Written By
Andrew Baldino
- Bio
last updated
The demand for RNs in Massachusetts is expected to grow over the next five years, with more than 5,000 average openings yearly, according to the Massachusetts Industry-Occupation Employment Matrix. Registered nurses with BSNs can see their earnings increase by more than $10,000 yearly over those with ADNs.
Earning a BSN allows you to take on more responsibilities since most programs help you develop soft skills like communication, advocacy, and leadership that are in high demand by healthcare employers. Begin your degree exploration of RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts with this guide and its spotlight on three standout nursing programs. You’ll also find information on what a BSN can do for your career, the skills you’ll develop, and how to get started.
Nursing School Spotlights: Best RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts
Below are spotlights of three high-quality RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts to help start your school search. These standout programs for 2022 offer a range of online and hybrid opportunities, giving you plenty of flexibility in your education. Each school ranked above the national average in pass rates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and is accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). You’ll find a range of affordability with these programs and excellent academics and student support to help you expand your RN career.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
UMass Dartmouth’s Nursing RN-BS Online offers one of the nation’s top-rated nursing programs. This online program provides nursing students with flexible study options as they develop communication, collaboration, leadership, advocacy, and professional development skills critical to their career success. You’ll also receive an in-depth study of the physical and social sciences, develop management skills, and increase your knowledge of public health and the humanities.
This RN to BSN program requires 31 credits, including 28 online nursing credits and three elective credits. You can transfer non-nursing course credits from other institutions to meet most program requirements. The program takes four semesters with classes structured on a seven-week timeframe, except for one 14-week class, and sets you up for advanced degrees like an MSN, DNP, or Nursing PhD at Dartmouth.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the RN to BS program. In 2020, UMass Dartmouth students exceeded national testing averages with a 94% pass rate on the NCLEX.
Curry College
Curry College’s RN-BS degree offers flexibility through its online and hybrid learning models. The hybrid model takes 16 to 19 months to complete, while the online program takes 21 months. This RN to BSN program requires 120 credits for completion but allows for a generous amount of transfer credits compared to other programs. An RN license automatically awards you 34 transfer credits, and you can transfer up to 90 credits.
This program is an efficient way for ADN nurses to develop stronger clinical reasoning and analytical skills and broaden their scope of practice. Like UMass Dartmouth, Curry College nursing programs also exceed national test averages for the NCLEX with a current pass rate of 94%. The RN to BS program is accredited by the CCNE and is also accredited by the (New England Association of Schools and Colleges). It builds on your initial nursing education by enhancing your professional development. A transition course begins your nursing coursework to help set you up for success at Curry.
Endicott College
The RN to BSN program at Endicott College requires an ADN, and students must also have two years of full-time work experience to enroll. This program features a 100% online format and cohort model. Centered on the humanities and science as a foundation for patient-centered care, Endicott’s program also emphasizes professional communication, leadership skills, professional values, and professional identity. Critical competencies strengthened include those in evidence-based care, health promotion, and disease prevention.
A total of 126 credits are required to complete this program, and a generous transfer policy permits up to 85 total transfer credits. This accelerated program takes students 15 to 16 months. An adviser is available daily throughout the program, and you’ll receive peer interaction and support through its cohesive cohort model.
FAQs About Massachusetts’ RN to BSN Programs
How will an RN to BSN program in Massachusetts prepare me for more opportunities?
An RN to BSN program builds upon your previous nursing education and helps you grow as a healthcare professional. RNs in this path can expect 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.
The improved critical thinking and enhanced patient advocacy skills gained through Curry College’s RN-BSN nursing degree and the soft skill development through Endicott College’s RN to BSN program are examples of how an RN to BSN program in Massachusetts prepares you for opportunities to advance in your nursing career.
How long does completing an RN to BSN program in Massachusetts take?
RN to BSN students can expect Massachusetts-based programs to typically take one to two years to complete. For example, the University of Massachusetts Amherst RN to BS program and UMass Boston’s Nursing RN-BS both take at least 12 months, while the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Labouré College of Healthcare takes at least 16 months, and Elms College’s RN-BSN Degree takes 12 to 15 months.
How affordable are RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts?
The cost of tuition and attendance significantly impact the affordability of RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts, and program costs can vary significantly. In general, expect $300 to $400 per credit hour. Be on the lookout for additional fees that add to tuition costs. The program details listed below give you an idea of what to expect from an RN to BSN program in Massachusetts.
Is there financial aid available to Massachusetts RN to BSN 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 a few are only available to students in Massachusetts.
These include the following:
- Devlin Medical Scholarship
- American Legion Department of Massachusetts Scholarship
- Massachusetts Nurses Foundation scholarships
To help you find and apply for scholarships, check out our nursing scholarship guide or our financial aid guide.
What are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts?
Most RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts follows similar admission requirements that include, in addition to an undergraduate application, the following.
- Official high school transcript or GED Certificate
- Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
- A current non-restricted/unencumbered RN license
Some schools, like Curry College, also require prerequisites like anatomy and physiology with lab, microbiology with lab, human development, and statistics. Other schools require entrance exams or essays as part of the application process. Consult each program for its specific admission requirements.
In Massachusetts, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program?
When looking for a quality RN to BSN program, make sure it’s accredited. An accredited program meets the standards of your state’s board of nursing. The two primary accreditations are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
You’ll also want to consider the coursework and hands-on experience your education will include. A good nursing program should have several clinical experiences, such as hospital-based internships, outpatient clinics, and home care situations. Different experiences ensure you’re prepared for a nursing career in any setting.
Inside Look at Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Online and hybrid RN to BSN programs are abundant in Massachusetts and offer you the most flexibility while pursuing your degree.
Students enrolled in an online or hybrid program can expect various asynchronous and synchronous coursework. This means some meetings and classes won’t require the student to be present at a predetermined time. Students enrolled in a hybrid program can expect required in-person meet-ups but should consult their program for details as each program will handle this differently. You’ll still complete clinicals in various environments, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities. Regardless of how you pursue your degree, be prepared to demonstrate excellent time management, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic. For more information on what you can expect, check out our comprehensive guide on online RN to BSN programs.
How Do I Go from Being an RN to a BSN Nurse in Massachusetts?
There are a couple of key steps to becoming an RN with a BSN in Massachusetts. They include the following.
- If you don’t already have an associate degree in nursing (ADN), you’ll need one before applying to RN to BSN programs.
- Complete an accredited, board-approved RN to BSN nursing program.
Visit your Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for information on maintaining your RN license and valuable information for all nurses throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts RN to BSN Salary and Employment Trends
Nationally, the future employment outlook for RNs and BSN nurses is projected to be positive through 2031. The state of Massachusetts is also projected to see positive growth. However, RNs in the state make less than the national average annual income, while BSN nurses make significantly more.
How much do Massachusetts RN to BSN graduates earn?
An RN in Massachusetts can earn between $57,000 and $152,000 annually, with the average median salary being $83,440. RNs make $82,901 annually, while BSN nurses earn an average of $97,314. This is slightly below the national average of $99,287 for nurses with BSNs.
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
What’s the job market like for BSN nurses in Massachusetts?
The job market is favorable for RNs both nationally and in Massachusetts. National employment for RNs is expected to grow 6% through 2031, with 203,200 projected openings each year. The state of Massachusetts employed more than 88,000 RNs in 2021, and its growth rate varies per specialty field but has an overall positive increase in employment.