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.
2024- 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/).
Laboure College
Rooted in caring for elderly and indigent populations, Laboure College's online RN to BSN is built upon its highly respected traditional programs. The long-established, Boston-area college continues to train nurses to care for overlooked communities in a format that is personalized and designed for their success.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Accessible with low tuition rates
- Accommodating to working RNs' schedules
- A Catholic college with a focus on healthcare
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Those who are called to a career in caring can do even more when they complete the online RN to BSN program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The progressive program offers a revised curriculum that focuses on the challenges of today's nurses from social justice to holistic care issues.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- One-year degree completion is possible
- Industry-leading faculty
- Student-focused delivery models
Elms College
The field of nursing is constantly changing, and RNs can best keep up with trends when they complete the online RN to BSN at the top-ranked Elms College in Massachusetts. The degree completion program includes healthcare ethics, health assessments, genomics in nursing and related topics.
- RN to BSN Online Campus
Quick Facts:
- Accelerated 12 to 15 month program
- A Catholic, liberal arts college
- Competitively priced with small cohorts
Endicott College
Committed RNs can earn their degree and continue to provide for their families in the online RN to BSN completion program at Endicott College in Massachusetts. Fast-moving and intense, it covers coursework in pharmacology, psychosocial nursing, management, and community/population health.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Students can finish in 16 months
- Fair-priced tuition with no surprise fees
- Historic women's college
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University offers a top-tier online RN-to-BSN program, blending flexibility with academic excellence. Designed for working nurses, it focuses on career advancement and leadership development. With dedicated faculty and a supportive online platform, Fitchburg State prepares nurses to thrive in today's healthcare landscape.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Students can finish in as little as 12 months
- 32 credit hours
- Under $10,000 total tuition
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
2024 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:
Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003-9277
Beverly, MA
Endicott College
Beverly, MA 01915
Boston, MA
Emmanuel College
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 732-1604
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-3649
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-5000
Brockton, MA
Fisher College
Brockton, MA 02116
(617) 236-8800
Chicopee, MA
Elms College
Chicopee, MA 01013-2839
(413) 265-2320
Fitchburg, MA
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
(978) 665-3222
Lowell, MA
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MA 01854
Milton, MA
Curry College
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 333-3137
Laboure College
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 296-8300
Paxton, MA
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA 01612
Salem, MA
Salem State University
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-7149
Springfield, MA
American International College
Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 205-3503
Weston, MA
Regis College
Weston, MA 02493
Worcester, MA
Becker College
Worcester, MA 01609
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8680
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