Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC
Last Updated On Nov 8, 2024
Expert Verified: Catherine Burger, MSOL, RN, NEA-BC, LNC
8 Min Read
Massachusetts

Massachusetts is home to many of the nation’s finest schools. Whether your from the state originally or interested in moving here, there are numerous opportunities for those who are interested in starting a nursing career. Beyond the availability of nursing programs throughout the state, the nursing shortage has also contributed to the growing number of nursing positions available in Massachusetts. By 2030, Massachusetts is expecting a surge of 12% when it comes to nursing positions. If you’re hoping to take advantage of this deficit, you’ll need a nursing degree before you can get licensed.

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Cities in Massachusetts

Best RN Programs in Massachusetts

Selecting the best nursing school in Massachusetts can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Massachusetts by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 41 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

486 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602

Score: 97.36

Worcester State University is home to an excellent nursing degree program, with BSN and LPN to BSN pathways. Enrolled students work to perform effectively and collaboratively in ways that will enhance their future interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Program Details

  • Programs: LPN to BSN, BSN
  • Phone: (508) 929-8000
2.

250 Rutherford Ave, Charlestown, MA 02129

Score: 96.52

Charlestown's Bunker Hill Community College is home to a registered nursing program that culminates in an Associate in Science degree. The program includes 39 credits of nursing theory as well as hands-on clinical practice at healthcare facilities in the area.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (617) 228-2000
3.

140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Score: 96.14

Boston College, in Chestnut Hill, has a widely acclaimed bachelor's of science in nursing program. Boston College staff model professional behaviors that help students develop accountability, responsibility, and both ethical and legal conduct in their practice.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (617) 552-4925
4.

300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115

Score: 95.67

Simmons University, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, is home to an excellent BSN nursing program. Future RNs learn to integrate care-quality and safety data in order to improve individual and population health outcomes. The Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program allows select students to complete their BSN degrees in just 16 months.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (617) 521-2000
5.

303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke, MA 01040

Score: 94.96

Holyoke Community College offers aspiring nurses several educational pathways, including a traditional ADN program. Enrolled students complete a 2-year ADN curriculum, which utilizes multimedia-equipped classrooms, high-fidelity simulation labs, and more. With experienced faculty members to act as mentors, students get the support they need to go from graduate to RN seamlessly.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (413) 538-7000
6.

113 Wilder Street, Suite 200, Lowell, MA 01854

Score: 94.68

UMass Lowell is home to a well-regarded undergraduate BSN program that teaches students to care for patients of all ages. Students experience clinicals as early as their sophomore year of study, with their entire senior year dedicated to the immersion of a nursing specialty of their choice.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (978) 934-4525
7.

376 Hale St, Beverly, MA 01915

Score: 94.14

Endicott College in Beverly offers students an undergrad BSN program that requires 126 total credits. The curriculum emphasizes nurses as leaders, providing safe, high-quality patient-centered care. Graduates of the program have higher NCLEX-RN pass rates than the state and national averages.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (978) 927-0585
8.

179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115

Score: 93.90

Boston's Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers students an accelerated BSN program that is designed to be completed in 32 consecutive months. The year-round program prepares students to enter the rapidly evolving healthcare arena providing expert care to patients. The curriculum includes courses such as Healthcare Ethics, Medical Microbiology, Chemistry of Nutrition, and much more.

Program Details

  • Programs: Accelerated BSN
  • Phone: (617) 732-2800
9.

1 Ferncroft Rd, Danvers, MA 01923

Score: 93.78

Located in Danvers, Massachusetts, northwest of Salem, Massachusetts, North Shore Community College is home to an excellent nursing program. With caring faculty, students grow their experience through scholarship, clinical practice and life experience.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (978) 762-4000
10.

19 Flagg Drive, Framingham, MA 01702

Score: 93.20

Located in Framingham, Mass Bay Community College offers an ADN that’s been ACEN-accredited since 1991. This rigorous program’s curriculum consists of classroom lectures, laboratory and clinical practicums. The goal of the ADN program is to guide students toward utilizing ethical values and legal principles in providing patient care.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (508) 270-4000
11.

591 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA 01730

Score: 92.09

Middlesex Community College is located in Bedford, Massachusetts. With a nursing program extolled by many, students study the health needs of a population in order to model and intervene with preventative health maintenance strategies.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (781) 280-3200
12.

160 Pearl St, Fitchburg, MA 01420

Score: 91.87

Fitchburg State University, located north of Worchester, has a long and distinguished history of nursing education. Experienced, caring faculty guide BSN students to model health promotion and interventions that improve patients' quality of life.

Program Details

  • Programs: LPN to BSN, BSN
  • Phone: (978) 665-3000
13.

235 Wellesley St, Weston, MA 02493

Score: 91.68

Weston's Regis College trains the next generation of quality nurses through its BSN program. Compassionate care is at the forefront of the curriculum, which combines clinicals and simulation labs with classroom courses.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (781) 768-7000
14.

53 Adams Street, Brockton, MA 02302

Score: 91.29

Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing is a private institution for nursing education, originally founded in 1897. Brockton is located between Taunton and Boston. Graduates are a welcome addition to clinics and communities alike.

Program Details

  • Programs: Diploma
  • Phone: (508) 941-7000
15.

Skinner Hall 651 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003

Score: 91.10

University of Massachusetts - Amherst is home to a prestigious nursing program. With accelerated BSN offerings, faculty goals are to help students develop personal frameworks that assure quality, efficiency and compassion in nursing care.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (413) 545-2703
16.

36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129

Score: 91.10

Boston’s MGH Institute of Health Professions offers both an accelerated BSN program and a direct-entry MSN program to prepare tomorrow’s nursing leaders. These programs arm students with the nursing essentials to provide quality patient care and to advance the field of nursing as a whole.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, MSN
  • Phone: (617) 726-2947
17.

100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125

Score: 91.00

UMass Boston is home to a stellar BSN program that can be completed in 2.5-4 years of study (both Accelerated and Traditional program options are available). The curriculum is delivered by world-renowned faculty and clinical placements are arranged in Boston's finest medical institutions.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (617) 287-5000
18.

291 Springfield St, Chicopee, MA 01013

Score: 91.00

The College of Our Lady of the Elms, commonly referred to as Elms College, has over 40 years of experience training nurses. Their BSN program utilizes a state-of-the-art simulation lab and coursework that combines liberal arts and sciences.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (413) 594-2761
19.

285 Old Westport Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747

Score: 90.58

The University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth is an integral part of the Dartmouth medical community. Dartmouth BSN graduates are highly sought after for their development as nursing professionals who practice within a clear and compassionate ethical framework.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (508) 999-8000
20.

50 Sunset Lane, Paxton, MA 01612

Score: 90.01

Paxton's Anna Maria College offers both a pre-licensure 4-year BSN as well as an RN to BSN bridge pathway. These programs emphasize moral and ethical values, advocacy, and top-notch patient care.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (508) 849-3300

Massachusetts Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you're considering a career in nursing, you might be wondering where to begin. As a registered nurse, the degree you'll need will depend on your background and future goals. Many new nurses start with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) because these options offer an affordable and relatively quick path to entering the field. Explore the differences between these options, along with other nursing pathways, in the sections below.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

For those aiming to enter nursing quickly, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a great option, typically requiring only two years of study. Another route is the RN diploma, which is often provided through specialized nursing schools or hospitals and can usually be completed in 1-2 years. The main distinction between the ADN and RN diploma is that the ADN includes general education courses, while the diploma focuses strictly on nursing fundamentals. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), the LPN to RN bridge program is an ideal pathway, allowing them to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Massachusetts include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Massachusetts.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

For those aiming higher, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is often the preferred choice for comprehensive entry-level nursing education. This four-year program provides all the core knowledge and skills essential for a career as a registered nurse and lays a solid foundation for advancing into graduate studies, such as a nurse practitioner role, in the future. Additionally, bridge programs like the RN to BSN and accelerated BSN options offer qualified candidates a flexible and faster route to completing their BSN.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Massachusetts typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

Massachusetts RN to BSN programs are an ideal choice for working nurses seeking the quickest path to a BSN. With an associate degree in nursing and an RN license, you can complete your BSN in as little as two years through these programs.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and want to become a nurse, a Massachusetts ABSN program could be a great way to build on your existing education. These accelerated programs allow you to earn a BSN in as little as one to two years

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

For those looking to advance their nursing education, pursuing a graduate degree might be the perfect step. Graduate nursing programs include options such as a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Generally, these programs require applicants to have at least a BSN or MSN, hold an active, unencumbered RN license, and fulfill specific admission criteria for each pathway.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Massachusetts:

Getting an RN License in Massachusetts

To practice as a professional nurse in Massachusetts, obtaining licensure is essential. This process starts with passing the NCLEX-RN exam, followed by submitting an application and fee to the Massachusetts State Board of Nursing. Once licensed, you'll need to maintain it by completing any required continuing education to stay compliant with state regulations.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Massachusetts

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the Massachusetts Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

Accreditation is a crucial factor when choosing an RN program. If a program lacks accreditation, it indicates that the state board has not approved its curriculum, preventing graduates from becoming licensed. In the U.S., the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). are the primary bodies responsible for accrediting nursing programs.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Massachusetts

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
21.
Worcester, MA 01655 | Phone: (508) 856-8989
Programs: MSN
89.92
22.
Greenfield, MA 01301 | Phone: (413) 775-1801
Programs: Associate in Nursing
89.89
23.
Milton, MA 02186 | Phone: (617) 333-0500
Programs: BSN
89.81
24.
Boston, MA 02115 | Phone: (617) 373-2000
Programs: BSN, MSN
89.72
25.
Haverhill, MA 01830 | Phone: (978) 556-3000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
89.32
26.
Worcester, MA 01606 | Phone: (508) 853-2300
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.68
27.
Westfield, MA 01086 | Phone: (413) 572-5300
Programs: BSN
88.66
28.
Brockton, MA 02302 | Phone: (781) 821-2222
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.97
29.
Fall River, MA 02720 | Phone: (508) 678-2811
Programs: Associate in Nursing
87.40
30.
West Barnstable, MA 02668 | Phone: (508) 362-2131
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.90
31.
Springfield, MA 01105 | Phone: (413) 781-7822
Programs: Associate in Nursing
86.43
32.
Salem, MA 01970 | Phone: (978) 542-6000
Programs: BSN, MSN
84.57
33.
Gardner, MA 01440 | Phone: (978) 632-6600
Programs: Associate in Nursing
84.35
34.
Worcester, MA 01608 | Phone: (508) 890-8855
84.26
35.
Springfield, MA 01109 | Phone: (800) 242-3142
84.16
36.
Medford, MA 02155 | Phone: (781) 306-6600
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.73
37.
Milton, MA 02186 | Phone: (617) 296-8300
Programs: Associate in Nursing
78.76
38.
Pittsfield, MA 01201 | Phone: (413) 499-4660
Programs: Associate in Nursing
75.11
39.
Norton, MA 02766 | Phone: (508) 286-8200
Programs: BSN
-
40.
Quincy, MA 02169 | Phone: (617) 984-1700
Programs: Associate in Nursing
-
41.
Plymouth, MA 02360 | Phone: (508) 747-0400
Programs: Associate in Nursing
-

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