If you are interested in the best Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs in Massachusetts, you have come to the right place. Massachusetts is a global hub for healthcare, home to world-class facilities like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital. For career changers, this means access to top-tier clinical rotations and a robust job market upon graduation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Registered Nurses is expected to remain high through 2026, particularly in specialized medical hubs like Boston and Worcester. Check out our comprehensive list below to learn more about ABSN coursework, clinical training, costs, and salary expectations.
Key Takeaways: ABSN Programs in Massachusetts
Before diving into the details, here is a quick breakdown of the programs that stand out in specific categories:
Fastest Routes (12 Months): University of Massachusetts Boston, MGH Institute of Health Professions.
Most Affordable (In-State): Salem State University, University of Massachusetts Boston.
Best for Online Flexibility: Regis College (Hybrid options available).
Top NCLEX Pass Rate (Recent Data): Elms College (97%), MCPHS (96%).
Best ABSN Programs in Massachusetts
Our ranking methodology blends data from the U.S. Department of Education with the experiences and insights of the allnurses community.
1. University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: A (95)
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass Amherst offers a rigorous ABSN program that enables individuals with a bachelor's degree to transition into nursing in just 16 months. UMass Amherst is a flagship institution known for expert faculty and extensive clinical experiences in the western part of the state.
Program Format: On-Campus
Tuition: ~$40,310
RN Pass Rate: 93%
Program Length: 16 Months
Why it stands out: UMass Amherst offers "Public Ivy" prestige with a high NCLEX pass rate. It is an excellent choice for students who prefer a traditional campus experience outside the congestion of Boston.
View University of Massachusetts School Profile
2. Salem State University
Location: Salem, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: A (91)
Salem State's ABSN program offers a fast track for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Students are educated in cutting-edge nursing practices by faculty who are real-world practitioners. The program is designed to be completed full-time in 15 months, making it one of the most efficient public options.
Program Format: On-Campus
Tuition: ~$34,715
RN Pass Rate: 82%
Program Length: 15 Months
Why it stands out: Salem State is consistently one of the most affordable options in the state, offering high value for students conscious of student debt.
View Salem State University School Profile
3. Northeastern University
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: A (90)
Northeastern University's ABSN programs cater to both second-degree students and transfer applicants. This intensive program enables students to earn their nursing degree in just 16 months, blending online didactic classes with hands-on nursing labs and clinical rotations in the prestigious Boston medical area.
Program Format: On-Campus / Hybrid
Tuition: ~$136,000
RN Pass Rate: 89%
Program Length: 16 Months
Why it stands out: While it has a higher price tag, Northeastern provides unparalleled access to Boston's top hospitals for clinicals and has a strong reputation for job placement immediately after graduation.
View Northeastern University School Profile
4. Elms College
Location: Chicopee, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B+ (89)
Elms College offers a distinctive ABSN program known for its personalized approach and small class sizes. The program includes an intercultural mission trip option (e.g., Jamaica), adding a global health perspective to the curriculum.
Program Format: On-Campus
Tuition: ~$35,450
RN Pass Rate: 97%
Program Length: 20 Months
Why it stands out: Elms boasts one of the highest NCLEX pass rates on this list (97%), indicating exceptional student preparation.
View Elms College School Profile
5. University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
Location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B+ (89)
UMass Dartmouth's ABSN program is highly regarded for its exceptional value. The program combines online and in-person instruction with clinical experiences in Massachusetts. Students receive personalized advising and access to free tutoring.
Program Format: Hybrid
Tuition: ~$47,672
RN Pass Rate: 94%
Program Length: 17 Months
Why it stands out: The hybrid format offers flexibility, and the 94% pass rate is well above the national average, making it a reliable choice for South Coast residents.
View University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth School Profile
6. Regis College
Location: Weston, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B+ (88)
Regis College allows individuals with a bachelor's degree to earn a nursing degree in 16 months. The ABSN program is taught by industry-active nurses and offers clinical placements at some of Boston's most renowned healthcare facilities.
Program Format: Online / On-Campus
Tuition: ~$77,160
RN Pass Rate: 93%
Program Length: 16 Months
Why it stands out: Regis is known for its supportive learning environment and flexible admission deadlines, with starts in both Fall and Spring.
View Regis College School Profile
7. University of Massachusetts, Boston
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B+ (87)
The expert faculty at UMass Boston offer a comprehensive ABSN program that combines rigorous, concept-based coursework in an online format with hands-on nursing instruction. This program allows individuals to earn their nursing degree in just 12 months.
Program Format: Hybrid
Tuition: ~$35,100
RN Pass Rate: 75%
Program Length: 12 Months
Why it stands out: Speed and Cost. This is one of the fastest (12 months) and most affordable routes to a BSN in the Greater Boston area.
View University of Massachusetts School Profile
8. MGH Institute of Health Professions
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B+ (86)
The MGH Institute's ABSN program is a rigorous pathway affiliated with Mass General Brigham. Known for its flexibility, the program offers both full-time and part-time options and boasts a very high employment rate for graduates.
Program Format: On-Campus
Tuition: ~$84,996
RN Pass Rate: 91%
Program Length: 12 Months
Why it stands out: The direct affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital provides networking opportunities that are virtually unmatched in the region.
View MGH Institute Of Health Professions School Profile
9. Endicott College
Location: Beverly, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B (85)
Endicott College offers a comprehensive ABSN program that includes a cohort model with small class sizes and a unique 1:1 internship with a practicing nurse.
Program Format: On-Campus
Tuition: ~$72,850
RN Pass Rate: 95%
Program Length: 16 Months
Why it stands out: The 1:1 internship model ensures students gain confidence and mentorship before entering the workforce.
View Endicott College School Profile
10. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
allnurses School Ranking: B (84)
The School of Nursing at MCPHS offers a ABSN program for individuals looking to fast-track their nursing career. While longer than some ABSN programs, it provides a deep dive into pharmacology and collaborative health education.
Program Format: On-Campus
Tuition: ~$56,760
RN Pass Rate: 96%
Program Length: 32 Months (Post-Bacc Pathway)
Why it stands out: Located in the Longwood Medical Area, MCPHS students are neighbors with Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, providing an immersive medical environment.
View Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School Profile
What Is an ABSN Program?
In an accelerated nursing program, you will engage in an intensive, fast-paced curriculum that covers the same comprehensive material as a traditional BSN program, but in a condensed timeframe (typically 12 to 18 months). The coursework is challenging, yet it is designed to quickly and thoroughly prepare you for a nursing career by building on your existing knowledge in the sciences and humanities.
ABSN Clinical Training in Massachusetts
ABSN programs in Massachusetts require clinical training, typically consisting of:
Supervised Clinical Rotations: Rotations through hospitals like Tufts Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess, and UMass Memorial.
Simulation Labs: High-fidelity simulation experiences that mimic real-life emergencies.
Diverse Experiences: Exposure to med-surg, pediatrics, community health, and psychiatric nursing.
Can ABSN Programs in Massachusetts Be Taken Entirely Online? No. While some components of an ABSN program (didactic coursework) may be available online, the program cannot be completed entirely online. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requires hands-on clinical training, which must be completed in person.
ABSN Prerequisites & Admission Requirements in Massachusetts
For 2026 applicants, it is essential to have your academic history in order. Most programs utilize the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS) or direct applications.
Common Prerequisites
Science Courses: Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry.
Statistics: A standard requirement for evidence-based practice.
Developmental Psychology: Covering the human lifespan.
Nutrition: Often required by UMass and state university programs.
Admission Criteria
Previous Bachelor's Degree: Non-nursing major.
GPA: Typically a minimum of 3.0 cumulative, with higher requirements for science courses.
TEAS/GRE: Some schools may require these, though many are moving to "test-optional" for second-degree students.
ABSN Salary Expectations in Massachusetts
Massachusetts consistently ranks among the highest-paying states for nurses. According to 2026 data projections and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Mean Hourly Wage: $45.42
Mean Annual Wage: $94,480
Top 10% Earners: ~$132,680+
Factors influencing salary include geographic location (Boston nurses generally earn more than those in rural Western MA) and shift differentials (nights/weekends).