Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs in Massachusetts | 2024

Explore the top Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs in Massachusetts, including curriculum details, admission requirements, salary expectations, and tips for choosing the right program. Programs

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Massachusetts' healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with nurses playing a crucial role in driving change. As patient care models and complexities shift, the demand for advanced and specialized nursing skills continues to grow. To stay ahead of these changes and significantly impact your community, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This guide will provide insights into the prospects of earning an MSN in Massachusetts and highlight the top programs available in the state.

Best MSN Programs in Massachusetts - Online & On-Campus

The selection of the following nursing schools is based 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 plays a crucial role in this process, dedicating over 100 hours per week to maintaining and enhancing our database. They incorporate a wide array of criteria to reflect what our readers and the broader community value most in nursing education, including reader surveys, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, cost of attendance, mode of delivery, admission rates, and more.

The following tuitions are subject to change based on a student's number of transfer credits, yearly increases, and more.

  1. American International College

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    AIC's nursing programs prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      1000 State Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01109, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 413-737-7000
    * tuition estimated

  2. Boston College

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    Boston College Connell School of Nursing offers undergraduate BSN nursing programs, several MSN Advanced Practice specialty programs, and the PhD in nursing program.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-617-552-4250

  3. Curry College School of Nursing

    allnurses Score: 80
    0 reviews

    Curry College offers accredited Bachelor's and Master's Nursing programs that prepare their graduates for highly favored nursing positions and opportunities to command higher pay.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      1071 Blue Hill Ave, Milton, Massachusetts 2186, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-617-333-2281
    •  
      Format
      Tuition*
      Score
    • Nurse Educator - BSN to MSN
      Education Format: Hybrid, Online, On-Campus
      Estimated Tuition: $34,020
      Score: 4.5 /5
    * tuition estimated

  4. Elms College School of Nursing (Our Lady of the Elms)

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    Elms College is a private Catholic coeducational liberal arts college that awards associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral nursing degrees.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, Massachusetts 01013, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-413-594-2761
    * tuition estimated

  5. Endicott College

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      376 Hale Street, Beverly, Massachusetts 01915, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 978-927-0585
    * tuition estimated

  6. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

    allnurses Score: 80
    0 reviews

    Learn more about the School of Nursing at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS).

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      179 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 2115, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    * tuition estimated

  7. MGH Institute Of Health Professions

    allnurses Score: 80
    0 reviews

    The Massachusetts General Hospital Institute Of Health Professions (MGHIHP) School of Nursing offers two tracks to enter into nursing and several pathways for Registered Nurses who want to specialize or advance through various degree choices or certifications including a BSN to DNP track.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      36 1st Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 2129, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-617-726-3164
    * tuition estimated

  8. Northeastern University

    allnurses Score: 80
    0 reviews

    Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences prepares nursing students to become the top leaders in education, research, scholastic achievement, and to practice as qualified, expert clinicians in their respective fields.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 2115, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-617-373-2000
    * tuition estimated

  9. Regis College

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    Just 12 miles from Boston and the home of the Red Sox, Regis College, a leading Catholic university, offers all of the benefits of being part of an ultimate college town. We provide programs for those wanting to start a career in nursing as well as for current nurses seeking to advance their careers.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN
    • Address:
      235 Wellesley Street, Weston, Massachusetts 2493, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-781-768-7000
    * tuition estimated

  10. Salem State University

    allnurses Score: 100
    0 reviews

    Salem State University's School of Nursing is distinguished by its commitment to diversity, robust clinical partnerships, and comprehensive student support.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      352 Lafayette Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-978-542-6000
    * tuition estimated

  11. Simmons University

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    Simmons University, located in Boston's renowned Longwood Medical Area, has been educating students for over 100 years as they place the needs of their students first. The School of Nursing provides intensive academic programs to prepare their nursing students with the clinical expertise necessary to care for their very vulnerable patients.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: , ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      300 The Fenway, Boston, Massachusetts 2115, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-855-461-7466
    * tuition estimated

  12. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) College of Nursing

    allnurses Score: 100
    0 reviews

    The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) College of Nursing offers the BSN, Second Degree BSN, RN-BSN, MSN (online), PhD, and DNP degree programs.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      285 Old Westport Road, Dartmouth, Massachusetts 02747-2300, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-508-999-8586
    * tuition estimated

  13. University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMassMed)

    allnurses Score: 100
    1 review

    The University of Massachusetts Medical School - Worcester Graduate School of Nursing prepares their nursing graduates for the clinical world with researched-based learning. Nurses are ready to take their research findings and translate it into their practice.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      55 Lake Avenue, North Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-508-856-5801
    * tuition estimated

  14. University of Massachusetts-Lowell

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    For more than a century, the University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UMass Lowell) has been preparing students to work in the real world, solve real problems, and help real people. 

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      220 Pawtucket St., Suite 420, Lowell, Massachusetts 01854-2874, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 978-934-4000
    * tuition estimated

  15. University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass Amherst)

    allnurses Score: 90
    0 reviews

    The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers classroom-based education on campus and online for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral nursing degree levels from the College of Nursing in two western Massachusetts locations, Amherst and Springfield.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      651 N Pleasant St, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-413-545-2703
    * tuition estimated

  16. University of Massachusetts, Boston (UMass Boston)

    allnurses Score: 100
    0 reviews

    The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMassBoston) is the ninth largest nursing school in the United States. Along with several NP and CNS post-graduate certificates, UMassBoston's academic nursing programs include the BSN, ABSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD degrees.

    • Status Public; Non-Profit
    • Format: Hybrid, On-Campus, Online
    • Accreditations: ACEN, CCNE
    • Address:
      100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 2125, US
    • State: Massachusetts
    • Telephone: 1-617-287-7500
    * tuition estimated
See All Schools

What Is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program?

An MSN is a graduate-level nursing degree program designed for nursing professionals or individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to advance their careers in the nursing profession. MSN degrees provide nurses with advanced education and training in theory, research, evidence-based clinical practice, leadership, and management in the healthcare setting.

After completing an MSN, RNs can pursue clinical nursing roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners (NPs), clinical nurse specialists, or nurse midwives. Alternatively, post-MSN graduates can opt for non-clinical roles in nursing education, healthcare administration, informatics, or research.

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

Discover the best MSN programs in the following states:

FAQ and Additional Readings

Q: 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.

Q: Is an MSN worth it in Massachusetts?

Deciding whether or not an MSN is worth it will vary depending on the goals of each individual. Many MSNs find their careers as NPs and APRNs personally fulfilling and financially rewarding.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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Erin Lee

About Erin Lee, BSN, RN

Editorial Team / Admin

Erin Lee has 12 years experience as a BSN, RN and specializes in Critical Care, Procedural, Care Coordination, LNC.

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