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 is an online offering tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement without sacrificing work commitments. It allows completion in one year full-time or two years part-time, featuring over 200 interactive online activities to build critical decision-making skills. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, aligning with flexible access for working professionals. This program supports the growing demand for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, enhancing opportunities in the evolving healthcare field.
Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu
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Endicott College's RN to BSN program is delivered online, providing registered nurses with a flexible pathway to advance their education. It emphasizes building on existing nursing experience through a curriculum that integrates clinical skills, leadership development, and a strong liberal arts foundation. With a 126-credit requirement, the program includes early clinical experiences in the sophomore year and boasts a 99% job placement rate and 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, full-time enrollment, and no ACT or SAT exam is needed. CCNE accredited, it offers clinical partnerships with top hospitals and a fifth-year Master's option for further advancement.
Weston, MA - Private 4-year - regiscollege.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis College's RN-to-BS Nursing Degree Completion program is a hybrid offering that allows registered nurses with associate degrees to earn their bachelor's in 12-16 months. It emphasizes flexibility with online learning, accepts 45 transfer credits, and costs about $399 per credit. The program focuses on developing critical thinking and patient care skills without a clinical component, providing a direct path to graduate studies. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's level program. As a Roman Catholic institution, it supports career advancement through personalized academic guidance and various class formats.
Worcester, MA - Public 4-Year - worcester.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Worcester State University's RN-to-BS Nursing Track Two program is a hybrid offering designed for registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas, aiming to elevate their clinical expertise. It emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and leadership skills through a curriculum covering pediatrics, community health, mental health, and management. The program utilizes cutting-edge technology and interdisciplinary strategies, preparing nurses for advanced roles in diverse healthcare settings without requiring an ACT or SAT exam for admission, as it's a bachelor's-level program for licensed RNs.
Fitchburg, MA - Public 4-Year - fitchburgstate.edu
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Fitchburg State University's RN to BSN online program offers an accelerated, 12-month path for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, with a total tuition of $9,952. It emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, community nursing, and leadership, preparing graduates for roles in public health and care coordination. Accredited by CCNE, this flexible program requires a valid RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA, but no entrance exams like ACT or SAT are needed for admission.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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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