Direct Entry Masters programs in Boston/Mass.

Here's a list of Direct Entry programs in MA:

- Boston College
- MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Simmons College
- Regis College
- Northeastern University
- UMass Worcester/UMass Dartmouth
- Salem State College*

*Their website says their MSN program is NOT a Nurse Practitioner program (not sure what that means, but something to be aware of).

I'd say all of these programs are very good academically and are particularly competitive in terms of admissions. I'll be at MGH starting in the Fall, but I don't have any first-hand information about that particular program other than what I've learned through the info sessions/admissions process. I think the best place to start would be to request info from all of the schools and go over what each program offers. Some differ based on the time required to graduate (i.e. BC awards an MSN in 2 years, most other programs are 3) and what specialites they offer. The pre-requisites will also differ (which can be annoying), so make sure you have all your bases covered there.

I'd also do some searching through the boards, particularly in the Massachusetts nurses section. There are several threads already active over there with current/future students contributing their thoughts for each program.