What Massachusetts Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Regis College's Accelerated 16-Month BS in Nursing is a full-time, hybrid ABSN designed for career changers and non-nurse college graduates. Building on prior undergraduate coursework, the curriculum dives directly into nursing, blending online learning with on-campus simulation labs and clinical placements at elite Boston hospitals such as Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's. Small classes, individual faculty mentorship, and high-fidelity simulation sharpen clinical skills, while NCLEX-style exams embedded in every clinical course and a comprehensive predictor exam ensure licensure readiness. With a 94% NCLEX pass rate and 90% industry-active faculty, this second-bachelor's path offers fall and spring starts. Admission requires prerequisite courses and does not require SAT or ACT scores.

• $77,100 total program tuition
• $1,285 per credit
• 16-Month program
• 60 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Starts fall/spring
• 94% licensure pass rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Financial aid available

Regis College's Accelerated 24-Month BS in Nursing offers a hybrid pathway for career changers and graduates with a previous bachelor's degree. The program combines 100% online coursework with on-campus simulation labs and clinical rotations at top Boston hospitals, allowing flexibility while building hands-on skills. Students complete 60 credit hours over 12-week semesters, with a clinical preceptorship in the final term. NCLEX preparation is integrated throughout every clinical course, and small cohorts benefit from faculty who are active nurses, with 90% holding industry experience. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue diverse RN roles. This ranked #1 ABSN in Massachusetts charges $77,100 total tuition and starts in the fall. No SAT or ACT is required for admission.

• $77,100 total program tuition
• $1,285 per credit
• 24-Month program
• Complete in less than two years
• 60 total credit hours
• Rolling admissions
• Starts fall
• Prepares for NCLEX
• 100% online coursework
• 12-week semesters

Northeastern University's Accelerated BSN is a 16-month hybrid program designed for career changers holding a non-nursing bachelor's degree or at least 62 college credits. With three start dates per year, students blend online coursework with hands-on labs and clinical rotations at top healthcare facilities near Boston, Providence, and Charlotte. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, theory, and practical skills via state-of-the-art simulation labs, emphasizing experiential learning to produce practice-ready nurses. No ACT or SAT is required; instead, admission relies on prerequisite coursework and a quick admissions decision. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Military-friendly and offering scholarships, this program provides flexibility and a strong reputation.

• 16-Month program
• Full-time enrollment
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts winter/spring/fall
• Prerequisite courses required
• Scholarships available
• Blended online learning model
• Nursing labs in three locations
• Clinical rotations at top facilities
• Second-degree and transfer tracks

UMass Amherst offers an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, delivered full-time on campus over 16 months. Coursework combines classroom learning with clinical rotations at top healthcare sites and simulation labs that mirror real-life scenarios, emphasizing critical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and healthcare technology. Faculty act as mentors, while community engagement includes volunteering at wellness fairs and the Boston Marathon. Graduates are ready for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program is accredited by CCNE and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, and it is military-friendly. Financial aid is available. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required or specified; admission considers prior academic record.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing accredited
• 16-Month program
• Financial aid available
• Learn from renowned, caring faculty
• Clinical placements at leading facilities
• Simulation labs with real-life scenarios
• Volunteer at wellness fairs and Boston Marathon
• Master new technology in simulation
• Faculty facilitators and mentors
• Prepare for nursing leadership

UMass Boston's Accelerated BSN is a 12-month, full-time hybrid program for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. The curriculum delivers 54 credits through 12 courses, blending online concept-based instruction with hands-on simulation and clinical placements across greater Boston. Students study nursing concepts, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. The program boasts a 93% first-time NCLEX pass rate and features small cohorts of 48, faculty trained in online teaching, and a modern simulation center. Three start dates per year (fall, spring, summer) offer flexibility. Requirements include a 3.0 GPA and prerequisite courses. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The program description does not specify ACT or SAT entrance exam requirements.

• $700 per credit
• 12-Month program
• 54 total credit hours
• 12 total courses
• 3 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring/summer
• 93% licensure pass rate
• Cohort-based structure
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required

Simmons University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is a campus-based, 46-credit program completed in four terms, designed for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The curriculum integrates pharmacology, medical-surgical, psychiatric/mental health, maternity, pediatric, and leadership nursing, complemented by 56 laboratory hours in fundamentals, 84 clinical hours in med-surg, and 168 clinical hours in advanced care. The program culminates in a clinical capstone practicum for real-world application. With small class sizes and supportive faculty, it offers a focused pathway for career changers. No ACT or SAT entrance exam is required; admission is based on prior academic performance. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, community health centers, and other healthcare settings.

• 46 total credit hours
• Capstone required
• 56 laboratory hours in fundamental skills
• 84 clinical hours in med-surg nursing
• 168 clinical hours in advanced care
• Clinical capstone practicum required
• Total 46 credits for degree