Best 2-Year Nursing Programs in Massachusetts (ASN & ADN Online)

Massachusetts has several community colleges and universities that offer 2-year nursing programs for new nurses. These degrees are a great way to begin a career as a registered nurse (RN) and qualify for key nursing positions. We'll show you some of the best 2-year nursing programs available for students in Boston and other parts of Massachusetts.

What Is a 2-Year Nursing Program?

In almost every state, you can become a nurse within two years (sometimes less) by completing an accredited nursing program. This is normally through degree programs, such as an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS). These degrees prepare students for nursing licensure after sitting for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Associate of Science in Nursing

ASN programs take about two years to complete with full-time enrollment. The coursework helps students develop an introductory competency in nursing subjects and health sciences, such as microbiology, pharmacology, informatics, pediatric nursing care, mental health nursing, and other fundamentals. These science degrees also often include simulation lab opportunities where students can gain hands-on practice providing medical treatment.

Associate Degree in Nursing

ADN degrees are similar in structure to ASN degrees, but may include more clinical experiences in various healthcare settings. Most community colleges permit students to enroll straight out of high school, provided they have a good GPA and demonstrate strong potential for success.

Are There Online 2-Year Nursing Degrees in Massachusetts?

Yes, Massachusetts offers on-campus degrees, 100% online degrees, and hybrid options for nursing. For some of the hybrid programs, almost all the coursework is online � except in-person training in clinical settings. Accredited online programs offer the same high-quality mentorship and course offerings as face-to-face nursing programs.

Best 2-Year ASN and ADN Programs in Massachusetts

Below is a list of reputable two-year degree programs, which can satisfy all the educational requirements for nurses in your state. Each school of nursing receives accreditation from professional nursing review boards.

1. Cape Cod Community College

Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) offers an ASN degree with some online courses. CCCC aims to train dedicated nurses and nurse practitioners with its evidence-based curriculum, preparing them for immediate employment or enrollment in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at a four-year college. CCCC's website reports that 90% of graduates gain employment as RNs within 12 months of finishing the ASN program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $156 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. Laboure College of Healthcare

Laboure College of Healthcare is a Boston institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals for a variety of roles, including RNs, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and more. Its ASN program can help you achieve either of those credentials and put you in a good position to finish a BSN degree if you desire. This is a hybrid degree program, allowing you to take all general education courses online, while most nursing courses require face-to-face participation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $375 to $1,025 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN)

3. New England Institute of Technology

New England Institute of Technology trains new RNs through its ADN program with a hybrid of in-person and online coursework. This is one of the fastest associate degree options since the nursing school allows students to finish in about 18 months. It focuses on small class sizes and plenty of exposure to evidence-based patient care treatments.

• Estimated tuition cost: $500 to $725 per credit hour
• Accreditation: ACEN

4. North Shore Community College

North Shore Community College has two associate degrees: an ADN program and an RN-to-BSN bridge program. About 98% of graduates have passed the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try in recent years before beginning lucrative nursing careers. The program achieves this by providing a well-rounded education in nursing theory, clinical experiences, and other hands-on learning opportunities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $227 per credit hour
• Accreditation: ACEN

5. Quinsigamond Community College

Quinsigamond Community College's ASN degree program concentrates on nursing education for future RNs. This 71-credit program usually takes five semesters to finish, including one or two summer components to graduate within two years. The admissions requirements involve earning a high school diploma, attending the school's ''Health Information Session,'' and passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) with at least a 65% score.

• Estimated tuition cost: $227 per credit hour
• Accreditation: ACEN

6. Bay Path University

Bay Path University has a fairly new ASN program, geared toward part-time or full-time students who desire a new career or want to finish earning RN credentials. This school has no prerequisite requirements, and all of its coursework is 100% online. Bay Path also ensures that this program offers ''educational mobility,'' which means you can use it to pursue a BSN or even a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) later in your career if you desire.

• Estimated tuition cost: $560 to $700 per credit hour
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

How We Rank Schools

Learn.org ranks these colleges using three criteria: nursing accreditation, program length, and program reputation. This ensures that each school has a good standing with healthcare institutions and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

• Accreditation: Each school holds accreditation from nursing auditing firms, such as ACEN or CCNE.
• Program length: These are all programs you could complete in two years or fewer.
• Program reputation: Programs must have a strong academic and professional reputation with credentialed faculty, financial aid opportunities, and high NCLEX pass rates.

FAQs About 2-Year Nursing Programs in Massachusetts

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding nursing school in Massachusetts. This covers issues related to online ADN programs and online ASN programs.

How Can I Become a Nurse in 2 Years in Massachusetts?

You can become a nurse in two years or fewer by enrolling in an accredited nursing degree program, either online or on campus. This positions you to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pass it on your first attempt to receive a nursing practice license. If you'd like to learn more about specific institutions, you should attend one of their information sessions for prospective students.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Massachusetts?

The fastest RN programs are accelerated degree tracks, which let students finish degree requirements in about half the time of traditional programs. These fast-track degrees require a full-time schedule, taking summer-session classes, and testing out of certain courses with work experience.

What Is the Easiest Nursing School in Massachusetts?

The easiest degree programs are normally the nursing schools with the highest acceptance rates. Most community colleges have flexible admission requirements, but you still have to possess an above-average GPA to gain acceptance. Just remember that nursing school is generally more challenging than most fields in the liberal arts and social sciences.

How Much Does a 2-Year Nursing Program Cost?

These programs may cost between $5,000 and $20,000 for tuition and fees, but it varies depending on where you enroll. We always recommend taking steps to offset these expenses by attending college in your state of residence, applying for financial aid, and selecting affordable programs.

What Are the Prerequisites for a 2-Year Nursing Program?

Many nursing schools require a handful of health science and pre-nursing courses for admission into programs. Typical courses include microbiology, college algebra, composition, psychology, chemistry, and others. You can take some of these courses individually at various nursing schools online at your own pace.

Discover Nursing Programs

Learn.org has a library of information for aspiring nurses, especially if you wish to enroll in online nursing courses. We can help you identify the best ways to earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, certificate program, doctorate, and more.