Nursing Programs in Boston, MA

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Boston

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for aspiring nurses. Registerednursing.org is creating rankings of the best nursing schools in Boston to help students make informed decisions. These rankings focus exclusively on NCLEX pass rates as the primary indicator of program quality, providing a clear, objective measure of student success. For more details on how we compile these rankings, visit our methodology page: https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Analysis of NCLEX pass rates in Boston shows fluctuations over recent years. While 2022 had an average pass rate of 84.22%, it increased significantly to 93.28% in 2023, though data for student numbers is unavailable to assess cohort sizes.

• 2022: Average pass rate 84.22%
• 2023: Average pass rate 93.28%
• 2024: Average pass rate 86.15%

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Comparing different program types reveals notable differences in pass rates. BSN programs show higher average pass rates compared to ADN programs, which may influence students' choices based on their career goals.

• BSN: Average pass rate 95.43%
• MSN: Average pass rate 100%
• Diploma: Average pass rate 99.33%
• ADN: Average pass rate 79.57%

Biggest Improvements

Several schools in Boston have shown significant improvements in NCLEX pass rates from 2024 to 2024, indicating potential enhancements in curriculum or support systems.

• Laboure College of Healthcare: Improved from 65% to 91% (26% increase)
• Lawrence Memorial Hospital School of Nursing: Improved from 74% to 100% (26% increase)
• Curry College: Improved from 76% to 97% (21% increase)

Consistently High Performing Schools

Some schools maintain high pass rates over multiple years, suggesting consistent quality in nursing education. These institutions have average pass rates above 90% with at least two years of data.

• Middlesex Community College: Average pass rate 100% over 3 years
• Endicott College: Average pass rate 97% over 3 years
• Boston College: Average pass rate 95.5% over 3 years
• Massasoit Community College: Average pass rate 95.33% over 3 years
• Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing: Average pass rate 94.33% over 3 years

#1

Emmanuel College

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Emmanuel College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program provides comprehensive clinical training across Boston's leading hospitals, including rotations in mental health, community health, and pediatrics. This campus-based program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and maintains full approval from the Massachusetts Board of Nursing. With a focus on social justice and diversity, the curriculum emphasizes ethical practice and cultural competency. The program reports a 93% employment or graduate school placement rate and a 100% NCLEX pass rate for 2024, preparing graduates for dynamic healthcare careers through hands-on clinical experiences and professional leadership development.

• Full approval from MA Board of Nursing
• Clinical experiences at Boston hospitals
• 100% career preparation rate
• Comprehensive four-year curriculum
• Social justice and diversity focus
• Capstone clinical experience
• Multiple clinical rotation areas

#2

Middlesex Community College

Bedford, MA - Public 2-Year - middlesex.mass.edu

Associate - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Middlesex Community College's campus-based Nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through rigorous coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Admission requires a 2.5 GPA, completion of specific science courses with a C or better, and passing the TEAS entrance exam. The curriculum emphasizes nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and patient care across generations, focusing on safety and evidence-based practice. Graduates are ready for entry-level nursing positions and further education. The program has demonstrated strong NCLEX performance, with 100% pass rates for its ADN program in recent years. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

• Campus-based program
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• 2.5 GPA required
• TEAS test required
• Hands-on clinical experiences
• Focus on safety
• Evidence-based practice
• Professional development
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships possible

#3

Endicott College

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Endicott College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program requires SAT or ACT scores for admission and prepares students thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN exam. Recent NCLEX pass rates show excellent performance, with 100% of students passing in 2023 and 2024, building on a strong 91% rate in 2022. This 126-credit campus-based program emphasizes early clinical experience and holistic, person-centered care while incorporating leadership development and interprofessional teamwork. Students benefit from global health opportunities and a pathway to graduate studies, with the program boasting a 99% job placement rate and accreditation by CCNE.

• 126 credits total.
• Early clinical experience.
• 99% job placement rate.
• Pathway to Master's in Nursing.
• Focus on holistic care.
• Interprofessional teamwork emphasis.
• Global health opportunities.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• NCLEX-RN exam preparation.
• Leadership and research focus.

#4

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA - Private 4-year - bc.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Boston College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program integrates Jesuit education values with a rigorous curriculum that combines liberal arts, natural sciences, and clinical training. The program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and boasts an impressive 98% NCLEX pass rate for 2024, indicating strong graduate preparedness. Students benefit from small group clinical placements at top healthcare facilities, undergraduate research fellowships, and opportunities for international study. The curriculum includes graduate-level electives and leadership development, preparing nurses for diverse healthcare roles through hands-on experience in various specialties.

• Four-year bachelor's degree
• 98% NCLEX pass rate
• Clinical rotations in top facilities
• Opportunities for international study
• Graduate-level electives available
• Combines liberal arts and sciences
• Small group clinical placements
• Faculty mentorship opportunities
• Undergraduate research fellowships
• Diverse healthcare settings experience

#5

Massasoit Community College

Brockton, MA - Public 2-Year - massasoit.edu

Associate - Associate Degree Nurse Education – Full Time

Campus Based - Visit Website

Massasoit Community College's Associate in Science Degree in Nurse Education prepares students for entry-level nursing roles through a comprehensive curriculum blending general education, sciences, and clinical experiences. This competitive program requires the TEAS V Nursing Test for admission along with health documentation and background checks. Focusing on holistic care and professional values, graduates are eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure. The program demonstrates strong NCLEX performance with recent pass rates of 99% (2023) and 93% (2024).

• Associate in Science Degree
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN licensure
• Accredited program
• Competitive admission
• TEAS V Nursing Test required
• Health forms and immunizations needed
• CORI/SORI check mandatory
• Focus on holistic care
• Professional values emphasized
• Effective communication training

Associate - Associate Degree LPN to Associate Degree Advanced Placement Nurse Education – Part Time (LPN to RN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Designed for working LPNs, Massasoit Community College's part-time LPN-to-RN program offers evening classes across three semesters with advanced placement options. This Associate of Science degree program requires a current Massachusetts LPN license and prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure. The college's NCLEX pass rates have been consistently strong, reaching 99% in 2023. Financial aid may be available for eligible students pursuing this career advancement pathway.

• Part-time evening classes
• Three semesters duration
• Eligible for NCLEX-RN
• Advanced placement for LPNs
• Current LPN license required
• Associate of Science degree
• Designed for working professionals
• Financial aid options available

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*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2024 survey.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Boston, MA

For students with no prior nursing education, or for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to become RNs, an entry-level nursing training program is the place to start. Options for these programs in the Boston area, including LPN to RN programs aimed at practical nurses interested in transitioning to RN careers, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs. Each of these programs will prepare nurses to take the NCLEX licensing exam and secure their first jobs as RNs.

LPN to RN Programs

Because RNs earn higher salaries and have more patient career responsibilities and career opportunities, many practical nurses decide to transition to a career as an RN. Some schools offer special programs aimed at these practical nurses, which provide an accelerated pathway to becoming an RN. For example, Laboure College offers an LPN to RN Advanced Placement program that helps LPNs earn their associate’s degree in less time than a traditional ADN program.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are designed for students with no prior nursing training, and allow students to graduate in around two years and take the NCLEX exam. Bunker Hill Community College, for example, offers a four-semester program that includes 39-credit hours of nursing theory and clinical practice in health care facilities. Coursework includes anatomy and physiology, fundamentals of patient-centered care, human growth and development, and microbiology.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

BSN programs are also designed for students new to the nursing field, and include additional in-depth coursework not generally included in ADN programs, such as nursing research, leadership, and community nursing. The University of Massachusetts – Boston offers a BSN program that can be completed in 2.5 to 4 years of study, and includes clinical placement in some of the Boston area’s finest healthcare institutions.

Find out more about Massachusettes Accelerated BSN Programs

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Somewhat less common than ADN or BSN programs, direct-entry MSN programs are designed for students who have earned their bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject and would like to earn a master’s degree in nursing. These accelerated, academically-rigorous programs begin in BSN-level nursing courses to prepare students for the NCLEX and then continue on with advanced nursing courses to prepare students with advanced practice nursing careers and certification. Simmons University offers a direct-entry MSN program that prepares students of all backgrounds for careers as family nurse practitioners in three years of study.

Find out more about Massachusetts Accelerated MSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Boston, MA

Because RNs with their bachelor’s or master’s degree earn higher salaries and have a higher number of job opportunities to choose from, many nurses with their associate’s degree decide to go back to school to earn a BSN or MSN. There are a number of these bridge programs to choose from in the Boston area, some of which are offered online or on a part-time basis to allow RNs to continue working while they study.

RN to BSN Programs

RN to BSN bridge programs provide a “bridge” from the associate’s degree to a BSN. Many of these programs are offered online, like the one at Emmanuel College, which allows students to take courses at their own pace. Students graduate the program in as little as 16 months of online study of accelerated seven-week courses, which is designed with working nurses in mind.

Find out more about Massachusetts RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Somewhat less common than the RN to BSN program, RN to MSN programs allow nurses with an associate’s degree a pathway to a master’s degree in nursing without first completing a BSN. The RN to MSN program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences builds on the Associate’s Degree in Nursing and allows students to become family nurse practitioners in three years of study. Aside from four on-campus meetings, coursework for this program is offered online with clinical practice hours taking place near a student’s home, allowing students to continue working while earning their degrees.

Find out more about Massachusetts RN to MSN Programs

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Boston, MA

For nurses with their bachelor’s degree in nursing who want to advance to leadership positions, become nurse practitioners or start careers as nurse educators or administrators, an advanced practice nursing degree may be the next step. In the Boston area, there are many options for advanced practice programs, including traditional MSN programs, post-master's certificate programs, and doctoral degrees in nursing.

MSN Programs

Traditional MSN programs are designed for experienced nurses with their BSN who want to begin careers as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, and administrators among many other leadership positions. Many of these programs allow students to focus their studies on a particular career track, and some are offered online. Endicott College offers MSN programs with the following career concentrations: family nurse practitioner, global health nursing, nursing educator and nursing administration. These programs offer hybrid learning, which combines online coursework with on-campus experiences.

Find out more about Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner Programs

Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs are designed for nurses with their MSN who would like to learn a new specialty line of nursing at the master’s-level. These programs prepare nurses for certification in a new discipline, such as family medicine, women’s health, psychiatric/mental health, and adult-gerontology. Regis College offers numerous post-master's certificate program pathways in a variety of in-demand nurse practitioner specialties.

Find out more about Massachusetts Post-Master's Certificate Programs

DNP & Ph.D. Programs

Doctoral programs are the highest level of education available to nurses. These programs include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs that prepare nurses for careers in advance practice as independent nurse practitioners, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs, which prepare nurses for careers in nursing research or academia. The University of Massachusetts - Boston offers a multitude of BS to DNP, MS to DNP, and Ph.D. program pathways.

Find out more about Massachusetts DNP Programs