Browse the Top Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in MA

Massachusetts RN to BSN Programs: A Comparison

The abundant online RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts you can choose from offer you flexibility while pursuing your degree. If you have earned an associate degree in nursing – and, for some programs, if you are already a licensed registered nurse – then you qualify to take these programs that get you to a bachelor’s degree in less time.

Students enrolled in an online program can expect asynchronous or synchronous coursework, but sometimes even both types of learning are offered. Asynchronous means some classes won’t require the student to be present at a predetermined time, while synchronous means a pre-set day and time to complete the classes will be in effect. Students enrolled in a hybrid program can expect required in-person meet-ups along with online instruction.

Time considerations are important in selecting the type of program that’s best for you, along with costs, transfer credits, and the quality of what you are being taught. Here are some top examples of schools that check those boxes.

Get Answers: RN to BSN Student FAQs

Exploring the variety of Massachusetts RN to BSN program options will naturally bring up a lot of questions for students. Read below to get answers to some common questions about those programs as well as potential opportunities once you earn this latest step of your education.

What type of accreditation should the school or university in Massachusetts have if it hosts a RN to BSN program?

There are twoprimary accreditation bodies for nursing education programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Both of these organizations are basically saying the same thing about the program you choose if they endorse it. They are telling students and the public that it is a quality education program that is meeting objectives for curriculum and also preparing graduates for meaningful work in the nursing and healthcare industries. Any RN to BSN programs that have CCNE or ACEN accreditation will be similarly endorsed by the state’s board of nursing.

Is it easier to complete a bachelor’s degree through a RN to BSN program in Massachusetts?

Yes, since you are not only compressing the timeframe but the total cost of your education, an RN to BSN program could make things easier on you in your nursing career. Courses such as these are called bridge programs, because they are meant to fill the gap between your associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. You will have transfer credits from the start of your nursing education that apply to the final total needed to earn a bachelor’s degree, so you won’t have to take those courses again with most programs. One thing doesn’t change with the bridge program, though: you still have to be prepared to demonstrate excellent time management, self-discipline, leadership skills, and a strong work ethic.

Will RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts accept my past educational credits?

It’s highly likely that the program you choose will accept at least some of your past courses at full credit, but it may change depending on the individual program. Most BSN programs require a substantial total of credits, usually in the neighborhood of 120, but close to or more than half of those will be from when you earned an associate degree in nursing, which in turn likely led to you receive a RN license. The transcripts that you turn in as part of the admission process will likely point to which courses you are able to transfer over.

What type of financial aid is available to Massachusetts RN to BSN program students

Massachusetts RN to BSN programs offer a variety of financial aid opportunities, including loans, scholarships, and grants. Many scholarships are available to students seeking a career in nursing and health-related fields, but there are also a handful that are just available to students in Massachusetts, including:

• Devlin Medical Scholarship
• American Legion Department of Massachusetts Scholarship
• Massachusetts Nurses Foundation scholarships

Along with these state-specific options, there are also federal grants, scholarships, and loans that can help pay for your BSN degree. There are even some specific nurse-focused scholarships for students who qualify.

How will earning a bachelor’s degree through a RN to BSN program in Massachusetts help me with my career?

An RN to BSN program builds upon your previous nursing education and helps you grow as a healthcare professional, and this knowledge can lead to career advancements that result in more salary due to the specialization or health population demand.

RNs in this path can expect a mix of business, personal, and technical skills that can help them elevate their career. They include the following:

• A deeper understanding of medical terminology through anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, genetics, pathophysiology and pharmacology courses.
• Increased knowledge of healthcare systems with courses in public health policy and administration.
• Increased confidence in patient interaction.

Career Growth for Massachusetts RNs vs. BSNs

With nurses still in high demand due to emerging healthcare needs across the country, the career and salary projections for both RNs and BSNs in Massachusetts are particularly strong when compared to other types of industries, though a BSN can take you higher. It’s also clear that having a specialty or administrative/leadership role as a nurse also means more of a salary boost. Earning your BSN means that you would qualify for one of the key requirements of going into one of those roles.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a national annual wage of $86,070 for registered nurses. In Massachusetts, the annual wage average is considerably higher at $108,850. You can also count on at least a $10,000 to $12,000 increase in salary for roles that require a BSN, such as nurse managers or critical care nurses.

Wages may also be higher or lower depending on where you live in the state, with Boston and Worchester areas hitting higher than the average for any nursing role, and rural areas such as Leominster or Springfield offering less.

Plus, the job market is favorable for nursing in general, both nationally and in Massachusetts. National employment for RNs is expected to grow 6% through 2033, with a projected number of 3.3 million openings for the near future.

Massachusetts’ Leading Online RN to BSN Bridge Schools

In order to further point out schools that we believe have the best qualities, we have ranked Massachusetts universities who offer RN to BSN programs. These learning institutions were required to meet criteria based on the school’s own reporting to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Schools were also weighed by the amount of online education offerings, financial aid support, tuition rates, and student-to-faculty ratios. Read on to learn about the schools that made their way onto our list and the features that make them quality choices for students like you.