Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
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
- In-State$54,360
- Out-of-state$54,360
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled22,905
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Lowell, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,078
- Out-of-state$33,004
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled18,150
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts-Boston
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,187
- Out-of-state$34,649
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled16,259
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$73,200
- Out-of-state$73,200
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,269
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Endicott College
- Beverly, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,470
- Out-of-state$34,470
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled4,287
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
MCPHS University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$33,600
- Out-of-state$33,600
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled7,501
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
American International College
- Springfield, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,220
- Out-of-state$38,220
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled2,612
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment7%
- AccreditationYes
Salem State University
- Salem, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$910
- Out-of-state$7,050
- 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.
Explore Other Nursing Resources
Nurse Practitioner Job and Salary Outlook 2025: By the Numbers
Nurse practitioner jobs are in high demand. Discover NP salary and job data, including the highest-paying specialties and locations.
The Top Nursing Schools in Massachusetts
Review some of Massachusetts’s top nursing programs and what it takes to earn a degree, become licensed to practice, and find employment in the state.
Massachusetts Nursing License Requirements
Interested in becoming an MA nurse? This guide walks you through the steps of how to become a registered nurse in Massachusetts.