Best Massachusetts RN to BSN Programs

Massachusetts is a state that's embracing the trend of higher education for their 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.

2020- Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

As healthcare employers move toward hiring BSN-educated RNs, many registered nurses with ADN degrees and diplomas are looking to upgrade their education. RN to BSN completion programs are an efficient way to earn a bachelor's degree, and online options give prospective students the flexibility to fit the programs into their busy lives. Choosing the perfect program is made even easier by perusing our top Massachusetts online RN to BSN program rankings below.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).

^#1

Worcester State University

Worcester, MA

Worcester State University is a liberal arts and sciences university with a long tradition of academic excellence. The RN to BSN program at this school comes in two tracks: the full-time day program and the part-time evening program. Both tracks are offered in a hybrid format (in-class and online). The full-time program can be completed in three semesters while the part-time option is a four semester commitment. Graduates are prepared to take on real-world challenges.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Transfer 72-90 credits
• Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA

^#2

Elms College

Chicopee, MA

The RN to BSN degree completion program at Elms College is rigorous, fast-paced, and affordable. The 12-15 month program is geared towards working registered nurses who want to advance their nursing career. Students can choose to complete the program online or at one of three locations for face-to-face courses. The RN to BSN curriculum emphasizes the development of communication and critical thinking skills in order to prepare graduates to drive change in healthcare and make positive contributions to patient safety and care.

• RN to BSN Online Campus

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Transfer up to 90 credits
• 6 graduate credits included

^#3

Fitchburg State University

Fitchburg, MA

Fitchburg State University's CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program is geared towards preparing professional nurses to meet societal healthcare needs in a variety of settings. This affordable program can be completed in as little as 12 months. While in the program, students develop stronger clinical reasoning and analytical skills - preparing them to advance their careers and broaden their scope of practice. Students graduate with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence care.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Public 4-Year
• Total tuition is less than $10,000
• Multiple start dates each year

^#4

Laboure College

Milton, MA

Laboure College's affordable, flexible, and accelerated online RN to BSN program can be completed in 16 months - depending on the chosen pace. The college recognizes the demand for higher-skilled nurses, which is why the program is designed to move nurses beyond basic nursing skills to advanced pathophysiology, critical thinking, leadership and management, and evidence-based practice research skills. Students are trained to work in a variety of settings and are provided with a foundation for graduate study and life-long learning.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts:

• Private Non-Profit 4-Year
• Transfer up to 90 credits
• Approximately $350 per credit

^#5

University of Massachusetts Boston

Boston, MA

Those looking for a 100% online RN to BSN program can enroll in the University of Massachusetts-Boston's highly renowned offering. This 42-credit program can be completed in just 3 semesters, and instead of a clinical requirement, students complete a service learning project within their community. The curriculum includes courses such as Nursing Care of Children, Mental Health Nursing, Life Span Growth and Development, and others to give students the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in leadership roles.

• RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition & Fees:

• $$$$$

Quick Facts

• Public 4-Year
• A few grad programs offered online
• Up to 90 transfer credits accepted

Admissions Requirements for Massachusetts 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 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

RN to BSN Classes & Courses

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

Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

The rise of technology has brought a plethora of interest in online RN to BSN programs. Many schools are now adopting an online option to accommodate working RNs who wish to study in their spare time. This is good news for RNs who want to finish their baccalaureate degree but don't think they have the time; online programs tend to be the most flexible option.

Featured Online School

Northeastern University School of Nursing, based in Burlington, MA, offers an online RN to BSN program that promotes educational and professional excellence through the use of problem-based learning. Activities, including simulated decision-making, are at the forefront of this innovative program. Participation the program can be on a part-time or full-time basis, and is typically finished in 3 to 6 semesters.

Admissions and Program Length

An RN to BSN program's length can vary due to a variety of factors, including how quickly a student moves through the courses. In general, 1-2 years is the average length it takes to complete the program. While students need a total of around 120 credits to graduate with the BSN degree, many of these are transferrable based on the completion of an ADN. Classroom-based programs typically start at the beginning of each semester, while online programs tend to have multiple start times throughout the year.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

The cost of an RN to BSN degree has a few components, namely tuition, school fees, and supplies. For example, the tuition rate for the RN to BSN program at Labouré College in Milton, MA is approximately $350 per credit, with a total cost range from $10,500 to $17,150 depending on how many transfer credits a student enters the program with. Tuition and fees can fluctuate so check your school of choice for current figures.

Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?

Advanced education is the most direct route to a higher paycheck for registered nurses. Many high-level nursing careers in oncology, emergency room care, and more require a BSN or higher, so any RN thinking of a specialty career should consider an RN to BSN program. Luckily, this upward mobility tends to come with increased earning potential.

RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Massachusetts

According to Payscale, registered nurses in the city of Boston, MA, earn between $56,092 - $114,825 annually. What can RNs do to edge their way over to the top of the range? Education is a main factor, with nearly every hospital and care facility in the state placing greater importance on advanced degrees.

2020 List of RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

There are 20 listed colleges in the state of Massachusetts that offer the opportunity of earning higher salaries, career advancement opportunities and highly sought after skills for the nursing community. These programs are promoted as RN to BSN bridge degree programs put individuals at a financial advantage compared to their counterparts that are ADN nurses. Hourly wages for BSN nurses in the state are approximately $48 per hour and equates to making about $100,000 per year. Become one of the graduating BSN nurses that are earning more and advancing in their career more quickly.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

• Boston RN to BSN Programs

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