Nursing in Massachusetts offers a wide range of educational paths, from undergraduate programs to advanced graduate degrees, each designed to develop both knowledge and practical skills. Knowing which schools provide strong clinical experiences, credible accreditation, and solid support can make a real difference when choosing where to study.
This article focuses on programs that deliver quality training while preparing students for licensure and real-world healthcare roles. Highlighting what each school does best, from hands-on clinical rotations to specialized graduate tracks, it helps you understand how your choice can shape your experience and career.
We look at top nursing schools across the state, covering undergraduate and graduate programs, unique features, and outcomes. The goal is to give you a clear, practical overview so you can compare programs and make informed decisions that match your priorities, whether that’s flexible learning, career advancement, or strong hospital connections.
Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
1. Worcester State University (Dr. Lillian R. Goodman Department of Nursing)
Worcester State offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing paths, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and online graduate master’s degrees: a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with options in Nurse Education or Public & Population Health.
The BSN program puts new students directly into nursing major status — no pre‑nursing wait. You learn the theory, ethics, human anatomy, and patient care, and get hands‑on practice in simulation labs and real clinical settings like hospitals or care centers. The program is accredited by the right nursing accreditation bodies, which means graduates are eligible for licensing.
For nurses who already have their BSN and want to advance, the online MSN is set up so you can finish in as little as 18 months, over 35 credits, with tuition around US $17,640. This program prepares you to become a nurse educator, clinical instructor, or take on population health roles.
Overall, Worcester State gives both beginner‑level and advanced‑level nursing options, with flexibility for working people and credibility through accreditation. If you want to start nursing or grow further, it’s a solid, practical choice.
2. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth – College of Nursing & Health Sciences
UMass Dartmouth runs a full set of nursing programs: an undergraduate BSN, an RN‑to‑BS online completion program, and advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, and graduate certificates).
Their traditional BSN gives you a strong foundation in both theory and practice. During the program, you’ll rotate through clinical placements — hospitals, clinics, and care centres — and finish with a capstone under a registered‑nurse mentor. The program uses modern labs and tools, and aims to build communication, critical thinking, and real‑world patient care skills.
If you already have an RN licence, their online RN‑to‑BS track lets you complete 31 credits focused on leadership, community health, chronic illness care, information, cs, a nd holistic assessment — a good path to upgrade your qualification without leaving work.
On the graduate side, UMass Dartmouth offers an online MSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), plus specialized certificates (e.g., Psychiatric‑Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult‑Gerontology Care). The college is accredited, and graduates are eligible for licensure under Massachusetts rules.
3. University of Massachusetts Amherst – Elaine Marieb College of Nursing
UMass Amherst’s nursing college offers a range of programs from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees, including BSN, accelerated BSN for students with a prior degree, master’s (MS / MSN), DNP, PhD, midwifery, and several online certificates.
In the undergraduate BSN, students benefit from small‑class learning with the backing of a large research university. They train in simulation labs, collaborate with peers, and get clinical placements at top health facilities — building real‑world nursing, decision-making, and patient care skills. Courses cover human anatomy, nursing theory, evidence‑basedpractices practices, and practical care, preparing you for licensing and practice after graduation.
For those who already have a bachelor’s in another field, there’s an accelerated BSN option, making a career switch possible within a shorter timeframe. On the graduate side, the college offers online MS, DNP, PhD, and certificate paths, including specialties like mental health, population health, education, and advanced practice.
4. Northeastern University — Bouvé College of Health Sciences / School of Nursing
Northeastern’s nursing school offers a full range of nursing degrees: from the regular four‑year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), to accelerated and direct‑entry programs (for those who already hold a degree), up to advanced master’s and doctoral degrees.
If you’re entering with no nursing background, the BSN program gives you all core knowledge and hands‑on training: anatomy, patient care, clinical practice, and more. The school uses simulation labs and real hospital/clinic rotations to build real-world experience.
For people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, Northeastern offers a Direct‑Entry Nursing (BSN + MS) track. That lets you finish both your undergraduate and master’s in nursing, eventually giving you stronger credentials and flexibility.
On the graduate side, there are many advanced paths: nurse practitioner specializations (adult-gerontology, family, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric‑mental health), nursing leadership, doctoral degrees (DNP, PhD), and nurse‑anesthesia tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the program properly accredited, and does that affect licence and job prospects?
Accreditation matters a lot. A nursing program should be accredited by a recognized nursing accrediting body (for example, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ACEN, or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, CCNE) to meet professional standards.
If a school lacks accreditation, you might run into problems: you could be barred from writing the licensing exam (like NCLEX‑RN), have trouble transferring credits or getting employment, or qualify for fewer financial aid/scholarship opportunities.
2. What are the pass rates for licensing exams (NCLEX‑RN) or graduation/job placement rates?
A high licensing‑exam pass rate and strong employment/placement data are good indicators of a nursing program’s quality. They show the school prepares students well for real nursing work.
When you speak to admissions or review school data, ask: What is the first‑time pass rate for NCLEX among graduates? What percentage of students complete the program and get nursing jobs shortly after finishing? These numbers reveal how effective the training and support really are.
3. What kind of clinical/practical training and exposure will I get — and where will it be held?
Classroom theory isn’t enough. Good nursing programs combine theory with practical training: simulation labs, clinical rotations at hospitals or community clinics, and real‑patient exposure.
Ask which hospitals or facilities the school partners with, how many hours of clinical work you’ll do, and whether the clinicals reflect various medical settings (emergency, maternity, community health, elderly care).
4. Is the program schedule compatible with my circumstances (work, family, finances)?
Many people who pursue nursing already have work, family, or other responsibilities. That’s why program structure matters. Some programs are full‑time, some offer part‑time or flexible pacing; some provide evening/weekend classes or hybrid/online options.
Before you commit, ask: Can I study part‑time or take breaks when needed? Are classes or clinicals scheduled in a way that suits working students? Do online or hybrid versions exist if I cannot relocate or commute? That flexibility can make or break your success.
5. What are the real costs, tuition, fees, materials, exams, and are there support options (scholarships, financial aid)?
Tuition is just part of the cost. Nursing programs often demand extra expenses: uniforms, simulation labs, exam fees, clinical‑placement costs, books, licenses, health clearances, vaccinations, and transport.
When evaluating schools, ask for a full breakdown: not just per‑term tuition but additional costs. Then check if the school offers scholarships, grants, work‑study, employer‑tuition support, or other aid. That way, you avoid unpleasant surprises and plan realistically.