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by
Erin Lee, BSN, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Massachusetts involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered one of the best launching points.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for a BSN in Massachusetts, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Table of Contents
Best BSN Programs in Massachusetts
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most while selecting schools with the addition of NCLEX pass rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, price, mode, duration, and admission rate of hundreds of the most prominent nursing schools in the United States.
1. University of Massachusetts – Lowell
At an annual tuition of $14,071, the BSN program at the University of Massachusetts' Lowell campus offers an affordable pathway to pursue a career in nursing. With an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 95% and ACEN accreditation, this program ensures students receive a cost-effective, high-quality education to excel as an RN.
2. Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $16,324. With a strong NCLEX pass rate of 90% and ACEN accreditation, this program equips students with essential skills for their nursing careers at an affordable rate.
3. Anna Maria College
Anna Maria College, located in Paxton, offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $24,185. With an ACEN accreditation and an impressive NCLEX pass rate of 91%, students can receive a comprehensive nursing education, preparing them for successful careers in healthcare.
4. Curry College
Curry College in Milton offers a BSN program with an estimated annual tuition of $28,417. The program holds ACEN accreditation and achieves an NCLEX pass rate of 88%.
5. Endicott College
At Endicott College in Beverly, students can pursue a BSN program at an estimated annual tuition of $36,594. The program boasts a commendable NCLEX pass rate of 93% and holds ACEN accreditation, ensuring students receive a comprehensive nursing education to excel in their future careers.
| Score | School | Program | City |
Estimated Cost(Annual)* |
NCLEX Pass Rates (Avg. 2018-2022) |
Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.00 |
University of Massachusetts Lowell |
RN | Lowell | $14,071 | 95% | Yes |
| 94.70 | Fitchburg State University | BS | Fitchburg | $16,324 | 90% | Yes |
| 91.98 | Anna Maria College | BSN | Paxton | $24,185 | 91% | Yes |
| 88.15 | Curry College | BSN | Milton | $28,417 | 88% | Yes |
| 87.97 | Endicott College | BSN | Beverly | $36,594 | 93% | Yes |
| 87.00 | MGH Institute of Health Professions | BSN | Boston | 92% | Yes | |
| 85.67 | MCPHS University | BSN | Boston | $37,288 | 90% | Yes |
| 85.28 | American International College | BSN | Springfield | $22,698 | 80% | Yes |
*Costs as reported by Department of Education unless otherwise noted. Actual costs will vary based on scholarship, coursework, and other factors.
What Is a BSN?
A BSN is a step up from an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). BSNs typically include more extensive study and coursework and offer a broader range of clinical experiences. Earning a BSN can provide nurses with more career opportunities beyond basic clinical care, including roles in:
- Administration
- Research
- Teaching
- Consulting
Many healthcare institutions today prefer BSN-prepared nurses to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements.
10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
BSN Coursework
Typical BSN coursework includes:
- Biology, including a lab and lecture course
- Chemistry, incorporating a lab and lecture course
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology, with a lab and lecture course
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology
- Sociology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Health Assessment
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Mathematics, often statistics or at least an algebra course
- General Psychology
Can BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?
Acquiring nursing skills requires hands-on learning and real-life practice, which can't be fully replicated in an entirely online environment for an initial nursing degree. Because of this, Pre-licensure BSN programs aren't entirely online, as in-person skills training and direct patent care experiences in healthcare facilities are needed. However, plenty of BSN programs offer online coursework options, providing a hybrid environment for working students or those who require more flexible schedules.
Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
BSN programs generally require:
- Proof of Prior Education: Verification of high school diploma or GED.
- Prerequisite studies: Research your program for the exact courses needed.
- Pre-Entrance Exam: Tests like the TEAS or HESI.
- CPR Certification: Varying depending on the program.
- Criminal Background Check: To ensure patient safety.
BSN Salary Expectations in Massachusetts
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Massachusetts in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $50.07
- Annual Mean Wage: $104,150
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Massachusetts is 17% higher than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Massachusetts RN wage data from over 94,100 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so you'll be required to apply for licensure with the Massachusetts Board of Nursing
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Massachusetts?
Many schools in Massachusetts offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.
