2023 - Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Becoming a nurse can be one of the best ways to start a rewarding career, establish yourself in a growing industry, and really improve the quality of people’s lives. If you’re considering becoming a registered nurse or a licensed practice nurse in Oregon, learn more about what it takes to become a nurse and how you can affect the health care field as a whole through your profession.

Simmons College is a private school in Boston, MA that was founded in 1899. Though all undergraduate programs are women-only, they do offer co-educational graduate programs. The nursing school offers a BSN program as well as a BSN to MSN program. The traditional four year program is centered around compassionate and skillful applications of nursing principles. With simulation labs, a core curriculum and a clinical education program, students at Simmons will be immersed in a full-time, supportive experience.

For adult learners they offer a special program: the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program, which is a BSN track that is to be completed in 16 months or two years. This program is open for those who are 24 or older. The 16 month option is ideal for those with a previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to complete the program at an accelerated pace. The 2 year option is for those desiring a part-time program that does not require the student to hold a previous bachelor’s degree.

The school also offers a unique mentoring program entitled the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring program which is tailored to the needs, experiences, and prospective success of Native American, Asian, Latina, and African American students who are part of the nursing program.

Simmons University is a four-year, private university in Boston. This non-profit and non-sectarian university has a student to faculty ratio of 8:1 with an average undergraduate class size of 15. Its School of Nursing houses the first university-based nursing programs in the country. Its nursing baccalaureate, master’s and DNP programs are all CCNE-accredited.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - This program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and for the role as an entry-level nurse. A 16-month or 2-year BSN program is also available for adult learners through the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program. Other options for obtaining a BSN degree at Simmons’ is through the accelerated five-year BSN and MSN degree, and the completely online RN to BSN program.

Nursing + Nursing (4+1) - The BSN and MSN 4+1 or five-year degree structure allows students to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing with lesser time. The students proceed to the MSN part after successful completion of the BS in Nursing curriculum and the NCLEX exam. Aside from safe and patient-centered procedures taught by expert faculty, students also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. Simmons University has a network of world-renowned hospitals and facilities.

BSN to MSN - This allows RNs with nursing or related field degrees to obtain an MSN degree in just two years. The program consists of foundational courses, primary care, and research, providing career advancement opportunities for students towards becoming Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs).

MSN Direct Entry - Designed for students of all academic backgrounds who would like to pursue an MSN degree, this program can be completed in three years. The program equips students for the FNP national board certification exam and their roles as FNPs. Applicants must possess a BS or BA from a regionally-accredited college or university in order to be considered for program admission.

Online Nursing Programs - Simmons University offers the following online: RN to BSN, MSN to FNP, and DNP. The Online RN to BSN program can be completed in as few as 12 months, and requires 128 credits with up to 94 transfer credits accepted. The MSN-FNP program is available in full-time, part-time, and extended options which can be completed in as few as 24, 28, and 32 months, respectively. Meanwhile, the Online DNP degree requires practice-based research of at least 1,000 hours.

Endicott College is located in Beverley, Massachusetts.  Their RN program is specifically an RN to BSN program.  It is a hybrid program, meaning that it is a combination of online and face-to-face coursework.  Their program is also unique in that they transfer courses do not have a time limit, meaning that RNs can be out of school for many years and still go back for their BSN without retaking courses.

Boston College is a private Jesuit university in Chestnut Hill, MA. The Connell School of Nursing offers a CCNE accredited BSN program, a BSN to MSN program, as well as an MSN, DNP and PhD program. The four year bachelor’s program is an immersive, traditional college experience where students are fully engaged with the campus community and receive a robust liberal arts foundation.  The nursing program focuses on the graduate’s ability to apply their skills and knowledge in all kinds of environments and circumstances.

Boston College has a vibrant community of students that participate in competitive sports, organizations, international study, and social justice initiatives. Nursing students are no different; they are encouraged to partake in all aspects the college experience, which BC emphasizes as a crucial component of undergraduate education. Students enrolled in the BSN program may apply for the BSN to MSN track after sophomore year. If eligible and accepted, they will be allowed to take graduate courses during their final 2 years.

Founded in 1863, Boston College (BC) in Chestnut Hill, is the city’s first higher education institution. The Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing (CSON) was established in 1947. It operates on the Jesuit ideals emphasizing compassion as a nurse leader in a supportive and inclusive environment. In terms of clinicals, BC has an average faculty to student ratio of 1:6.

Bachelor’s Program - BC’s bachelor programs can be completed in four years. The curriculum is a blend of clinical experiences and classroom learning. The importance of student’s experiences is also not undermined as BC has several opportunities outside the classroom such as international study and travel, and student organizations. Upon reaching junior and senior years, students may be eligible to take graduate-level electives.

Master’s Program - CSON’s Nursing’s Masters of Science in Nursing offers two options—the Post-Baccalaureate Master of Science, Nursing Generalist and the Master of Science, Nursing Generalist. The former entry point has a 32 total credit which can be completed in as few as 18 months and is designed for BSN-prepared RNs. Meanwhile, the latter which is the direct entry has a total of 56-credit units designed for students with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree.

Ph.D. Program – With three core areas of study, this program prepares students for careers in the academe, policy, and health care. Knowledge builds on prior nursing science and expands it with health care modern-day issues. Students are also prepared for quantitative and qualitative research.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program - The DNP programs at Boston CSON are Doctor of Nursing Practice and the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a terminal degree with several entry pathways—Direct Entry DNP, Post-Baccalaureate DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, and RN to DNP. Meanwhile, the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia is for individuals who hold a nursing bachelor’s or master’s degree who would like to become certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). It requires a full-time study  which can be completed in 36 months and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Continuing Education - CSON also offers certificates and courses approved by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts as a nursing continuing professional development provider. The certificates offered are RN Refresher and Clinical Research, as well as IV Certificate Courses and Clinical Skills Courses.

Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is Massachusetts’ largest community college. This multi-campus college has two main campuses in Chelsea and Charlestown and three satellite campuses. BHCC is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The BHCC has a foundation established in 1986 which aims to support students in availing an affordable post-secondary education. Its Nurse Education Department is housed by the Division of Health Science.

Associate Degree Program - This Associate Degree Program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and for their role as registered nurses. It has 39 credits inclusive of nursing theory, lab, and clinical practice in various health care facilities. A Day Program and Alternative Program is available. The former has twice a week face-to-face meeting for class time, while the alternative program has only one face-to-face class per week and another one meeting for on-line session done either in synchronous or asynchronous format. Both options include once a week on campus laboratory meetings and clinical with 7 to 24 hours per week. The said clinicals can be conducted either day, evening or weekend. A grade of 78 or better should be earned in all NUR courses. Inability to meet either the grade requirement or clinical objective in the NUR course will result in course failure. Admission requirements include attendance to the mandatory Virtual Nursing information session, and a grade of C or better in the College level Writing I.

Located in Danvers, North Shore Community College (NSCC) is a non-profit, two-year institution of higher education. This public community college provides affordable pathways to higher education. It is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

NSCC RN to Salem State University BSN - This Associate in Science program is designed for matriculation to Salem State University (SSU). Students complete the Nurse Education Program and NSCC and are eligible for transfer to SSU to earn a BSN degree. Up to 30 upper-level nursing credits are transferable.

Associate in Science Nursing Program - This program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and accredited by ACEN with a Continuing Accreditation as the most recent decision. The program is offered in two options—the LPN to RN and the Nurse Education option. The LPN to RN option is designed for LPNS who graduated from a Practical School of Nursing. It is a full-time day program.

Practical Nursing Certificate - This 10-month practical nursing certificate program prepares students for the National Council Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). It also equips students with the needed education for their roles as LPNs. Similar to the ASN program, it is also ACEN-accredited and Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing- approved.

Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Certification Training - This training program provides dual certification as a Home Health Aide and Nurse Assistant. The program includes on-campus classroom hours and nursing home clinical experiences. Moreover, students who would like to enroll in the Health Care Technician certificate can use this certificate for credit.

With campuses in Bedford and Lowell, Middlesex Community College (MCC) is a public educational institution. It is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. With an average class size of 18. MCC provides affordable education preparing a diverse community for lifelong learning.

Associate in Science - MCC’s Associate in Science is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and accredited by ACEN. Designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, this program is available in two options—Day and Evening/Weekend. The Day option at the Lowell Campus starts in Spring or Fall Semester. Program admission follows a rolling basis with no deadline for admission. Moreover, an Advanced Placement is offered for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), allowing them to request credit for prior learning and transfer it to the ASN degree. Two options are offered, the Option I for all LPNs which requires completion of certain courses prior to admission, and the Option II for LPN program graduates in institutions with an articulation agreement with MCC.

Nursing Assistant Certificate - Designed to prepare students for entry-level employment as home-health aides or nursing assistance, this Nursing Assistant Certificate Program utilizes a blend of theory and practice instruction.  As of Fall 2019, prior to enrolling in this certificate program, students need to complete a 100-hour noncredit Nurse Assistant / Home Health Aide Certificate.

Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide Certificate - Students who complete this program are eligible to take the Massachusetts nurse assistant certification exam. The certificate program includes weekend clinical training of 24 hours conducted at a local long-term care facility.

Greenfield Community College is located in Greenfield, Massachusetts.  Greenfield Community College has been offering their ADN nursing degree since 1963 - and are proud to boast that they are the first community college-based ADN in Massachusetts!

Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing is located in Medford, Massachusetts.  This college is devoted entirely to health sciences - nursing and radiography.  LMH has graduated over 1,800 ASN RN's over the past 75 years; since its inception, it was originally a diploma program and became a degree program in 1998.

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) is a public educational institution with campuses in Worcester, Marlborough and Southbridge. QCC’s Nurse Education Program is MABORN-approved and ACEN-accredited. The Nursing Education Department places emphasis on active, creative and interactive learning process, with a simple to complex education progression. The three domains of learning—cognitive, psychomotor, and affective are also given opportunities for development. Upon obtaining a license, QCC graduates of its Associate Degree or Practical Nursing programs can work in Massachusetts; however, some states do not accept a Massachusetts license.

Nurse Education - Advanced Placement LPN - Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are eligible for advanced placement into the evening associate degree program through this Nurse Education- Advanced Placement LPN program. Hence, this allows them to transition from an LPN career to the roles as a registered nurse (RN). Program completers are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and/or pursue further study at four-universities and colleges.

Nurse Education - Advanced Placement Paramedic - This Advanced Placement Paramedic Program has similar features as the Advanced Placement LPN, only that this is designed for paramedics. This can be completed at the Healthcare and Workforce Development Center at QCC Worcester. Program completers can also sit in the NCLEX-RN exam and/or pursue further study.

Nurse Education - Designed to prepare students for RN roles, graduates of this program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. They can also pursue further studies at any four-year colleges and universities. An evening associate degree program is also available.

Named after its location, Holyoke Community College (HCC) is a two-year educational institution. HCC’s nursing programs equip its students for nursing care in all health aspects. The Center for Health Education (CHE) has simulation suites which not only have medical equipment, but with human patient simulators as well. Moreover, classrooms are equipped with multimedia, allowing hands-on experiences for its students. The curriculum consists of a blend of technical and liberal education taught in a community-centered approach.

Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) program - This two-year Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MA-BORN) and accredited by Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) with Continuing Accreditation as the most recent decision. It prepares students for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Practical Nurse (PN) Certificate Program - Similar to the ASN program this PN certificate program is also MA-BORN-approved and ACEN-accredited. Graduates of this 40-week program are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam in order to become a Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).

Advanced Placement LPN to RN ASN Program - With this Advanced Placement LPN2RN ASN Program, LPNs are considered for an advance placement into the ASN Program at HCC. This is a one-year program and program criteria has to be met to be considered for admission.

Education Mobility 1 + 1 ASN Program - This Education Mobility program allows graduates of the one-year PN to be eligible for consideration for the third semester of the ASN program. Requirements include graduation from the HCC PN program, an LPN license, and LPN employment for 6 months or more.

Bristol Community College is located in Fall River, MA. They offer a two-year ACEN accredited ADN program that has two different curriculum delivery options. Students can opt for a traditional education experience through face to face classroom learning, or they have the EHealth option, which is a hybrid model that combines face to face classroom learning with online components.

The traditional program does use a flipped classroom approach, which entails that students will learn the class material beforehand through online lectures and/or readings, and classroom time is used to deepen that knowledge through discussion. Students will have various options for clinical experiences in both Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. BCC's program takes a competency-focused approach to nursing education, and strives to prepare nurses who can meet and exceed their community needs.

Accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc., Bristol Community College has campuses in Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton. With emphasis on one-on-one advising and tutoring, the college has smaller class sizes.

Associate in Science in Nursing - Designed to prepare students for the role of entry-level staff nurse in various health care settings, this program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. It is also ACEN-accredited with a Continuing Accreditation as the most recent accreditation. The curriculum places emphasis on active learning and flipped learning pedagogical approach. Two modes of delivery are available-- through traditional face-to-face classroom learning, and through eHealth, a hybrid model with online classroom instruction. Clinical assignments are included in both delivery options. Graduates are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.  

RN to BSN Programs - Students at Bristol can have a seamless transition to a bachelor’s degree through the college’s various transfer agreements across the country.  Bristol has also gained two partnerships with leading nursing programs. The Emmanuel College Bachelor of Science in Nursing / Dual Admissions offers an online learning format with a BSN degree earned in just 16 months. Up to 96 transfer credits are available inclusive of the 40 credits from the associate degree in nursing. The Fitchburg State Guaranteed Admission Nursing Program allows RN-to-BSN option for students who graduated from Bristol’s nursing program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. Meanwhile, a preferred tuition rate is offered to Bristol’s nursing students because of the college’s agreement with Salve Regina University.