5 Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Boston, MA (Online & Campus) – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
Boston is renowned as a center for medical education. Boston has more than 20 hospitals, many of them world-class clinical and research facilities; as a student at one of the accredited nurse practitioner schools in Boston, you’ll have access to a wealth of clinical learning opportunities. If you decide to join the ranks of 5,310 nurse practitioners who work in Boston, you’ll be earning $141,120 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Discover the best nurse practitioner programs in Boston for 2025 by reading what’s written below.
WHAT ARE THE BEST NURSE PRACTITIONER PROGRAMS IN BOSTON, MA (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 5 Best NP programs in Boston, Massachusetts (Online & Campus) for the year 2025.)
1. University of Massachusetts
Programs Offered:
MSN,
BSN to DNP, and
Post-Master’s Certificate
Are you keen on making a difference in the field of cancer care? Do you want to work towards reducing health disparities so that quality care is accessible to all sections of the population? If yes, then the University of Massachusetts will help you achieve this goal as its nursing school is known for innovative research in the field of health disparities and oncology care, allowing you to delve deeper into these subjects. The school houses a state-of-art clinical and research center where you can practice advanced nursing skills using simulation technology after which you will go on to pursue internship opportunities at any of the school’s clinical partners. This learning opportunity which takes place at some of the prominent healthcare organizations often translates into employment after graduation. Through its top-ranking nurse practitioner programs in Boston, the school has produced many advanced practice nurses who come from diverse ethnicities and backgrounds.
MSN Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner and
Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
This MSN program is typically suited for working RNs who aspire to become either a family nurse practitioner or an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner. Both tracks are offered as part-time and full-time options, and the coursework is a blend of online & on-campus learning. Regardless of the concentration, the curriculum requires completion of 48 credits. Both programs start with an introduction to advanced practice nursing in the global community and end with a clinical practicum.
BSN to DNP Concentrations:
Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and
Family Nurse Practitioner
To be eligible for this BSN to DNP-Nurse Practitioner program in Boston you must be an RN graduate with a minimum GPA of 3.4. Additionally, an unencumbered RN licensure in MA along with at least one year of work experience as a professional nurse is required. This pathway is also open to MSN graduates who have completed their masters with a minimum GPA of 3.2. Depending on your interest, you can enroll either into the adult-gerontology primary care track or the family health specialization. While the BSN to DNP program requires completion of 78 credits and 1,065 clinical hours, if you enter after an MSN you must earn 31 credits and complete 400 clinical hours.
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner and
Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care (AGNP)
This post-master’s certificate is typically meant for nurse practitioners who have completed an MSN. The program comes with specialization options in family health and adult-gerontology primary care. MSN graduates who have already completed specializing in either pediatrics or gerontology-primary care can complete this certificate by earning 12 credits, whereas if you have earned your NP credential in any other specialty you are required to earn 21 credits. The program is also open to MSN graduates without an NP credential, however, the program spans much longer for them.
2. Northeastern University
Programs Offered:
MSN and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
If you are looking at nurse practitioner programs in Boston that offer an interdisciplinary learning environment, then Northeastern University’s nursing school which is housed within the Health Sciences Colleges’ campus must be high on your list. As a nurse practitioner student here, you will collaborate and synergize with students from other healthcare disciplines. This enriching environment not only helps you to develop a deeper understanding of issues and challenges in healthcare but also prepares you better to tackle these problems in the real world. The college shapes your advanced nursing career through its evidence-based MSN and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study programs.
MSN Concentrations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP,
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP,
Family Nurse Practitioner,
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner,
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
This nurse practitioner program in Boston is open to licensed RNs who have earned a BSN degree and worked as a professional nurse for at least one year. Depending on your interests, you can enroll either in the acute or primary care of the elderly, care of individuals and families across the lifespan, neonatal care, nursing care of infants & children, or care of mental health patients. Depending on the specialty you choose, to graduate you must complete credits ranging from 24 to 52, in addition to the 700 clinical hours.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Concentrations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (CAGS), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (CAGS), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CAGS), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CAGS) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (CAGS)
To be eligible for these post-master’s certificate nurse practitioner programs in Boston you must be an MSN graduate and have at least two years of work experience after completing the MSN. Available in five specializations, the curriculum builds up on your graduate education and prepares you for advanced roles in the care of specific patient populations. Except for the neonatal certificate which requires completing 21 credits, with either of the other specialties, you must earn 24 credits to graduate, after which you will be eligible to take the certification exam in your chosen specialty.
3. MGH Institute of Health Professions
Programs Offered:
Post-BSN to MSN,
Post-Master's/Post-NP Certificate, and
Direct-Entry MSN
MGH Institute of Health Professions offers one of the most comprehensive nurse practitioner programs in Boston, Massachusetts. With three pathways and several specialization options you can enhance your scope of practice in your specific field of interest, especially if you are someone who finds a calling in women’s health, this may be the nurse practitioner school you have been looking for. At MGH’s nursing school didactic training is well complemented by clinical learning at its state-of-art lab which is fitted with hi-fidelity mannikins where you hone core competencies in a non-threatening environment. Furthermore, the institute being part of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital offers unparalleled learning opportunities that come with the country’s best healthcare systems.
Post-BSN to MSN Concentrations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care,
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care,
Family,
Pediatrics (Post MSN only),
Women's Health (Post MSN only),
Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, and
Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women's Health
RN’s who have completed a BSN are eligible for this MSN program which comes with specializations in adult-gerontology acute & primary care, family health, pediatrics, and mental health. Additionally, if you are particularly interested in treating adults and the elderly, emphasizing women’s health-related issues, you can enroll for the dual specialty in adult-gerontology/women’s health. All the tracks are available as full-time and part-time options. To graduate you must earn credits ranging from 91 to 103, the exact number varies depending on your chosen track.
Post-Master's/Post-NP Certificate Concentrations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care,
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care,
Family,
Pediatrics (Post MSN only),
Women's Health (Post MSN only),
Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, and
Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women's Health
You can expand on your nursing knowledge by completing one of these post-master's certificate nurse practitioner programs in Boston. While to qualify for the adult-gerontology acute & primary care, family health care, mental health nursing, and the dual adult-gerontology/women’s health you must have completed your MSN-NP education, for specialization in pediatrics and women’s health only an MSN is required.
Direct-Entry MSN Concentrations:
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics, Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, Women's Health, and Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women's Health
Are you keen on serving the community? What if you can change your current career to become a compassionate and evidence-based nurse practitioner in Boston? Well, you can do this all in a total of three years with this direct-entry MSN program. To qualify for admission, you must have completed your non-nursing baccalaureate education. Being an accelerated format, the curriculum is rigorous and upon completion, you earn a BSN and an MSN-NP in your chosen specialty. The course requirements for this program are similar to those of the post-BSN to MSN program.
4. Simmons University
Programs Offered:
RN (ADN) to MSN,
BSN to MSN,
MSN+MPH, and
Direct Entry (MSN)
Located right in the heart of Boston, Simmons University has some of the city’s well-known hospitals and research facilities in close vicinity. The small-sized classes coupled with access to the university’s resourceful environment not only create a meaningful learning experience but also help build long-lasting relationships with faculty and peers. As an NP student, you will receive ample practical training at its state-of-art simulation lab, after which clinical rotation opportunities are provided at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital Boston and Massachusetts General Hospital.
RN (ADN) to MSN Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner
This is one of the two nurse practitioner programs in Boston, which allows ADN prepared RNs to pursue an FNP credential seamlessly in three years. The first 27 credits of this program lead to a BSN, after which you progress to complete the remaining 41 credits towards the MSN and FNP courses. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the FNP certification exam via AANP or the ANCC.
BSN to MSN Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Ideally, this BSN to MSN-FNP is meant for BSN graduates who are ready to take the next step in their nursing career. However, even if you are someone with a bachelor’s in a non-nursing but related field you can apply to this program. The program prepares you with advanced evidence-based nursing and FNP courses in just two years after which you can get certified as an FNP and explore career opportunities in primary healthcare care and community healthcare settings. Your 48-credit coursework typically comprises foundation, primary care, and research-oriented courses.
Direct Entry (MSN) Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner
Well, you could be from any field, this direct entry MSN will make way for a rewarding career as a family nurse practitioner in Boston in just three years. So, you enter the program as a non-nurse and complete courses during the first four semesters that prepare you for the NCLEX-RN after which you move forward into the MSN and FNP portion which comprise of foundational, primary care and research courses. Upon completion of the entire coursework, you graduate with a BSN and MSN-FNP degree.
5. MCPHS University
Programs Offered:
RN to MSN, MSN, and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies
Counted among the well-known nurse practitioner schools in Boston, MCPHS’s nursing school is part of the university’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, which boasts of a rich history of 200 years. Through its long tenure of interdisciplinary healthcare education, the college has established fruitful partnerships with industry leaders that not only serve as prime internship opportunities but also open up a broad avenue for placements. NP graduates are known for their thorough job preparedness, no wonder they end up earning higher salaries compared to their counterparts. If you are ready to make an impact in healthcare, you must learn about the three NP pathways offered by the college; RN to MSN, MSN, and a post-graduate certificate program.
RN to MSN Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner
If you are an ADN prepared registered nurse you can pursue this advanced nursing coursework without keeping your current work commitments on hold as besides the four mandatory residencies, the entire coursework of this RN to MSN-FNP program is offered online with the added convenience of part-time classes. By taking two courses per semester, you can complete the total 62 credits of this program in three years. Upon graduation, you will eligible to take the certification exam of an FNP.
MSN Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner and
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
To qualify for this nurse practitioner program in Boston, you must have completed your BSN with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program prepares you for advanced care of individuals & families of all age groups and in the nursing care of mental health patients. The course takes two years to complete with the entire coursework offered online, except for three residences. Clinical experiences too can be completed in your geographic location. To graduate you must complete a total of 42 credits.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies Concentrations:
Family Nurse Practitioner and
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
This certificate program expands on your MSN and comes with specialization options in family health and mental health care. Coursework is offered completely online on a part-time basis and takes two years to complete. Depending on the track you choose you require to complete credits anywhere close to 39.
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