Massachusetts is a state that's embracing the trend of higher education for its nursing workforce. With an aging population, registered nurses (RNs) are more in-demand than ever, and hospitals are raising the bar for patient care. RNs who have previously completed an Associate's Degree in Nursing are eligible to complete their baccalaureate education via one of the state's RN to BSN programs, poising themselves for better nursing jobs and higher pay.

2027 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

When searching for the best online RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts, we at registerednursing.org have ranked the top options for working nurses. Online programs offer flexibility that traditional on-campus paths can't match, allowing nurses to balance careers and family while advancing their education. Our rankings include hybrid and partially online programs, as they still provide the remote learning experience that many students need. Whether through distance learning or virtual classrooms, these programs help nurses gain leadership skills and better patient care knowledge. To understand how these schools were evaluated, see our methodology: https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

MCPHS University

Boston, MA - Private 4-year - mcphs.edu

RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion (RN to BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

MCPHS University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion (RN to BSN) program, designed for registered nurses with a nursing diploma or associate degree. The fully online format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance career and education without campus visits. The curriculum emphasizes nursing leadership, community and population health, evidence-based practice, and patient-centered care, building on students' existing clinical expertise. The program does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission. MCPHS is recognized as military-friendly, offering support for veterans and active-duty service members. As a degree completion pathway, this program prepares graduates for advanced nursing roles and further graduate study, reflecting MCPHS's commitment to advancing health science education for practicing clinicians.

    #2

    Endicott College

    Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu

    RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Visit Website

    Endicott College's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to earn their bachelor's degree while working. The curriculum builds on prior nursing knowledge, covering evidence-based practice, community health, and healthcare systems, with emphasis on critical thinking and patient-centered care. This fully online format offers flexibility for professionals balancing career and family commitments. The program maintains partnerships with NLNAC-accredited associate degree programs for a seamless transition. Notably, no SAT or ACT entrance exam is required for admission, focusing instead on RN licensure and previous education. Graduates benefit from strong outcomes, including a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2023 and a 99% job placement rate. Accredited by both CCNE and ACEN, this program prepares nurses for leadership roles and advanced study.

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • 100% licensure pass rate
    • 99% job placement rate
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Online format for working professionals
    • Partnerships with NLNAC-accredited AD programs
    #3

    Regis College

    Weston, MA - Private 4-year - regiscollege.edu

    RN to BSN - BS in Nursing (RN to BS Degree Completion)

    Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

    Regis College's RN-to-BS in Nursing degree completion program offers a flexible online hybrid format tailored for registered nurses with an associate's degree. Coursework covers leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice, plus a capstone project aligned with individual interests. The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, including 45 for RN licensure, allowing completion in as few as 12 months. It requires zero clinical hours, making it ideal for busy professionals. Tuition is $399 per credit ($11,970 total), with financial aid and scholarships available. A direct pathway to the MSN supports advanced education. Graduates can pursue careers as nurse leaders, school nurses, or critical care specialists. This Roman Catholic institution does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission.

    • $11,970 total program tuition
    • $399 per credit
    • 12-Month program
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Synchronous and asynchronous options
    • 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
    • 0 clinical hours
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    #4

    Emmanuel College

    Boston, MA - Private 4-year - emmanuel.edu

    RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Visit Website

    Emmanuel College's online RN to BSN program offers a CCNE-accredited, accelerated path for registered nurses. The 100% online didactic coursework uses seven-week courses, with in-person practicum hours for clinical application. Students can transfer up to 96 credits, including 40 from an associate degree in nursing, and finish in as little as 16 months. Curriculum highlights evidence-based practice, nursing informatics, research, and community health, plus a capstone and 30 hours of community service. The program is approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and is military-friendly. While standardized entrance exams are not explicitly addressed, ACT/SAT are generally not required for RN to BSN completion programs.

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
    • 16-Month program
    • 128 total credit hours
    • 32 total courses
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • 100% online didactic coursework
    • Seven-week courses around your schedule
    • In-person practicum hours
    • Transfer up to 96 credits
    #5

    Fitchburg State University

    Fitchburg, MA - Public 4-Year - fitchburgstate.edu

    RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing

    Online Learning - Visit Website

    Fitchburg State University’s online RN to BS in Nursing is tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement. This CCNE-accredited program can be finished in 12 months via 7-week terms, consisting of 10 courses and 32 credit hours. Coursework includes evidence-based practice, community health, health policy, genomics, social justice, and forensic populations. Two clinical practicums and a capstone build clinical reasoning, leadership, and advocacy skills. Graduates often become public health nurses, case managers, or care coordinators. The program costs $311 per credit (total $9,952) with pay-by-the-course tuition, and no application fee. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate. No ACT or SAT scores are required for admission.

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • $9,952 total program tuition
    • $311 per credit
    • 12-Month program
    • 32 total credit hours
    • 10 total courses
    • Apply by 2026-08-04
    • Starts summer/fall
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Capstone required
    *The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2025 survey.

    Fast & Affordable Program Options

    Many nurses looking to add quick and easy value to their professional portfolio seek out bridge programs to achieve higher-level degrees. If you’re just starting out as a nurse and you already have an associate degree and an RN license, an RN to BSN program is probably the best value in terms of affordability and timeliness.

    Quickest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

    While many traditional BSN programs can take students four years or more to complete, an RN to BSN program has a much faster timeline to graduation. From start to finish, you can expect to complete your degree program in under two years, depending on how many credits you’re transferring and the program’s curriculum. Below are a few examples of the quickest RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts.

    SchoolDegree NameLength
    UMass BostonOnline RN to BSN3 Semesters
    Emmanuel CollegeOnline RN to BSN16 months

    Learn more about the Fastest RN to BSN Programs.

    Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

    Yes, they do. However, it will be a challenge to locate these types of programs in Massachusetts as only a handful exist nationwide. To qualify, you’ll need at least an associate degree and a large number of transferable credits. You’ll also need a current and unencumbered RN license and at least a year of experience in the nursing field. Talk to your prospective school’s admissions department to learn if you qualify for a 6-month RN to BSN program.

    Affordable Online RN to BSN Options

    Lastly, you can expect to save money on tuition if you decide to go with an RN to BSN program instead of a traditional BSN program. Because you’ll be spending less time in the classroom, you’ll likely only be required to pay a portion of the tuition, especially if you are a Massachusetts state resident or an online student as many RN to BSN programs offer lower rates for these two groups. Below are a few examples of schools that offer the lowest rates of tuition for RN to BSN programs in the state:

    SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
    Salem State UniversityRN to BSN$12,338.40 per year (Resident)

    $19,531.20 per year (Non-Resident)

    UMass BostonOnline RN to BSN$15,132 per year (Resident)

    $36,105 per year (Non-Resident)

    Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.

    See Related Articles

    Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

    To be admitted to your school of choice's RN to BSN program, you'll need to carefully follow the application instructions and be sure you meet the requirements. Some schools have limited enrollment, so it's important to ensure you are well-qualified. Common entrance requirements for accredited schools in the state include:

    • Completion of an accredited associate degree in nursing program or a hospital school diploma program
    • Current, valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    • Minimum GPA of 2.5
    • Current citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America with work authorization and residency in the United States

    Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

    Students enrolled in an RN to BSN program take a mix of general education courses, advanced nursing courses, and electives or required support courses. As part of their RN to BSN program, Salem State University offers the following nursing course titles:

    • Explorations of the Professional Nursing Role
    • Health Assessment Across the Life Span
    • Nursing Research
    • Healthcare Issues, Policy, and Economics
    • Nursing Informatics

    2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

    To discover the best accredited RN to BSN programs in the state, check out our listings below.

    Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

    Browse Our List of Programs

    Browse our list of programs to find the right fit for your education journey. This table neatly organizes each school by city and state, highlights the key features of their programs, and provides direct links to the official program pages. With all this information in one place, comparing options becomes simple. We invite you to explore the table, discover what each school has to offer, and take the next step toward your academic goals.
    Jump to City:

    Beverly, MA

    Endicott College

    • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

      Online Learning - Website

      • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
      • 100% licensure pass rate
      • 99% job placement rate
      • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
      • Online format for working professionals
      • Partnerships with NLNAC-accredited AD programs

    Boston, MA

    Emmanuel College

    • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

      Concentration: RN to BSN - Online Learning - Website

      • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited
      • 16-Month program
      • 128 total credit hours
      • 32 total courses
      • Prerequisite courses required
      • Capstone required
      • 100% online didactic coursework
      • Seven-week courses around your schedule

    MCPHS University

    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion (RN to BSN)

    University of Massachusetts-Boston

    • RN to BSN - Nursing RN-BSN

      Online Learning - Website

      • American Nurses Credentialing Center accredited
      • 1-Year program
      • Complete in as little as one year
      • 120 total credit hours
      • Starts fall/spring
      • Synchronous and asynchronous options
      • 2.5 GPA minimum
      • Prerequisite courses required

    Fitchburg, MA

    Fitchburg State University

    • RN to BSN - RN to BS in Nursing

      Online Learning - Website

      • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
      • $9,952 total program tuition
      • $311 per credit
      • 12-Month program
      • 32 total credit hours
      • 10 total courses
      • Apply by 2026-08-04
      • Starts summer/fall

    Longmeadow, MA

    Bay Path University

    • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

      Online Learning - Website

      • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
      • 2-Year program
      • Complete in complete the program in two years
      • 120 total credit hours
      • Capstone required
      • CCNE-accredited curriculum
      • Accelerated 7-week courses
      • Multiple start dates per year

    Milton, MA

    Curry College

    • RN to BSN - RN to BS

      Online & Campus Based - Website

      • 30 total credit hours
      • 9 total courses
      • Full-time and part-time options
      • Prerequisite courses required
      • 8-week online and hybrid courses
      • Up to 90 transfer credits accepted

    Laboure College of Healthcare

    • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

      Online Learning - Website

      • Financial aid available
      • Builds on prior RN education
      • Transfer credit eligible
      • Professional and liberal arts curriculum

    North Dartmouth, MA

    University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

    • RN to BSN - Nursing RN-BS Online

      Online Learning - Website

      • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
      • 31 total credit hours
      • Asynchronous online classes
      • Military benefits accepted
      • Financial aid available
      • Top 50 online BSN program
      • Ranked #7 most affordable online college
      • Faculty-directed independent study

    Weston, MA

    Regis College

    • RN to BSN - BS in Nursing (RN to BS Degree Completion)

      Online & Campus Based - Website

      • $11,970 total program tuition
      • $399 per credit
      • 12-Month program
      • Full-time and part-time options
      • Synchronous and asynchronous options
      • 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
      • 0 clinical hours
      • Capstone required

    Worcester, MA

    Worcester State University

    • RN to BSN - Nursing Major Track Two (RN-to-BS Program)

      Online & Campus Based - Website

      • For licensed RNs with ADN or diploma
      • Includes clinical placements in healthcare settings
      • Leadership course prepares for management roles
      • Sigma Theta Tau honor society membership available
    *IPEDS 2025 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.