Top Nursing Schools & Programs in Massachusetts

Bay Path University's online Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program is designed for career starters and changers, offering flexibility with no prerequisites and a high school diploma sufficient for admission. At $700 per credit, it includes online coursework and weekly hands-on labs, allowing graduation in two years and a seamless path to BSN. Focused on affordability and efficiency, it supports working adults and recent graduates. As an associate-level program, entrance exams are not typically required, but details are not specified.

• No prerequisites required
• Fully online didactic coursework
• Hands-on labs one day a week
• Graduate in just two years
• Affordable at $700 per credit
• Seamless transition to BSN program
• Designed for working adults
• Flexible scheduling options
• High school diploma or equivalent needed
• 70-credit program

Bay Path University's online B.S. in Nursing program builds critical thinking through liberal arts, sciences, and nursing theory, emphasizing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB), population health, and ethics. Aligned with AACN and Massachusetts competencies, it prepares graduates for diverse healthcare roles with courses in health assessment, global health, informatics, and a capstone project. Admission requires meeting university core and major requirements, with 120 credits for graduation. As a bachelor's program, entrance exams like ACT or SAT may be required, but specifics are not stated.

• Online B.S. in Nursing
• 120 credits for graduation
• Focus on DEIB and ethics
• Aligns with AACN competencies
• Includes capstone project
• Health assessment course
• Global health focus
• Nursing informatics included
• Prepares for diverse settings
• Patient-centered care emphasis

Bay Path University's Direct Entry MSN program, accredited by CCNE, is for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree, providing an online pathway to become a registered nurse and earn an MSN in Administration/Education. Featuring asynchronous courses, it prepares for leadership roles in nursing with a focus on administration, education, and patient care. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, with GPA considerations for BSN graduates. As a master's program, entrance exams like GRE may be required, but it is not explicitly stated.

• Online program flexibility
• Direct Entry MSN option
• Accredited by CCNE
• Blends administration and education
• Asynchronous course delivery
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Ideal for working adults
• Pathway to DNP available
• Requires bachelor's degree
• GPA considerations for BSN grads

Northeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year campus-based program that emphasizes hands-on learning through two six-month co-op placements, providing over a year of work experience at renowned hospitals like Boston Children's and Mass General. It includes clinical courses, simulation lab training, and a senior practicum, preparing students for the NCLEX exam. Entrance exams such as ACT or SAT are typically required for admission to this bachelor's level program.

• 4-year program with 2 co-ops
• Clinical experiences at top hospitals
• Simulation lab training
• Senior practicum included
• NCLEX exam preparation

Simmons University in Boston offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students for the NCLEX exam and entry-level nursing roles. The curriculum includes acute care training, 600 clinical hours, and state-of-the-art simulation labs, with strong partnerships with top hospitals for rotations and research. It requires a C+ in science prerequisites and offers an 8-term sequence, transfer options, and the Dotson Bridge Program for diversity. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not mentioned as required, so applicants should verify directly with the school.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX exam
• 600 clinical hours
• Close hospital partnerships
• Dotson Bridge Program
• 8-term traditional sequence
• Transfer options available
• C+ in science prerequisites
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Clinical rotations included

MCPHS University's Accelerated BSN program in Boston is a 32-month campus-based track for students aiming to quickly enter nursing. It features rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical rotations in top healthcare settings, and state-of-the-art simulation labs. With a 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate, the program emphasizes interprofessional education and comprehensive health knowledge. Admission requires prerequisites, and as a bachelor's level program, it may require ACT or SAT exams; check the university's website for specifics. Ideal for those seeking a fast-paced transition into the nursing profession.

• 32-month accelerated program
• Campus-based in Boston, MA
• 96% first-time NCLEX pass rate
• Hands-on clinical rotations
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Interprofessional education focus
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Comprehensive health curriculum
• Admission prerequisites required

Regis College's AS in Nursing program provides a foundational education for students entering the nursing field, with a focus on practical and theoretical skills. This campus-based program does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. Prospective students should consult the college's website for current cost details and specific admissions requirements, as it is designed to offer a solid start in nursing without standardized test barriers.

• Campus-based program
• Foundational nursing skills
• Practical and theoretical focus
• Check website for costs
• Admissions requirements online

Regis College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program emphasizes compassionate, person-centered care through a values-based curriculum. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical rotations at top Boston hospitals, preparing them for the NCLEX-RN exam and diverse nursing careers. Admission focuses on GPA, especially in prerequisite courses, and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam. The program offers both traditional and accelerated paths, making it ideal for those seeking a flexible route to a BSN.

• Values-based nursing curriculum
• Hands-on clinical experience
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
• Admission focuses on GPA
• Accelerated BSN option available
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Clinicals at top Boston hospitals
• Compassionate care focus
• Diverse career opportunities
• Traditional and accelerated paths