NCWS Launches Nursing Apprenticeship Initiative

Mar 02, 2026
MNAN Logo.jpg

NCWS Launches Nursing Apprenticeship Initiative

The Nursing Council on Workforce Sustainability (NCWS) has launched the Massachusetts Nursing Apprenticeship Network (MNAN), a statewide effort designed to help healthcare organizations create high‑quality nursing apprenticeship programs. These apprenticeships are an important strategy for strengthening the nursing workforce and offering new earn‑while‑you‑learn pathways into Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) roles.
MNAN supports employers, academic partners, and workforce organizations by offering:
  • End‑to‑end guidance to design, register, and implement LPN and RN apprenticeship programs with the Massachusetts Division of Apprenticeship Standards. [ncwsma.org]
  • Technical resources and blueprints that help organizations align their apprenticeship models with nursing education standards, licensure requirements, and regulatory expectations. [ncwsma.org]
  • Data and reporting support to track program outcomes, progression, and workforce impact. [ncwsma.org]
  • Connections to state and national experts, ensuring organizations have access to best practices and emerging insights in nursing apprenticeship development. [ncwsma.org]
These programs blend paid, on‑the‑job training with academic coursework, creating a structured “earn‑and‑learn” model that expands access to nursing careers and strengthens employer retention. Apprenticeships typically include about 2,000 hours of competency‑based training and are built through formal partnerships between healthcare employers and academic institutions. [ncwsma.org]
By launching MNAN, NCWS is helping Massachusetts organizations build sustainable nursing pipelines while reducing financial barriers for students and supporting a more resilient nursing workforce across the Commonwealth.
 
If your organization is interested in launching a nursing apprenticeship, NCWS is ready to help.