Olivia Chen, NP
June 19, 2025
RN to BSN programs enable registered nurses to enhance their existing nursing education while achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The BSN-prepared nurses’ importance in Massachusetts shows strong alignment with current hiring patterns and healthcare outcomes in the state. The state prioritizes delivering high-quality healthcare through its push to develop nursing staff with advanced education.
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
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.
Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu
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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.
Weston, MA - Private 4-year - regiscollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis College's RN-to-BS Nursing Degree Completion program empowers registered nurses to advance their professional capabilities in just 12-16 months. Designed for associate degree nurses, the hybrid program enables seamless career progression with 45 transferable credits and flexible online learning options. Students develop advanced critical thinking skills, enhance patient care expertise, and prepare for expanded healthcare roles. The program offers personalized academic support, costs approximately $399 per credit, and provides a direct pathway to graduate nursing studies.
Worcester, MA - Public 4-Year - worcester.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Worcester State University's RN-to-BS Nursing Track Two program offers registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas a pathway to expand their professional credentials. This comprehensive program transforms experienced nurses into advanced healthcare professionals by developing critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive patient care skills. Students learn to utilize cutting-edge technology, implement interdisciplinary communication strategies, and apply ethical decision-making principles across diverse healthcare settings. The hybrid format provides flexibility for working nurses seeking career advancement, with rigorous coursework covering pediatrics, community health, mental health, and leadership.
Fitchburg, MA - Public 4-Year - fitchburgstate.edu
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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.
Massachusetts students have access to multiple RN to BSN program formats including online learning, in-person classes, hybrid programs, and accelerated programs. Working nurses choose online programs because they provide flexible asynchronous learning that adapts to their needs. Students have the freedom to learn at their own speed while not needing to visit the campus. Students in hybrid programs learn through online lectures which require them to attend occasional face-to-face sessions or meetings to balance flexibility with direct contact. College programs offer evening and weekend classes which benefit nursing students who maintain traditional daytime work schedules. The accelerated programs let students advance their studies at a faster pace through shortened semesters which enable students to take multiple courses during a single term.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University |
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| Regis College |
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| Bay Path University |
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| Certifying Board | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (MassBRN) |
|---|---|
| Certification | BSN from a MassBRN‑approved program, fingerprint check, and NCLEX‑RN pass |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial by birth month (even years for RNs, odd for LPNs) |
| Continuing Education | 15 contact hours per two‑year cycle (first renewal exempt) |
| License Application Fee | $230 application plus NCLEX fee |
| Clinical Hours | Verified via transcripts and Certificate of Graduation |
| Application Processing Time | 4–8 weeks after complete application |
| License by Endorsement | Submit reciprocity application, fees, license verification, transcripts, and fingerprints, no temporary license |
Massachusetts-based BSN-prepared nurses receive excellent compensation packages together with promising career prospects. Registered nurses working in Massachusetts receive average annual earnings that range from $90,000 to $105,000 based on their experience level, workplace specialty, and geographical area. Nurses working in Boston along with other urban centers receive higher salaries because of both the high cost of living and the numerous large healthcare institutions in the area. The nursing field experiences continuous growth because of population aging alongside healthcare service development. The healthcare industry now actively seeks BSN-prepared nurses to fill positions in leadership, educational settings, and specialized clinical fields. A BSN degree enhances employment stability while making nurses qualified for career advancement opportunities. The state of Massachusetts maintains one of the highest nursing job densities in the nation and dedicates funds to build its nursing workforce. The BSN degree represents a promising career investment because of its high financial value and steady employment market.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Massachusetts | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $99,348 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $47.76 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$133,499 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $99,348 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$54,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022–2032) | 8% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~1,940 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| Fitchburg State University |
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| Bay Path University |
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| Regis College |
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Massachusetts registered nurses who earn their BSN degree gain access to different professional advancement opportunities. The BSN degree provides entry to graduate nursing programs that lead to Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees for becoming nurse practitioners or nurse educators. Clinical settings commonly choose BSN-prepared nurses for leadership positions even when they do not pursue additional education. Charge nurse positions along with unit management and quality improvement coordination are examples of leadership roles available to BSN-prepared nurses. Professional certifications in pediatric nursing, critical care, and public health fields need BSN degrees as their base qualification. BSN graduates gain access to continuing education programs and mentorship opportunities through their degree. BSN graduates find better opportunities for career advancement and salary growth as well as increased professional responsibilities despite maintaining the same state licensing requirements. This degree demonstrates outstanding achievement while teaching nurses to handle future healthcare requirements.
Additional Nursing Programs in Massachusetts
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