Massachusetts is a state that's embracing the trend of higher education for its nursing workforce. With an aging population, registered nurses (RNs) are more in-demand than ever, and hospitals are raising the bar for patient care. RNs who have previously completed an Associate's Degree in Nursing are eligible to complete their baccalaureate education via one of the state's RN to BSN programs, poising themselves for better nursing jobs and higher pay.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list considers key factors like quality, flexibility, and cost. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that meets your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Endicott College's RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a flexible online pathway to complete their bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, the program builds on existing nursing knowledge while expanding clinical skills and leadership capabilities. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes theoretical components, practical clinical application, and a strong liberal arts foundation. The program prepares nurses for advanced coursework, graduate education, and enhanced career opportunities in the dynamic healthcare industry.
- Online flexible format
- 126 total credits required
- Clinical experience early sophomore year
- 99% job placement rate
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Full-time enrollment required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA admission
- Clinical partnerships with top hospitals
- Fifth year Master's option
- CCNE accredited program
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University's RN-to-BSN Program offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing education. Designed for working professionals, the program can be completed part-time in two years or full-time in just one year. With growing healthcare demands and an 80% predicted increase in baccalaureate-prepared nurses by 2020, this online program provides comprehensive learning through over 200 interactive activities. Students develop critical decision-making skills while positioning themselves for enhanced career opportunities in an evolving healthcare landscape.
- Online flexible degree completion
- Part-time or full-time options
- Over 200 online learning activities
- Supports career advancement
- Designed for working RNs
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA - Public 4-Year - fitchburgstate.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fitchburg State University's RN to BSN online program provides working nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers and expand professional capabilities. Designed for registered nurses with associate degrees, this accelerated 12-month program offers comprehensive education at an affordable $9,952 total tuition. Students develop critical skills in evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, community nursing, and professional leadership. The CCNE-accredited curriculum prepares nurses for expanded roles in public health, care coordination, case management, and graduate education while emphasizing social justice, diversity, and holistic patient care.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Online accelerated format
- 32 total credit hours
- $9,952 total tuition
- As few as 12 months completion
- Valid RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA needed
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA - Private 4-year - baypath.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bay Path University offers a flexible, accelerated online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. Registered nurses can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 18-24 months through 100% online, asynchronous coursework. With a discounted rate of $300 per credit for Baystate Health-affiliated RNs and opportunities for employer tuition reimbursement, this program provides an accessible pathway to professional growth. Students benefit from mentorship by practicing nurses, extensive health library resources, and comprehensive support services.
- 100% online program
- 18-24 month completion
- $300 per credit for Baystate RNs
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Up to 84 transfer credits
- Asynchronous 6-week sessions
- Mentorship by practicing nurses
- Free tutoring available
- Extensive health library resources
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA - Public 4-Year - umassd.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BS Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
UMass Dartmouth's online RN-BS program provides registered nurses with a flexible pathway to complete their bachelor's degree. Designed for working professionals, the program builds on existing nursing experience, offering in-depth study of physical and social sciences, leadership, and community health. Students can transfer non-nursing credits and complete just 31 online credits, with 28 dedicated to nursing coursework. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and ranks among the top 50 online nursing programs nationally.
- Online RN to BSN degree
- 31 total credits required
- Accredited nursing program
- Flexible learning environment
- Expand career opportunities
- Ranked top 50 nationwide
- Military friendly school
- One-on-one personal advising
Fast & Affordable Program Options
Many nurses looking to add quick and easy value to their professional portfolio seek out bridge programs to achieve higher-level degrees. If you’re just starting out as a nurse and you already have an associate degree and an RN license, an RN to BSN program is probably the best value in terms of affordability and timeliness.
Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options
While many traditional BSN programs can take students four years or more to complete, an RN to BSN program has a much faster timeline to graduation. From start to finish, you can expect to complete your degree program in under two years, depending on how many credits you’re transferring and the program’s curriculum. Below are a few examples of the quickest RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts.
School | Degree Name | Length |
UMass Boston | Online RN to BSN | 3 Semesters |
Emmanuel College | Online RN to BSN | 16 months |
Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.
Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?
Yes, they do. However, it will be a challenge to locate these types of programs in Massachusetts as only a handful exist nationwide. To qualify, you’ll need at least an associate degree and a large number of transferable credits. You’ll also need a current and unencumbered RN license and at least a year of experience in the nursing field. Talk to your prospective school’s admissions department to learn if you qualify for a 6-month RN to BSN program.
Affordable Online RN to BSN Options
Lastly, you can expect to save money on tuition if you decide to go with an RN to BSN program instead of a traditional BSN program. Because you’ll be spending less time in the classroom, you’ll likely only be required to pay a portion of the tuition, especially if you are a Massachusetts state resident or an online student as many RN to BSN programs offer lower rates for these two groups. Below are a few examples of schools that offer the lowest rates of tuition for RN to BSN programs in the state:
School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
Salem State University | RN to BSN | $12,338.40 per year (Resident) $19,531.20 per year (Non-Resident) |
UMass Boston | Online RN to BSN | $15,132 per year (Resident) $36,105 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs
To be admitted to your school of choice's RN to BSN program, you'll need to carefully follow the application instructions and be sure you meet the requirements. Some schools have limited enrollment, so it's important to ensure you are well-qualified. Common entrance requirements for accredited schools in the state include:
- Completion of an accredited associate degree in nursing program or a hospital school diploma program
- Current, valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Current citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America with work authorization and residency in the United States
Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?
Students enrolled in an RN to BSN program take a mix of general education courses, advanced nursing courses, and electives or required support courses. As part of their RN to BSN program, Salem State University offers the following nursing course titles:
- Explorations of the Professional Nursing Role
- Health Assessment Across the Life Span
- Nursing Research
- Healthcare Issues, Policy, and Economics
- Nursing Informatics
2025 List of RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts
To discover the best accredited RN to BSN programs in the state, check out our listings below.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9277
Beverly, MA
Endicott College
Beverly, MA 01915
Boston, MA
Emmanuel College
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 732-1604
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-3649
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-5000
Brockton, MA
Fisher College
Brockton, MA 02116
(617) 236-8800
Chicopee, MA
Elms College
Chicopee, MA 01013-2839
(413) 265-2320
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
(978) 665-3222
Lowell, MA
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA 01854
Milton, MA
Curry College
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 333-3137
Laboure College
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 296-8300
Paxton, MA
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA 01612
Salem, MA
Salem State University
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-7149
Springfield, MA
American International College
Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 205-3503
Weston, MA
Regis College
Weston, MA 02493
Worcester, MA
Becker College
Worcester, MA 01609
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8680
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