Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
#1 in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Susan and Alan Solomont School of Nursing
- 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA - 01854-5104
- (978) 934-4000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 666
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $15,698
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 91%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,108
- Percent Admitted: 75%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
UMass Lowell offers advanced nursing education through two specialized programs: the Family Health Nursing Nurse Practitioner Program and the Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Both programs focus on health problem management, research, leadership, and health promotion among diverse populations.
Family Health Nursing Nurse Practitioner Program:
- Students develop skills in communication, health assessment, teaching, interventions, and evaluation.
- Prepares students as nurse practitioners.
- Graduates are eligible for national family nurse practitioner certification exams.
- Includes Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) sessions with Standardized Patients (SPs), actors who simulate medical patients of various ages, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities. This interactive experience allows students to develop diagnoses or decide on next steps for care.
Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program:
- Focuses on communicating with adults and treating common health problems.
- Prepares students as nurse practitioners.
- Graduates are eligible for the national adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioner certification exam.
- Also utilizes OSCE sessions with SPs, providing hands-on experience in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Both programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and are fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. UMass Lowell's innovative approach to education and training ensures that students are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen specialization within the nursing field.
#2 in Massachusetts
Simmons College
- 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA - 02115-5898
- (617) 521-2000
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to MSN, Direct Entry MSN, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 224
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,280
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $28,630
- Percent Admitted: 83%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
Simmons University, with a legacy of educating nurses since 1902, offers online nursing programs tailored to meet the growing needs of the healthcare community. Here's an overview:
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program:
- Focus: Prepares licensed registered nurses (RNs) to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs).
- Requirements: RNs with a BSN or a bachelor's degree majoring in Nursing.
- Accreditation: The baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Performance: 97.8% of graduates passed their ANCC boards in 2020.
- Features:
- Predictable, standardized schedules for live courses.
- A dedicated clinical placement team for rotations in or near students' communities.
- Flexible course delivery with “flex scheduling” and recorded live sessions.
Online Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program:
- Focus: Prepares RNs to provide psychiatric mental health care and address the national mental health provider shortage.
- Duration: As few as 24 months.
- Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in nursing and unrestricted RN license.
- Admission: Rolling admissions with start dates in January, May, and September.
- Accreditation: CCNE-accredited, with plans to submit a substantive change report for this new program track within the prescribed window.
- Curriculum: Focuses on psychiatric mental health diagnosis, treatment, substance misuse, and a health equity and social justice approach. Skills include mental health assessments, diagnosis, therapy, psychopharmacological recommendations, and prescribing medications.
Simmons University's online programs are designed to accommodate the lives and schedules of working nurses, allowing them to continue providing care in their communities while pursuing their educational goals. Full-time, part-time, and extended program options ensure flexibility, while consistent support from faculty and staff creates a nurturing learning environment.
By providing an education that prioritizes the RN lifestyle, Simmons University ensures a supportive and comprehensive learning experience. Through these online programs, students can prepare to make significant contributions to mental health care, family care, and overall health equity in their communities.
#3 in Massachusetts
Boston College
William R Connell School of Nursing
- 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA - 02467
- (617) 552-8000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, Ph.D., Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1109
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,250
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 56%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $43,028
- Percent Admitted: 26%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
#4 in Massachusetts
Endicott College
- 376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA - 01915
- (978) 927-0585
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 115
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,225
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 96%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $15,639
- Percent Admitted: 70%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 21%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
Graduates of Endicott's Family Nurse Practitioner program will enter the healthcare field with preparation to care autonomously for individuals and families. The program emphasizes health promotion, disease prevention, and acute and chronic illness care within the primary setting.
Offered in a hybrid learning model, the 45-credit hour program allows for online and evening courses. Completion takes two years and requires no GRE. The program boasts a focus on evidence-based practice and offers faculty with real-world experience and strong support.
Students must complete a minimum of 600 faculty-supervised clinical hours. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for family nurse practitioner certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), with the option to apply for state licensure.
The curriculum includes courses in pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacotherapeutics, professional seminars, primary care, and practicum experiences.
Learning outcomes are robust and comprehensive. Graduates will be able to integrate scientific findings, demonstrate leadership, apply research, utilize patient-care technologies, advocate for professional standards, communicate and collaborate with other health professionals, and influence healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practice.
Investing in this master's degree equips graduates to become leaders in the field of family nursing practice, advancing the quality of care across diverse settings.
#5 in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, MA - 02747-2300
- (508) 999-8000
- Programs: Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 399
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,408
- Book and Supplies: $1,200
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $8,335
- Percent Admitted: 76%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
UMass Dartmouth's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers pathways for aspiring advanced practice nurses with a focus on the highest level of clinical care. The program's details are as follows:
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Track:
- 4-year plan available
- 5-year plan available
- Focuses on caring for patients ages 12 and older
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track:
- 4-year plan available
- 5-year plan available
- Focuses on providing care to psychiatric patients across the lifespan
The BS-DNP pathways accommodate students with a bachelor's degree in nursing or a non-nursing bachelor's with an associate's in nursing. A transition (GAP) course is available for those with a non-nursing major. Completion requires 63-66 credits and over 1,000 hours of clinical practice. The program also includes a scholarly project to translate research into practice.
Curriculum Includes:
- Translation research methods
- Theory and health policy
- Population health and informatics
- Systems leadership and leadership residencies
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) Online:
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP):
- Preparation to diagnose and treat mental health conditions
- Includes instruction on psychotherapy and medication prescription
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP):
- Focuses on primary care for adult and gerontological populations
- 24 total credit hours and 500 hours of faculty-supervised clinical hours
UMass Dartmouth provides these programs in a flexible online format that allows for personal attention from faculty, while accommodating work and home responsibilities.
Key UMassD Advantages:
- Value and affordability of a UMass education
- One-on-one personal advising
- Military-friendly environment
- Limited class sizes for individualized interactions with professors
Admissions Requirements:
- Eligible applicants have a master's degree or doctoral degree in nursing for CAGS programs.
Accreditation:
- The bachelor's, master's, and DNP programs at UMass Dartmouth are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
UMass Dartmouth's DNP program offers a transformative education that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, population-focused interventions, and the future leadership of nursing practices. The program is designed to work with diverse populations, complex healthcare systems, and provide a foundation for healthcare improvements within Massachusetts and beyond.
Application deadlines are rolling for Fall and restricted to Fall only for Spring. Summer admissions are not applicable.Â
#6 in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Elaine Marieb College of Nursing
- 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA - 01003
- (413) 545-0111
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1727
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $16,439
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 90%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $10,126
- Percent Admitted: 65%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 19%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
UMass Amherst Graduate School offers specialized concentrations for Post-Baccalaureate students in the field of nursing, with different plans of study and application requirements.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP):Â This online Doctor of Nursing Practice concentration prepares clinical experts in primary care across the lifespan. Students may pursue either a four-year or five-year plan. Applications are reviewed until seats are filled, with start dates available in various terms. The school cannot accept students from AL, MN, NY, OR, or WA.
Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP):Â The AGPCNP concentration prepares students to care for adolescent, adult, and older populations, making them eligible for AGPCNP board certification through the ANCC or AANP. This program includes advanced coursework in leadership, health policy, research translation, and clinical skills. An individually tailored plan is created after admission, with priority admission by October 15.
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP):Â This DNP concentration focuses on psychiatric-mental health care, assessing and treating individuals and families with psychiatric disorders. The PMHNP certificate courses are entirely online, and experiential learning is gained through clinical practica. The plan of study can be completed in 4 or 5 years. Clinical hours required are 728 for non-APRNs and 560 for APRNs. A baccalaureate or master's degree in nursing is required, along with an active RN license. Preference is given to those with psychiatric mental health nursing experience.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Post-Master's Online Certificate:Â A 30-credit program designed for nurses with a master's degree who want to expand their practice to psychiatric and mental health care. This online certificate focuses on treatment for mental health and substance disorders, with clinical practice in various behavioral settings. Preference is given to nurses with experience in psychiatric mental health nursing.
Application deadlines, clinical hours, and specific course requirements vary between concentrations. More detailed information about each concentration can be found in the Graduate Nursing Student Handbook or by contacting Karen Ayotte. Online applications can be made through the UMass Amherst Graduate School.
#7 in Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Boston
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
- 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA - 02125-3393
- (617) 287-5000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, Doctor of Nursing, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 684
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $14,677
- Book and Supplies: $800
- Percent Received Aid: 89%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $9,911
- Percent Admitted: 80%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 20%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
UMass Boston offers a comprehensive range of nursing programs tailored to meet the needs of various career stages and specializations. Here's an overview of the opportunities:
- Focus: Prepares Registered Nurses (RNs) for advanced nursing practice (APN) in family nursing or adult-gerontological nursing.
- Requirements: Open to RNs with a bachelor's degree, including working nurses.
- Features: Rigorous academics, rich clinical experiences with on-site instruction.
- Ranking: No. 63 on U.S. News & World Report's 2022 Best Nursing Schools: Master's list.
- Focus: Enhances nursing practice and clinical leadership for highly trained advanced practice nurses.
- Requirements: Nurses with a master's degree in nursing; family, gerontological, or adult nurse practitioners; nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists.
- Skills: Development in leadership, health systems leadership, policy development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) Programs:
- Focus: Prepares master's-prepared RNs for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in primary care.
- Requirements: Open to RNs with MS degrees in nursing and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) seeking FNP certification.
- Features: Interactive online learning and clinical coursework.
- Options:
- 12-credit option: For RNs with MS degrees in nursing and certification as family, adult, and pediatric nurse practitioners. Consideration of others based on prior master's level didactic and clinical coursework.
- 21-credit option: For RNs, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), including Certified Nurse-midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS), Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners (WHNPs), and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (AGACNPs) with a Nursing MS degree.
UMass Boston's nursing programs are distinguished by their academic rigor, coupled with a commitment to promoting best practices and providing extensive clinical experiences. Students are offered a robust education, whether they are seeking to enhance their clinical skills, attain a master's or doctoral degree, or expand their certifications as nurse practitioners.
These offerings enable nurses to improve the quality of care, expand their practices to include broader populations, and address emerging healthcare system needs. By aligning with nationally recognized researchers, educators, and practitioners, students at UMass Boston are poised to become leaders in the field, contributing to healthcare access and quality for diverse communities.
#8 in Massachusetts
Northeastern University - Accelerated
- 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA - 02115-5005
- (617) 373-2000
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1660
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 82%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $28,535
- Percent Admitted: 20%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
#9 in Massachusetts
College of Our Lady of Elms
- 291 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA - 01013
- (413) 594-2761
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 54
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,500
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $18,368
- Percent Admitted: 70%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
Elms College offers specialized programs for practicing registered nurses (RNs) seeking advanced education and certifications. Here's an overview of the opportunities available:
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP):
- Focuses on care in acute settings for adults across age spectrum.
- Supported by clinical placement and includes a faculty-mentored quality improvement project.
- Educates students for ANCC board certification.
- Emphasizes treatment of chronic, acute, and critical conditions.
- Strongly recommended by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) for entry into nurse practitioner roles by 2025.
Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP):
- Designed for comprehensive care across the lifespan.
- Supported by clinical placement and includes a faculty-mentored quality improvement project.
- Prepares students for ANCC or AANP board certification.
- Focuses on family-centered care including health assessment, follow-up care, health promotion, and disease management.
- Demand for FNPs is expected to grow by 31% by 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate Programs:
- Offers additional population focus for certified advanced practice nurse practitioners.
- Eligible individuals must have national nurse practitioner certification and APRN licensure.
- Available in two specialty tracks: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).
- Student outcomes include integration of advanced knowledge, demonstration of competence in advanced nursing roles, scientific inquiry, contribution to the nursing profession, and life-long professional learning skills.
Elms College's DNP and Post-Graduate APRN Certificate programs are designed to equip practicing RNs with specialized skills, providing unique pathways in nursing, and preparing them for employment in various acute care, family practice, and specialty settings. The programs align with the NONPF's guidelines and respond to increasing demands in healthcare, especially in underserved urban and rural communities.
See our Ranking Methodology
In Massachusetts, as of now, 7,330 Nurse Practitioners are employed, but the future seems even brighter. The projection of needing 10,820 new NPs by 2030 reveals a growing sector. The state’s Full Practice model and unrestricted prescriptive authority further underscore the trust in these professionals and their potential to directly impact patient care.
- Educational Requirements: Aspiring Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts must first secure an RN license, followed by a Master’s or Doctoral degree from an accredited nursing program. Such advanced education prepares NPs for broader responsibilities in patient care.
- Licensure and Certification: Beyond education, prospective NPs in Massachusetts need state licensure from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and a national certification in a chosen specialty. These credentials affirm their expertise and readiness to provide high-quality care.
- Scope of Practice: Massachusetts employs a Full Practice model. Here, Nurse Practitioners can assess patients, diagnose conditions, interpret diagnostic tests, and initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications, all under the exclusive licensure authority of the state nursing board.
- Prescriptive Authority: NPs in Massachusetts have unrestricted prescriptive authority. They can prescribe all medications, including controlled substances, helping them effectively manage their patient’s treatment plans.
- Employment and Salary Statistics: Massachusetts houses 3% of the U.S.’s NP workforce, who earn an average of $129,540 annually. These stats highlight the state’s commitment to acknowledging the essential role of NPs in healthcare.
- Job Outlook: The state’s projected need for an additional 830 NPs annually until 2030 signals a promising job outlook. This robust demand underlines the state’s commitment to quality healthcare, provided in part by NPs.
- Regulatory Body: The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing regulates NP practices within the state, ensuring high standards of practice, issuing licenses, and maintaining the integrity of the profession.
Massachusetts’ projected demand for Nurse Practitioners, its Full Practice model, and unrestricted prescriptive authority create an environment rich with opportunities for these professionals. Coupled with competitive salaries and a growing job market, Massachusetts offers robust prospects for those poised to make a deep-seated impact in the healthcare field.
8 Steps to Become an NP in Massachusetts
- Earn Your RN – Step one is to earn your RN degree. You can do this by completing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program through a CCNE or ACEN accredited university. This accreditation is more likely to help you get into a master’s or doctorate program. Find the best ranked Massachusetts nursing schools.
- Pass The NCLEX-RN Exam – Take and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain your Massachusetts RN licensure. By studying and taking plenty of our practice NCLEX Exams, exam day will be far less stressful.
- Earn Your MSN and/or DNP – In your Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) NP program you will complete classes in nursing theory, management of acute and chronic illnesses, research, pharmacology, ethics, leadership preparation and more.
- Complete Supervised Clinical Hours – If earning your MSN you will need to complete at minimum 500 hands on supervised clinical hours (the exact number depends on your population foci). If you are going for your DNP this number jumps to 1000.
- Become Board Certified – After completing your program and the required clinical hours you will apply to take the national certification exam for your population. These exams are done through the certifying body for your population foci. For example Women’s Health NPs take their certification exam through the NCC.
- Obtain Licensure – Applying for licensure in Massachusetts requires that you be licensed as an RN in the state first. Then you must provide proof of your graduate level coursework through transcript submission, national certification, and meet the “good moral character” requirements. The you pay $150 and submit the application online.
- Obtain you NPI number, Mass controlled substance, and DEA Number – Once you are licensed in Massachusetts, you apply for your NPI number which is free. Then you use this to apply for your Mass Controlled Substances Registration (MCSR) and then your DEA registration so that you can prescribe medications.
- Maintain Active Certification Licensure – maintaining active licensure requires paying a renewal fee every 2 years and maintaining certification through your certifying body. Both your RN and NP licenses in Massachusetts must stay up to date.
Types of Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Programs
Massachusetts offers 27 NP programs at the MSN level, 12 DNP level and 14 Post MSN NP Certificate level programs. This number is likely to change given the popularity of NP programs and Massachusetts being the healthcare center for the country.
Campus and Online Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Programs
University | Offered as | City/State |
---|---|---|
College of Our Lady of Elms | Campus, Hybrid | Chicopee, MA |
Regis College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Weston, MA |
Salem State University | Campus, Hybrid | Salem, MA |
Simmons University | Campus, Hybrid | Boston, MA |
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | Campus, Online | Boston, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | Campus, Hybrid, Online | North Dartmouth, MA |
American International College | Campus, Hybrid | Springfield, MA |
Boston College | Campus | Chestnut Hill, MA |
Endicott College | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Beverly, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Lowell, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Campus, Online | Amherst, MA |
University of Massachusetts-Boston | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
Northeastern University | Campus, Hybrid, Online | Boston, MA |
BSN to MSN
If you are getting your MSN after having your BSN in the state of Massachussets you can expect to spend 2 years earning your degree and becoming an NP. If you have your RN, but not your BSN, you can complete a program that is similar in length and will give you an MSN.
In general BSN to MSN programs are about 50 credits and require anywhere from 500 to 800 hours of supervised clinical experience during the program. The variations are due to individual university requirements and your population focus. To be eligible for entry you will need to have a 3.0 GPA or the equivalent of a B average. You must also be licensed as an RN in Massachusetts.
Direct Entry MSN Programs
Direct entry MSN programs give people who are not nurses but have a bachelors degree in something else the opportunity pursue nursing. These programs prepare you to be an NP without having you repeat non-nursing college courses that you have already taken. There are a handful of these programs in Massachusetts as well.
Like BSN to MSN programs you need to have 3.0 GPA (B average) or better. You also must have your bachelor’s degree. Most programs require that you have taken certain pre-requisites such as anatomy and physiology, developmental psychology, microbiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, and more. Direct entry programs take between 2 and 3 years to complete. After the program you will be an RN and an NP.
MSN to NP Certificate
If you already have your MSN but are not an NP you can complete a certificate program to train you to be an NP. This may be the right path for you if you have your MSN in something nursing education, nursing administration, or if you are a clinical nurse specialist. You must be an RN in the state of Massachusetts to be eligible to apply for these programs.
Typically you are not required to take the GRE again for these programs. You will have to submit an application with your resume, references, past transcripts and more. In general MSN to NP certificate programs take about 1 year and require 500 to 700 clinical hours depending on the school and your population focus.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP programs are the doctorate level programs that prepare nurses to be NPs. In these programs you will be trained to provide nursing care at the expert level and will also be able to teach in most universities. DNP programs are becoming more popular as the entry pathway into becoming an NP. Program length varies from 3 to 5 years depending on whether or not you already have your masters. The eligibility requirements vary a little between the BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs.
- BSN to DNP: These programs are for bachelor’s level trained nurses. You must be a licensed Massachusetts nurse and have had a GPA of at least 3.0 (B average) or better. The BSN to DNP programs will take about 5 years depending on the university. Your application will need to include GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous transcripts, and more. As a part of your DNP program you will need to complete 1000 hours of supervised clinical experiences. Some programs will require you to have nursing experience.
- MSN to DNP: These programs take into account that you are already a nurse trained at the master’s level. Depending on the program you may be required to already be an NP in Massachusetts. All programs will require you to have your Massachusetts RN license. These programs will take between 2 and 3 years to complete. Like the BSN to DNP programs you need to submit an application with letters of recommendations, past transcripts, and more. You do not have to take the GRE however, as it is assumed that you already had to take it for your MSN. At the end of your DNP education you will not only be an NP but you will also have completed the highest level of clinical nursing education available.
Massachusetts NP Programs Offered by Degree Level
Cost for Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Programs
Program costs will vary depending on what type of NP program you do and where you go to school. Whether you attend a private or public university will also play a role. Review ways to reduce cost. Discuss cost differences between different types of NP programs.
Comparative examples of state vs private schools
- University of Massachusetts: $750 per credit or $60,000 for the entire DNP program.
- Boston College: $1,404 per credit or $ $63,180 for the whole traditional master’s in nursing program.
To help offset the cost of becoming an NP you can apply for scholarships and/or loan forgiveness programs. Here are a few examples.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Individual Hospital Repayment Programs
- Perkins Loan Cancellation
- Military Programs
- Nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness
Scholarships outside of the school you are applying to are not as common for NP programs as they are for BSN programs, but our Nursing School and Scholarship guide can help you figure out additional ways to offset costs.
Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
Online NP programs do exist, and with many already busy professionals pursuing higher education these online options can be a lifesaver. These offer an online platform to attend classes, complete coursework, do quizzes and even partake in class discussions. Of course any clinical experiences will have to be done in person, but your school can help you arrange these in a convenient location. MGH Institute of Health Professions DNP program is largely online. Most of the coursework and classes are held using online modules and twice a semester weekend intensives are held on the Boston campus.
Massachusetts NP Programs Offered as Campus / Online / Hybrid
NP Salaries in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is one of the best paying states for Nurse Practitioners. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics NPs earn a median of $103, 880 in the US. Massachusetts is the fourth highest paying state with an average NP salary of $120,140. Boston is one of the largest healthcare centers in the country with many hospitals and healthcare environments to choose from.
The bigger private hospitals may pay more, while community health centers may make you eligible for loan forgiveness. Massachusetts also has one of the highest concentrations of NPs in the country, showing that it is a profession that is respected and sought after in the state.
Potential Employers
As previously mentioned Massachusetts, specifically the city of Boston is booming with healthcare industries looking to hire qualified NPs like you. Here are some examples:
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Hospital with multiple locations and affiliated community health centers.
- Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH): Teaching hospital that is the 4th best hospital in the country according to the U.S. News World Report.
- Boston Medical Center: Public hospital with one of the top trauma units in the country.
- Cambridge Health Alliance: Organization of community health facilities in the Cambridge area.
- Boston Healthcare for the Homeless: Provide comprehensive healthcare to a population of people in great need.
- Boston University Health Services: Like many of the other universities in the area BU has a student health clinic that hires NPs.
- Massachusetts Correctional Institution: Located in Framingham this prison employees NPs to care for the inmate population.
Nurse Practitioner Resources in Massachusetts
Below is a list of resources and organizations in Massachusetts that support and advocate for Nurse Practitioners:
- Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (MCNP)
MCNP is a professional organization representing nurse practitioners in Massachusetts. They provide networking opportunities, educational events, and legislative advocacy to promote the interests of their members and advance the nurse practitioner profession. - Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)
The MNA is a membership-based organization dedicated to advancing the nursing profession in Massachusetts. They offer resources, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy for nurses, including nurse practitioners, to enhance their professional development and improve healthcare outcomes. - Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing is responsible for regulating nursing practice in the state, including licensing and overseeing nurse practitioners. They provide information on licensure requirements, scope of practice, and regulatory updates. - Massachusetts Action Coalition
The Massachusetts Action Coalition is part of the national Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action initiative and works to transform healthcare through nursing. They focus on education, leadership development, and interprofessional collaboration for nurses, including nurse practitioners.
Best Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Me
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Lauren is a Registered Nurse and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner who works in an OB/GYN clinic in the Boston area. She completed a Direct Entry MSN program at Boston College in May 2017 after obtaining a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Biology from the University of New Haven, so she has special awareness of how confusing the many paths to nursing can be! She is passionate about enhancing and clarifying the nursing role globally as well as combatting human trafficking from a public health standpoint. In her free time Lauren enjoys writing and traveling.