14 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Massachusetts (BSN & MSN) – 2024

Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org

Nurses are in high demand across the state of MA, so if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field but you’re looking to make the switch to nursing, accelerated nursing programs in Massachusetts could be right for you. Whether you choose the accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN program option, you can complete your nursing education and enter the workforce far more quickly with either. After completing the program of your choice and obtaining your nursing license, you can work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare facilities statewide.

RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSING SCHOOLS

How Many Schools are Currently Offering Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing Approved and CCNE Accredited Accelerated Nursing Programs in Massachusetts?

Accelerated BSN	9
Accelerated MSN/Entry Level Masters/Direct Entry MSN	5
Total	14

Typical Accelerated BSN Programs in Massachusetts Information

Accelerated BSN programs in Massachusetts credit you for your existing college coursework and provide you with the opportunity to work as a registered nurse in a fraction of the time it would typically take to earn a BSN degree. These programs build upon your prior knowledge and combine lecture-style learning with labs, simulations, and clinicals to teach you everything you need to know about your new career. Like traditional BSN programs, this one prepares you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, which is a requirement in Massachusetts and other states.

Admission Requirements: Requirements for admission will vary from one school to the next, but you will need a bachelor’s degree in any field. To better understand the other requirements, take a look at Curry College in Milton, which offers one of the best accelerated nursing programs in the state of MA:

• Proof of completion of prerequisite courses or a written plan for completion;
• A letter grade of B- or better on two of the four required science prerequisites;
• A clear background check and drug screen; and
• Proof of liability insurance and required immunizations.

Tuition Costs: Tuition costs can vary a great deal. For example, at Elms College, you will pay $5,360 for your accelerated BSN degree, but at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, you will pay $68,000.


Length: You can expect to spend anywhere from 16 to 20 months studying for your BSN degree. Factors that may affect the program length include your previous credits and current course load.


Classes: The courses you will take as you progress through your accelerated BSN program in Massachusetts will build upon your previous college courses. You will learn about age-based patient care, community health, diseases and the drugs used to treat them, ethics, health policies, and more.


Clinical Training: Clinical training allows you to put the information you learn in the classroom to the test by working directly with patients in a MA hospital or medical facility under the careful supervision of faculty. At Elms College, for example, you will participate in several labs throughout the course of the program to gauge your abilities and skills.

Following is the List of 9 Accelerated BSN Programs in Massachusetts for 2024

1. Northeastern University, Boston

Northeastern University established in 1898 is a private research university. The Carnegie classification grades this institute amongst the doctoral universities with the highest research activities. The nursing school, a part of the university has been around for more than 50 years and has had a significant presence in the nursing education space. With its innovative programs, opportunities for interprofessional practice and research, its nursing graduates are working towards improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities.

The ABSN program is one of the most reputed courses offered at Northeastern. This 16-month program merges instructive coursework with hands on, operational and interactive learning. The entire program consists of 67 credits that span across 4 semesters. Providing the flexibility of online learning, a major part of these credits are earned on an e learning platform. Practical skills are however enhanced by a variety of clinical rotations and practice session in a simulation laboratory. Towards the completion of the program, students are made to master nursing skills, ready to take on their role as a registered nurse.

2. University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst

The College of Nursing is part of the University of Massachusetts, a public university that includes five campuses and is the only public research system in the Commonwealth Massachusetts. The College of Nursing strives to provide affordable quality nursing education that is achieved by teaching, scholarship, research, practice and service. It manages to inculcate values of caring and collaborative relationships, leadership, excellence and lifelong learning amongst its students.

Its 17 months Accelerated Bachelor of science in Nursing, offered in August each year, prepares graduates for a nursing career that offers job security, fulfillment and a position that is in demand anywhere in the world. To earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing, students are required to complete 58 residence credits. The college’s UMass Center’s state-of-the-art simulation lab provides students an opportunity to work on their practical skills and stay updated with current technology used in nursing.

3. MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston

MGH Institute of health professions was established in 1977, starting initially with a Master of Science in physical therapy. Ever since then the growth of this institution has been tremendous.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing enables those who have already completed their bachelor’s degree in other fields to get their nursing degree at an accelerated rate. This is a 16-month program beginning in the months of January and May every year. The faculty to student ratio is 1:6, giving students a more comforting and personalized experience. Students are provided with 300 plus sites where they undergo clinical rotations and gain practical knowledge. In addition to this there is a practice center where nursing students provide care to patients, having major and complex problems, including those with chronic conditions across the lifespan, thereby gaining the much-needed real life experience. MCH students enjoy employment opportunities, usually within 3-6 months of their graduation at many health care facilities such as Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s and Boston Children’s Hospital.

4. University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, a part of the University of Massachusetts is amongst the top-ranking nursing colleges in the nation. With its pioneering nursing education, the college prepares its graduates for the challenging global technological environment of 21st century. Its distinguished faculty facilitates research and professional growth. As the 9th largest nursing school in the country, it offers learning and networking benefits to its students with its 200 healthcare organization affiliations.

The Nursing - Accelerated, BS is a 15-month program that starts each summer. On completion of the program its graduates earn a BSN degree and they can go on to take the NCLEX-RN. The program requires full-time commitment and is a blend of online and classroom learning. The curriculum includes intensive courses, some of which are Nursing Process and Skills, Mental Health Nursing, Maternity and Women’s Health Nursing, Nursing Care of Children and Leadership and Professional Practice.

5. Simmons College, Boston

Simmons College, earlier known as Simmons University is a private institution established in 1899. Students enjoy the benefits of studying in a small university while being right in the heart of the nation’s college town, Boston. The college offers over 60 majors and programs, nursing being one of its renowned offerings. Its award-winning faculty works towards creating leaders in nursing, by one-on one mentoring of students in small sized classes of 12:1.

The college offers a 16 month Accelerated Nursing Option where students complete the traditional BSN coursework in a fast track program. The program is offered in September each year and is offered as a daytime program with clinicals, offered mostly in the evenings and over the weekends. Being taught by a faculty of practicing nurses themselves, its nursing graduates have consistently known to perform well with an above average of 90%, indicating of success of the program.

6. Elms College, Chicopee

Elms College of Nursing has to its advantage an experience of 40 years providing excellent nursing education, little wonder that its ABSN program in MA is rather popular. The college being highly selective takes only few students into its various nursing programs, thereby ensuring each student gets individual personal attention in class as well as through academic advising. In a dynamic academic environment that is housed in the Lyons Center for natural Health Sciences, students are taught by a faculty that comprises of expert clinicians.

The Accelerated Second Degree offered by the college take two academic years and one intensive summer semester to complete. The cohort of 24 students completes this rigorous full-time program that prepares them for the challenges of a nursing career. The coursework takes students through fundamentals of nursing, transitioning to advance nursing courses such as Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Care of the Adult, Childbearing and Nursing Leadership and Management.

7. MCPHS University, Boston

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has been around since as long as 1823 and is the oldest institution of higher education in Boston. Today, it helps students to seek education for specialized medical careers and second-degree nursing programs in Massachusetts. Being located within the Longwood Medical and Academic Area students get plenty of opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills at various prestigious medical and research institutions.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Postbaccalaureate is a 16 months program that starts twice a year in the Fall and Spring semester. This rigorous coursework is made to sail smooth with a perfect blend of class work as well as through clinical experience where students can master their nursing skills. Being a vital part of the program, the college ensures its students get the best hands-on experience by assigning clinical rotations in skilled nursing, mental health hospitals, community and home health agencies.

8. Regis College School of Nursing, Weston

Regis College is a private Roman Catholic college located approximately 12 miles away from downtown Boston. It’s Regis Richard and Sheila Young School of Nursing is recognized regionally for its various undergraduate, graduate and doctoral nursing programs. The school has received the Center of Excellence designation by the National League for Nursing for creating a perfect environment where enhanced learning and professional development takes place.

Nursing (Accelerated BS for Non-Nurse College Graduates) program is one of the best in its region and takes a duration of 16 months to complete. Students get an opportunity to learn from industry leaders which makes them capable to outshine in any kind of nursing setting or situation. Armed with a faculty that comprises of working nurses themselves, the school strives to achieve an impressive average pass rate of 91% on the NCLEX-RN. Students enjoy an array of clinical placements throughout Massachusetts, providing them with a well-rounded hands experience, while establishing a growing professional network.

9. Curry College, Milton

Curry College of Nursing first started operations in 1977 and was the first nursing program in the state to receive an accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It prides in its graduates holding leadership positions and practicing nursing with compassion and care, while using evidence-based knowledge. As a student of this college, you will be taught by an accomplished faculty and your coursework certainly will not be restricted to the classroom with the school’s many initiatives where students are exposed to a host of learning opportunities outside the class.

The Accelerated Entry Level Baccalaureate Nursing Program is a 16-month intensive program that starts in January (Milton) and Fall (Plymouth). Graduates of the program go on to work in various kinds of practice settings such as acute care, ambulatory care, community health and mental health. With a small batch of 30, students get ample opportunities to gain from one on one interaction with their professors as well as peers.

Typical Accelerated MSN Programs in Massachusetts Information

Accelerated MSN programs, also known as Direct Master’s Entry programs in Massachusetts, allow you a faster path toward a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Whereas a BSN degree in MA will allow you to work as an RN, charge nurse, or nurse educator in community or technical colleges, an MSN degree opens new career doors. With it, you can become licensed as a nurse practitioner who earns a much higher salary, on average, and act as patients’ primary caregiver under a board-licensed doctor.

Admission Requirements: Admission requirements for MSN programs can be strict and vary from one school in Massachusetts to the next. Though all schools will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in any field or discipline, taking a look at the admission requirements for the MGH Institute of Health Professions can help you better understand other requirements. You will need:

• Original transcripts from any colleges or universities you have attended;
• Your official GRE score report;
• Proof of completion of required prerequisites within the last 10 years at an accredited school;
• Two professional letters of reference;
• A personal statement and a diversity statement; and
• Answers to school-specific questions.

Tuition Costs: Tuition costs for master’s programs in general are typically much higher than bachelor’s programs. As an example, at the Regis College School of Nursing, you will pay $154,715.

Examples
College Name	Tuition
Regis College School of Nursing	$154,715

Length: The average program length for a direct entry MSN program in Massachusetts ranges anywhere from two to three years depending on your previous education and your requirements.

Examples
College Name	Program Length
Boston College	2 - Years
MGH Institute of Health Professions	3 - Years
Regis College School of Nursing	3 - Years

Classes: The exact courses you will take will vary tremendously depending on the specific nursing track you choose. If you focus on obstetrics and gynecology, you will take courses that teach you about pregnancy and childbirth; if you focus on family health, courses will be far more rounded. You will also learn about diseases, drugs, nursing ethics, and more.

Coursework Example - Simmons College

Advanced Pathophysiology, Clinical Decision Making, Contemporary Issues and Role Development for Advanced Nursing Practice, Leadership & Management in the Clinical Setting, Nursing Care of Individuals, Families & Communities, Nursing Fundamentals and Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Variances in Health Patterns of Adults and Elders, Variances in Health Patterns of the Childbearing Family, Variances in Health Patterns of the Client with Psychiatric and Mental Illness, Advanced Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pharmacology Across the Life Span, Clinical Decision Making, Family Theory: Health and Illness, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan Workshop, Health Care System: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Health Promotion: A Global Perspective, Informatics, Primary Care Nursing of the Childbearing Family, Research Methods, and Scholarly Inquiry

Clinical Training: Clinical training requirements vary from one school to the next, as well. During clinicals, you will work at a local Massachusetts healthcare facility directly with patients to get the training you need to succeed in your new career. This hands-on training better prepares you for your exams.

Following is the List of 5 Accelerated MSN/Entry-level Masters Programs in Massachusetts for 2024

1. Boston College, Chestnut Hill

The School of Nursing at Boston College offers a perfect mix of rigorous academics and experiential learning. Since its inception in 1947, the school has trained graduates to become compassionate nurse leaders, congruent with the Jesuit belief of community service. With 85 plus health care partners in Greater Boston, students are provided with rich clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including mental health centers, ambulatory clinics and college health clinics.

Boston College’s Connell School of Nursing offers a two-year accelerated program for non-nursing graduates. It begins in July and gets you started with a career in nursing in lesser time as well as tuition cost compared to a traditional program. The two-year program will have you take the first year as a full-time intensive commitment, at the end of which you will be prepared to successfully take the NCLEX-RN and become a Registered Nurse. The second year will have you take courses in the specialty of your choice. This portion is less intensive and allows you to take up a part-time job commitment. This coursework prepares you to become a nurse practitioner and take up advanced nurse portions in a variety of settings.

2. MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston

Since its inception in 1977, the school of Nursing at MGH Institute of Health Professions has grown to become an educational institute of repute. Nursing students enjoy exceptional interprofessional learning opportunities on its Health Professions campus. It has simulation labs that use state-of-art technology to mirror patient’s bedside scenarios. This helps develop practical skills that are required to practice nursing in the real-world.

The Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing Program is a three-year program that is designed to prepare you to for general as well as advanced specialty nursing courses. The program spans across 6 semesters, the first three are towards the NCLEX-RN preparation and the last three are to prepare you to become a nurse practitioner. You can choose any one from the seven specialty tracks it offers. The general courses remain the same in all the specialties; nonetheless the curriculum for the last three semesters will vary. Human Growth and Development, Microbiology, Human Nutrition, Anatomy, Physiology and Statistics are the pre-requisite courses required for eligibility into this program.

3. Northeastern University, Boston

Northeastern University School of Nursing has 50 years of experience in imparting innovative nursing education and playing a pivotal role in changing the face of healthcare in MA. The school strives to develop a curriculum that integrates leadership, evidence-based practice, critical thinking, interprofessional collaboration, culture relevance, informatics and technology. It partners with top-notch healthcare facilities throughout the New England area to give nursing students a variety of clinical experiences.

Northeastern University Bouve’ College of Health Sciences offers a Direct Entry Nursing (MS) in Massachusetts for students from a non-nursing background. The program can be completed in two phases. During the first 16 months you will take pre-licensure courses, upon completion of which you attempt the NCLEX-RN. You must maintain a B or better in all undergraduate clinical nursing courses for a smooth transition into the Master’s phase. After you become a RN, you must either work full-time or part-time as this is a requirement to take the specialty courses. On completion of the master’s segment you take the certification exam and earn the status of a Nurse Practitioner.

4. Simmons College, Boston

Simmons University School of Nursing located in the heart of a thriving healthcare hub in Longwood Medical Area, brings in exceptional opportunities in terms of experiential learning and job placements. Its small student faculty ratio provides ample scope for personalized mentoring and forging bonds with professors and peers, alike. The school is known for the quality of its nursing graduates who are often honored for their accomplishments and outstanding service.

The Entry Level MSN program in Massachusetts is a three-year program that is designed to prepare you to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. During the first four semesters you will take courses that will prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. In the graduate segment of the program, during the third year, you will conduct research and complete coursework that will prepare you to successfully take the FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) certification exam. Upon passing the exam, you can either go on to work in any kind of healthcare setting or choose to pursue Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. A word of advice would be to refrain from working during the pre-licensure part of the program.

5. Regis College School of Nursing, Weston

The Richard and Sheila Young School of Nursing is acclaimed nationally for its excellence in nursing education. It offers an array of nursing programs to cater to the needs of its growing student population. The school’s Clinical Resource and Simulation Center is well equipped to provide a hospital like learning environment where students hone their practical skills without having to worry about jeopardizing human life. From newborn to the end of life-cycle scenarios, it provides ample learning, helping graduates to become employment ready.

The Nursing (Accelerated BS to MS) is a three-year program for non-nursing students that helps you earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in nursing. For the first 16 months you will take pre-licensure courses designed to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN. At the end of 24 months you will earn your BSN and during the third year you will complete a specialty track and become a Nurse Practitioner. During the last semester of the third year you will complete 300 clinical hours in your specialty coursework.

What Next After Completing My Accelerated Nursing Program in MA?

Get My RN License: The very next step after finishing your accelerated nursing program in MA involves applying for your RN license through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. You will then register and pay for the NCLEX-RN licensure examination through Pearson Vue. After you successfully pass, you will be licensed to work as an RN in MA.

Where Will I Work: Most registered nurses in Massachusetts work in hospitals in densely-populated areas like Boston. In a hospital, you may work overnight hours, even on weekends and holidays as these facilities never close. Other settings that employ RNs include clinics, doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, rehabilitation and nursing facilities, and home health agencies with more predictable hours and flexibility. The work environment is variable; ER nurses work under a great deal of pressure while those working in doctors’ offices tend to have a more lax environment.

Is the Career Change to Nursing Worth It in Massachusetts?

Salary: Registered nurses in MA earn an annual salary ranging from $67,480 to $154,160 a year, or an average of $104,150. Nurse practitioners earn between $105,410 and $178,690 annually, or an average of $138,700 each year. These salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and responsibilities, but they are highly competitive and make the transition into the healthcare field worth it for most.


Salary Compared to All Other Occupations in Massachusetts: The average annual salary for all other occupations across the state of Massachusetts is $34,550. Although a handful of entry-level RNs may earn less than this, their salaries will quickly surpass that average as they gain experience and prove themselves able to provide excellent patient care.

Occupation	Average Annual Salary
Registered Nurse	$104,150
Nurse Practitioner	$138,700
All Other Occupations	$34,550
(Source: Compiled using data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Job Prospects & Security: Job security is important to RNs and NPs across the state of Massachusetts, too. Between the years of 2020 and 2030, registered nurse employment will grow 12.18% to include 10,700 new jobs statewide. Nurse practitioner employment will grow 55.66% in that same timeframe with the addition of 4,030 new NPs. In both cases, this growth will be fueled by population growth, increased access to better health coverage, and statewide efforts to improve the health of communities as a whole.




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