Despite being our nation’s seventh smallest state, there are numerous accredited nursing degree programs in Massachusetts for aspiring RNs to choose from. Featuring some of America’s oldest higher learning institutions, Massachusetts has a long, illustrious history as a nursing education hub for New England. According to Kaiser Family Foundation, Massachusetts has the fifth longest life expectancy at 80.5 years. This is mostly thanks to the wide variety of nationally recognized healthcare facilities, such as Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Medical Center, New England Baptist Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. New nurses will have their pick of top-notch clinical sites to practice their skills while advancing their technical nursing know-how. To see more accredited nursing degree programs, visit Nursing Degree Programs in Massachusetts (A-M).
Northeastern University
Bouvé College of Health Sciences
As an elite senior private institution with high research activity, Northeastern University is home for nearly 24,000 students on its beautiful 73-acre urban campus in the Fenway-Kenmore district of downtown Boston. Placed in the #1 spot for “Best Internships/Career Services” by the Princeton Review five times, Northeastern is ranked as the 42nd best university and 4th top up-and-coming school in America in the U.S. News and World Report survey. In the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing is accredited by the CCNE to train students for evidence-based, culturally competent, and ethical healthcare service.
BSN Nursing Program
Offered on a full-time basis only, the BSN Nursing Program at Northeastern is structured to provide undergraduate students with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for practicing as a registered nurse in the 21st century. Students can choose from a four-year track with two six-month co-operatives or a five-year track with three six-month co-operatives. All students will follow the same 121-credit curriculum plan to develop the fundamentals of health and illness across the entire lifespan. Beginning in the second year, students will alternate semesters of classroom instruction with paid employment at some of the best Boston-based hospitals. There’s also a Direct Entry Nursing program available for students with non-nursing undergraduate degrees to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-6083
l.hamptonfrisby@neu.edu
http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/nursing/programs/bsn/
Salem State University
School of Nursing
Nestled on a main 115-acre suburban campus in historic Salem on the North Shore within just 15 miles from Boston, Salem State University is a comprehensive four-year public teaching institution initially opened in 1854. Enrolling more than 9,200 students in its bachelor’s and master’s programs annually with a low student-faculty ratio of 15:1, Salem State has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. In the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Nursing stays on the leading-edge of nursing standards to prepare competent professionals for working across the Greater Boston area.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
At Salem State, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can be tailored to accommodate the needs of recent high school graduates, transfer students, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and second-degree adult learners. Featuring a dynamic 120-credit curriculum, the program is structured to develop a firm foundation in professional nursing practices from a liberal arts approach. Students can expect courses covering human anatomy, physiology, health assessment, nursing research, healthcare policy, public health, nursing informatics, nursing leadership, pharmacology, and professional ethics. In addition to working in the university’s state-of-the-art simulation facilities, aspiring nurses will complete clinical rotations in adult health, critical care, mental health, pediatrics, public health, rehabilitation, and women’s health.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-6624
nursing@salemstate.edu
https://www.salemstate.edu/nursing/
Simmons College
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Established in 1899, Simmons College is a comprehensive private women’s undergraduate institution serving over 3,500 female students from its 12-acre urban campus in the Fenway neighborhoods of downtown Boston within the Longwood Medical District. As a selective school with a student-faculty ratio of 10:1, Simmons is currently ranked as the 16th best regional college and 11st top value university in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Also acclaimed for hosting the country’s 83rd best nursing programs, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences gives rigorous preparation for aspiring healthcare leaders in physical therapy, health promotion, nutrition, and nursing.
Nursing (BS) Program
At the heart of healthcare, the Nursing (BS) Program at Simmons is available for undergraduate students with the passion to become socially responsive nurses and utilize the latest evidence-based practices to save lives. With a carefully designed acute care curriculum, the program consists of at least 120 credits to ensure students can administer skillful, compassionate care across the lifespan. Simmons has partnered with award-winning facilities like Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston’s Children Hospital to provide unparalleled clinical rotations. All nurses will have the education and 600 hours of clinical experience to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain entry-level nursing positions. There’s also the innovative Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program, which allows adult learners to complete their BS degree in 14 months.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
300 Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 521-2644
judy.beal@simmons.edu
http://www.simmons.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/nursing
University of Massachusetts Amherst
College of Nursing
Situated on a sprawling 1,463-acre urban campus in the Connecticut River Valley within 18 miles of Springfield, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest major flagship public land-grant research institution in New England with over 28,600 students. Placed as the world’s 91st top higher learning institute in the Times Higher Education, UMass Amherst is currently honored as the 76th best university and 30th top public school nationwide by the U.S. News and World Report. Featuring a 97% average pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, the College of Nursing is also distinguished as the 54th best nursing school in the United States.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Fully accredited by the CCNE, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UMass Amherst is designed to equip undergraduate students with a breadth of knowledge and skills to successfully transition into professional nursing practice. Students are trained to advocate for the rights and respect of patients within the increasingly complex dynamics of today’s healthcare industry. In the four-year traditional track, aspiring nurses complete two years of pre-clinical coursework before advancing into the nursing core. In addition to 120 credits, students must complete clinical rotations in various in-patient, outpatient, and community settings. It’s also possible for students to follow the Accelerated 2nd Degree Track or the RN to BS Track depending on their previous experiences.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
651 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2703
etheroux@acad.umass.edu
https://www.umass.edu/nursing/programs/traditional-undergraduate-track
University of Massachusetts Boston
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
With an enrollment of over 16,700 students, the University of Massachusetts Boston is the statewide system’s third-largest public research institution on a 177-acre urban campus in the Harbor Point neighborhood of Boston. As a member of the Urban 13 Universities, UMass Boston is ranked as the 200th best research university nationwide and the 178th top college in the Northeast by Forbes magazine. Also honored by the U.S. News and World Report as the country’s 41st best nursing school, the College of Nursing & Health Sciences is one of New England’s leading experts in preparing healthcare professionals for serving diverse urban populations.
Nursing – Traditional BS
Requiring the completion of 123 credits, the Nursing – Traditional BS program at UMass Boston builds on a liberal arts foundation to develop the requisite knowledge needed by registered nurses before taking the NCLEX-RN exam. The pre-licensure program is committed to producing competent nurses with the ability to reduce health disparities, improve well-being, protect patient safety, and inform healthcare policy changes. At nearly 200 partnering health facilities across Greater Boston, clinical placements are offered to immerse new nurses in the real-world medical environment. Students will also be mentored from world-renowned faculty for personalized career development. There’s also an Accelerated BS and RN-BS track available. To see more RN-BS degree options, visit 30 Best Affordable RN-BSN Degree Programs.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
100 Morrissey Boulevard
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-7500
Suzanne.Leveille@umb.edu
https://www.umb.edu/academics/cnhs/nursing/ug/nursing_traditional_bs
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
College of Nursing
First opened in 1895, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is another senior public four-year research institution in the stateside system educating more than 9,400 students from its modern 710-acre suburban campus along the South Coast between New Bedford and Fall River. Ranked in the top 17% of colleges for average salary returns on PayScale, UMass Dartmouth is currently honored as the 87th best regional college and 25th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Thanks to its exemplary education and clinical partnerships, the College of Nursing has also been distinguished as America’s 98th best nursing school.
B.S. in Nursing Program
Providing a seamless progression from college student to registered nurse, the B.S. in Nursing Program at UMass Dartmouth covers the most current perspectives on nursing practice to develop the values, skills, and competencies RNs require in this century. As recommended by the American Nurses Association (ANA), the 122-credit curriculum is built around promoting wellness, preventing illness, advocating for vulnerable groups, and shaping a better healthcare environment. Before venturing into the field, students utilize the university’s modern nursing lab to better understand complex care management equipment and software. In the senior year, nurses are paired with a supervising nurse for a culminating clinical internship. Students who are already licensed could also pursue the Online RN-to-BS degree in just four semesters.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
(508) 999-8755
admissions@umassd.edu
http://www.umassd.edu/nursing/undergraduateprograms/bsprogram/
University of Massachusetts Lowell
School of Nursing
Nestled on a 150-acre urban campus in Lowell as the largest university in the Merrimack Valley along the New Hampshire border, the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a comprehensive public land-grant research institution serving more than 17,100 students. Named among Forbes’ top 10 best value colleges with a 30-year net ROI over $1 million, UMass Lowell is acclaimed as the 156th best university and 84th top public school in the country by the U.S. News and World Report. Within Business Insider’s “Most Underrated College in America,” the CCNE-accredited School of Nursing gives clinical training at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Boasting a student-faculty ratio that won’t exceed 10:1, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UMass Lowell uses a personalized approach to producing competent, beginning generalist nurses for passing the NCLEX-RN exam and pursuing graduate studies. Along with general education courses, students will spend half of their 120-credit curriculum building clinical judgment to care for patients of all ages. To enhance learning, the program works with 250 agencies, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, physician offices, community clinics, outpatient care centers, school health offices, and home care services, to coordinate clinical rotation experience. Upon completion, graduates are qualified to become registered nurses and assume entry-level professional positions in these settings.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
1 University Avenue
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 934-4525
nursing@uml.edu
http://www.uml.edu/Health-Sciences/Nursing/Programs/Bachelors/bac-pro.aspx
Westfield State University
Nursing and Allied Health Department
Founded in 1838 as the nation’s first comprehensive public four-year institution with no barriers for race, gender, or economic status, Westfield State University is now home to over 5,500 students on its residential 256-acre suburban campus in western Massachusetts near Springfield. With the #1 faculty credentials and training rank at 92.6 on a 100-point scale, Westfield State is currently named the 115th best regional college, 36th top public school, and 42nd best university for veterans in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The Nursing and Allied Health Department has the mission of preparing graduates with the skills to promote and maintain health through compassionate client-centered care.
Nursing Major (BSN)
At Westfield State, the Nursing Major (BSN) is structured to integrate the university’s core of liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences with a strong foundation for beginning professional nursing practice. Within the 120-credit curriculum, students will explore topics on human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, mathematics, health assessment, microbiology, pharmacology, lifespan development, ethnic relations, community health, nursing leadership, and psychiatric wellness. Special emphasis is placed on caring for older adults. All students are required to complete a one-year formal student-to-student mentorship, which pairs freshmen with upper classman for easy transitions. In the final semester, students will work full-time at a healthcare facility with a supervising RN to fine-tune their clinical strengths.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
(413) 572-8414
mscanlon@westfield.ma.edu
http://www.westfield.ma.edu/academics/nursing-program
Worcester State University
Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Nursing Department
Enrolling more than 6,200 students, Worcester State University is a comprehensive public four-year liberal arts institution located on a 58-acre urban campus in historic Worcester in central Massachusetts. Named a “Best in the Northeast” school by Princeton Review for 10 straight years, Worcester State is currently ranked as the 125th best regional college and 41st top public school in the North in the U.S. News and World Report survey. Also distinguished as America’s 171st best nursing school, the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Nursing Department has the state’s third highest first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN examination at 98%.
RN-to-BS Program
For over 38 years, the RN-to-BS Program has been offered at Worcester State to provide current registered nurses with the power to advance their evidence-based nursing skills to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and whole communities. This program is only available for licensed nurses who’ve graduated with a diploma or associate’s degree from an accredited nursing school. Nurses can elect to study on-campus in Worcester or on-site at UMass Memorial Medical Center with a hybrid online learning format. The latter is the best option for working nurses seeking a flexible, part-time class schedule. Within this two-year program, students will link nursing theory to actual clinical practice in simulation labs and prestigious healthcare organizations. There’s also an LPN-to-BSN program for those not licensed.
Accreditations
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8129
susan.alix@worcester.edu
http://www.worcester.edu/nursing/
Nursing is one of the country’s fastest-growing fields poised to spark around 526,800 RN positions before 2022. Simply jumping into the nursing industry to take advantage of the ample job opportunities isn’t possible though. You’ll need to first pass the NCLEX-RN exam by earning an accredited diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree. While all three routes are usually acceptable, there’s an industry push to make the four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing a requirement for a more well-rounded workforce. After all, nurses are thrust into life-or-death situations often. Maximize your potential for working as a registered nurse by checking out these accredited nursing degree programs in Massachusetts.
