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.
2025 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts
Looking for the best online RN to BSN programs in Massachusetts? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered. We rank programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. Our list considers key factors like quality, flexibility, and cost. Start your journey to a BSN today with a program that meets your needs. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Endicott College's online RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their education and career. This program stands out for its flexible online format, allowing working nurses to balance their studies with professional commitments. With a requirement of 126 total credits, the curriculum is designed to deepen nursing expertise through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, supported by a robust liberal arts foundation. Unique features include early clinical experience in the sophomore year, a stellar 99% job placement rate, and a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate, underscoring the program's effectiveness. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, and the program boasts CCNE accreditation, ensuring high-quality education. Additionally, students have the option to pursue a fifth-year Master's degree, further enhancing their career prospects. The program's strong partnerships with top hospitals provide valuable clinical opportunities, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare.
- Online flexible format
- 126 total credits required
- Clinical experience early sophomore year
- 99% job placement rate
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Full-time enrollment required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA admission
- Clinical partnerships with top hospitals
- Fifth year Master's option
- CCNE accredited program
Northeastern University
Boston, MA - Private 4-year - northeastern.edu
Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northeastern University's RN-to-BSN Program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their qualifications in a dynamic healthcare environment. This online program stands out for its adaptability, offering both part-time and full-time study options to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. Participants engage in a rich curriculum featuring more than 200 interactive activities, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for modern nursing practice. With the healthcare sector's increasing demand for baccalaureate-prepared nurses, this program equips graduates with the knowledge and competencies needed for leadership roles and specialized nursing positions.
- Online flexible degree completion
- Part-time or full-time options
- Over 200 online learning activities
- Supports career advancement
- Designed for working RNs
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA - Public 4-Year - fitchburgstate.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Fitchburg State University offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking to enhance their qualifications without pausing their careers. This program stands out for its affordability, with a total tuition of $9,952, and its accelerated format, allowing completion in as few as 12 months. The curriculum, accredited by the CCNE, focuses on evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership, equipping nurses for advanced roles in various healthcare settings. Admission requires a valid RN license and a minimum 2.5 GPA, making it accessible for many professionals aiming to elevate their practice in nursing.
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Online accelerated format
- 32 total credit hours
- $9,952 total tuition
- As few as 12 months completion
- Valid RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA needed
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
Bay Path University
Longmeadow, MA - Private 4-year - baypath.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bay Path University's RN to BSN program stands out for its flexibility and affordability, especially for Baystate Health-affiliated RNs who enjoy a reduced tuition rate. This 100% online program allows registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in as little as 18 to 24 months, with asynchronous 6-week sessions accommodating busy schedules. Accredited by CCNE, the program emphasizes practical learning through mentorship by experienced nurses and offers up to 84 transfer credits. Additional benefits include free tutoring and access to a comprehensive health library, making it an ideal choice for nurses aiming to advance their careers without sacrificing work-life balance.
- 100% online program
- 18-24 month completion
- $300 per credit for Baystate RNs
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Up to 84 transfer credits
- Asynchronous 6-week sessions
- Mentorship by practicing nurses
- Free tutoring available
- Extensive health library resources
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA - Public 4-Year - umassd.edu
Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BS Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth offers an esteemed online RN to BSN program tailored for registered nurses seeking advancement. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance work and studies while completing 31 credits, predominantly in nursing. It emphasizes leadership, community health, and the integration of physical and social sciences into nursing practice. Recognized for its excellence, the program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is celebrated as a top 50 online nursing program nationally. It also prides itself on being military-friendly and providing personalized advising to each student.
- Online RN to BSN degree
- 31 total credits required
- Accredited nursing program
- Flexible learning environment
- Expand career opportunities
- Military friendly school
- One-on-one personal advising
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.
| School | Degree Name | Length |
| UMass Boston | Online RN to BSN | 3 Semesters |
| Emmanuel College | Online RN to BSN | 16 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:
| School | Degree Name | Tuition Cost |
| Salem State University | RN to BSN | $12,338.40 per year (Resident) $19,531.20 per year (Non-Resident) |
| UMass Boston | Online RN to BSN | $15,132 per year (Resident) $36,105 per year (Non-Resident) |
Learn more about the cheapest RN to BSN Degrees.
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
2025 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:
Beverly, MA
Endicott College
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible format
- 126 total credits required
- Clinical experience early sophomore year
- 99% job placement rate
- 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate
- Full-time enrollment required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA admission
- Clinical partnerships with top hospitals
Boston, MA
Northeastern University
- Bachelor's - RN-to-BSN Program
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible degree completion
- Part-time or full-time options
- Over 200 online learning activities
- Supports career advancement
- Designed for working RNs
University of Massachusetts-Boston
- Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Program
- Complete in One Year
- 42 Transfer Credits
- Five Nursing Courses
- Community Service Learning
- Fully Accredited Program
- 2.5 GPA Requirement
- National RN Licensure Accepted
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg State University
- Bachelor's - RN to BS in Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Online accelerated format
- 32 total credit hours
- $9,952 total tuition
- As few as 12 months completion
- Valid RN license required
- Minimum 2.5 GPA needed
- Prepares for advanced nursing roles
Longmeadow, MA
Bay Path University
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- 18-24 month completion
- $300 per credit for Baystate RNs
- CCNE-accredited nursing program
- Up to 84 transfer credits
- Asynchronous 6-week sessions
- Mentorship by practicing nurses
- Free tutoring available
Milton, MA
Curry College
- Bachelor's - RN to BS
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid learning format
- Designed for working RNs
- Pathway to bachelor's degree
- Flexible academic progression
- Career advancement opportunity
Laboure College of Healthcare
- Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- 16 months to complete
- 100% Online program
- Ranked #1 RN-BSN in MA
- Flexible humanities electives
- Professional nursing courses
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Leadership and management training
- Senior capstone project
North Dartmouth, MA
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
- Bachelor's - Nursing RN-BS Online
Online Learning - Website
- Online RN to BSN degree
- 31 total credits required
- Accredited nursing program
- Flexible learning environment
- Expand career opportunities
- Ranked top 50 nationwide
- Military friendly school
- One-on-one personal advising
Paxton, MA
Anna Maria College
- Bachelor's - RN-BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Online asynchronous program
- 8-week semester format
- Multiple start dates
- No NCLEX required
- Affordable private college
- Holistic nursing approach
- Access to campus resources
- Social networking opportunities
Weston, MA
Regis College
- Bachelor's - BS in Nursing (RN to BS Degree Completion)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 12-16 months program duration
- Online/hybrid learning modality
- 45 transfer credits awarded
- $399 per credit cost
- No clinical component required
- Personalized curriculum planning
- Career advancement opportunities
- Direct MSN pathway
Worcester, MA
Worcester State University
- Bachelor's - Nursing Major Track Two (RN-to-BS Program)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- For licensed RNs
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Advanced professional development
- Multiple clinical experiences
- Leadership and management focus
- Evidence-based practice emphasis