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Best BSN Programs in Massachusetts in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

Best BSN Programs in Massachusetts in 2023 (Online & On-Campus)

BSN Programs in MassachusettsLooking for nursing schools in MA? You’re in luck. Pursuing a Massachusetts Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree allows prospective students the opportunity to reach their career goal of becoming a nurse. Current registered nurses that want to advance their career opportunities have the option of doing so when they consider BSN Programs in MA.

Massachusetts is one of the highest-paying states for registered nurses (RNs). The American Association of the Colleges of Nursing (AACN) explains that nursing is the largest healthcare profession in the U.S.

Consider these top Massachusetts BSN programs, and gain the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in nursing, which is an in-demand profession. Whether you’re like for an accelerated nursing program or a traditional one, you’ll be sure to find an option here.

Benefits Offered by BSN Programs in MA

Nurses that earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree have increased career options, compared to nurses that do not have a BSN degree. Completing a BSN in Massachusetts provides nurses with the opportunity to earn a better salary, compared to nurses that have less than a BSN degree.

Some nurses that complete a diploma program, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program, or that obtain an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) likely regret that they did not pursue a BSN program. Some BSN programs in MA offer an accelerated RN to BSN program or allow other options for nurses to advance their education and their career.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists the State of Massachusetts as one of the top five highest-paying states for registered nurses. The AACN indicates that most employers today prefer that prospective nurses have baccalaureate degree preparation. 

Here are the top BSN programs in MA:

1. Fitchburg State University

fitchburg state university BSN Programs in MA

Students that work or have other responsibilities likely appreciate the fact that Fitchburg State University offers an online RN to BSN program. Students complete the 32-credit-hour program in as little as 12 months. Students gain the knowledge for professional standards in nursing, along with legal and ethical standards.

  • Tuition: $311 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 95%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

2. Elms College

The BSN program at Elms College prepares nurses to work in a variety of healthcare settings upon program completion and successfully passing the NCLEX exam. Traditional coursework, combined with learning through hands-on state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical rotations at diverse health care settings prepares graduates to work as competent, professional nurses.

  • Tuition: $36,596
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 97%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

3. Salem State University

A student that is a current licensed practical nurse (LPN) has the opportunity to complete the Salem State University LPN to BSN program. The program is offered on a part-time basis. It consists of 120 to 123 credit hours of study. The school also offers a traditional BSN degree program, the RN to BSN program, and an accelerated second degree BSN program for students that have a bachelor’s degree in another area.

The school offers very low tuition, with evening tuition rate at a slightly higher rate. The evening tuition is just $115 per credit hour.

  • Tuition: $37.92 per credit hour (Out of state tuition is $285 per credit hour)
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 91%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

4. Curry College

Curry College offers a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and offers the Rn to BSN program. The school offers the program in eight-week sessions. Students complete courses either fully online or in a hybrid format.

An advantage of completing this program is that Curry College offers a potential significant tuition reduction. Students that register for six or more credit hours pay just $375 per credit hour, compared to the regular tuition rate of $1,336 per credit hour.

  • Tuition: $375 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 92%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

5. Westfield State University

The Westfield State University RN to BSN program is offered to give nurses the opportunity to obtain their BSN degree in as little as 12 to 24 months. The school offers the program in a hybrid format. This means that the program is delivered through a combination of in-person and online courses. Westfield State University offers the program with September or January start dates.

  • Tuition: est. $485 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 95%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

6. MGH Institute of Health Professions

The MGH Institution of Health Professions refers to its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program as an ‘immersive experience.’ The program is an intensive 16-month program that prepares students to improve the quality of healthcare. The school boasts a 1:6 clinical faculty to student ratio, and clinical placements during the student’s first semester. The MGH Institute of Health professions also offers MSN programs. This allows nurses to continue their education once they complete the BSN program.

  • Tuition: $525 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 94%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

7. Simmons College

Simmons College, located in Boston, offers the unique Nursing + Nursing (4+1) Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Nursing degree.

Students first complete the BSN degree requirements. They sit for the NCLEX exam and then continue with the MSN part of the degree. Students complete both degrees in just five years. During the program, nurses learn in the traditional classroom, by attending lectures, and by completing clinical rotations and practicums at world-renowned hospitals in the area. The school also offers a traditional BSN program.

  • Tuition: $1,440 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 97%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

8. University of Massachusetts Boston

The University of Massachusetts Boston prepares students to work as nurses through several BSN program options. The traditional BSN program involves rigorous study. The school allows completion of the program in 2.5 to 4 years of study.

Students benefit from clinical placements at a variety of outstanding health care institutions in the greater Boston area.

  • Tuition: $591.20 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 95%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

9. Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College models its Traditional Prelicensure BSN program after the state and national core competencies of nursing, with emphasis on the Massachusetts Nursing Core Competencies. The school prepares students for professional nursing roles that require critical thinking skills, writing skills, and cultural competencies. The Traditional Prelicensure BSN program at Anna Maria College focuses on a holistic approach, and places concern on the five dimensions in health.

The school also offers an online RN to BSN program.

  • Tuition: $1,507.92 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first time pass rate: 97%
  • Accreditation: ACEN

10. Endicott College

Earn your BSN degree at Endicott College where students complete the traditional BSN program. The school places a strong emphasis on theoretical and clinical applications.

Nurses that have an ADN degree or an LPN licensure have the opportunity to complete the school’s RN to BSN program at the school. Some students choose to continue their education by pursuing an MSN degree at the school. The school boasts a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates that either work full-time or are enrolled in a graduate program.

  • Tuition: est. $1149 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 91%
  • Accreditation: ACEN

11. Boston College

Students attending the Connell School of Nursing at Boston College have the opportunity to pursue a traditional BSN program. Students complete the program in four years.

The school allows several interesting options, including allowing students to complete graduate-level courses during the summer of their junior and senior years of undergraduate BSN study. Many students choose to study abroad as part of the BSN program at Boston College.

  • Tuition: est. $1262 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 90%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

12. Becker College

Becker College, located in Worcester, prepares students to work in professional nursing positions by offering the traditional pre-licensure BSN program. The program provides nurses with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the nursing profession through a combination of classroom, clinical and lab experiences.

  • Tuition: $1,515 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 94%
  • Accreditation: ACEN

13. Northeastern University

The accelerated bachelor of science (ABSN) degree program at Northeastern University prepares students that already have a bachelor’s degree in another area to pursue a nursing career. The program is a full-time, 16-month program. Students complete many program requirements online. Students also learn in the simulated lab, and through a variety of clinical rotations.

The school offers a traditional BSN program, in addition to the ABSN program.

  • Tuition: $1.638 per credit hour
  • NCLEX first-time pass rate: 87%
  • Accreditation: CCNE

Methodology

We ranked each school by using select criteria. We assigned a unique score for tuition, the NCLEX first-time pass rate, and accreditation. When there was a tie, the school with the lower tuition rate received a higher ranking. Prospective students should understand that the tuition rate covers the cost of tuition only, and does not include other costs, such as required fees, uniforms, books, or testing fees.

We try to do our best to be honest, fair, and accurate in all our rankings. We obtain information directly from the school or from the NCES. No school can pay us for a higher ranking. Any supported school is listed separately and clearly designated as SPONSORED.

Please contact us if you would like to have your school reviewed or if you would like to make edits to your current listing. We invite you to contact us if you have any questions about BSN programs in MA.

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