Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Massachusetts | 2025

This guide to the best MSN programs in Massachusetts for 2025 covers top schools, admissions, formats, salary data, and how to choose the right program.

MSN A group of MSN students standing and smiling in an MSN program in Massachusetts.
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Massachusetts is one of the few states that allows nurse practitioners full practice authority without physician oversight, giving MSN-trained nurses greater autonomy in clinical care. It's also home to several Magnet-recognized hospitals and a healthcare system deeply connected to research and education.

This guide outlines the top MSN programs in Massachusetts for 2025, featuring schools that offer strong clinical partnerships, multiple learning formats, and high post-graduation employment rates. You'll also find key admissions info, salary insights, and tips for narrowing down your options.

Best MSN Programs in Massachusetts - Online & On-Campus

The selection of the following nursing schools relies on a comprehensive methodology that includes direct input from our readers, extensive data analysis, and continuous updates to ensure accuracy and relevance. Our team of Data Analysts dedicates over 100 hours weekly to refine our database, incorporating critical criteria like reader surveys, graduation rates, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more elements valued by our community.

*Tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more. Our rankings are based on the latest college data from the U.S. Department of Education complemented by additional insights from our analysts.

  1. #1 University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School

    allnurses College Ranking: A+
    3 reviews

    University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
    • 1-508-856-5801

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Research Institution
    • 95% Acceptance Rate
    • 82% Graduation Rate
    • 1,270 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,394 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 25 Average Age
    • 86% Men
    • 14% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  2. #2 Boston College

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Boston College is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, and on-campus programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, MSN, Masters, RN to MSN, DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CRNA, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, US
    • 1-617-552-4250

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • 91% Graduation Rate
    • 9,865 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 5,197 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 19 Average Age
    • 47% Men
    • 53% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 82% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 8% Black
    • 5% Asian

  3. #3 University of Massachusetts, Amherst

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNL, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • 82% Graduation Rate
    • 23,694 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 7,874 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 48% Men
    • 52% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 88% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  4. #4 Salem State University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Salem State University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of , hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 96% Acceptance Rate
    • 63% Graduation Rate
    • 4,286 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,386 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 36% Men
    • 64% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 84% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 5% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  5. #5 Northeastern University

    allnurses College Ranking: A
    0 reviews

    Northeastern University is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Masters, MSN to DNP, PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 6% Acceptance Rate
    • 90% Graduation Rate
    • 15,719 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 15,268 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 44% Men
    • 56% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 84% White
    • 6% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  6. #6 Elms College

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Elms College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, Massachusetts 01013, US
    • 1-413-594-2761

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Medium Programs
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • 72% Graduation Rate
    • 951 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 294 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 26 Average Age
    • 29% Men
    • 71% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 10% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 1% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  7. #7 University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-2300, US
    • 1-508-999-8586

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • 55% Graduation Rate
    • 5,289 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,157 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 48% Men
    • 52% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 89% White
    • 4% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  8. #8 Regis College

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Regis College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • 70% Graduation Rate
    • 1,061 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,746 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 19% Men
    • 81% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 9% Hispanic
    • 15% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  9. #9 University of Massachusetts, Boston

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Boston is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNS, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 2125, US
    • 1-617-287-7500

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • 57% Graduation Rate
    • 11,848 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,437 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 23 Average Age
    • 43% Men
    • 57% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 73% White
    • 9% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  10. #10 Simmons University

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    Simmons University is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • 78% Graduation Rate
    • 1,750 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 3,293 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 0% Men
    • 100% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 4% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  11. #11 University of Massachusetts, Lowell

    allnurses College Ranking: B+
    0 reviews

    University of Massachusetts, Lowell is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 220 Pawtucket St., Suite 420, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854-2874, US
    • 978-934-4000

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral Universities: Very High Research Activity
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • 64% Graduation Rate
    • 11,632 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 4,642 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 58% Men
    • 42% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  12. #12 Endicott College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Endicott College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, DNP, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 376 Hale Street, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915, US
    • 978-927-0585

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • 76% Graduation Rate
    • 3,101 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,078 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 20 Average Age
    • 35% Men
    • 65% Women
    • 15% Veterans
    • 92% White
    • 3% Hispanic
    • 2% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  13. #13 MGH Institute Of Health Professions

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    MGH Institute Of Health Professions is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, Entry Level Masters, RN to MSN, BSN to DNP, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • 95% Graduation Rate
    • 112 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 1,173 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 27 Average Age
    • 14% Men
    • 86% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 4% Black
    • 6% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  14. #14 American International College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    American International College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, and MSN degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 1000 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01109, US
    • 413-737-7000

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Doctoral/Professional Universities
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • 48% Graduation Rate
    • 1,097 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 811 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 50% Men
    • 50% Women
    • 0% Veterans
    • 75% White
    • 13% Hispanic
    • 13% Black
    • 2% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  15. #15 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, MSN, and Post Grad Certificate degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    • 179 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 2115, US

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Special Focus Four-Year: Other Health Professions Schools
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • 74% Graduation Rate
    • 3,474 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 2,844 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 21 Average Age
    • 24% Men
    • 76% Women
    • 1% Veterans
    • 82% White
    • 8% Hispanic
    • 6% Black
    • 5% Asian
    * tuition estimated

  16. #16 Curry College

    allnurses College Ranking: B
    0 reviews

    Curry College is a public and non-profit State Institution. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACEN and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

    School Overview

    • Located in Massachusetts
    • 4 year or higher institution
    • Master's Colleges & Universities: Small Programs
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • 60% Graduation Rate
    • 1,757 Undergraduate Students Enrolled*
    • 176 Graduate Students Enrolled
    *Includes certificate and degree-seeking students

    Student Demographics

    • 22 Average Age
    • 42% Men
    • 58% Women
    • 2% Veterans
    • 85% White
    • 5% Hispanic
    • 7% Black
    • 3% Asian
    * tuition estimated
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What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a graduate-level degree for registered nurses or individuals with a non-nursing background who want to move into advanced clinical or leadership roles in Massachusetts. Programs are offered at schools throughout the state, including in Boston, Amherst, and Lowell, and focus on evidence-based care, health systems, and patient-centered practice.

Massachusetts continues to see rising demand for MSN-prepared nurses due to its aging population and dense network of hospitals and academic medical centers. Graduates often work as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, or clinical nurse specialists, while others step into roles in nursing education, administration, or public health.

Who Should Enroll in an MSN Program in Massachusetts?

An MSN program is ideal for nurses in Massachusetts who are driven, analytical, and comfortable making high-stakes decisions in complex healthcare settings. It's a strong fit for RNs who want to take on more responsibility, whether as a provider, educator, or administrator, and who thrive in roles that require critical thinking and strong communication.

It's also a good choice for people with a non-nursing background who are motivated to enter the field through an accelerated or direct-entry program. Whether you're aiming to lead teams at a Boston hospital or shape care in a community clinic, an MSN offers the foundation for long-term growth in a high-impact role.

MSN Program Pathways

MSN pathways include:

Where Do MSN-Prepared Nurses Work?

MSN degree holders work in most healthcare settings depending on their specialty and interests. Some of the most common include:

  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Care Centers
  • Physicians Office
  • Nursing Schools
  • Home Health Care Services
  • Public Health and Community Clinics
  • Research Institutions

Can MSN Programs Be Taken Entirely Online?

Many MSN programs can be taken online. However, it's important to note that some online programs may have in-person requirements such as exams, hands-on training, and more, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.

Certain specializations, such as NP, typically require a certain number of clinical hours which need to be completed in person, under the supervision of licensed professionals. Some programs may also arrange clinical placements for their students.

Before selecting a program, it's important to research to ensure that it fits your needs, whether entirely online, hybrid, or in-person.

MSN Program Admission Requirements

Typical MSN admission requirements include:

  • Active RN License in good standing
  • Transcripts from accredited ADN or BSN programs
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • 1-3 Letters of recommendation
  • Responses to essay questions or equivalent writing projects
  • RN experience of 3 to 5 years
  • Graduation Record Examinations 
  • Interview to enter the program

MSN RN Salary Expectations in Massachusetts

MSN graduates can expect varying salaries depending on their specialization. To give you a clearer picture, we've compared salaries of the top MSN RN roles in Massachusetts with the national averages, highlighting how they stack up.

Nurse Practitioner

Massachusetts NP compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $69.24
  • Mean Annual Wage: $144,010

Compared to the national nurse practitioner salary (BLS):

  • Low: $94,530 or $45.45 per hour
  • Mean: $128,490 or $61.78 per hour
  • High: $168.030 or $80.79 per hour

Top NP salaries by state: 

  • California: $161,540
  • Nevada: $148,670
  • Washington: $145,400
  • New Jersey: $145,030
  • Oregon: $144,950

Nurse Midwife

Massachusetts nurse midwife compensation:

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $74.08
  • Mean Annual Wage: $154,080

Compared to the national nurse midwife salary (BLS):

  • Low: $87,320 or $41.98 per hour
  • Mean: $131,570 or $63.26 per hour
  • High: $177,530 or $85.35 per hour

Top nurse midwife pay by state: 

  • California: $183,740
  • Hawaii: $161,820
  • Massachusetts: $154,080
  • Maine: $140,440
  • Oregon: $139,490

Nurse Administrator

Massachusetts nurse administrator compensation: 

  • Mean Hourly Wage: $76.22
  • Mean Annual Wage: $158,540

Compared to the national nurse administrator salary (BLS):

  • Low: $67,900 or $32.65 per hour
  • Mean: $134,440 or $64,64 per hour
  • High: $216,750 or $104.21 per hour

Top nurse administrator salaries by state:

  • New York: $179,160
  • District of Columbia: $170,710
  • Delaware: $164,190
  • New Jersey: $162,430
  • Massachusetts: $158,540

Nurse Educator

Massachusetts nurse educator compensation:

  • Mean Annual Wage: $87,140

Compared to the national nurse educator salary (BLS): 

  • Low: $49,120
  • Mean: $86,530
  • High: $130,320

Top nurse educator pay by state: 

  • District of Columbia: $111,130
  • Oregon: $109,110
  • New York: $102,980
  • New Jersey: $101,540
  • Nevada: $99,320

When evaluating salary expectations, it's crucial to consider factors like experience, MSN specialty, location, cost of living, and pay variances across different healthcare systems. For more detailed insights on nursing salaries by location and specialty, explore our Nursing Salary Guide.

Tips to Choose an MSN Program

Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of the education, while others may place greater emphasis on certification 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:

  1. Cost
  2. High Pass Rate
  3. Location
  4. Academic Reputation
  5. Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
  6. Length of Time to Obtain Degree
  7. Flexibility of Schedule
  8. Curriculum
  9. Campus and Surroundings
  10. Nursing Clinicals Location
  11. Availability of Online Course

Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.

MSN Programs Near Me

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Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

What's the highest-paying job you can do with an MSN in Massachusetts?

MSN graduates have many job opportunities, with the highest-paying roles often being Nurse Practitioners (NPs) or Nurse Administrators. According to BLS data, the highest-paying MSN RN positions in Massachusetts are Nurse Midwives, closely followed by Nursing Administration roles—both ranking among the top five nationally for highest pay. Nurse Practitioners come in third, but they have the potential to earn more than both CNMs and nurse managers, depending on their specialty concentration and experience.

Is an MSN worth it in Massachusetts?

Yes, earning an MSN in Massachusetts is often a strong investment for nurses looking to advance their careers. The state offers some of the highest salaries for nurse practitioners and nurse midwives, with averages exceeding $140,000 per year. Massachusetts also allows full practice authority after two years, giving APRNs more autonomy than in many other states.

With access to top hospitals, strong demand across urban and rural areas, and scholarship opportunities tied to workforce needs, MSN graduates often find both financial and professional rewards within the state.

Is it better to have an MSN or DNP?

Whether an MSN or DNP best suits you depends on your career goals and interests. Some key things to consider are whether you prefer to work in direct patient care and become an APRN or are interested in more leadership-focused roles, influencing policy, implementing evidence-based practice at the system level, or considering a career in academia. If you're interested in a career as an APRN, an MSN may be sufficient for you. If you're interested in more leadership-focused roles, a DNP may be preferable.

Can I become a Nurse Anesthetist with an MSN?

CRNAs are APRNs who administer anesthesia and monitor patients during surgery, requiring a high level of expertise. Therefore, an MSN is not sufficient for this career. As of January 1, 2022, all CRNA programs require enrollment in a doctoral program, such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). By 2025, a doctoral degree will be mandatory for entry into the field.

How long does it take to finish an MSN program in Massachusetts?

Program length depends on your academic background and course load. Most full-time students finish in 18 to 30 months. Part-time options, such as those at UMass Lowell and Elms College, can extend the timeline to three or four years, especially for students balancing work and clinical training.

Are MSN students in Massachusetts eligible for clinical placements in top hospitals?

Yes. Schools like Simmons University and Northeastern University have partnerships with major hospitals in Boston, including Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Children's. Regional campuses such as UMass Dartmouth also place students in healthcare facilities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, including South Coast and Cape Cod areas.

What support do Massachusetts schools offer to MSN students?

Most schools provide academic advising, certification exam prep, and clinical placement assistance. Simmons University assigns placement specialists to help students secure clinical sites, while UMass Lowell offers tutoring, writing support, and dedicated job search tools. Some schools also offer in-state tuition discounts or workforce development scholarships, especially for students committing to work in underserved regions.

What is it like to live and study in Massachusetts as an MSN student?

Massachusetts offers a wide range of environments for graduate nursing students. In Boston, students benefit from access to world-class hospitals, medical libraries, and public transportation. Neighborhoods like Allston, Mission Hill, and Dorchester offer housing near major medical centers. Outside the city, towns like Amherst and Lowell provide a lower cost of living, convenient access to regional hospitals, and a quieter academic setting.

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 13 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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