Massachusetts is one of the best states in America with the highest percentages of nurses, RNs, nurse practitioners, midwives, and other health workers when compared to the other states. Their Schools possess adequate and well-furnished nursing schools with various nursing programs such as Bachelors’s degree programs, Master’s degree programs, Accelerated Bachelor’s degree programs, RNs, Doctorate degree programs, and more.
Which University of Massachusetts (UMass) is Best for Nursing?
There are many good schools of nursing in Massachusetts with different requirements/ processes. We are going to be looking at the top 10 nursing schools in Massachusetts that are affordable, top tiers in nursing education, their size, special features/facilities, requirements, acceptance rate, rankings, and more.
Top 10 Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Below are the 10 best nursing schools in Massachusetts. We selected these schools based on their rankings, academic reputations, graduation rates, and other relevant factors.
1. Boston College
Boston College is one of the top highly rated private Catholic colleges in the nation and the first college to be established in Boston. Although Boston College is a Jesuit philosophy reflected in the Connell School of Nursing’s dedication to social justice and compassion, it welcomes students of all religious backgrounds.
Its robust nursing school offers a Bachelor’s (BSN), Master’s (MSN), Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Ph.D.in nursing. During the junior and senior years of BSN students, they are eligible to begin work on Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) and due to the high cost of the college, the majority of students receive some form of financial aid.
- Size: Enrollment of 9,666 undergraduate student
- Acceptance rate: 27%
- Rankings: #4
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1340-1500
- ACT Range: 31-34
- Application fee: $80
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Annual tuition: $51,296
- Special Features: Financial aid
- Accelerated: No Online: No
- Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
(Apply: https://www.commonapp.org/explore/boston-college)
2. Northeastern University
The Northeastern University is a private university ranked among the top nursing schools in Massachusetts American Health Education Offerings by the U. S. News and World Report. It is part of the Bouve College of Health Sciences which is an important center for nursing research.
The University’s nursing program assembles foundational practices, clinical experiences, and hands-on simulations to prepare students for a successful patient care career with the assistant of local educators and mentors from teaching hospitals such as Tufts Medicals, Mass General, Brigham, and Women’s. Recently, Northeastern University was awarded a $15 million grant to build a new facility for nurse research scholars.
- Size: Enrollment of 14,156 undergraduate student
- Acceptance rate: 18%
- Rankings: #2
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1390-1540
- ACT Range: 32-35
- Application fee:$75
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Special Features: Financial aid
- Location: Boston, MA.
(Apply: https://www.commonapp.org/)
3. University of Massachusetts– Amherst
The University of Massachusetts or UMass Amherst is one of the top public research schools in the nation. It has three different BSN tracks and three graduate-level degrees, not including the post-Master’s Certificates.
The traditional BSN, which is the main nursing degree includes an honors program for eligible students. Also, it offers an accelerated BSN and online RN-BSN for eligible students. The University of Massachusetts is a noted center of evidence-based nursing research with its nursing clinical simulation laboratory.
- Size: Enrollment of 22,491 undergraduate students.
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Rankings: #3
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1190-1390
- ACT Range: 26-32
- Application fee:$30
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Annual tuition: $14,971
- Special Features: Financial aid
- Accelerated: Yes Online: Yes
- Location: Amherst, MA.
(Apply: https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts—lowell/)
4. Simmons University
This is one of the smaller private schools located in Boston. Students benefits from the University’s personalized learning, along with a traditional BSN, a 16 month accelerated program, RN-BSN, or five year BS, MN nursing program. Simmons University is a women’s school with a low ratio of student to faculty.
This allows their students to form collaborative relationships with their instructors. For students who are juggling work and or family obligations, they can take the school’s part-time study options.
- Size: Enrollment of 1,607 undergraduate student
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Rankings: #1
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1110-1290
- ACT Range: 23-29
- Application fee:$0
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Annual tuition: $38590
- Special Features: Financial aid
- Accelerated: Yes. Online: No
- Location: Boston, MA.
(Apply: http://www.simmons.edu/admission-and-financialaid/undergraduate-admission/how-to-apply)
5. University of Massachusetts– Boston
The University of Massachusetts- Boston, or UMass Boston is a small research public University committed to providing an affordable and exceptional educational experience. The University is recognized as one of America’s most diverse universities with opportunities in research, athletics, and more.
Primarily, UMass offers graduate-level degrees, including a Ph.D., MS, and BS-DNP. For undergraduates, they offer RN-BSN, accelerated BSN, and a traditional BSN.
- Size: Enrollment of 12000 undergraduate student
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Rankings: #9
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1040-1220
- ACT Range: 21-26
- Application fee:$60
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
- Annual tuition: $13,435
- Special Features: Financial aid
- Accelerated: Yes Online: Yes
- Location: Boston, MA.
- (Apply: http://www.umb.edu/)
6. University of Massachusetts–Lowell:
UMass Lowell is a nationally high-ranked public research university in the top tier of national Universities by U. S. News and World Report. The University includes the Solomont School of Nursing. This nursing school provides an innovative co-op model of education, a 3 phase experiential program.
The school’s laboratory provides a virtual hospital environment where nursing students practice situations they are likely to encounter in their professional careers. They offer five separate MS options including a fast track MS-DNP, a traditional BSN, online RN-BSN, Ph.D., and DNP.
Size: Enrollment of 10862 undergraduate student
Acceptance rate: 74%
Rankings: #5
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1150-1320
- ACT Range: 24-29
- Application fee:$60
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
Annual tuition: $18,183
Special Features: Financial aid
Accelerated: No Online: Yes
Location: Lowell, MA.
(Apply: https://www.niche.com/colleges/university-of-massachusetts—lowell/connect/)
7. Regis College, Weston:
Regis College is one of the top private Catholic Colleges with popular majors in Nursing, Dental Hygiene, and Radiation therapy. It provides nursing students with multiple options of study, including a traditional BSN, accelerated second degree BSN, and a unique online BSN-DNP.
Size: Enrollment of 1,124 undergraduate student
Acceptance rate: 79%
Rankings: #6
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 840-1060
- ACT Range: 19-24
- Application fee:$50
- SAT/ACT: Recommended
- High School GPA: Required
Annual tuition: $32,047
Special Features: Financial aid
Accelerated: Yes Online: Yes
Location: Weston, MA.
(Apply: http://www.regiscollege.edu/admission/ug-apply.cfm)
8. University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth, North Dartmouth:
UMass Dartmouth is a mid-size public nursing school in Massachusetts with popular majors in Nursing, psychology, and business. Its headquarters is at the Dion Building, where Elizabeth Pennington Simulation Center is located. The University has a large online catalog of courses and degrees. It offers programs in BSN, second degree accelerated BSN, Ph.D., and DNP.
If you’re interested in personalized learning options that help build your relationship with your mentor, then this is the right nursing school in Massachusetts for you. This Nursing School engaged in groundbreaking research and enables students to pursue international learning experiences in Portugal and Haiti.
Size: Enrollment of 5,465 undergraduate student
Acceptance rate: 75%
Rankings: #10
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 990-1190
- ACT Range: 18-25
- Application fee:$60
- SAT/ACT: Recommended
- High School GPA: Required
Annual tuition: $18,662
Special Features: Financial aid
Accelerated: Yes Online: Yes
Location: Dartmouth, MA.
(Apply: http://www.umassd.edu/apply/)
9. College of Our Lady of the Elms:
College of Our Lady of the Elms also called Elms College, is a private Catholic college located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, founded by the sisters of St. Joseph I’m 1928. It was established with the aim of providing residents of Chicopee with a Catholic liberal arts education. If you are aiming at performing a high range of nursing programs, then this school is for you.
The Elms nursing school has three undergraduate programs, four Master’s programs, and three doctoral programs, helping students achieve any level of nursing education they want.
Size: Enrollment of 997 undergraduate student
Acceptance rate: 75%
Rankings: #8
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 970-1130
- ACT Range: 18-24
- Application fee:$0
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
Annual tuition: $23,871
Special Features: Financial aid
Accelerated: Yes Online: Yes
Location: Chicopee, MA
(Apply: https://www.elms.edu/undergraduate-admission/how-to-apply/)
10. Salem State University, Salem:
This University is a public University with popular majors in psychology, Nursing and accounting. It was ranked as one of the top nursing schools in Massachusetts with the best college location in America. When you need a university close to Boston, then this is your go-to university. Salem State University is a fun place to live and it’s half an hour away from Boston.
For Massachusetts residents, it’s an affordable option and an excellent place to earn a nursing degree. The University offers nursing school programs such as BSN, accelerated second degree BSN, LPN-BSN, and RN-BSN.
Size: Enrollment of 4,997 undergraduate student
Acceptance rate: 86%
Rankings: #7
Requirements:
- SAT Range: 1010-1160
- ACT Range: 19-23
- Application fee:$50
- SAT/ACT: Considered but not required
- High School GPA: Required
Annual tuition: $17,720
Special Features: Financial aid
Accelerated: Yes Online: Yes
Location: Salem, MA.
(Apply: https://www.salemstate.edu/apply-now)
How much do Nurses make in Massachusetts?
Healthcare workers in Massachusetts enjoy benefits and good wages. It’s estimated that an RN in Massachusetts can earn an annual mean wage of $96,250 compared to $80,010 of the national figure. According to BLS data, Massachusetts is one of the United States’ top-paying states, enabling health workers to earn maximum wages. Below are some of the estimated salaries of health workers:
Nursing Level/Salary:
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)- $37,160
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)- $60,400
- Registered Nurse (RN)- $96,250
- Nurse Practitioner (APRN)- $126,050
How to become a Registered Nurse (RN) in Massachusetts
Registered Nurses (RNs) work in many different healthcare sectors including the emergency room, nursing facilities, and hospitals. They are therefore found throughout the healthcare system showing the need for RNs. Generally, RNs have more experience and education than CNAs and LPNs.
To become a legal RN, the following requirements for RN program should be met:
- Application requirements: Undergraduate degree (preferably a BSN)
- How long to complete: 2-4 years
- Accreditation commission for education in Nursing .
Massachusetts Licensure Requirements:
- Education: ADN or BSN from an accredited nursing program
- 2 years renewal frequency
- RNs can/may pursue a graduate or doctorate degree
- Exams: NCLEX-RN.
Conclusion
Massachusetts is one of the best states in the nation to deliver great services and programs for you when it comes to nursing programs and education. Not only does it deliver great nursing programs, but it also provides job opportunities and excellent salary/wages for nurses due to its shortage and need of healthcare workers. Its outstanding mean wage and salary accompanied with its good environmental factors make it a comfortable and great place to be a Nurse.
References
- https://nurse.org/articles/top-10-best-nursing-schools-massachusetts/
- https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-nursing/s/massachusetts/
- https://www.nursingschool411.com/massachusetts/
- https://www.nursingprocess.org/nursing-schools/massachusetts/