Online NP Programs in Massachusetts: Find Top Schools
As a registered nurse in Massachusetts, you may be considering ways to take your career to the next level, transitioning to a nurse practitioner (NP) role. With an increase in pay and greater autonomy, work as an NP also means more opportunities to specialize in an area you’re passionate about, like women’s health, acute care, pediatrics, or adult gerontology, among others. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some top online nurse practitioner (NP) programs in Massachusetts that offer the flexibility for working nurses.
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Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in Massachusetts
Nearly every state faces a nursing shortage, and NP graduates are in high demand. Students pursuing an NP education are often registered nurses (RNs) seeking career advancement, greater autonomy, and higher salaries. Nurse Practitioner programs in Massachusetts offer multiple pathways for aspiring advanced practice nurses, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees.
Many programs now feature online coursework, making it easier for working nurses to study while maintaining their jobs. Keep in mind that NP programs are rarely fully online, with most requiring in-person clinical hours, and/or on-campus intensives for hands-on training.
When choosing a program, consider the state’s licensure requirements, accreditation, and the availability of clinical placements. Below is more information on the pathways to becoming an NP and schools you might want to consider.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for NPs
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with an NP concentration provides advanced training in healthcare topics such as health assessment, disease prevention, diagnosis, and case management. The most common type is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN, which requires an existing BSN.
However, bridge programs like RN to MSN or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to MSN programs accept licensed nurses who hold associate degrees. A few others, often called direct-entry MSN programs, are for candidates with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. A BSN to MSN program typically takes about two years, while bridge and direct-entry programs take around three.
Northeastern University
Duration: Two to three years.
Mode: Online; two on-campus weekend visits are required
Cost: $1,000 per credit hour; 43 to 47 credits required
Post-Master’s NP Certificate
Post-master’s certificate programs are designed for registered nurses with MSNs or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees who have one to two years of professional experience and want to specialize as NPs. Certificate programs are also useful for current NPs who want to add a specialty.
Depending on a student’s existing graduate nursing education, most certificate programs take one to two years to complete. The required coursework varies by specialty, but post-master’s certificate programs generally focus on refining professional clinical skills and developing expertise in topics relevant to the NP specialization.
MGH Institute of Health Professions – School of Nursing
Duration: 42-hour integrated teaching practicum. (3 semesters)
Mode: Online
Cost: $14,970; 10 credits over three semesters.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP is a terminal nursing degree that prepares registered nurses for advanced practice and leadership roles. Although nurses can pursue DNPs without a specialty, many schools feature DNP programs with NP concentrations.
These programs provide the highest level of nursing education in topics like evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and healthcare outcomes while simultaneously preparing students for NP certification.
Such programs often require applicants to have existing MSNs, but some also offer BSN-to-DNP/NP options. DNP/NP programs take three to four years, depending on the specific program type.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Duration: One to five years, depending on full- or part-time study
Mode: Online with experiential learning completed through clinical internships
Cost: $825 per credit; $75 nonrefundable registration fee per semester.
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NP Program FAQs from Online Students
There is a lot to consider when choosing an online NP program, and you probably have questions. Below are answers to NP program questions designed to help as you weigh your options.
Are the costs of NP Programs affordable?
Generally, yes, but the cost of online NP programs in Massachusetts can vary quite a bit from one school to the next, so it’s essential to do some research to find one that fits your budget.
In general, public institutions such as UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth offer more affordable tuition and fees than private schools. In fact, UMass Lowell reports its tuition is typically half that of private colleges. There are also plenty of financial aid options and scholarships available to help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Should you seek a comprehensive curriculum and clinical options in an NP program?
Yes, you should look for programs with a comprehensive curriculum and clinical options. A well-rounded curriculum includes the essentials (pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical and clinical assessment, etc.) plus courses on leadership and collaboration, healthcare finance, health policy, and more. For clinicals, look for programs that provide placement assistance and give you the option to complete this requirement close to home.
Do online NP programs in Massachusetts offer specialization options?
Yes. Depending on your specific career goals, there are many specializations you can pursue. Some online NP programs in Massachusetts offer multiple concentrations, each with their own curriculum designed to prepare graduates to pass relevant certification exams and work in their chosen niche.
One school with several options is Northeastern University, which offers four different concentrations: family NP, adult-gerontology primary care NP, psychiatric mental health NP, and neonatal NP.
Is the salary for a Massachusetts nurse practitioner good?
The nurse practitioner job market is booming nationwide, with a projected growth rate of 44.5% over the next 10 years. This rate is even higher in Massachusetts, at 46.9%. As a Massachusetts nurse practitioner, you can expect to earn a comfortable living. In 2023, NPs earned an average of $138,570, however earnings vary by location.
What are the accrediting agencies for online NP programs in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has two accrediting agencies for online NP programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
In addition to being a mark of educational quality, attending an accredited program ensures you’re eligible to take the certification exams you must pass to gain authorization to practice. For example, the eligibility guidelines for the ANCC FNP board exam include a degree or certificate conferred by an accredited program.
Licensing and Certification for Massachusetts NPs
When choosing an NP program, students should ensure it meets state licensing requirements and provides sufficient clinical placements. In Massachusetts, you will need to hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license and have completed a graduate-level nurse practitioner program like a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice to become a nurse practitioner. These degrees need to be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
As a graduate, you must also obtain national certification in your NP specialty from an approved certifying body, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the trusted American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board. Once certified, you can apply for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) authorization through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Massachusetts grants full practice authority to NPs, meaning you can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients, including prescribing medications, without physician oversight. However, as a new NP, you must complete two years of supervised medical practice before you can practice independently.
Salary & Career Data for Massachusetts NPs
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Massachusetts | 2,730 | 4,010 | 1,280 | 46.90% | 280 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Massachusetts | $102,400 | $138,890 | $205,230 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $101,310 | $132,380 | $166,090 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $106,090 | $137,780 | $165,030 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $102,810 | $138,890 | $206,330 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $93,340 | $129,360 | $158,040 |
| Springfield, MA | $99,430 | $144,050 | $165,860 |
| Worcester, MA | $107,910 | $144,200 | $176,800 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Most Affordable Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in MA
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Why We Selected Simmons University:
- Simmons University's online FNP program offers a dedicated clinical placement team for students.
- The program provides predictable, standardized course schedules to accommodate working nurses.
- Simmons University graduates consistently achieve high FNP board certification pass rates.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$41,872
- Average Institutional Aid$27,031
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course7%
- % of Students Receiving an Award81%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
American International College
Springfield, Massachusetts
Why We Selected American International College:
- Complimentary clinical placement services facilitate hands-on experience near students' communities.
- The program offers a flexible online format with a single required on-campus residency.
- AIC's legacy emphasizes diversity, access, and inclusion, enriching students' educational experience.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$39,370
- Average Institutional Aid$26,293
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course26%
- % of Students Receiving an Award43%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
Why We Selected MCPHS University:
- The MCPHS program offers flexible online coursework with local clinical placements.
- The program provides a bridge option for RNs to bypass a BSN and directly pursue an MSN.
- MCPHS offers specialized tracks like FNP and PMHNP with a focus on advanced primary care.
Program Details
- AccreditationNECHE
- Average In-State Tuition$34,700
- Average Institutional Aid$13,241
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course1%
- % of Students Receiving an Award69%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves.
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
