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Are you considering launching your nursing career in Boston? If yes, there are a number of quality accelerated nursing programs in Boston to choose from.
We’ve gone ahead to carefully curate and list them for you.
Out of the 8 best accelerated nursing programs in Boston, 5 are Accelerated BSNs and 3 are Direct-Entry/Entry-Level MSNs. All these programs are CCNE-accredited and approved by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing.
But first, here is a visual graphic for:
Best 5 Accelerated BSN Programs in Boston, Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Best 3 Direct Entry MSNs in Boston, Ranked by NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
5 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Boston
1. University of Massachusetts Boston- Accelerated BSN
The UMass Boston Accelerated BSN transitions you to a BSN RN in just 12 months, making it one of Boston’s shortest accelerated nursing programs. It consists of 52 credits and has three admission periods – Summer, Fall, and Spring.
Duration: 12 months
Format: Online (primarily via the Blackboard platform)
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
Each cohort of the UMass Boston Accelerated BSN program has approximately 42 seats available.
Key Program Outcomes
This program teaches you how to use proven nursing methods to help people with long-term and short-term illnesses. You’ll learn how to handle complicated health problems for individuals and families of all ages.
About UMass Boston
The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a public research university in Boston and part of the University of Massachusetts system. Known for its diversity, UMass Boston prepares its nursing graduates to care for individuals, families, and groups in a range of settings, promoting and restoring health.
Over the past two years, the UMass Boston Accelerated BSN program has achieved an 86.5% average first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
2. MCPHS University- Accelerated BSN
The MCPHS Accelerated BSN is a 64-credit hours program that will transform you into a professional nurse in 16 months- running over 4 semesters. You can begin the program in either the Fall or Spring semester.
Duration: 16 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
Hands-on Clinical Experience
As part of the MCPHS Accelerated BSN program, you’ll gain direct clinical experience working alongside seasoned experts during rotations. These rotations take place at top-notch facilities in Boston.
About MCPHS University
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) is a private university specializing in health and life sciences education. Established in 1823, it’s the oldest educational institution in Boston. Nursing students benefit from access to world-class medical facilities in The Longwood Medical and Academic Area for their clinical experience.
Over the last four years, the MCPHS Accelerated BSN program has achieved an 80% average first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. MGH Institute Of Health Professions- Accelerated BSN
The MGH Institute of Health Professions offers an intensive, 12-month Accelerated BSN program designed to transform you into a professional RN.
Duration: 12 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
Clinical Placements
You’ll start clinical placements in your first semester. Placements are at Boston-area healthcare facilities, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and other sites throughout the state.
As a graduate, you’ll be ready to offer direct care to diverse populations across various healthcare settings, including acute, long-term, and community environments.
About MGH Institute Of Health Professions
MGH Institute of Health Professions is an independent, not-for-profit school founded in 1977 by Massachusetts General Hospital. It’s the only institution affiliated with Mass General Brigham, a major New England healthcare provider, that grants degrees. Since its inception, it has graduated over 9,000 students. The school of nursing aims to train outstanding nurses who can lead in a diverse society.
Over the past four years, its BSN program has had a first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 90.5%.
4. Northeastern University- Accelerated BSN
The Northeastern ABSN Boston program can be completed in 16 months. It’s a full-time program comprising 67 credits, spread across 4 semesters. The program begins three times a year, in January, May, and September.
Duration: 16 months
Format: Online
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
The Northeastern ABSN is one of two online accelerated nursing programs in Boston- together with UMass Boston.
Clinical Experience
Northeastern ABSN Boston has an extensive network of clinical affiliations with diverse nursing specialties, including, adult health, obstetrics and women’s health, pediatrics, etc.
These partnerships are with health centers, major teaching hospitals, community hospitals, and clinics- giving you a breadth of opportunities to explore different areas of nursing and identify your areas of interest.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private, nonprofit university that was established in 1898. It has a global network of over 240,000 alumni. Its Accelerated BSN program has maintained an average first-time pass rate of 85.5% on the NCLEX-RN exam in the last four years.
5. Simmons University- Accelerated BSN
To qualify for the Simmons 16-month Accelerated BSN program, you need to be a Dix Scholar with a previous Bachelor’s degree in another field or be at least 24 years old at the time of enrollment at Simmons.
Duration: 16 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
One of the perks of being a Dix Scholar is the Dix scholarship worth up to $5,000 that you get. It gets split between the first two consecutive semesters you attend.
About Simmons University
Simmons University, previously known as Simmons College, is a private university established in 1899. In 2018, it evolved into a university. Simmons maintains a women-focused undergraduate program. Its nursing students gain practical experience in leading healthcare facilities, including Harvard Medical School’s teaching and research hospitals.
Over the last four years, their BSN program has achieved a 93.3% average first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
Read: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
3 Best Direct Entry/Entry Level MSN Programs in Massachusetts
1. MGH Institute of Health Professionals- Direct Entry MS in Nursing
The MGH Institute’s Direct-Entry MSN program takes 3 years. In your initial 3 semesters, you’ll focus on pre-licensure nursing courses. This foundation will set you up to do the NCLEX-RN.
Once you’ve obtained your license, you’ll work part-time as an RN while you complete the rest of the master’s program.
Duration: 3 years
Format: On-campus
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
Specialization Options
There are 7 advanced specialty nursing tracks to choose from:
- Family Nurse Practitioner (93 credits)
- Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner (91 credits)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan Nurse Practitioner (91 credits)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (90 credits)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (91 credits)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (94 credits)
- Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health (104 credits)
Clinical Experiences
You’ll complete clinical experiences at top Boston-area healthcare facilities like Massachusetts General, Brigham & Women’s, and Boston Children’s Hospital.
Also, you’ll gain direct clinical experience at community hospitals, health centers, skilled nursing facilities, and community health sites throughout the state.
About MGH Institute Of Health Professions
MGH Institute of Health Professions is an independent, not-for-profit school founded in 1977 by Massachusetts General Hospital. It’s the only institution affiliated with Mass General Brigham, a major New England healthcare provider, that grants degrees. Since its inception, it has graduated over 9,000 students. The school of nursing aims to train outstanding nurses who can lead in a diverse society.
Over the past four years, its MSN program has had a first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate of 89.8%.
2. Simmons University- Direct Entry MSN
Simmons University Direct Entry MSN is the best if you’re thinking of transitioning into nursing with a focus on family care to become an Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioner.
Duration: 3 years
Format: On-campus
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
The Simmons University Direct Entry MSN program consists of 96 credits. Your learning journey is divided into two distinct phases: pre-licensure and post-licensure.
For the initial 4 semesters, you’ll get into a full-time pre-licensure nursing curriculum to prepare you for the NCLEX-RN exam. Once you pass, you’ll continue to the post-licensure phase of the program, which focuses on foundational courses, primary care, and research.
Clinical Experience
You’ll gain hands-on experience by completing clinical practicums, attending enlightening lectures, and making the most of research opportunities at globally renowned teaching hospitals and research facilities.
The facilities include Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
About Simmons University
Simmons University, previously known as Simmons College, is a private university established in 1899. In 2018, it evolved into a university. Simmons maintains a women-focused undergraduate program. Its nursing students gain practical experience in leading healthcare facilities, including Harvard Medical School’s teaching and research hospitals.
Over the last four years, the Simmons Direct Entry MSN program has achieved a 97.8% average first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Northeastern University- Direct Entry MSN
The Northeastern Direct Entry MSN is designed to take you from the basics of nursing, through RN practice, to advanced specialization – all within one program.
Duration: 16 months BSN part, 1-2 years RN experience part, 16-20 months MSN part
Format: On-campus
Location: Boston, Massachusettes
Unlike most accelerated nursing programs, this program has 3 parts:
Stage 1: Becoming an RN
Your journey begins with the completion of a BSN degree. The first 16 months or four semesters of the program, covering 64 program credits, prepare you to become a licensed RN.
Stage 2: Gaining Experience as an RN
Once you’re a licensed RN, the next phase is about gaining valuable experience in the field. For 1-2 years, you’ll practice as an RN, developing your patient-care skills, refining your nursing judgment, and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare system.
Stage 3: Advancing to Specialized Practice
Finally, you’ll transition into the final phase of the program: becoming a Master’s-prepared Advanced Practice Nurse. The duration here ranges from 4 to 6 semesters, depending on your pace and specialty track.
At the end of this stage, you’ll receive an MSN degree. Plus, you’ll be eligible to take the National Certification Exam in your advanced specialty nursing practice area.
About Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a private, nonprofit university that was established in 1898. It has a global network of over 240,000 alumni. The Northeastern MSN program has maintained an average first-time pass rate of 94.3% on the NCLEX-RN exam in the last four years.
Why Consider Accelerated Nursing Programs in Boston?
According to the Massachusetts Nurse Association, there aren’t enough nurses to replace those that are nearing retirement, and this situation will exacerbate the statewide biting nurse shortage.
But with accelerated nursing programs across the state, including Boston, anyone with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can quickly transition to nursing to help meet Boston’s, and the statewide nurse demand.
Besides, RNs in the Boston Metro earn about $106,980 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics– which is a tidy sum! RNs with BSN degrees tend to earn even higher than the average.
So, if you want to be based in the Boston area, consider any of the listed accelerated nursing programs in Boston.
Good luck!
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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