Best Accredited Nursing Schools in Boston: Online & Campus
Nursing is a dominant industry in Boston, with thousands of new jobs for RNs being added each year. If you’re ready to join this important field (or advance your career if you’re already in nursing) keep reading to find accredited on-campus and online nursing programs in Boston that can help you get the training you need.
If you’re passionate about health and wellness and you want to contribute to your community in a meaningful way, pursuing a nursing career is a great option. Nursing schools in Boston both prepare new nurses to enter the field and train experienced nurses for advancement—whether they want to specialize, go into research, or become nurse educators and teach the next generation of nursing professionals. Find the Boston nursing program that’s right for you, and find out more about how the field is expected to grow in the years to come. Read on to see which schools made it onto our list.
There are many quality nursing schools in and around Boston. However, not every school will be the right choice for you. To help you narrow your options, check out this list of the best traditional and online nursing schools in Boston based on what matters most to students—curriculum, cost, and access to services that aid their success. Continue reading to get in-depth information on some of the best featured below.
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
MCPHS University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Public
Emmanuel College
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Types of Nursing Programs Available in or Near Boston
Do you want to enroll in a program that trains you quickly? Are you already a nurse and want to move into a leadership position? Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the varied programs at nursing schools in Boston will help you reach your career goals. Learn more about the types of degrees that nursing schools in Boston offer.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Boston
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Nursing associate degrees are two-year programs that train students to get entry-level positions after graduation. These programs cover fundamental nursing theories and practice through a combination of classwork and hands-on clinical education.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Traditional BSN programs, like associate degree programs, are for those who have no previous nursing experience. However, unlike ADN programs, nursing schools in Boston that offer BSN degrees require that students not only focus on nursing coursework but also general education classes to develop additional skills—like writing, verbal communication, and math abilities—to help them throughout their careers.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated BSN programs are for those who want to begin a second career as a nurse. Since they are designed for people who have earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, students can complete this program in two years because it focuses on nursing education and does not require additional general education classes.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
University of Massachusetts Boston
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Direct-Entry MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
Professionals who are interested in becoming advanced practice nurses or leaders in the field can enroll in direct-entry MSN programs without previous nursing experience. Students learn nursing theory and practice and have the option of studying a specialization during these three-year programs.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Boston for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Licensed vocational nurses build on the knowledge from their previous nursing education, as well as their work experience, by enrolling in a bridge program at a nursing school in Boston. Students complete these degrees in two to four years.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
RN to BSN Programs
This bridge program allows registered nurses to earn bachelor’s degrees in about one year. Nurses in this program learn advanced nursing concepts but are not required to complete clinicals.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
University of Massachusetts Boston
Labouré College of Healthcare
RN to MSN Programs
Registered nurses can jump to a master’s degree by enrolling in these intensive bridge programs available at nursing schools in Boston. Through a combination of undergraduate- and graduate-level work, students learn enhanced nursing concepts and a specialization.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Boston College
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Advanced Nursing Programs in Boston
Traditional MSN Programs (Master of Science in Nursing)
This degree program helps nurses become experts in specific subsections of the field or learn leadership skills to obtain managerial positions. Generally these degrees can be completed in about two years.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD Doctoral Programs
Nurses who want to become educators or researchers can earn a PhD in nursing, while professionals who want to gain expertise in an advanced nursing practice area can earn a DNP degree from a Boston nursing school.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Post-Graduate Nursing Certificates
After earning a graduate degree, nurses may enroll in certificate programs to have a credential for a specialization. In some cases, students may be able to earn a certificate while they’re enrolled in a master’s or doctoral degree program at a nursing school in Boston.
Examples of Boston Nursing Schools with This Program
Understanding Online Nursing Programs in Boston
Online nursing schools in Boston give students flexibility if they want to continue working as they earn their degree. These programs provide options to fit students’ lifestyles, such as offering classes entirely online or attending classes during evenings and weekends. In addition to classwork, students in online nursing programs in Boston are generally required to participate in clinicals, providing the hands-on training necessary to handle daily nursing responsibilities and meet licensing requirements for the state.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Boston
Can I earn my nursing degree in Boston completely online?
You can, depending on the online nursing program in Boston that you choose. Some schools allow you to take all of your classes online, however you may be required to travel to campus for labs and capstone courses. In other cases programs are offered in a hybrid format, with some classes online and others on campus. Also, you may be expected to participate in clinicals no matter which format your program is.
Will my online Boston nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
No. Traditional and online nursing programs in Boston offer the same curriculum, as long as the school you attend has been approved by the state and is accredited, employers will not view your degree as less valuable.
Are online nursing programs in Boston more affordable than campus programs?
Online nursing programs in Boston are sometimes more affordable than campus programs. This depends on the school you enroll in, since sometimes students are charged by the credit rather than a lump sum per semester or year. However, even if the tuition itself is not less than a traditional program, students in online schools still save money because they’re not travelling to campus daily.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Boston
If you’re looking for avenues to help you fund your education, you’ll find numerous options at your disposal. In addition to federal loans, scholarships, and grants, you may receive financial aid directly from your nursing school. Also, students who enroll in nursing schools in Boston may qualify for scholarships through the American Legion Department of Massachusetts or the Massachusetts Nurses Foundation.
More information about financial aid can be found on our nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide.
How to Become an RN in Boston: Licensing Requirements
After completing your degree at a nursing school in Boston, your next step is to get your license. Some of the steps that you’ll need to take include passing the NCLEX examination and participating in a background check. For more details about Massachusetts licensing requirements, log on to the guide to nursing schools in Massachusetts.
How Much You Could Make as an RN in Boston?
Boston offers exceptional earning potential for Registered Nurses (RNs), making it one of the most lucrative locations in Massachusetts. In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metro area, RNs earn a median salary of $100,360, slightly higher than the statewide median of $99,730. At the top end, experienced nurses can command salaries as high as $169,960, placing Boston among the highest-paying cities in the country for nursing professionals. Even entry-level RNs in the 10th percentile earn a competitive $76,170 annually, reflecting the high demand for skilled healthcare workers in this vibrant region.
Whether you're drawn to the renowned medical institutions or the diverse opportunities in community care, Boston’s healthcare sector offers a rewarding career path. The city’s robust compensation reflects the expertise and dedication required in nursing, ensuring that professionals are well-compensated for their vital work. Explore the data below to see how your career can flourish in Boston’s healthcare system.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $74,010 | $99,730 | $166,100 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $76,170 | $100,360 | $169,960 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Additional Boston Nursing Resources
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
This site provides details on how nurses obtain a license, as well as the standards for renewal. You’ll also find information on nursing education programs and state rules related to the nursing profession.
Massachusetts Nurses Association
Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association offers members discounts on professional products, continuing education, and career support.
Massachusetts Student Nurses’ Association
This organization, which is the state chapter of the National Student Nurses’ Association, supports the needs of students on the graduate and undergraduate levels through career services, educational resources, and networking events.
New England Regional Black Nurses Association
The NERBNA is dedicated to increasing the number of African-American nurses in the region. The organization offers leadership development services and education to address the needs of minority communities.
Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses
This group represents the unique needs of public health nurses in the state. Members have access to a job board and events.
