Accredited
Hybrid
On-campus
Online
Public
BSN MSN RN-to-MSN Entry-Level BSN MSN to PhD CRNA NP PhD BSN-to-PhD Master's Accelerated BSN Post-grad Certificate Other
- Accreditations CCNE COA
- Location(s) Massachusetts
- Telephone 1-617-552-4250
- Request Information
Boston College (BC) is a private institution founded in 1863.
The School of Nursing was established by the request of Cardinal Richard Cushing, archbishop of Boston, who wanted the University to offer a baccalaureate nursing program because no Catholic institution in the Archdiocese of Boston offered one.
On January 27, 1947, the School of Nursing opened with 35 students prepared to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing. In 1958, the school offered a master’s program and the PhD program was offered in 1988 becoming the first nursing doctoral program to be offered at a Jesuit university. In 2003, the School of Nursing was named in honor of the late businessman and philanthropist William F. Connell, a member of the BC Class of 1959, and became: Boston College Connell School of Nursing.
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The bachelors program requires four years to complete combining liberal arts and natural and social sciences; focusing on incorporating classroom and clinical experiences. An excellent advantage is that students are eligible to take graduate level nursing courses as electives during their junior and senior years.
International Educative Experiences
BC Connell School of Nursing offers unique international study and travel opportunities. Approximately one- third of the students actually study abroad during their junior year and another third of senior students participate in global clinical experiences.
Graduate
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Program Eligibility (not all inclusive)
- Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or associate’s degree from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Minimum 110 course credits
- Undergraduate GPA of B or better
- Course in Statistics
- Current RN license
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Specialty Areas
Graduates are eligible to sit for his/her certification examination as Nurse Practitioners or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioner Program Highlights
- RNs with BSNs can choose from one of five specialties as NPs
- Full time and part time options available.
- Program completion within two years, full time or part time
- 13 courses = 45 credits
- September or January start
Program Eligibility (not all inclusive)
- Bachelor’s degree, diploma, or associate’s degree from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Minimum 110 course credits
- GPA of B or better
- Statistics
- Current RN license
- RNs with diploma or associate’s degree in nursing must meet all Boston College undergraduate science and liberal arts course requirements
Clinical Experience
We offer a range of clinical placements in the Boston area, home to one of the nation’s best health care communities. Here, students gain invaluable experience in world-renowned hospitals, innovative community agencies, public health departments, and other practice settings.
We’re a proud member in this prestigious partnership, placing students throughout Greater Boston in hands-on learning opportunities that prepare them for successful careers.
Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA)
The program is designed to be completed in 27 months.
Program Eligibility (not all inclusive)
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Undergraduate GPA of B or better
- Statistics course
- Current Massachusetts RN license
- A minimum of one year of critical care experience as an RN in the U.S., its territories, or a US military hospital outside of the US
- ACLS/PALS certification
- GRE
Direct Master’s Entry
There are five nurse practitioner specialties from which to choose.
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Family
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Women’s Health
Program Eligibility (not all inclusive)
- Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Minimum undergraduate GPA > 3.0
- Prerequisite course completion
It takes 23 months of full-time study to complete the program. After the completion of the first year, students are eligible to take the examination for RN licensure (NCLEX-RN). Students may take part-time options that are available after the first year.
RN to MSN
If full-time status, students can finish the program in as few as two years and part-time students can complete it in three years.
Dual Degrees
- MS/PhD in Nursing
- MS/MA program is offered in conjunction with Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry
- MS/MBA program is offered in conjunction with Boston College’s Carroll School of Management
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / MS Joint Program
Outstanding students with bachelor's degrees in nursing may apply to the joint MS/PhD program.
Program Eligibility (not all inclusive)
- Master's degree from a nationally accredited university in nursing or a related field
- Statistics course
- Current RN license
NCLEX 2018 Pass Rates
- BSN - 91%
- Direct Entry MSN - 100%
Rankings
US News & World Report (2019)
- #38 (tie) in National Universities
- #33 in Best Value Schools
- #28 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
- #22 (tie) in Nursing-Anesthesia
- #11 (tie) in Nurse Practitioner: Psychiatric/Mental Health, Across the Lifespan
- #468 (tie) in Best Global Universities
NICHE (2019)
- Best Catholic Colleges in America #3
- Best Colleges for Nursing in America #14
- Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America #26
- Best Value Colleges in America #34
- Top Private Universities in America #42
- Best Colleges in America #51
- Colleges with the Best Academics in America #71
- Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #82
- Best College Locations in America #185
- Best College Campuses in America #264
- Most Liberal Colleges in America #468
- Safest College Campuses in America #519
- Most Diverse Colleges in America #564
- Best Catholic Colleges in Massachusetts #1
- Best Colleges for Nursing in Massachusetts #2
- Best Value Colleges in Massachusetts #5
- Best Colleges in Massachusetts #8
- Top Private Universities in Massachusetts #8
- Colleges with the Best Academics in Massachusetts #10
- Best College Campuses in Massachusetts #10
- Safest College Campuses in Massachusetts #17
- Best College Locations in Massachusetts #18
- Most Diverse Colleges in Massachusetts #31
- Most Liberal Colleges in Massachusetts #37
- Best Value Colleges in Boston Area #5
- Best Colleges in Boston Area #6
Forbes (2019)
- #50 Top Colleges
- #41 in Private Colleges
- #31 in Research Universities
- #27 in the Northeast
- #127 America's Best Value Colleges
Princeton Review (2018-2019)
- The Best 384 Colleges
- Best Northeastern
- Best Value Colleges
- Colleges That Pay You Back
Accreditation and Approval
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the BSN program.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the Master of Science degree program.
The nurse anesthesia program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).
Boston College is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
The Connell School of Nursing is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Edited by sirI
