Top 10 Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

To become a registered nurse (RN), students need to be eligible for, take, and pass the NCLEX-RN.

However, many nursing employers are beginning to prefer candidates that have a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This four-year degree also prepares students for the NCLEX-RN.

Also, each state has its own requirements for licensing nurses. So, if you want to become a nurse in Massachusetts, picking a BSN program in Massachusetts puts you on track to begin your career there. 

Top 10 Nursing Schools in Massachusetts

While factors like tuition and location are important, it’s important to note that some schools offer special programs. Online options, bridge programs, and accelerated programs are excellent options depending on where you’re currently at in your career. 
Because everyone’s expectations from a nursing school are different, these Massachusetts schools are ranked in no particular order.

This is a panel-reviewed selection based on a number of factors, including,

• Reputation
• NCLEX pass rate
• Tuition
• Acceptance rate, when available
• Only ACEN or CCNE-accredited schools are eligible 

Our selection panel includes 4 Registered Nurses with over 55 years of combined nursing experience and 7 nursing degrees.

• Tracy Everhart, MSN, RN, CNS
• Tyler Faust, MSN, RN
• Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC
• Leah Helmbrecht, BSN, RN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nurse Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 

• Massachusetts nurses earn an annual mean wage of $96,630.
• Massachusetts has a nursing location quotient of 1.20, meaning it employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than the average state. 

Massachusetts does an excellent job of compensating qualified nurses. Compared to the national mean wage of $82,750, Massachusetts’ mean wage of $96,630 is significant.

The Commonwealth is also a large employer for nurses, especially for its size. Currently, 88,270 nurses work in Massachusetts, and the number is projected to grow over the next decade.

While not as many nurses are employed as in states like California, Texas, Florida, or New York, Massachusetts employs more nurses per 1,000 workers than all three of these states. Whichever way you look at it, Massachusetts is an excellent place to begin and enjoy a nursing career. 

Next Steps

Once you’ve researched some schools and generated a list of places you’d be interested in studying at, the next steps are to get in contact with the schools, prepare your application(s), and apply! While you may have one dream school, it’s always worth applying to multiple colleges, just to be sure.

Here are the steps to applying for college:

Contact each school’s admissions office. Every school has an admissions office that is there to help you with the admissions process, including the application. Each office will tell you about the application process, school requirements, and materials needed for the application. 

Check to see if you meet the nursing school requirements. On top of school requirements, most nursing programs have their own set of admissions requirements. Nursing schools typically have stricter requirements than colleges, so make sure you’re on track to be admitted to the nursing school. 

Submit your application(s). Once your applications are finished, then the last step is sending them in! Every school has its own application requirements, so make sure you have everything you need. Commonly required materials include:

• High school transcript (GPA)
• ACT and/or SAT scores
• College entrance essay(s)
• Letter(s) of recommendation

Important Considerations When Comparing Schools

No two schools are the same, and after you start receiving acceptance letters, you might become stressed trying to pick the right school. But don’t stress out! As long as a school is regionally accredited and has an accredited nursing program, you can’t make a wrong decision. So, just choose the best school for you!

When comparing schools, consider things like:

• Annual tuition and total program cost (nursing programs may cost more)
• Private vs. Public (public schools offer in-state tuition)
• Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
• Cost of living on-campus or in the area
• Distance from hospitals for clinicals
• School and nursing program acceptance rate
• Length of the program (accelerated or traditional)
• Program outcomes
• Accreditation (regional and national)

Why you should care about the nursing program’s accreditation  

Accreditation is a school’s way of proving its academic quality. Accrediting bodies only award schools that meet a minimum level of academic excellence, and along with national and regional accreditation, schools can have specific programs accredited, including nursing programs. 

The two nursing accreditation organizations to look for are

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

If you earn a degree from an unaccredited school, you may have trouble securing federal financial aid and finding work as a nurse after graduation. 

Getting a License in Massachusetts

The main prerequisite for nurses in Massachusetts is education. Massachusetts doesn’t require you to have a BSN to be eligible for a nursing license, but to find a well-paying position after school, a BSN is highly recommended.

To get a nursing license in Massachusetts, you’ll need to:

• Study at a state-approved school
• Prove Good Moral Character (as defined by the law)
• Take and pass the NCLEX-RN
• Pay an application fee
• Apply for licensure through Mass.gov

Every regionally accredited nursing program in Massachusetts will satisfy any prerequisites, so choosing a local school is a smart choice if you want to work in-state.

>> Related: The Complete Guide to Nursing in Massachusetts

Conclusion 

As one of the highest paying states for nurses, Massachusetts is sure to get any nurses’ attention. Also, with plenty of major cities and hospitals, Massachusetts is one of the highest employers of nurses per capita. Combine those statistics with the plethora of incredible nursing schools, and one could argue that Massachusetts is the best state in the nation for nursing school and a nursing career. 

References:

BLS

Mass.gov