How To Become a Nurse in Massachusetts 2025

The only way to know how to become a nurse is to research the education requirements, licensing requirements, and typical tasks nurses perform in various healthcare settings. One of the first credentials you should obtain is a registered nurse (RN) license, which applies to several nursing roles. This article will explain these requirements with a step-by-step guide on how to fulfill them in Massachusetts.

What Does an RN Do?

If you become a certified registered nurse, then you'll have the chance to take on numerous duties and responsibilities in many Massachusetts locations. Nurses must assist patients with medication, check vital signs, help physicians, educate patients, and other tasks. Nursing education will prepare you for all the following roles.

• emergency room nurse
• certified nursing assistant
• licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• nurse anesthetist
• long-term-care nurse
• labor and delivery nurse
• operating room nurse
• clinical nurse specialist
• nurse administrator

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in Massachusetts?

This depends on which degree program you choose. If you begin with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), then it will take roughly two years to finish, assuming no prior nursing education. The next credential is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which lasts between two to four years, depending on what prerequisite courses you've already completed.

Advanced nurses may decide to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a program that lasts about one to two years. For most degrees, you can earn them faster by exploring various fast-track degree options, including accelerated nursing programs online, which you can finish within 12 months.

3 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts

This next section covers the educational requirements for nurses in Massachusetts, along with additional licensing steps. This includes ADN degrees, BSN programs, clinical experience, and the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Step 1: Earn an Associate Degree

The ADN degree is one of several associate degree options for entry-level nursing. You can also earn an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) to gain a solid grasp of nursing fundamentals and practical experience with faculty members. Most nurses finish this step at a local community college, taking courses in topics such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, algebra, and general education requirements.

Step 2: Obtain an RN License

All RN licensure requires applicants to submit a passing score on the NCLEX-RN exam after finishing an accredited nursing program. RNs must pass a criminal background check, pay application fees, and take the national exam within a certain time frame upon graduating from their nursing program. The timetable for all of this depends on the specific nursing track, such as it is for LPNs, nurse's aids, and so forth.

Step 3: Pursue an Advanced RN License

Many nurses seek further options through continuing education. This includes completing a BSN program, MSN program, or even earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Graduate degrees are not mandatory, but many nurses pursue them to access more job opportunities as nurse practitioners and nursing administrators.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Here are some of the best options for nursing education in Massachusetts. This list includes in-person nursing schools and accredited online nursing programs.

1. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

The University of Massachusetts (UMASS) - Amherst offers a BSN, MSN, and two doctorates for nursing students. There's also an accelerated BSN option, which allows someone with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn the nursing credential in about 16 months. All of the degree options require face-to-face instruction, though.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. The University of Massachusetts - Boston

The University of Massachusetts - Boston has a solid mix of in-person, online, and hybrid options for each of its degree offerings. This includes a traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, and two doctoral programs. UMASS Boston also offers graduate certificates in nursing education and gerontology, which you can complete fully online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $661.19 per credit hour (in-state); $1,586.89 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences offers nursing degrees, such as a BSN, post-bachelor's BSN, and graduate degrees for family nurse practitioners. Its nurse practitioner program earned the #1 rank for ''Best Healthcare Jobs 2024,'' according to the U.S. News & World Report. Prospective nurses can also earn graduate certificates to become mental health nurse practitioners.

• Estimated tuition cost: $710 per credit hour (in-state); 1,510 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Worcester State University

Worcester State University offers multiple online programs for nursing, including a post-master's certificate in nursing education. The university's tuition rate is among the most competitive anywhere in Massachusetts (even for out-of-state students). It also provides three tracks for obtaining the BSN: LPN to BSN, RN to BSN, or a traditional four-year BSN.

• Estimated tuition cost: $148 per credit hour (in-state); $293.75 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Wheaton College

Wheaton College is a private college that admits incoming freshmen into its BSN program � but if you don't gain acceptance initially, you can enter the program later after completing general education requirements and improving your good grades. Wheaton's BSN curriculum is rigorous (with over 25 core courses), but the difficult training prepares nurses for roles such as emergency room nursing, surgical nursing, and healthcare administration.

• Estimated tuition cost: $40,820 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) & CCNE (pending)

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Massachusetts

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes information on the salaries and expected job growth in this field. It projects a 6% growth in jobs between 2023 and 2033. The median annual salary for nurses is about $93,000.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in Massachusetts

The following section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding accredited nursing programs and nursing licenses. This includes advice on how to get financial aid, where to take prerequisite courses, and more.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in Massachusetts?

There is a wide range of costs for nursing degrees, which depends on whether you pursue an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or other advanced credentials. Annual tuition could cost $10,000 or more, so it's important to get financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In Massachusetts, there are multiple in-person and online colleges that accept FAFSA. Once you cover tuition, don't forget to budget for the books and equipment you need. We recommend investing in the best laptop for nursing students, especially if you take your courses 100% online.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Most of the accredited nursing programs on our list require prerequisite courses, such as pharmacology, microbiology, algebra, statistics, chemistry, and psychology. The specific course requirements vary by institution.

If you would like to fulfill these requirements and enter nursing school faster, then consider enrolling in self-paced nursing prerequisites online and complete these courses any time of year.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to focus on taking nursing courses as fast as possible without compromising educational quality. There are numerous online programs (including accelerated degrees) designed to help you become an RN, bridge that credential with a BSN, and more.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

There are no ''easy'' nursing degrees, but the most basic coursework is what you would take in an associate degree program. The typical curriculum focuses on introductory-level courses in pediatric care, biology, surgical nursing, psychiatric nursing, and other core nursing areas. You can also discover the easiest nursing degrees that are available 100% online through community colleges that don't require you to log in at set times (asynchronous learning).

Find a Nursing Degree

Learn.org can help you launch your nursing career, obtain RN licensure, and explore various online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and more. Use our articles and resources to find online degree programs in any field.