Overview of Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
- There are 40 nursing schools in Massachusetts. The CCNE accredits 21 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 31 schools in Massachusetts.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Massachusetts is between 69.00% and 97.11%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Massachusetts is between 80.89% and 92.67%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Massachusetts can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Online Nursing Programs Liked by Massachusetts Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities beloww.
About Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
The role of a professional nurse in Massachusetts is reliant on dedication of being a lifelong learner and the ability to apply what you learn to your career. The field of nursing is a distinct field that requires technical knowledge along with a comprehensive approach to nursing research. There are many traits that can be learned through experience on the job. However, this is not the only way information can be obtained. There are other ways to expand your knowledge and strengthen your skills as a nurse. The best way this can be accomplished is by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.
In our Massachusetts RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Massachusetts RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Massachusetts, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Massachusetts RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
---|---|---|
Number of Nursing Programs | 20 | 25 |
Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 85.78% | 86.59% |
NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 69.00% to 97.11% | 80.89% to 92.67% |
Best Ranked RN Programs in Massachusetts
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Massachusetts and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 19 ADN degree programs and 9 BSN degree programs in Massachusetts. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Massachusetts to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
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Best Nursing Schools (BSN) in Massachusetts
The knowledge gained while working in the nursing field and experience with patient care can only benefit from the advancement of nursing information. Completing a BSN degree program can do this. The curriculum for most BSN programs help experienced nurses will further their knowledge in leadership, management, and professionalism can assist nurses in these demanding roles. Courses in typical BSN curriculum in Massachusetts may include:
- Nursing research, clinical studies, and theories
- Advanced studies in the management of complex systems and health issues
- Clinical experiences
- Pathophysiology for nurses
Worcester State College (WSU)
- 486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA - 01602-2597
- (508) 929-8000
- Grade: (A) 99.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN
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University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- 1 University Ave, Lowell, MA - 01854-5104
- (978) 934-4000
- Grade: (A) 97.67%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric - Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- 285 Old Westport Rd, North Dartmouth, MA - 02747-2300
- (508) 999-8000
- Grade: (A) 96.00%
- Programs: Administration, Research or Clinical Nursing, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
Simmons College
- 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA - 02115-5898
- (617) 521-2000
- Grade: (A) 95.67%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP
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Westfield State University
- 577 Western Ave, Westfield, MA - 01086-1630
- (413) 572-5300
- Grade: (A) 94.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
Fitchburg State University
- 160 Pearl St, Fitchburg, MA - 01420-2697
- (978) 345-2151
- Grade: (A) 94.33%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN, MSN
Curry College
- 1071 Blue Hill Ave, Milton, MA - 02186-2395
- (617) 333-0500
- Grade: (A) 93.33%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, MSN
Endicott College
- 376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA - 1915
- (978) 927-0585
- Grade: (A) 93.33%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN
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Boston College
- 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA - 2467
- (617) 552-8000
- Grade: (A) 92.33%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family 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, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to MSN
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University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- 374 Whitmore Building 181 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA - 1003
- (413) 545-0111
- Grade: (A) 92.33%
- 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, MSN, MSN to DNP
Bay State College
- 31 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA - 2116
- (617) 217-9000
- Grade: (A) 90.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
Best Nursing Schools (ADN) in Massachusetts
RN programs in Massachusetts typically are offered with a variety of options; programs may be offered on-campus, online, or as a hybrid format. Some RN programs are reserved specifically for students graduating with their LPN from that college, so space is limited. Colleges and universities in Massachusetts may offer all types of nursing options, from practical nursing to BSN nursing, making it easy for students to continue their education under one institution.
Bunker Hill Community College
- 250 New Rutherford Ave, Boston, MA - 02129-2925
- (617) 228-2000
- Grade: (A) 96.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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Bay State College
- 31 St. James Avenue, Boston, MA - 2116
- (617) 217-9000
- Grade: (A) 94.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
North Shore Community College
- 1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA - 01923-0840
- (978) 762-4000
- Grade: (A) 93.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More →
Middlesex Community College
- 591 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA - 01730-9124
- (978) 656-3200
- Grade: (A) 92.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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Greenfield Community College
- One College Dr, Greenfield, MA - 01301-9739
- (413) 775-1000
- Grade: (A) 92.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
- 170 Governors Ave, Medford, MA - 2155
- (781) 306-6600
- Grade: (A) 92.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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Quinsigamond Community College
- 670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA - 01606-2092
- (508) 853-2300
- Grade: (A) 92.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
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Holyoke Community College
- 303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, MA - 1040
- (413) 552-2000
- Grade: (A) 91.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More →
Bristol Community College
- 777 Elsbree St, Fall River, MA - 02720-7395
- (508) 678-2811
- Grade: (A) 91.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
View More →
Cape Cod Community College
- 2240 Iyannough Rd, West Barnstable, MA - 02668-1599
- (508) 362-2131
- Grade: (A) 91.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
Additional Listings for Massachusetts Nursing Schools
Grade
|
University
|
Massachusetts Rank
|
Degree
|
---|---|---|---|
88.30 | Springfield Technical Community College | 11 | ADN |
88.00 | Roxbury Community College | 12 | ADN |
84.70 | Becker College | 13 | ADN |
84.30 | Mount Wachusett Community College | 15 | ADN |
78.30 | Northern Essex Community College | 17 | ADN |
59.30 | Quincy College | 18 | ADN |
26.00 | Regis College | 16 | ADN |
88.33 | Becker College | 17 | BSN |
88.33 | Northeastern University - Accelerated | 14 | BSN |
88.33 | Anna Maria College | 15 | BSN |
88.00 | Regis College | 16 | BSN |
84.67 | American International College | 18 | BSN |
81.00 | Laboure College | 19 | BSN |
64.37 | Augustana University | 1 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Massachusetts
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in Massachusetts and research schools in Massachusetts offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by Massachusetts Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Massachusetts RN Licensing Requirements
Massachusetts State Board of Nursing
Board of Registration in Nursing
239 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 973-0900
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $230
License renewal (every two years), RN: $120
Continuing Education Requirements:
RNs and LPNs: 15 contact hours every renewal period
RN Licensure by Exam
Candidates must submit two applications upon graduation: one to Pearson VUE (the company that administers the NCLEX-RN) and the other to the Massachusetts Board. The application itself costs $230 and the NCLEX registration costs $200. The steps should be completed simultaneously. When the applicant provides an email address to Pearson, they will receive an Authorization to Test within a few days. Exams are computer based and can be completed when it is most convenient to the applicant. If the candidate is unsuccessful in passing the NCLEX exam, there is a 45-day waiting period before retaking it.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who have been granted licensure in one of the other 50 states may apply for licensure by endorsement. The application for licensure by endorsement is $275 and license verification must also be submitted.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
International candidates should have high school education that is separate from their nursing school education. Registered nurses are eligible to apply for licensure when they have passed a Qualifying Examination Certificate or obtained a Visa Screen Certificate. Canadian candidates are able to submit evidence of graduating from a Board approved program but they will still be required to pass the NCLEX exam. There is a $50 fee for Canadians who wish to pursue this route. International candidates must demonstrate English proficiency and there are many exams available to choose from. Lastly, international graduates will submit a Certificate of Graduation to PCS.
RN Salaries in Massachusetts
There are several opportunities for nurses who have completed a BSN degree program. A majority of the specialty hospitals in the area require a BSN to qualify for the position. As a new graduate of a program nurses may find expanded opportunities such as:
- Mental Health RN who visits patients in their homes
- Wound and ostomy nursing
- Administration or executive roles in healthcare facilities
Nurses who have obtained a bachelor’s degree are preferred over a nurse who has not in most cases. There are a few hospitals in Massachusetts who are pushing to only hire nurses with a BSN.
Massachusetts Registered Nursing Salaries
Boston has, by large, the largest amount of registered nurses employed than any other metropolitan area in Massachusetts. The Cambridge-Quincy metropolitan area has the highest annual median wage along with the highest hourly mean wage. This is considering some estimates that were not released.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.