In partnership with the Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is announcing a change in the school nurse orientation program required to obtain an Initial school nurse license.
Effective January 1, 2025, the school nurse orientation program will now consist of two sections, Foundations of School Nursing Practice and Medication Administration in a School Setting: School Nursing Practice in Massachusetts.
MDPH is working with its provider, Boston University School Health Institute for Education and Leadership Development (SHIELD) to implement these changes. In addition, DESE will work with applicants for school nurse licensure during this transition.
For questions related to obtaining a DESE school nurse license, please contact the Licensure Call Center at 781-338-6600. The Call Center is open each business day from 9:00 a.m. – Noon and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.