Top Online ABSN Programs in Massachusetts: 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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School Spotlights: ABSN Programs in MA
Multiple colleges and universities offer online and hybrid ABSN programs in Massachusetts. However, it’s important to note that these programs 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 these benefits:
- Flexibility: Eases the burdens of tight schedules and multiple commitments
- Cost Savings: Reduces transportation expenses associated with commutes to campus
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.
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.
Features:
- Four semesters totaling 67 credit hours
- Online curriculum that includes simulations and chat sessions with instructors
- Online discussion forums to interact with other students
- Clinicals take place in a variety of settings both within and outside of the Boston metro area
- Institution-based scholarships automatically awarded to newly admitted students (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)
- 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.
Features:
- Offers 12 courses and 52 credits that can be completed full-time or part-time
- 95% completion rate and 100% job placement
- 95% first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN)
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $35,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum of 68 completed credits)
- 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.
Features:
- Online coursework combined with in-person labs and clinicals
- Well-rounded education, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN
- One-on-one personal advising
- Free online and in-person tutoring and writing center
- Independent study in clinical community nursing is 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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Answering Your Questions About ABSN Programs in Massachusetts
How long does an online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts take to complete?
It can take about 12 to 17 months to complete an online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts. But time to completion will depend on the program and whether you attend school full-time or part-time.
Additionally, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework depending on your previous courses of study, which will extend the total time. 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?
It may be challenging to hold down a full-time job while enrolled in an accelerated BSN program as they are typically on a full-time schedule. However, 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.
Expert Insight
Because the course load is fairly heavy in an accelerated BSN program, don’t be alarmed if a school discourages you from working full-time. They simply want to be sure you can finish successfully. Remember, you’ll need time to learn, complete assignments, study for exams, participate in group work, and complete clinical hours throughout each term.
How can I fund my Massachusetts accelerated BSN studies?
You can fund your studies with federal loans and grants as well as scholarships from private organizations or the school itself. Plus, there are many BSN programs with financial aid available.
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. Reach out to your prospective school’s financial aid office for additional resources.
How many credits can be transferred to my Massachusetts accelerated BSN program?
Some accelerated programs in Massachusetts allow you to transfer up to 68 credits from your previous degree, but this number will depend on both the ABSN program and your academic background.
Many online, hybrid, and in-person ABSN programs count general education credits from your previous studies towards your degree.
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 CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Remember, accreditation is what will give your degree legitimacy. Plus, you need to attend an accredited school to be eligible to take the state licensing exam.
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.
Benefits of a Nursing Career in Massachusetts
Returning to school requires dedication and focus, even more so if you choose to enroll in an accelerated nursing program. If you’re a non-nursing professional ready to switch careers or an RN seeking career advancement, check out these reasons to earn your BSN and become a Massachusetts RN:
- Demand: The demand for nurses across the nation is high due to an aging population, workforce shortages, and the increased healthcare needs of the people.
- Salary Potential: According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for RNs in Massachusetts is $112,610.
- Personal Fulfillment: Beyond the material opportunities, nursing is an engaging, people-centered career, where you make an impact every day on the job.
- Career Advancement: You’ll have the opportunity to specialize throughout your nursing career in research, teaching, management, and more—making nursing a career with room to grow.
