Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
Credit: Thomas H. Mitchell / 500px / Getty ImagesBecoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in Massachusetts can launch you into a high-earning career with many job opportunities. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports Massachusetts is among the top third of all states for NP employment and ranks fourth for the highest-earning NPs as of May 2024.
Explore this guide on the top nursing programs in Massachusetts for NPs, admission requirements, and what to look for in a program.
The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
Northeastern University
Boston, MA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern University offers high-quality accredited graduate nursing education in a variety of specialty concentrations. Several programs are available online, as well as a certificate of advanced graduate study.
Students explore leadership in nursing and graduate equipped to provide care to populations of all ages.
- Program(s): Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; neonatal nurse practitioner; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner; pediatric nurse practitioner; online nurse practitioner master of science
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation; New England Commission on Higher Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $1,752 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: Varies by clinical concentration. All require successful completion of a course in applied statistics within the previous five years; acute care nursing experience; minimum 3.5 GPA; resume; personal statement; letters of recommendation; current U.S. RN licensure; interview; official transcripts
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16-48 months
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 88%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $110,878 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$54,360
- Out-of-state$54,360
- In-State$25,264
- Out-of-state$25,264
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled22,905
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Lowell, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Massachusetts - Lowell offers a family health nurse practitioner program and an adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioner program.
The programs provide objective structured clinical examination sessions. Trained actors assume the role of standardized patients, assigned profiles of all ages, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities with a variety of medical histories and conditions.
Part-time and full-time study options available.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Lowell, Massachusetts
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Admission Requirements: A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from an accredited program; GPA of 3.0 or better; introductory course in statistics; unencumbered, current Massachusetts RN license; resume; two letters of recommendation; a goal statement; computer literacy; official transcripts; completed application and fees
- Minimum Time Commitment: 42 credit hours
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 97%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $84,653 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$15,078
- Out-of-state$33,004
- In-State$14,590
- Out-of-state$26,370
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled18,150
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts-Boston
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Massachusetts - Boston Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers several master's-level educational tracks for students seeking a career as a nurse practitioner. Both clinical concentrations require students to work with preceptors for a minimum of 500 hours of clinical time.
Part- and full-time options are available for both concentrations. The curriculum meets the needs of working nurses, with courses offered in the classroom and online.
An entirely online post-master's nurse practitioner certificate program is available for master's-prepared nurses seeking to become nurse practitioners, or current nurse practitioners seeking an additional family primary care certification.
Since both concentrations are in primary care, clinical placements in primary care are highly recommended.
- Program(s): Adult-gerontological primary care nurse practitioner; family nurse practitioner primary care
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $7,271 per semester for in-state residents; $17,758 per semester for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Completed application form; personal statement; official transcripts from all schools attended; two professional references; a resume; a copy of RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: 3-4 years
- On-campus requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 93%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $99,439 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$14,187
- Out-of-state$34,649
- In-State$18,433
- Out-of-state$35,980
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled16,259
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions is a not-for-profit, graduate-level educational institution with state-of-the-art interactive classrooms and labs. The school offers more than 450 clinical affiliations at Mass General Brigham sites, as well as other partner organizations.
Of the current faculty members, 70% hold a doctoral or terminal degree. The school boasts a 95% graduation rate.
Certificate of advanced study programs are available for RNs with a master of science in nursing, as well as RNs with a master of science in nursing who are also certified as nurse practitioners and wish to add an additional specialty to their career.
- Program(s): Family nurse practitioner; pediatric nurse practitioner; psychiatric mental health lifespan nurse practitioner; women's health nurse practitioner; adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner; adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner; dual adult-gerontology/women's health
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Not-for-profit
- Accreditations: New England Commission of Higher Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $1,397 per credit
- Admission Requirements: BSN degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university; successful completion of course in statistics; official transcripts: statement of intent; personal statement; diversity statement; a resume or CV; letters of recommendation.
- On-campus requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 94%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $97,786 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$73,200
- Out-of-state$73,200
- In-State$65,070
- Out-of-state$65,070
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled1,269
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Endicott College
- Beverly, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Endicott College is a seaside, private college offering a family nurse practitioner (FNP) program for those seeking advanced practice nursing education. The FNP track comprises a 45-credit-hour hybrid program that mixes online and evening courses to suit the lifestyle of the working student.
With a focus on evidence-based practice, students receive practical experience from highly skilled faculty for a minimum of 600 clinical hours.
- Program: Family nurse practitioner
- Campus: Beverly, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $18,463 per semester
- Admission Requirements: Completed application; a letter of recommendation; official transcripts; a personal statement; a resume or CV; verification of unrestricted RN license
- Minimum Time Commitment: Two years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 96%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $69,079 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$34,470
- Out-of-state$34,470
- In-State$12,666
- Out-of-state$12,666
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled4,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
MCPHS University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers fully online nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts. The certificate of advanced graduate studies is available for both the family nurse practitioner and the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks for RNs with an MSN who are not yet certified as nurse practitioners. It also benefits nurse practitioners who wish to add a new specialty certification to their resume.
Traditional master of science in nursing programs are available for the family nurse practitioner and the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner tracks. An RN-to-MSN track is offered for the family nurse practitioner concentration.
- Program: Master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner; RN-to-MSN – family nurse practitioner; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner – certificate of advanced graduate studies; psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner – bachelor of science in nursing
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts; Worcester, Massachusetts
- Type: Private, not-for-profit
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $1,325 per credit hour
- Admission Requirements: BSN from an accredited university; official transcripts; letter of recommendation; completed application; official AP or CLEP scores; GPA of 3.0 or higher in nursing course work; unencumbered RN license; a resume
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months, part-time
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 85%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $103,449 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$33,600
- Out-of-state$33,600
- In-State$22,230
- Out-of-state$22,230
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled7,501
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
American International College
- Springfield, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
American International College offers an array of educational programs related to healthcare professions, including undergraduate and graduate nursing, physical and occupational therapy, speech language pathology, exercise science, and public health.
AIC's online family nurse practitioner program in Massachusetts comprises 46 credits across three years. Students receive training in primary care clinical management, pharmacology, and advanced health assessment and diagnosis. The program culminates with a capstone experience.
- Program: Master of science in nursing – family nurse practitioner; post-master's certificate family nurse practitioner concentration
- Campus: Springfield, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $800 per credit (year 1); $980 per credit (year 2+)
- Admission Requirements: Baccalaureate GPA of 3.0 or better, and baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; active RN license; official transcripts; current unencumbered RN license; two letters of recommendation; personal statement
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 77%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $67,602 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$38,220
- Out-of-state$38,220
- In-State$12,657
- Out-of-state$12,657
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled2,612
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
Salem State University
- Salem, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Salem State University, located in historic Salem, Massachusetts, offers one clinical track for nurses interested in a career as a nurse practitioner: adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner.
An MSN is also offered for those who seek to advance their practice without specializing. Learners can pursue a post-master's certificate at another institution of higher learning in the future if they later choose to specialize their education.
- Program: Adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- Campus: Salem, Massachusetts
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Tuition: $8,986 for in-state residents; $10,649 for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: BSN from accredited school; official transcripts; GPA of 3.0 or higher; GRE scores if GPA lower than 3.0; resume; completion of course in statistics; personal/goal statement; three letters of recommendation; active Massachusetts RN license; one year of relevant clinical professional experience; interview with program faculty
- Minimum Time Commitment: 30 total credits
- On-Campus Requirements: No
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2020): 89%
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $71,854 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$910
- Out-of-state$7,050
- In-State$2,520
- Out-of-state$4,140
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled7,242
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best NP programs in Massachusetts, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2023.
How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?
Nurse practitioners serve as primary care providers alongside physicians and other medical specialists. For this reason, they must complete advanced coursework and undergo specialized clinical training. NP specialties include family practice, pediatric care, women’s health, mental health, acute care, and geriatric health.
A master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is required to become an NP in Massachusetts. Schooling takes about 2-4 years, but can be longer depending on the degree held when applying. For example, applicants with a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) can complete traditional NP programs in about 2-3 years, while those with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) often require 4-6 years of additional training.
Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Massachusetts
Because Massachusetts NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), applicants must already hold an RN license and undergraduate nursing degree. Submission of paperwork that proves academic and personal readiness for graduate school, such as transcripts and recommendation letters, is also required.
- Admission Materials: Copy of RN license (some schools require an RN license issued by the Massachusetts nursing board), proof of ADN or BSN from an accredited school, and official transcripts showing completion of a statistics course; some schools may require standardized entry exam scores
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 or higher
- Other Requirements: Resume/CV showing clinical experience, essay or personal statement, and recommendation letters; some schools require candidates to interview with nursing faculty
Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?
When prospective NPs enroll in accredited nursing programs in Massachusetts, they increase the likelihood they are adequately prepared for an advanced clinical role. Nursing school accreditation proves a nursing program meets specific educational standards established by accrediting bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Accredited NP schools in Massachusetts undergo rigorous evaluations to ensure graduates have a high chance of meeting specialty role competencies and passing the NP state board exam. Accreditation also makes students eligible for financial aid and gives them the ability to transfer course credits to other accredited schools.
All of our ranked nursing programs in Massachusetts are accredited.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
Becoming an NP in Massachusetts can take 6-8 years. Nurses with a BSN can finish in 2-3 years and those with an ADN in 4-6 years. The degree program (MSN or DNP) and whether you attend school full- or part-time can also determine how long it will take.
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