Top ABSN Programs in Massachusetts | 2025

If you’re an aspiring nurse in Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in Massachusetts lays out all your program options in the Bay State. 

How to Earn an ABSN in Massachusetts

To earn your ABSN in Massachusetts, you must first have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Then, you’ll have to apply to an accelerated nursing program. Some schools may also have certain prerequisites you need to have before applying, like recent math or chemistry classes. 

ABSN Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a well-respected state for nursing education in general and offers several ABSN programs for anyone looking to add nursing as a second career. Plus, Massachusetts has many benefits for students in general, like easy public transportation, a high rate of financial aid, and world-renowned culture and history when you’re ready for a break from studying. We’ve selected three of the best ABSN programs in Massachusetts. 

 

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in Massachusetts

Like other ABSN programs in the country, the programs in Massachusetts are competitive and fast-paced. However, all the programs are hybrid, and some are extremely accelerated, which is good for students with busy schedules who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Massachusetts ABSN Tuition 

Tuition for ABSN programs in Massachusetts costs between $55,000-$65,000 for the program. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.

Admission Requirements

Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in Massachusetts requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Other common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Massachusetts include:

• Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
• Personal statement
• TEAS examination
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Transcripts 
• Application fee
• Admissions interview 
• Resume/CV

How Hard Are Massachusetts ABSN Programs?

Massachusetts boasts some of the top ABSN programs nationwide. Admission to these schools is incredibly competitive, and the curricula are challenging, sometimes requiring up to 80 hours a week of learning. ABSN programs have smaller class sizes, so admission to these schools is competitive. It will be important to devote your full effort and attention to your studies. 

Despite the challenges, earning an ABSN in Massachusetts has its perks. Brigham and Women's Hospital holds the #1 spot on the US News best hospitals honor roll ranking with a second Boston hospital making the list at #8, and six other East Coast hospitals nearby to provide outstanding learning opportunities. 

How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in Massachusetts?

Accelerated BSN programs in Massachusetts typically take 16-32 months to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.

What to Expect Working as a Nurse in Massachusetts

BSN Salary in Massachusetts

The median annual RN salary nationwide is $93,600 per year, $45.00 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) latest May 2024 update. RNs in Massachusetts earn well above this average, bringing in $112,610 annually or $54.14 an hour.

ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for BSN nurses is $49 an hour, while ADNs earn $31 an hour.

Career Outlook

Massachusetts is home to 90,190 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% (Faster than average) over the next decade, faster than the average for all other occupations. 

BSN Jobs in Massachusetts

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals.  Other possible job locations include:

• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Government agencies
• Academia
• Medical and aesthetic spas
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Private practice
• Surgery centers
• Urgent care centers
• Retirement facilities
• Mental health facilities

Next Steps

With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in Massachusetts. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in 16-32 months at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs.

Accelerated nursing programs in Massachusetts offer in-person and hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in Massachusetts, these programs may be exactly what you need. 

For more information on earning an ABSN, check out these resources:

• What is an ABSN and Is It Worth It?
• Best ABSN Programs

FAQs

• How Many ABSN Programs are in Massachusetts?

  • There are currently eight accredited ABSN programs in Massachusetts. 

• How Much do ABSN Programs in Massachusetts Cost?

  • ABSN programs range in price from roughly $55,000-$65,000, depending on the program. 

• How Long are ABSN Programs in Massachusetts? 

  • ABSN programs in Massachusetts range from 16-32 months.

• How Many Nurses are in Massachusetts?

  • Currently, there are 90,190 registered nurses employed in Massachusetts.

• How Much do Nurses in Massachusetts Make?

  • ABSNs in Massachusetts make around $112,610 annually.