Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
If you’re a registered nurse in Massachusetts, online and hybrid nurse practitioner (NP) programs offer a flexible way to advance your career. These programs combine virtual coursework with in-person clinical training, letting you gain specialized skills in areas like pediatrics, women’s health, or adult-gerontology while increasing your earning potential and autonomy. This guide highlights top online NP programs in Massachusetts, helping you find the right fit for your goals and schedule.
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NursingNursing Ed.Types of NP Programs in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, many registered nurses (RNs) pursue NP programs to gain greater independence, expand their clinical skills, and increase their earning potential. Schools across the state offer multiple degree options, including Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, designed for nurses at different stages of their careers.
Many of these programs now include online coursework, making it easier to balance school with full-time work. However, most NP programs are still delivered in a hybrid format, combining virtual learning with required in-person training. When vetting potential programs, keep the following options in mind:
- Available degree paths, such as MSN and DNP options
- Online and hybrid course formats and scheduling flexibility
- Required clinical hours and lab intensives
- Program accreditation and state licensure alignment
- Support for securing local clinical placements
This guide takes a closer look at Massachusetts NP programs, licensing requirements, and standout schools to help you find a program that fits your professional goals and lifestyle.
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. Types of MSN programs include:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN programs (most popular) – requires an existing BSN; typically takes two years to complete
- Bridge programs like RN to MSN or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to MSN programs – accept licensed nurses who hold associate degrees; students finish in about three years
- Direct-entry MSN programs – for candidates with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees; takes around three years to finish
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
Expert Insight
NP programs will require you to complete a certain number of in-person practicum hours – or clinicals – before you can graduate. Though my MSN specialty role was not NP (I chose the nurse educator role), I still had to take an in-person practicum. Instead of training at a health facility like an NP student would, I completed my hours at a separate college as a nursing professor intern. During practicums, you will serve in your specialty role though still a student, but you will be supervised.
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 to complete, 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 Massachusetts 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.
Expert Insight
MSN programs can be pretty affordable depending on the school you choose, your enrollment status, and your residency. I chose a public university in my home state that had the exact specialty program I wanted. I also enrolled part-time. I saved a lot on tuition just by being a resident of the state in which my school was located/based. Part-time enrollment was also more affordable than full-time enrollment.
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 Health
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care
- Psychiatric/ Mental health
- Neonatal
Is the salary for a Massachusetts nurse practitioner good?
In 2023, NPs earned an average of $138,570, however earnings vary by location. 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.
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.
