What Massachusetts Schools Offer Accelerated BSN Programs: Second Degree BSN

Massachusetts is experiencing a critical shortage of registered nurses, with healthcare systems across the Commonwealth reporting escalating staff deficits. Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs have emerged as a powerful solution designed to fast‑track career changers and degree-holders into the nursing workforce. These intensive, high-quality programs are responding to the mounting demand for skilled care, driven by an aging population and increasing complexity in patient needs. Our guide delivers an in‑depth overview of Massachusetts's ABSN landscape, profiling program formats, clinical opportunities, and state licensure pathways. By illuminating the educational routes that effectively bridge the gap between qualified graduates and urgent labor market needs, this resource empowers aspiring nurses to take decisive, informed steps toward meeting today's healthcare challenges.
2026 Best ABSN Programs in Massachusetts
Regis College
Weston, MA - Private 4-year - regiscollege.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated 16-Month BS in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis College's 16-Month Accelerated BS in Nursing offers a dynamic pathway for career-changing college graduates. This innovative hybrid program strategically combines online learning with immersive clinical experiences across prestigious Boston hospitals. Boasting an impressive 94% NCLEX pass rate, the program demands rigorous academic preparation, requiring seven prerequisite courses with a minimum B- grade. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum designed to rapidly transition professionals into nursing roles. The program's full-time format accommodates 60 total credit hours, with flexible start dates in September and strategic admission deadlines. Tuition is competitively structured at $1,285 per credit, totaling $77,100.
- 16-month duration
- Hybrid program format
- 94% NCLEX pass rate
- Clinical placements in Boston
- $1,285 per credit
- Total tuition $77,100
- September start date
- Early action deadline December
- Regular deadline March
- Seven prerequisite courses
Bachelor's - Accelerated 24-Month BS in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis College's 24-Month Accelerated BS in Nursing provides an alternative pathway for non-nurse bachelor's degree holders seeking nursing careers. Utilizing a hybrid educational model, this program integrates online coursework with hands-on clinical training in Boston's premier healthcare facilities. The curriculum is strategically designed to leverage students' existing academic backgrounds, facilitating an efficient nursing education journey. Featuring 12-week semesters with extended breaks, students experience a balanced learning approach. The program comprehensively prepares graduates for NCLEX examinations, offering state-of-the-art simulation labs and personalized clinical experiences. Rolling admissions and fall start dates enhance accessibility for career-changing professionals.
- 24 months to complete
- Hybrid program format
- $1,285 per credit
- Total tuition $77,100
- Fall start date
- Rolling admissions
- NCLEX preparation
- Clinical placements in Boston
- Online coursework
- Hands-on simulation labs
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Northeastern University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offers an intensive 16-month pathway for career changers with non-nursing bachelor's degrees. Leveraging a sophisticated hybrid learning model, students engage in comprehensive online coursework complemented by immersive hands-on labs and strategic clinical rotations. The program uniquely prepares students for immediate nursing practice through multi-dimensional learning experiences at premier healthcare institutions. With three annual start dates and flexible scheduling, students can seamlessly transition into the nursing profession. Scholarships enhance accessibility, while the curriculum emphasizes practical skills, nursing fundamentals, and contemporary healthcare approaches. Aspiring nurses benefit from a rigorous academic framework designed to cultivate practice-ready professionals equipped to meet evolving healthcare challenges.
- 16-month program duration
- Hybrid online and onsite learning
- Three start dates annually
- Scholarships available
- Non-nursing degree or 62 credits required
- Hands-on nursing labs
- Clinical rotations at top facilities
- Fast track to nursing career
- Rigorous academic path
- Practice-ready nurse preparation
Simmons University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - simmons.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor in Nursing (ABSN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Simmons University's Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program provides an intensive 16-month educational pathway for ambitious healthcare professionals transitioning into nursing. Located in Boston, this campus-based program emphasizes comprehensive clinical training across diverse nursing specialties including medical-surgical, psychiatric, and pediatric disciplines. Students engage in rigorous coursework complemented by extensive hands-on clinical experiences that develop critical leadership and research skills. The program strategically prepares career changers for dynamic healthcare environments, requiring strong science prerequisites for admission. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to advanced patient care. With a military-friendly approach, Simmons offers a transformative educational experience designed to rapidly launch students into professional nursing roles.
- 16-month duration
- Campus-based learning
- Extensive clinical hours
- Diverse nursing specialties
- Leadership and research focus
- Science prerequisites required
- Ideal for career changers
MCPHS University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - mcphs.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing—Accelerated
Campus Based - Visit Website
MCPHS University's Accelerated BSN program offers an intensive 32-month pathway for career-changers seeking rapid nursing credentials. Located in Boston, this program distinguishes itself with a remarkable 96% NCLEX-RN pass rate and comprehensive clinical training across prestigious medical institutions. Students benefit from a curriculum balancing liberal arts foundations with advanced professional nursing studies. The program strategically prepares graduates through immersive learning experiences, ensuring comprehensive clinical competency. With a military-friendly designation and robust academic framework, this accelerated program provides an efficient route for motivated individuals transitioning into professional nursing. Prospective students should anticipate a rigorous academic environment demanding strong prior academic performance.
- 32-month accelerated program.
- High NCLEX-RN pass rate.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- Foundational liberal arts focus.
- Located in Boston, MA.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA - Public 4-Year - umass.edu
Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
UMass Amherst's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing transforms non-nursing bachelor's degree holders into skilled registered nurses through an intensive 16-month campus program. Designed for career changers, the curriculum delivers comprehensive academic training complemented by extensive clinical experiences across diverse healthcare settings. Students benefit from world-class faculty mentorship, cutting-edge resources, and a supportive learning environment that prepares graduates for successful RN licensure in Massachusetts. The program's rigorous approach emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership development, and potential pathways for advanced nursing education. Competitive applicants with strong academic backgrounds can quickly transition into the dynamic nursing profession through this accelerated pathway.
- 16-month duration
- Full-time, in-person
- For non-nursing bachelor's holders
- Prepares for RN licensure
- World-class faculty
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Potential for advanced education
- Supportive learning environment
- Meets MA licensure requirements
- Accredited by CCNE
List of Massachusetts Accelerated BSN Programs
Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 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
Beverly, MA
Endicott College
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Campus Based - Website
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 16-Month program
- 62 total credit hours
- Cohort-based structure
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Prerequisite courses required
- Thesis required
Boston, MA
MCPHS University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing—Accelerated
Campus Based - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
- Starts fall
- 93% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Location in Longwood Medical Area
- Onsite simulation and patient assessment labs
Northeastern University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Automatic scholarships up to $27,500
- Clinical rotations at top facilities
- Online courses with nursing labs
- Full-time hybrid format
- Admissions decision in weeks
Simmons University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor in Nursing (ABSN)
Campus Based - Website
- 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
University of Massachusetts-Boston
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $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
Chicopee, MA
College of Our Lady of the Elms
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 20-Month program
- 72 total credit hours
- Rolling admissions
- Cohort-based structure
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Small cohorts of 24 students
- Mission trips to Jamaica available
- Requires prior non-nursing degree
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg State University
- Nursing, BS
Longmeadow, MA
Bay Path University
- Nursing, B.S.
Lowell, MA
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Milton, MA
Curry College
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 16-Month program
- 50 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-09-01
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts spring/fall
- 91% licensure pass rate
- Cohort-based structure
North Dartmouth, MA
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- Bachelor's - Second Degree Accelerated BS in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 17-Month program
- 59 total credit hours
- Full-time enrollment
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
Norton, MA
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Salem, MA
Salem State University
- Bachelor's - Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 15-Month program
- Cohort-based structure
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Designed for non-nursing bachelor graduates
- Courses offered day, evening, weekends
- Clinical training across North Shore and Boston
Weston, MA
Regis College
- Bachelor's - Accelerated 16-Month BS in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $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
- Bachelor's - Accelerated 24-Month BS in Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $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
Worcester, MA
Assumption University
- Bachelor's - Post-Bachelor's Accelerated Nursing Track
Online & Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- $61,500 total program tuition
- 16-Month program
- 56 total credit hours
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts summer
- Asynchronous online classes
- 100% licensure pass rate
Worcester State University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2026 Affordable ABSN Programs in Massachusetts
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Boston |
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| Salem State University |
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| Regis College |
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| Endicott College |
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| Curry College |
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| Assumption University |
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| Worcester State University |
| |
| Fitchburg State University |
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| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth |
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| University of Massachusetts-Lowell |
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Exploring nursing schools in Massachusetts? Be sure to visit our comprehensive Massachusetts nursing guide; your trusted resource for navigating the full range of nursing education pathways across the state. Whether you’re beginning your journey or advancing your nursing career, this guide offers essential insights to help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
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