Massachusetts’ Top-Rated Nursing Schools and Programs of 2024
With a national growth rate of 6%, there has never been a better time to go into nursing. Massachusetts predicts a 12% growth of registered nurses (RNs) from 2020-2030, with projected annual job openings for RNs of 5,900. This means there are plenty of opportunities for new and existing nurses.
Massachusetts has numerous colleges and universities to choose from, making it populated with educated and economically productive individuals. Having well-educated and economically driven communities is believed to contribute to the low crime rate in Massachusetts. There are plenty of good options to choose from when deciding where to go to school for nursing.
With a diverse natural landscape, Massachusetts provides year-round outdoor activities to enjoy. Cape Cod and Nantucket are popular summer destinations where you can enjoy the oceans, water skiing, rowing, boating, jet skiing, or tubing. The Berkshire Mountains are also excellent destinations for hiking, fishing, hunting, or other forest activities.
Being one of the original 13 colonies, Massachusetts has a rich history. As a result, towns developed after the Pilgrims settled in the area have historical sites and provide exciting learning opportunities.
Massachusetts has a booming economy with the largest education, finance, healthcare, hospitality, and technology industries. As a result, it is home to 20 Fortune 500 companies, including the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Additionally, US News ranks Massachusetts third in health care. With high healthcare and education rankings, low crime rates, and a growing economy, Massachusetts is a great place to be a nurse.
The Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Learn more about the best nursing schools in Massachusetts to help determine which college may be best for you.
Our site has ranked the best nursing schools in Massachusetts based on the NCLEX-RN pass rates posted on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing website. The schools are categorized into Associate Degree Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
ADN Programs:
#1 Massachusetts ADN Nursing Program
Middlesex Community College
Middlesex Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree on its Lowell campus. They offer a day program or an evening and weekend program. Their program provides a curriculum with a background in field-related science, technical skills, and general education with learning experiences in the classroom, skills lab, and clinical settings.
Average Tuition
In-State: $6,048
Out-of-State: $12,120
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$6,048 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$12,120 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
100% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021 |
63% |
| Job Placement 2022 |
92% |
| Students Enrolled |
1,835 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
#2 Massachusetts ADN Nursing Program
Bunker Hill Community College
Bunker Hill Community College in Boston and Chelsea, MA, offers an ADN program that consists of 39 credits of nursing theory and clinical practice in healthcare facilities. Their program provides graduates for employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), clinics, doctors’ offices, and other community health agencies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,280
Out-of-State: $10,224
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,280 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,224 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
99% |
| Program Completion Rate 2021-2022 |
62.5% |
| Job Placement 2020-2021 |
Not given |
| Students Enrolled |
8,088 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
#3 Massachusetts ADN Nursing Program
Massasoit Community College
Massasoit Community College in Brockton, MA, offers an ASN degree with full or part-time tracks. They also offer a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to associate degree full or part-time tracks. Students who wish to pursue their nursing degree at this college must complete the Entrance Examination for Schools of Nursing. Students in the program are given hands-on learning opportunities in skills labs and clinical experiences at local hospitals and health agencies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $5,160
Out-of-State: $10,104
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$5,160 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$10,104 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
94% |
| Program Completion Rate 2019 |
73% |
| Job Placement 2019 |
94% |
| Students Enrolled |
4,180 |
| Institution Type |
Public Community College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
Not given |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the ACEN |
BSN Programs:
#1 Massachusetts BSN Nursing Program
Northeastern University
Northeastern University in Boston, MA, offers a traditional BSN program in addition to an accelerated BSN program. Its mission is to make significant contributions to health and the discipline of nursing by advancing science, demonstrating leadership and innovation in practice excellence, and embracing the values of diversity, inclusion, and equity. Graduates are prepared to become leaders, nurse scientists, educators, advocates, and clinicians to provide equitable and culturally competent healthcare to individual patients, families, communities, and populations locally and globally.
Average Tuition
In-State: $57,592
Out-of-State: $57,592
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$57,592 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$57,592 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate |
93% |
| Admission Rate |
6.7% |
| Retention Rate |
97% |
| Students Enrolled |
28,167 |
| Institution Type |
Private College |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
32.92% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) |
#2 Massachusetts BSN Nursing Program
Westfield State University
Westfield State University in Westfield, MA offers an RN to BSN and traditional BSN programs, providing a strong liberal arts foundation for professional nursing. Students are given opportunities for hands-on learning experiences by practicing nursing skills in nursing labs and in the state-of-the-art simulation learning lab, in addition to a wide variety of clinical locations in healthcare and community agencies.
Average Tuition
In-State: $11,139
Out-of-State: $17,219
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$11,139 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$17,219 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
92% |
| Admission Rate |
82.01% |
| Retention Rate |
75% |
| Students Enrolled |
5,013 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
11% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
#3 Massachusetts BSN Nursing Program
Worcester State University
Worcester State University in Worcester, MA offers three tracks to obtain your BSN: a traditional track, RN to BSN track, and an LPN to BSN track. Its programs prepare graduates for the roles and responsibilities of professional nursing. The mission of the Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Department of Nursing emphasizes developing the professional nurse who values lifelong intellectual growth and global awareness. Students have multiple opportunities for hands-on learning in state-of-the-art simulation labs, virtual reality and new simulation instrumentation, clinical rotations, and senior preceptorships.
Average Tuition
In-State: $10,586
Out-of-State: $16,666
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| Average In-State Tuition |
$10,586 |
| Average Out-of-State Tuition |
$16,666 |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate 2022 |
91% |
| Admission Rate |
88% |
| Retention Rate |
73% |
| Students Enrolled |
6,434 |
| Institution Type |
Public University |
| Percent Online Enrollment |
60% |
| Accreditation |
Yes-by the CCNE |
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Massachusetts
When choosing a nursing program in Massachusetts, you will want to look at the NCLEX-RN pass rates, admission and retention rates, and job placement rates. Programs with a high NCLEX-RN pass rate provide their students with the tools and support to succeed and prepare them well to be RNs. You may also want to consider the cost of the program and scholarship opportunities, as a BSN program usually takes longer to complete. However, most ADN programs require you to meet your general education requirements before entering the program, so make sure you know what is required before entering the program.
Accreditation is important when choosing a nursing program. Some schools may transfer credits earned while receiving your RN, and some employers may hire nurses who have completed their degrees through an accredited program. Currently, 19 ADN and 25 BSN programs in Massachusetts are fully accredited.
Why Become a Nurse in Massachusetts
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in nursing employment nationwide, and Massachusetts estimates a nursing growth of 12% from 2020-2030. This means there will be plenty of jobs to choose from.
US News ranks Massachusetts third in healthcare, while education and healthcare fields employ the most people in this state. Being ranked third for healthcare access and second for public health means patients can get the care they need when they need it.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $104,150, which is higher than the national average.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Massachusetts
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average mean wage for an RN in
Massachusetts is $104,150, and it employs 94,100 nurses. Massachusetts also
employs 7,190 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who earn a median annual wage of $138,170.
The projected nationwide employment growth rate for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031 is 6%, with an anticipated 203,200 yearly job openings. Many of these job openings are expected due to workers retiring or transferring to different occupations.
| Top Paying Cities in Massachusetts for RNs |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH |
$106,980 |
| Worcester, MA-CT |
$98,550 |
| Barnstable Town, MA |
$96,180 |
Citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, at https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/home (visited February 25, 2022).
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Massachusetts
To become an RN and advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), candidates must complete a program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Upon completing an approved nursing program, candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
After gaining experience as an RN, some nurses return to school to obtain their APRN.
After you have completed an APRN program, you will need to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) exam or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) exam.
Maintaining your nursing license requires meeting specific requirements. To become a nurse in Massachusetts, you will need to complete the following requirements:
RN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an RN in Massachusetts:
- Enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing Program (ADN) OR a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (BSN).
- An ADN program usually takes two years, while a BSN program usually takes four years to complete. Courses can be taken in person or online. However, both programs may offer a part-time track that will take longer.
- After completing your chosen nursing program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In addition, you must submit your transcripts, proof of graduation, and proof of primary residence, and complete a fingerprint and criminal background check to the state board of nursing to receive your license.
- Once you have been issued your first Massachusetts RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, RNs must complete 15 hours of continuing education during their two-year licensing period. Massachusetts RN licenses expire at 11:59 PM of your birthday on even-numbered years.
APRN Requirements
These are the steps to take to become an APRN in Massachusetts:
- Candidates must hold an active RN license to practice in Massachusetts.
- RNs must have earned their BSN before entering an APRN program.
- RNs must enter an accredited nursing program to earn their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Once an APRN program has successfully been completed, you will be required to pass the certification exam and hold and maintain current certification as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse anesthetist from one of the following national organizations:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center
- National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric
- Gynecologic
- Neonatal Nursing Specialties
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- APRNs must renew their license every two years and complete a minimum of 15 hours of continuing education. A one-time requirement is taking a continuing education course on diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients with cognitive impairments. All Massachusetts APRN licenses expire at 11:59 PM on your birthday in even-numbered years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Massachusetts
Is Massachusetts a good place for nurses to work?
Massachusetts is a great place to work as it was ranked third overall for healthcare. Healthcare is also one of the top employers in Massachusetts. With the continued shortage of nurses, there will be plenty of RN opportunities.
Is Massachusetts a compact state for nursing?
No, Massachusetts is not a compact state for nursing. This means that if you want to practice nursing in Massachusetts, you must apply for a Massachusetts RN license on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing website.
What are the requirements for RNs in Massachusetts?
After completing an accredited nursing program, you must successfully pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you have been issued your Massachusetts RN license, you must renew it every two years. Before renewal, you must complete 15 hours of continuing education.
How much does a Massachusetts RN license cost?
A Massachusetts RN application fee is $275, and the license verification fee is $30.
Massachusetts RN license renewal costs $120.
