MSN Degree Programs in Massachusetts

The New England state of Massachusetts is ideally placed to advance your career through a relevant graduate program. For most practice nurses, the obvious academic route is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Such MSNs permit career progression into greater responsibility and, of course, higher pay. However, there are several types of MSN.

Massachusetts universities and nursing schools give you plenty of ways to earn an MSN with both full-time and part-time options, direct entry, and fully online for flexibility.

RN to MSN and BSN to MSN Programs

There are two ways to earn an MSN in Massachusetts, each depending on your current qualifications and background in nursing. If you earned an ADN and practice as an RN, you would enroll in the RN to MSN program. You will take the BSN to MSN route if your academic background is a BSN. The outcomes are the same, but the RN to MSN program requires more work and time for the student as they are starting from a lower degree level. Both degree programs are available online, on campus, and in hybrid form.

Typical Program Length

• BSN to MSN programs are four semesters over 12-15 months
• RN to MSN programs are six semesters over 24-30 months

Typical Admission Requirements

• A current RN license in good standing
• ADN or BSN (regionally accredited)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA on the 4.0 scale
• Two or three clinical recommendation letters
• A resume listing practice nursing experience
• CPR certification
• Achieve a minimum grade on all listed prerequisite courses

Accelerated & Master's Entry Nursing Programs

Direct Entry Nursing Programs, sometimes known as Accelerated Nursing Programs are for those who have degrees in something other than nursing who now wish to work in nursing. Once qualified, you may apply for a license as a Registered Nurse or use your first degree for a career that requires both sets of skills. The Boston College, Connell School of Nursing has one such DENP for non-nursing graduates.

Typical Program Length:

Boston College's Direct Entry into Practice Nursing Masters takes approximately two years to complete.

Typical Admissions Requirements:

• Accredited bachelor's degree or higher qualification
• Submit transcripts
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on your undergraduate program, or a combined UG and PG score of 3.0. However, a GPA of 3.3 or above is preferred
• Completion of four prerequisite courses chosen from groups of social science, human development, statistics, anatomy & physiology (I & II), general chemistry, microbiology, and pathophysiology

2024 List of MSN Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has more than 10 colleges that are offering the RN to MSN degree bridge program throughout the state. These programs are being offered as full and part-time studies, and to accommodate busy professionals, the delivery method of the courses are offered as in-class, online or a mix of both delivery models. Completing an MSN degree can be as easy as attending the class from home or on your time off. MSN degrees can put candidates in a career path that can include nursing in family medicine, pain management, or even perinatal nursing, the opportunities are vast.

MSN Programs By City:

• Boston MSN Programs

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