8 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Massachusetts – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
It’s not too late to attain a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree in Massachusetts, even if you don’t have a BSN. RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts combine elements from BSN and MSN curricula, so you’ll graduate in a comparatively short time. Many accelerated programs in the Bay State are taught online, so you can pursue them at your own speed and fit your studies around your work and life obligations. Your MSN degree will qualify you to work as a nurse practitioner, a nurse manager, or a nurse educator, depending upon your field of specialization. Sound intriguing? Learn more by looking through this guide to the 8 best RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts for 2025.
WHAT ARE THE BEST RN-TO-MSN PROGRAMS IN MASSACHUSETTS (ONLINE & CAMPUS) FOR 2025?
(Based on our
ranking methodology, the following are the 8 Best RN-to-MSN Programs in Massachusetts (Online & Campus).)
Program Details: If you are a registered nurse, who is seeking to enroll in one of the best RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts, then Boston College’s RN-to-MSN program is a great choice. The program prepares motivated registered nurses for a successful career in advanced practice nursing.
Starting with the bridge courses, the program builds on your RN education and experience. The graduate-level coursework comprises 32 credits and requires the completion of 11 courses. Some of the topics covered include diversity in nursing & healthcare, nursing ethics, healthcare quality management, health information technology, nursing leadership, healthcare policy, evidence-based advanced nursing practice, program planning & evaluation, and epidemiology. The program also includes a graduate-level elective and a clinical practicum. Upon completion of the program, you’ll obtain an MSN and be prepared for practice as an advanced nurse generalist.
Admission Requirements: To qualify for admission into Boston College’s RN-to-MSN program, you must have an accredited associate degree. Also, applicants must have completed a course in statistics. This RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts also requires applicants to have a current RN license. Other admission requirements include submission of a resume, goal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Boston College RN-to-MSN Students
• Boston College RN-to-MSN students can apply for financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, grants, or loans, based on the eligibility criteria.
• Boston College RN-to-MSN graduates work in prominent healthcare facilities, including the Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and New England Baptist Hospital, to name a few.
• Boston College is recognized for its excellent quality nursing education. Little surprise that its master's in nursing education is ranked among the state’s top programs as per the U.S. News & World Report.
Specialties Offered: Nursing & Healthcare Education and Global Public Health
Program Details: University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers one of the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts, providing working nurses the flexibility of juggling a job along with earning a degree. The online format is offered in an asynchronous format to allow you to take courses at your convenience.
The program prepares you for leadership in nursing education or global public health, depending on what you choose as your focus area. Regardless of your preferred area of focus, you’ll gain a strong foundation in the knowledge of healthcare systems, healthcare policy, nursing research methods, and healthcare informatics.
The nursing & healthcare education track focuses on teaching, learning & evaluation. Additionally, the education track also includes courses in curriculum development, and organizational & behavior in leadership. Whereas, the global public health program includes global health perspectives and integrated physiologic knowledge in patient care. Upon completion of this RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts, you will be eligible to take the certification exam within your specialization.
Admission Requirements: University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth RN-to-MSN program offers a rolling admission process, so it is preferred that you apply early to enhance your chances of admission. To qualify, you must foremost have an ADN or a nursing diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, your RN license must be valid and unencumbered in Massachusetts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth RN-to-MSN Students
• University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is a military-friendly school that provides solid support and financial benefits to RN to MSN students coming from a military background.
• University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth RN-to-MSN program is quite affordable compared to most other RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts.
• University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers several financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships.
Specialties Offered: Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and Adult Gerontology – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: For registered nurses searching for the best online RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts, Regis College’s RN-to-MSN program is a terrific choice. The school prepares registered nurses for in-demand advanced nursing careers in direct patient care. So, based on your passion, you can choose to enroll in either of the NP tracks, including pediatrics, family health, psychiatric mental health, women’s health, and adult-gerontology care. Regardless of the specialization, most students complete this program within 28 to 36 months, based on the number of courses they take each semester.
This online RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts builds a strong foundation in various topics of advanced nursing practice and leadership. The program starts with core MSN courses in advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, healthcare policy & ethics, and research methods & evidence-based practice. In addition, students require to complete specialty-related courses, clinical experiences, and a capstone project.
Admission Requirements: Regis College’s RN-to-MSN program applicants must meet the admission requirements which include an associate degree from an accredited school, an active RN license, and completion of a college-level statistics course. Other admission requirements include the submission of a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, official transcripts, and an application form.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Regis College RN-to-MSN Students
• Regis College RN-to-MSN students exceed average NP pass rates. The outstanding performance of program graduates is a great indicator of the high-quality training the program offers.
• Regis College RN-to-MSN students, regardless of the specialization, complete the entire coursework online. The flexibility allows working nurses to manage a full-time job along with obtaining a degree.
• Regis College RN-to-MSN program is not only affordable but also offers students several ways to save on tuition costs. Students may be able to apply for employee discounts, alumni discounts, graduate assistantships, or alumni discounts.
4. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - Boston
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers another of our best online RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts. The school trains registered nurses to become competent primary care providers. Offered through 100% online coursework, the program allows working nurses to continue working while pursuing a master’s level degree in nursing. Also, students can complete clinical experiences within their home community. However, the program requires attending four on-campus residencies, including an orientation.
The program builds on your associate degree and seamlessly confers upon you an MSN. The total credit requirement for this RN to MSN program is 62. Spanning six semesters, this RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts first starts with the bridge courses, followed by MSN courses and courses related to the family nurse practitioner specialization.
The bridge coursework covers topics such as professional role development, health assessment, community health nursing, nursing informatics, advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and human diversity, and social & policy issues. The MSN courses teach you topics such as advanced pharmacology, human diversity, social & policy issues, and advanced health assessment. The program also includes a course in telemedicine and the primary care of individuals across the lifespan.
Admission Requirements: For admission into the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences RN to MSN program, you must have an associate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Also, students require an active and unencumbered RN license. The program also requires the submission of official transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences RN-to-MSN Students
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences family nurse practitioner program ranks among the best in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report.
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences RN-to-MSN students study in small-sized classes of 13:1. This allows for close interaction with expert faculty members who have years of real-world practice experience.
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is known for the economic value it provides for its RN to MSN students. Students obtain their MSN-FNP degree at an affordable rate and earn comparatively higher salaries post-graduation.
5. Nebraska Methodist College - Omaha
Specialties Offered: Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, and Care Coordinator
Program Details: Nebraska Methodist College equips registered nurses with the tools to excel in leadership roles. With four indirect patient care specializations, you can either choose to become a nurse educator, nurse executive, nursing informatics, or care coordinator, depending on the role that suits you right. Besides, the online format of the program is ideal for busy working nurses.
This RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts, regardless of the specialization, requires the completion of 36 credits in graduate-level courses. Further, because you are transitioning from an ADN to an MSN, you’ll require completing an additional 18-semester credits in bridge courses.
The bridge courses cover topics such as nursing assessment, collaborative leadership, population-centered care in the community, and research methods. Thereafter, you will enter the graduate portion of the program, completing core MSN and specialization-related courses. The core MSN courses include healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, and measurement & statistical concepts for data interpretation.
Admission Requirements: Similar to other RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts, to be considered for admission into Nebraska Methodist College’s RN-to-MSN program, you must foremost have an active RN license. Further, you must have completed an ADN or a nursing diploma with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must also be prepared to submit a resume, a written statement, and official transcripts.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Nebraska Methodist College RN-to-MSN Students
• Nebraska Methodist College RN-to-MSN program comprises courses that are five to ten weeks long, with a week off in between courses. The format not only provides flexibility in terms of choosing the pace of study but also allows time for study and rest after every course.
• Nebraska Methodist College RN-to-MSN offers 100% online coursework with classes in the asynchronous format. Therefore, students can take classes from anywhere and anytime.
• Nebraska Methodist College RN-to-MSN program offers several financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including student grants or loans, employee education benefits, and NMC and external scholarships.
6. Endicott College - Beverly
Specialties Offered: Family Nurse Practitioner, Global Health Nursing, Nursing Administration & Leadership, and Nursing Education
Program Details: For registered nurses who are keen on playing advanced nursing roles in "The Bay State", Endicott College’s RN to MSN pathway is an excellent choice. Counted among the well-known RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts, the program offers four specialization options; family health, global health nursing, nursing administration & leadership, and nursing education.
Designed to build on your previous nursing degree, the program strengthens your core nursing knowledge and prepares you for leadership roles in a variety of healthcare settings.
Whether you choose to become a family nurse practitioner or choose any one of the non-bedside roles, you’ll be prepared to positively impact health outcomes. The RN to MSN coursework, regardless of the specialization, initially requires the completion of 12 to 13 credits in bridge courses. The bridge courses cover topics such as applied statistics, nursing research, leadership & management, and community/population health.
If you choose the FNP track, you require the completion of 45 credits, whereas the tracks that prepare you for non-bedside roles comprise a total of 33 credits.
Admission Requirements: Endicott College’s RN-to-MSN program is open for ADN-prepared nurses who have an active RN license and a GPA of 3.0. Further, this RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Endicott College RN-to-MSN Students
• Endicott College RN-to-MSN program, regardless of the track is offered in the cohort format. The online cohort format allows for support and collaboration among RN to MSN students.
• Endicott College RN-to-MSN students are taught by expert faculty members who are from various areas of advanced practice nursing. Also, because the program maintains small-sized classes, students can make the most of the mentorship and the learning experience.
• Endicott College RN-to-MSN program provides students with global learning opportunities, where students who desire global exposure can complete a clinical experience in another country.
Specialties Offered: Nursing Education, Nursing & Healthcare Management, and School Nursing
Program Details: Elms College’s RN to MSN program can be a perfect stepping stone to a successful career in advanced nursing. Based on your interests and professional goals, here, you can choose nursing education, nursing & healthcare management, or school nursing specialization.
To start with, this RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts requires the completion of RN-to-BSN courses after which students must select their MSN specialty and continue with the program to finish the remaining coursework. Regardless of the MSN specialty, the program takes 28 months to complete. Upon graduation, students will earn an MSN and the eligibility to take the certification exam within their chosen specialty.
Admission Requirements: Elms College’s RN to MSN program is for registered nurses who have an associate degree or nursing diploma. To apply, the program also requires you to have completed pre-requisite courses in English, psychology, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and lifespan growth & development. Additionally, the program requires the submission of a letter of recommendation, official transcripts, a current resume, and a copy of your RN license.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Elms College RN-to-MSN Students
• Elms College is a Catholic college that offers a supportive and conducive learning environment. RN to MSN students are groomed for personal as well as professional growth.
• Elms College RN-to-MSN program offers several financial aid opportunities to help reduce tuition costs.
• Elms College RN-to-MSN students study in small-sized classes where the professors closely interact with students. The personal connection with faculty and students not only makes online learning more engaging but also helps achieve a positive academic outcome.
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Program Details: One of the other featured RN-to-MSN programs in Massachusetts is offered by Salem State University. The school trains registered nurses to become evidence-based adult gerontology nurse practitioners. The RN to MSN coursework comprises 30 credits in MSN core and NP role-related courses. In addition, the program also includes bridge courses that form a transition between your ADN and MSN.
The required core courses, comprising 24 credits cover topics such as advanced pathophysiology, evidence-based research, theoretical foundations of nursing, advanced pharmacology, healthcare informatics, and advanced health assessment. The program also covers population health & policy. In the end, students complete an MSN seminar and an MSN field experience.
Admission Requirements: To apply for Salem State University’s RN-to-MSN program, you must foremost have an ADN or nursing diploma from an accredited college. This RN-to-MSN program in Massachusetts also requires applicants to have an active and unencumbered RN license. Additionally, one year of work experience as a registered nurse is required.
Must-Know Highlights For Potential Salem State University RN-to-MSN Students
• Salem State University RN-to-MSN students are provided with clinical placements at some of the prominent healthcare centers in the region.
• Salem State University RN-to-MSN program combines online classes with on-campus classes. The on-campus sessions are held in the evenings, allowing working nurses to fit the academic schedule into their busy lives.
• Salem State University RN-to-MSN students study under the mentorship of expert faculty who have years of real-world practice experience.
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