RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts | 2025

RN to BSN programs are a fast and cost-effective way for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) nurses to further their education and careers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees often earn more money and have better job opportunities.

This guide explores every RN to BSN school in Massachusetts, including their location, tuition costs, and lengths. We'll also discuss the average nurse salary in Massachusetts and job outlook.

How to Go From RN to BSN in Massachusetts

To earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as an RN, students must be Registered Nurses who have graduated from an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program and successfully passed the NCLEX-RN examination. (Some programs may also allow nurses to enroll in the BSN program before passing the NCLEX, so check with your specific program.)

Outside of passing the NCLEX, there is no minimum RN experience needed to earn your BSN. You can enroll immediately in an RN-BSN course upon graduation with your associate degree. Students can begin working right away while in the BSN program or take some time to focus on work before enrolling. 

Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs aim to further nurses' education and careers. For instance, BSN-prepared nurses can continue on to earn advanced degrees or pursue leadership positions. Although their title as an RN will not change, they may be able to earn more money and become eligible for better jobs.

RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

As a compact nursing state, any nurse licensed in Massachusetts is also eligible to work in states participating in compact licensure. These four RN-BSN programs in Massachusetts are a mix of private and public, with some programs offering a bachelor's degree in as little as 12 months. 

 

About RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts are undergraduate educational degree programs that grant Registered Nurses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Many students complete a BSN degree as an end to their education, but others use the RN to BSN program to continue onto a master's or even a doctoral nursing program. 

Many Massachusetts RN to BSN programs can be completed 100% online, allowing students the ability to continue working while pursuing their degree remotely. (Some may require limited clinical experience.) Because RN to BSN programs focus heavily on academia and nursing theory, hybrid programs aren't usually necessary, although in-person options can be found. 

Massachusetts offers accelerated RN to BSN programs, which allow nurses to earn a bachelor's in as little as one year. Other programs in the state are part-time programs, so students can choose the pace that works best for them. 

In order to be eligible for an RN to BSN program in Massachusetts, a student must already possess an active RN license in their home state. In many cases, they do not need an active license in Massachusetts since the degree program does not affect their licensure. However, some schools that mandate clinical experience as part of the RN to BSN program may specify that a Massachusetts RN license is required.

Tuition for RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

You’ll find that Massachusetts RN to BSN program tuition is higher than other states in the country, with an average cost of $30,000. 

Admission Requirements for Massachusetts RN to BSN Programs

Admission requirements for Massachusetts RN to BSN programs differ depending on the school. To understand the specific standards of your chosen school, you should speak with an academic advisor.

However, most RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts will have these general prerequisites:

• Massachusetts RN license
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Prerequisite courses (per program)
• Graduation from an accredited ADN program
• All transcripts

Are RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts Difficult?

Most RN to BSN programs are achievable for nurses who want to pursue them. RN to BSN programs may be more academically rigorous on courses that require a high emphasis on research and writing, but because they are specifically designed for working nurses, many nurses find the overall program less challenging than the practicum-based ADN program. Additionally, many of the courses are online, which may be more convenient for working nurses especially.  

Taking a full-time RN to BSN program can be more challenging than a part-time course load, but with many RN-BSN programs in Massachusetts available, students can choose the pace that works best for their lives. Some students may prefer a full-time load to finish their BSN quickly, while others will want a part-time program that allows them to keep working and slowly work through their program. 

Working as an RN in Massachusetts

RN Salary in Massachusetts

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual salary for RNs is $86,070 per year or $41.38 per hour. In Massachusetts, the average wage for RNs is $108,850 annually or $52.33 per hour, which is much higher than the national average. California is currently the highest-paying state for RNs, earning an average yearly salary of $137,690 or $66.20 an hour. 

Career Outlook

The BLS projects that the RN career field will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all other occupations. Additionally, it estimates 193,100 openings for registered nurses each year. Currently, Massachusetts is home to around 84,000 working RNs.

The BLS projects that the RN career field will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all other occupations. Additionally, it estimates 197,200 openings for registered nurses annually across the nation. Currently, Massachusetts is home to 87,320 RNs.

Where Can You Work? RN-BSN Jobs in Massachusetts

Depending on your interests and skills, you can work in several locations as a registered nurse. The largest and most common employer of RNs 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

Next Steps

The top RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts are perfect for working nurses. These flexible programs allow you to finish your BSN while maintaining a job and personal life. 

For more information on earning an RN to BSN, check out these resources:

• Cheapest & Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs
• Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs
• Online RN to BSN Programs With No Clinicals

FAQs

• How many RN to BSN programs are in Massachusetts?

  • There are around 22 RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts, but we’ve highlighted five of those here. 

• How much do RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts cost?

  • RN to BSN programs range in price from roughly $30,000 to over $50,000, depending on the program. 

• How long are RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts? 

  • Most RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts can be completed in 1-2 years, with some extending up to 5 years. 

• How many registered nurses are in Massachusetts?

  • Currently, there are 87,320 RNs employed in Massachusetts.

• How much do registered nurses in Massachusetts make?

  • The average Massachusetts RN  salary of $108,850 exceeds the national average of $86,070.