Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

Best RN to BSN Online Programs in Massachusetts

1. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

• Program: Online RN to BS
• RN to BSN Credits: 30
• Length: 4 Semesters/1 Year (Full-Time); 7 Semesters/2 Years (Part-Time)
• Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
• NCLEX Pass Rates: 90%

It was a close race, but UMass Amherst just beat out other UMass schools to take the #1 spot in our Best rankings! The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing is well-known in the area and receives positive reviews. Students often praise the helpfulness & experience of professors, the rigorous coursework, and opportunities for interaction. The Online RN to BS is 100% online, with flexible start dates in spring or summer and clinical practicum work in Vulnerable/Underserved Populations. After graduation, you have the option to pursue the highly ranked Online MSN or Online BSN to DNP.

2. University of Massachusetts-Boston

• Program: Online RN-BS
• RN to BSN Credits: 30
• Length: 3 Semesters (Full-Time); 4-5 Semesters (Part-Time)
• Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
• NCLEX Pass Rates: 90%

Put UMass Boston on your Massachusetts shortlist! The Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences is known for its strong partnerships with local healthcare systems (e.g. MGH), solid NCLEX pass rates, and well-reviewed programs. It even offers a variety of nursing scholarships. The Online RN-BS is 100% online, with the option of synchronized classes or face-to-face courses at Cape Cod Community College (CCCC). It also includes a service learning project in a community of your choice. Tuition prices are similar to UMass Dartmouth and graduate pathways are available for further study.

3. Endicott College

• Program: Online RN to BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 41
• Length: 15-16 Months
• Accepts Out-of-State RNs: Yes
• NCLEX Pass Rates: 95%

Searching for a program with a personal feel? Have a look at Endicott’s cohort-based and 100% Online RN to BSN. You’ll study alongside the same peers for 15-16 months. You can talk to an advisor at any time. And you’ll receive a thorough grounding in advanced concepts. The program even includes a Nursing Internship. Be sure to ask the program coordinator about alumni job placements. Clinical partners of the Cummings School of Nursing and Health Sciences include 70+ Boston and local tertiary hospitals, community hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, community-based care settings, and more.

Cheapest RN to BSN Online Programs in Massachusetts

As you might expect, Massachusetts is an expensive state for Online RN to BSN students. Average tuition costs at UMass schools and state universities usually range from $12,000-$18,000. We’ve featured schools that are under $10,000 below. However, if money is a key issue, explore our rankings of the Most Affordable Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

1. Anna Maria College

• Program: Online RN to BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 30
• Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes—Check Accepted States
• Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
• NCLEX Pass Rates: 97%

This ACEN-accredited Online RN to BSN has one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state. AMC is a private Catholic college, so tuition is the same for all RNs, regardless of their location. All program fees are included in this rate. Additional fees may apply pending clinical placement requirements (e.g. CPR Certification).

2. Fitchburg State University

• Program: Online RN to BSN
• RN to BSN Credits: 32
• Affordable Pick for Out-of-State: Yes
• Cost Info: Tuition & Fees
• NCLEX Pass Rates: 88%

FSU’s 100% Online RN to BSN just squeaked in under the $10,000 threshold. Tuition rates are pretty straightforward; additional costs may apply for students who need to complete General Education (GE) coursework. If you commit to 2 courses per 7-week session, you can finish in 12 months; part-time study will take longer. There are multiple start dates.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in Massachusetts

To appear in our Fastest rankings, Online RN to BSN programs had to be less than 3 semesters/1 year in length. We didn’t find any accredited offerings that fit that criteria—the quickest, full-time options were usually 12 months. If you need a degree quickly, check out our list of the Fastest Online RN to BSN Programs in the country.

RN to BSN Scholarships in Massachusetts

RN to BSN Requirements in Massachusetts

RN Licensure: Online RN to BSN degrees are classified as “post-licensure” programs. Massachusetts colleges & universities will expect you to hold—or be in the process of earning—an RN license. If you’re a new graduate, you’ll have a little bit of wiggle room. For instance:

• Labouré associate degree students and Labouré alumni who have not yet obtained their RN license may be eligible to begin the Online RN to BSN with permission from the program chair.
• Elms wants to see proof of RN licensure by the end of the first eight week session of the Online RN-BSN.

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing can answer any questions you may have. The Board also posts recent NCLEX pass rates for pre-licensure programs. These stats don’t apply to RN to BSN degrees, but we like to use them as a quality benchmark.

State Authorization: Live outside of Massachusetts? Before you apply to an Online RN to BSN program in the Bay State, check the fine print on state authorization. Some schools are happy to accept out-of-state RNs (e.g. UMass options); some schools will only consider applicants with a current, unrestricted Massachusetts RN license.

Massachusetts Online RN to BSN Programs: FAQs

Are 100% Online RN to BSN Programs Available in Massachusetts

Yes. A sizeable number of Massachusetts Online RN to BSN programs in our listings are completely online, with no campus visits required (e.g. UMass schools, Bay Path, Labouré, etc.). A number of MA schools will provide you with a choice. For instance, Elms College’s RN-BSN program is delivered face-to-face OR online in a cohort model. And Curry’s Online RN to BS in Nursing can be fully online OR hybrid with weekly classroom meetings.

Can I Choose a “No Clinicals” Online RN to BSN in Massachusetts?

ACEN- and CCNE-accredited Online RN to BSN programs always contain in-person practicums. However, they won’t be like clinicals in your associate or diploma program. Instead, they’re often focused on giving you experience in leadership & community health. For example:

• Emmanuel’s Online RN to BSN requires 30 hours of community service, as well as a community or teaching/learning project.
• Fisher’s Online RN to BSN includes faculty-directed practice experiences in Leadership, Population Health and Capstone courses.
• Labouré’s Online RN to BSN contains a mentor experience in the final semester. This will allow you to work with an experienced nurse mentor based on your area of interest.

Clinical practicums in Online RN to BSN programs can—almost always—be completed in your home community or place of work. Ask the RN to BSN program coordinator how the process works.

Do I Need to Have Statistics to Apply to Massachusetts Online RN to BSN Programs?

Maybe—check the curriculum and admissions sections to see what’s listed under prerequisites. Many schools in Massachusetts are looking for statistics (e.g. Curry, Emmanuel, UMass Amherst, UMass Boston, etc.), but it’s not a hard-and-fast rule. Keep in mind, too, that religious schools like Emmanuel may also have theology prerequisites.

Are There Any Online RN to BSN to MSN Programs in Massachusetts?

Yes. If you’d like to earn an MSN, but you still need a BSN on your résumé for employment purposes, you should definitely check them out. These accelerated programs will allow you to earn both degrees in a shortened time-frame.

Elms’s Online RN-BSN-MSN is one example. But you could also consider AIC’s Online RN to BSN. Although it’s not an official RN to BSN to MSN program, 6 credits earned in the RN to BSN are co-listed as graduate-level courses and accepted as credits for MSN completion.

Do Massachusetts Universities Have Agreements with Local Community Colleges?

You bet. Public & state universities in Massachusetts try to make it as easy as possible for you to transfer credits from your associate degree to a bachelor’s degree program. For example, students in the Quinsigamond Community College-Worcester State University 3+1 Program complete the first six semesters at QCC prior to admission into the Hybrid RN to BS Track II program.

Even private schools will have relationships with local community colleges. For example, the MassTransfer partnership applies to schools like Labouré. And Emmanuel has joint admissions agreements with Bunker Hill Community College, Mass Bay Community College, Bristol Community College, and Roxbury Community College. If you’re currently in an MA community college program, talk to the school about RN to BSN options.