Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has one of the highest rates of colleges and universities per capita and is home to some of the most highly regarded examples, such as Harvard University and Boston University. If you’re hoping to advance your career as a nurse, you couldn’t be in better hands as a resident of Massachusetts. Whether you live in the Boston area or in Western Mass, there are plenty of fantastic nurse practitioner programs to choose from. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana

Introducing RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Rankings of the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Louisiana! Our rankings guide aspiring nurse practitioners to the leading online programs throughout the state. We consider key factors such as program completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program variety, and faculty expertise. For more information on our ranking process, visit our methodology page.

1.

Endicott College

Beverly, MA

Endicott College, home to the Van Loan School of Professional Studies, offers highly reputable nurse practitioner programs. These programs provide students with hands-on clinical experience, cutting-edge technology, and small class sizes for personalized learning. Endicott's nursing department prides itself on producing competent and compassionate advanced practice nurses who are equipped to make a positive impact in the healthcare field.

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

2.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers highly acclaimed nurse practitioner programs within its highly reputable College of Nursing. These programs, including the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks, provide students with a comprehensive education and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates of these programs are well-equipped to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to patients across the lifespan.

DNP Programs

• BSN TO DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Online/Hybrid
• BSN TO DNP: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Online/Hybrid

3.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy And Health Sciences

Boston, MA

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a top-rated nursing department with a variety of nurse practitioner programs, including Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. These programs provide hands-on clinical experiences and cutting-edge education to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (CAGS) Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Online/Hybrid
• RN to MSN Bridge Program, Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Not only are nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts highly regarded but there are a surprising number of affordable and fast nurse practitioner programs statewide. This is especially so if you’ve completed your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) which will shorten the amount of time you’re enrolled significantly and will save you thousands of dollars. Even if you don’t have your BSN, there are still plenty of timely educational routes you can take — see more below.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

If you’re like most nurses, you likely have little time in your busy schedule to complete a graduate degree. But did you know that some nurse practitioner programs can be completed in as little as two years or even less? While some degrees such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can take as long as a decade to complete, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can be completed in a much shorter timeline. Take a look at the examples below:

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

If you’re already a resident of Massachusetts, you likely already know that you live in one of the most expensive states in the country. Fortunately, there are still plenty of cheap nurse practitioner programs located in Massachusetts if you know where to look. MSN programs, as we’ve learned, take very little time to complete, which also translates to lower costs when it comes to tuition. Here are a few of the most affordable MSN programs in the state.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

One cool thing about nurse practitioner programs is that they allow students to specialize in a specific practice area. The ability to specialize as a nurse practitioner also isn’t limited to higher degrees such as a DNP degree program — you can find specialized curriculums available in MSN and in post-grad programs as well. Here are a few examples in Massachusetts:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Beyond traditional programs like MSNs and DNPs, there are also alternative programs (including bridge programs) that allow students to pursue unique opportunities for NP licensure that match the credentials and education that they already maintain.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

Traditional Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are usually considered the most common route for nurse practitioners to seek licensure. These programs, on average, take between two and six years to complete, depending on if the student is attending classes part-time or full-time. Here some examples in Massachusetts:

• Curry College – Milton, MA
• UMass Amherst – Amherst, MA

RN to NP Programs

RN to NP programs, also referred to as RN to MSN and ADN/ASN to MSN programs, are a fast-tracked bridge program version of a traditional MSN. If you have an RN license and an associate degree in nursing, you can likely use this type of program to graduate with your MSN in around four years. As of now, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences located in Boston, MA is the only school that offers this type of program.

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

The highest level of education you can obtain as a nurse practitioner is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). This highly ambitious track often takes upwards of eight years to complete but usually leads to much higher-paid positions. You can find DNPs available at schools like:

• UMass Chan – North Worcester, MA
• UMass Boston – Boston, MA

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

If you’ve already graduated from a nurse practitioner programs but are unhappy with your specialization or would like to specialize in an additional area, you can enroll in a Post-Master's Nursing Certificate without having to re-enter an MSN program. These programs are very quick, usually leading to graduation in a year or less. The following Massachusetts schools offer these types of programs:

• Elms College – Chicopee, MA
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Boston, MA

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

In many cases, some students may decide much later in life that they want to enter the healthcare field. By that time, they may have a bachelor’s degree in a subject that isn’t nursing. Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are specifically catered to students in this situation, allowing them to graduate with their MSN in less than six years of full-time study. Here are a few that are available in Massachusetts:

• Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions – Boston, MA
• Simmons University – Boston, MA

General Admissions Requirements

Not all nurse practitioner programs require the same credentials to get accepted. However, you can expect the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

California NP License and Certification Requirements

The most important preliminary requirements for getting licensed and certified as a nurse practitioner are a current RN license and a graduate degree in nursing. Beyond these primary qualifications, aspiring NPs must submit various documents to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Required materials include proof of RN licensure, official transcripts from the NP program, and details about clinical practice hours. Applicants must also complete the state’s official application for licensure and pay a non-refundable fee, which typically hovers around $230. The licensing portal provides detailed instructions on how to navigate the application process.

Nurse practitioners in Massachusetts are required to obtain national certification in their chosen specialty. This certification can be obtained from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or other recognized credentialing bodies. In general, certification programs require that applicants have a valid RN license, have completed an advanced nursing program, and successfully pass an examination demonstrating their clinical expertise in their chosen specialty.

Since 2021, nurse practitioners in Massachusetts have been granted full practice authority. This allows NPs to diagnose patients, prescribe medications, and perform other essential healthcare services independently, without physician supervision or collaboration. This autonomy reflects the state’s recognition of NPs as primary care providers who can help bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities.

For ongoing professional support, continuing education opportunities, and policy updates, NPs in Massachusetts can turn to organizations like the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (MCNP), which advocates for the profession and provides valuable resources for its members.

List of NP Programs in California