the DDS DSW to LPN Certificate Program.
  • If you are already enrolled in an LPN certificate program, you can apply to the DDS LPN Certificate Program if you meet either of the following requirements:
    1. You are enrolled in one of the DDS LPN Certificate 20 Participating Programs 2025 OR
    2. If you are currently enrolled part-time, but your school can move you from your part-time program into one of the DDS LPN Certificate 20 Participating Programs 2025 .
    If accepted to the DDS program, DDS will pay for your tuition and fees going forward and will not pay retroactively.

LPN Certificate Program Application Documents

The following are printable application materials. Paper applications will be available in all DDS offices. Applications can be emailed or mailed to:

  • Northeast Region/Metro Region/Hogan:
    • Diane DiGiovanni, Human Resources 
      Executive Office of Health and Human Services 
      450 Maple St. Danvers, MA 01923 
      Email: Diane.M.Digiovanni@mass.gov​​​
  • Central West Region:
  • Southeast Region/Wrentham:
    • Department of Developmental Services
      Attn: Lindsey Williamson, Human Resources
      151 Campanelli Drive, Suite B 
      Middleboro, MA 02346
      Email: Lindsey.K.Williamson@mass.gov

An online application will be available on this website soon. 

Open PDF file, 234.87 KB,  Application DDS LPN Certificate Program (English, PDF 234.87 KB)
Open DOCX file, 53.41 KB,  DDS LPN Certificate Program Participation Agreement 25-26 School Year (English, DOCX 53.41 KB)
Open DOCX file, 55.62 KB,  LPN Certificate Program Participation Agreement March 2025 (English, DOCX 55.62 KB)

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback