RN Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts RN Programs at a Glance
RN Programs Offered in Massachusetts
- ADN Programs: 21
- BSN Programs: 23
ADN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 85%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 50.67% to 98.00%
- Average Net-Price $11,828.75
- Net-Price Range: $2,557.00 to $29,282.00
- Average Student Loan : $9,713.30
BSN Program Stats
- NCLEX-RN Average: 86.05%
- NCLEX Rate Range: 79.60% to 92.40%
- Average Net-Price $22,334.59
- Net-Price Range: $10,575.00 to $32,860.00
- Average Student Loan : $21,512.00
Help You Will Find on This Page
Massachusetts RN Program Guide
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, you will find both ADN and BSN Degree program rankings, tuition costs, enrollment information, NCLEX passing rates, and more. You will find key Massachusetts RN Program information to help you compare programs metrics and apply to best RN program(s) for the advancement of your career.
The State of Massachusetts offers 41 RN programs in 30 different cities. Public institutions offer 25 of the RN programs in the state while there are 1 private, for-profit and 15 private, not-for-profit schools that make up the rest.
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 are able to then obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties.
Find your ideal program from information and data in our guide to Massachusetts RN Programs.
ADN Programs 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.
NCLEX Passing Rates for Massachusetts ADN Programs
Becker College has the highest NCLEX-RN rate in Massachusetts of 98.00%. Attending this stellar school will cost you about $29,282.00 a year.
- ADN Programs Offered in Massachusetts: 21
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 84.77%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 50.67% to 98.00%
How Much Do ADN Programs Cost in Massachusetts?
We compiled the net-price costs for RN Programs in Massachusetts so that you can find RN programs to meet your budget expectations.
When comparing ADN vs BSN programs, the average net-price per year for an Associate Degree in Nursing program is considerably less than for a Bachelor Degree in Nursing.
The lowest cost ADN program in Massachusetts is offered by Roxbury Community College at about $2,557.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 85.00%. The highest cost ADN program is offered by Becker College and it will cost about $29,282.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 98.00%.
- Average Net-Price for ADN Programs inMassachusetts: $11,828.75
- Net-Price Range for Massachusetts ADN Programs: $2,557.00 to $29,282.00
Median Student Borrowing for ADN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Massachusetts Schools: $9,713.30
- Student borrowing range for ADN programs in Massachusetts: $3,650.00 to $27,250.00
ADN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 16
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 1
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 4
BSN Programs 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
NCLEX Passing Rates for Massachusetts BSN Programs
Boston College wins the highest NCLEX-RN passing rate for BSN programs offered in Massachusetts with a score of 92.40%. Attending this influential program will cost you about $25,564.00 a year.
- BSN Programs Offered in Massachusetts: 23
- Average NCLEX-RN Passing Rate: 86.05%
- NCLEX Passing Rate Range: 79.60% to 92.40%
How Much Do BSN Degree Programs Cost in Massachusetts?
We compiled the net-price costs for BSN Programs in Massachusetts to give you an idea of how much nursing school will cost.
The lowest cost BSN degree program in Massachusetts is offered by University of Massachusetts-Boston and will cost you about $10,575.00 and has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of N/A%. The highest cost BSN degree program is offered by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and will cost you about $32,860.00 and it has an average NCLEX-RN passing rate of 79.60%.
- Average Net-Price for BSN Programs in Massachusetts: $22,334.59
- Net-Price Range for Massachusetts BSN Programs: $10,575.00 to $32,860.00
Median Student Borrowing for BSN Programs
- Average Student Borrowing for Massachusetts Schools: $21,512.00
- Student borrowing range for BSN programs in Massachusetts: $13,500.00 to $27,374.00
BSN Programs at Public or Private Institutions
- Public Institutions: 9
- Private For-Profit Institutions: 0
- Private Not-for-Profit Institutions: 14
MSN Programs 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.
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) 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.
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.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 2,540 | $36.27 | $75,440 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH | 59,660 | (8)- | (8)- |
| Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA NECTA Division | 43,460 | $41.67 | $86,670 |
| Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, MA NECTA Division | 2,220 | $40.80 | $84,860 |
| Framingham, MA NECTA Division | 3,010 | $38.66 | $80,400 |
| Haverhill-North Andover-Amesbury, MA-NH NECTA Division | 1,520 | $31.64 | $65,810 |
| Lawrence-Methuen-Salem, MA-NH NECTA Division | 2,190 | $36.25 | $75,410 |
| Leominster-Fitchburg-Gardner, MA | 1,130 | $36.70 | $76,340 |
| Lowell-Billerica-Chelmsford, MA-NH NECTA Division | 2,160 | $38.00 | $79,030 |
| New Bedford, MA | 1,680 | $34.49 | $71,740 |
| Peabody, MA NECTA Division | 2,760 | $34.28 | $71,300 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 1,050 | (8)- | (8)- |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 6,890 | $34.77 | $72,330 |
| Taunton-Norton-Raynham, MA NECTA Division | 640 | (8)- | (8)- |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 6,670 | $40.49 | $84,230 |
| Nantucket Island and Martha’s Vineyard nonmetropolitan are | 210 | $37.11 | $77,190 |
| Southwest Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | 170 | $32.33 | $67,250 |
| Northwest Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | 520 | $37.80 | $78,620 |
| North Central Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | 330 | $27.80 | $57,820 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data
![[state] MA Best Ranked RN Programs in [state] by RNCareers.org](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/themes/rn-careers-child/images/ranking-seal.png "[state] MA Best Ranked RN Programs in [state] by RNCareers.org")
![Becker College RN Programs in MA [state_name]](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/plugins/wp-fastest-cache-premium/pro/images/blank.gif "Becker College RN Programs in MA")