Top Online ABSN Programs in MA: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re looking to change careers and become a nurse in Massachusetts, you may be able to build off of your previous studies through an accelerated BSN (ABSN) and earn your nursing qualifications at a faster pace. Completing at least part of your ABSN program online can be a convenient and potentially more affordable way to do so. Read on to learn more about online ABSN programs in Massachusetts, including costs, admissions requirements, durations, and more.
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Massachusetts Accelerated BSN Programs: A Comparison
Multiple colleges and universities offer online and hybrid ABSN programs in Massachusetts. However, it’s important to note that online and hybrid ABSN programs in Massachusetts all have in-person lab and/or simulation courses as well as clinical rotations that must be completed at a hospital or other healthcare facility. That said, being able to complete part of your coursework online affords added flexibility that can ease the burdens of tight schedules and multiple commitments.
So which online or hybrid program is a good fit for you?
That depends on a host of variables, such as course offerings, learning methods, tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and more. EduMed has provided three profiles of high quality Massachusetts ABSN programs to give you an idea of what you might expect and help jumpstart your research.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s Burlington location offers a full-time, hybrid ABSN Program that combines online coursework with hands-on learning, as clinical rotations are in person while coursework is online. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees or transfers with 62 college credits are eligible to apply. This program consists of four semesters totaling 67 credit hours. The online curriculum includes simulations and chat sessions with instructors as well as a discussion forum to interact with other students. Clinicals take place in a variety of settings both within and outside of the Boston metro area. Plus the school provides automatic scholarships to newly admitted students of up to $15,000.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $87,569
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field or 62 credits from accredited institution
- Prerequisite courses with minimum grade of C or better
- Transcripts
- Goal statement
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Core Curriculum:
- Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice
- Nursing Health Assessment and Fundamental Nursing Skills
- Labs and Clinicals
- Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Interventions for Nursing Practice
- Nursing with Women & Families
- Influences on Health and Illness: A Nursing Perspective
- Nursing Care of Adults
- Nursing and the Promotion of Mental Health
- Advanced Assessment and Interventions
- Nursing Care of the Child
- Introduction to Research Methods and Applications for Healthcare
- Comprehensive Nursing Practicum
- Public Health Community Nursing
- Ethical Healthcare Integrating Genetics and Genomics
- Managing and Leading in Nursing
UMass Boston
One of the shortest and most affordable accelerated BSN programs in Massachusetts is found at UMass Boston. This hybrid Accelerated BSN program is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. The 12 courses and 52 credits can be completed with full-time study or on a part-time schedule. Incoming students must have completed a minimum of 68 credits from their previous bachelor’s degrees. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has a 95% completion rate and 100% job placement. It also has a 95% first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $35,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Attend an Accelerated Nursing Information Session
- Two essays
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to the Concepts of Nursing
- Principles of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Nurse
- Assessment and Health Promotion
- Applying Nursing Process
- Healthcare Participant
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Concepts of Health and Illness
- Professional Nursing Concepts
- Active and Engaged Nursing Practice
- Concepts of Health and Illness
UMass Dartmouth
UMass Dartmouth offers non-nurses who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field a full-time, hybrid Second Degree Accelerated BSN program that’s accredited by the CCNE. The curriculum includes courses in pathophysiology and pharmacology, community health nursing, family health, psychiatric/mental health, and more. Online coursework combined with in-person labs and clinicals provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. The university offers additional support to students through one-on-one personal advising and a free online and in-person tutoring and writing center. Independent study in clinical community nursing is also available.
Duration: 17 Months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $46,138 (tuition and fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
- Prerequisite courses
- GPA of 3.0 or better in original degree
- GPA of 3.2 in prerequisite courses
- Three letters of professional and academic references
- Resume
- TEAS test completion
- TOEFL score for those without a degree
Core Curriculum:
- Intro to Professional Nursing
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
- Holistic Health Assessment
- Knowledge Foundations in Nursing
- Experiential Learning Credits
- Scholarly Inquiry
- Care of Adults with Acute and Chronic Illness
- Community Nursing
- Family Health Nursing
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Transition to Professional Practice
- Nursing of Adults Experiencing Complex Health Problems
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Clarifying Your Questions About Accelerated BSN Programs in Massachusetts
Before you apply to an online ABSN program in Massachusetts, it’s natural to have a few questions. In fact, most students in your position do. That’s why we’ve provided some of the most commonly asked questions along with detailed answers for each.
How long does an online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts take to complete?
The time to complete an online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts will depend on the program, with some taking as little as a single calendar year and others requiring 17 months. This total time to completion includes not only the program courses, online and/or in person, but also any clinical rotations in your program, which means you may be managing a fairly intensive study schedule. Additionally, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework depending on your previous courses of study. That said, some schools offer an RN to BSN program with no prerequisites, and still others offer shorter-term RN to BSN or LPN to BSN programs for those who already have nursing licensure.
Can I work while I complete my online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts?
An accelerated BSN is typically a full time academic program, meaning that it would be challenging to hold down a full time job while you complete your ABSN. Part-time work during your ABSN studies can be an option, especially for students who are looking to pay for their degree through their own funds. If you are looking for student-specific work meant to fit in an academic schedule, contact your program advisor to inquire about work-study or similar opportunities.
How can I fund my Massachusetts accelerated BSN studies?
Generally speaking, an online or hybrid ABSN in Massachusetts will be a more affordable option than a traditional BSN program. But it can still pose a significant financial burden. However, there are many BSN programs with financial aid, and you may qualify for federal grants and loans. In addition to these resources, look for scholarships from private organizations or the schools themselves.
How many credits can be transferred to my Massachusetts accelerated BSN program?
The number of transferrable credits will depend both on your program and your academic background. Many online, hybrid, and in-person ABSN programs count general education credits—such as those in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and non-nursing natural sciences—from your previous studies towards your degree. Nursing-related credits are then typically offered via the ABSN program.
How can I tell if a Massachusetts accelerated BSN program is high quality?
When you’re comparing top online BSN programs, one of the most important factors in determining if your program is high quality is if it’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Remember, accreditation is what will give your degree legitimacy, both to future employers and to any graduate schools you may apply to. Plus, you need to attend an accredited school to be eligible to take the state licensing exam. So be certain that the program you enroll in has both institutional and programmatic accreditation. If you can’t find accreditation information on the school’s website, don’t enroll. Other marks of a high quality program include high first-time NCLEX pass rates, high post-graduation employment rates, and high graduation rates from the program itself.
The Allure of Nursing in Massachusetts
According data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for RNs is $86,070, with certain industries exceeding six-figure salaries. Beyond the material opportunities, nursing is an engaging, people-centered career, where you make an impact every day on the job. Moreover, you have the opportunity to specialize throughout your nursing career in research and teaching as well as in specialized care—making a nursing career with room to grow.
The Best Online Accelerated BSN Programs in MA
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $3,543 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Salem State University
- The Accelerated BSN program at Salem State offers a rigorous 15-month full-time cohort model with day, evening, and weekend clinicals that allow immersive, hands-on training at diverse healthcare settings across the Boston and North Shore area, including individual preceptor experiences in the final semester.
- ABSN faculty are real-world nursing practitioners dedicated to training students with up-to-date clinical expertise, providing a faculty team deeply engaged in professional nursing practice and education.
- The program accepts students with any prior bachelor's degree, waiving general education requirements and allowing transfer of most credits, thus accelerating time to degree completion for career changers entering nursing from other fields.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $3,543 Avg. Aid Amount
- 56% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $31,032 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Regis College
- The Accelerated 24-Month BS in Nursing program offers a hybrid learning format with 100% online coursework combined with hands-on clinical and simulation lab experiences, providing maximum flexibility.
- Students benefit from 12-week semesters that deliver longer breaks between sessions, enhancing work-life balance during the intense nursing program.
- The program includes integrated NCLEX-style exams embedded within clinical courses to prepare students thoroughly for licensure success.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $31,032 Avg. Aid Amount
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, MAProgram Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,288 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Massachusetts-Boston
- The UMass Boston Accelerated BSN program includes tuition fees that cover textbooks, a laptop, NCLEX prep, and nursing supplies, simplifying student expenses.
- The program combines competency-based online coursework with in-person simulations and clinical experiences at UMass Boston’s Center for Clinical Education and local healthcare facilities, ensuring robust practical training.
- Students gain clinical experience at diverse Massachusetts healthcare facilities, providing strong real-world exposure and networking opportunities with healthcare professionals.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $8,288 Avg. Aid Amount
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $25,496 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Bay Path University
- Bay Path University's RN to BSN program offers instruction from experienced nursing faculty providing individual mentorship and guidance in a highly supportive environment.
- The program integrates more than 30 simulated and 30 hands-on clinical hours to reinforce critical thinking and real-world nursing skills.
- Students build leadership, research, communication, and technology skills aligned with industry demands, enhancing their qualifications for specialty healthcare settings and leadership roles.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $25,496 Avg. Aid Amount
- 50% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MAProgram Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $6,446 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- UMass Dartmouth’s Accelerated BS in Nursing program features a flexible hybrid format combining asynchronous online classes with in-person labs and clinical experiences, accommodating working professionals and diverse learning styles.
- The program boasts a 94% NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023 graduates, demonstrating high clinical preparation and licensure success for accelerated nursing students.
- Students benefit from clinical placements across various healthcare institutions in Massachusetts, enhancing practical experience and local employer networking opportunities.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $6,446 Avg. Aid Amount
- 53% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $28,192 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Anna Maria College
- Anna Maria College’s Accelerated BSN program allows students to begin coursework before passing the NCLEX-RN exam, enabling faster progression and earlier career advancement.
- The program offers fully asynchronous online classes with 8-week semesters, providing strong flexibility for students balancing work and personal commitments.
- Graduates have a 100% employment rate as registered nurses within one year of graduation, demonstrating excellent job placement outcomes.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $28,192 Avg. Aid Amount
- 48% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $28,550 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Curry College
- Curry College’s Accelerated BSN program features an accelerated 16-month completion timeline, allowing motivated career changers to earn their nursing degree faster.
- The program offers affordable tuition rates with no hidden charges or application fees waived, making it financially accessible to students.
- Students benefit from clinical experiences at top local hospitals through strong School of Nursing partnerships in the Boston area, ensuring high-quality practical training and professional networking.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $28,550 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $30,809 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Assumption University
- Assumption University's Accelerated BSN offers a streamlined application process with no application fee, essay, or letters of recommendation required, reducing barriers for prospective students.
- The program uses a hybrid delivery model combining online coursework with in-person clinical training in state-of-the-art simulation labs and strong agency-based clinical placements, enhancing practical learning flexibility and quality.
- Tuition is competitively bundled at a flat rate of $59,000 to $61,500, covering all courses, clinical credentialing, lab supplies, and ATI exam resources, providing cost transparency and value.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $30,809 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- ATS Accreditation
- $28,933 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Emmanuel College
- Emmanuel College’s Accelerated RN-to-BSN program offers an affordable tuition structure, allowing students to complete their degree in as few as 16 months for approximately $14,528.
- The program features an accelerated format with seven-week hybrid courses that combine in-person classes every other week and online learning on alternate weeks, enabling students to focus on one course at a time for efficient learning.
- Students may transfer up to 96 credits, including 40 credits from an associate nursing degree, significantly reducing the time and cost required to earn their BSN and providing flexible completion options.
Program Details
- ATS Accreditation
- $28,933 Avg. Aid Amount
- 71% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $44,353 Avg. Aid Amount
- 91% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Northeastern University
- Northeastern’s Accelerated BSN program offers three start dates per year, increasing enrollment flexibility and enabling students to begin their nursing education sooner.
- Students benefit from a strong cohort model, maintaining the same classmates throughout classes, clinicals, and simulation labs for enhanced peer support and networking.
- The program includes nursing labs and clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities, providing hands-on experience in diverse practice areas crucial for career readiness.
Program Details
- NECHE Accreditation
- $44,353 Avg. Aid Amount
- 91% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 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 and career counseling 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
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 2025
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