Nurses who would like to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree have no shortage of options in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Bay State has numerous colleges and universities offering such programs leading to advance certifications in nursing. We hope that you find useful the list of schools below that offer nationally accredited MSN programs in Massachusetts.
American International CollegeDivision of Nursing
American International College’s Division of Nursing offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. They offer both an RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.
MSN programs are offered in two specializations:
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
Applicants to the MSN programs should either hold a Bachelor of Science degree from a nationally accredited nursing program or be a Registered Nurse (RN) who holds a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. They are preferred to have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Candidates must be licensed as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1000 State Street
Springfield, MA 01109
(413) 205-3503
Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing
The William F. Connell School of Nursing at Boston College offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing. They offer a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Master’s Direct Entry pathway is designed for those who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who would like to become a Registered Nurse. During the first 11 months of full-time study, students are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. However, they are not awarded a BSN upon completion of such work. Once licensed, students progress into the Master’s level coursework where they can pursue any of the Advanced Practice Nursing specializations offered except for the Nurse Anesthesia program which requires a BSN. The entire program can be completed in 22 months of full-time study. A part-time option is also offered for the Master’s level coursework portion of the program.
The RN to MSN pathway is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses who hold an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline. Applicants must demonstrate that they have completed 110 credits of coursework in total with approximately half in general education and the remainder in nursing. Students who already hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree will have their general education requirements waived.
MSN programs are offered in a variety of roles/specializations including the following:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Community Health Nursing Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Applicants entering via the Master’s Direct Entry pathway must hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA. They must also have completed several prerequisite courses with a grade of “B-” or higher including two Social Science courses, a Statistics course, Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, Organic Chemistry with lab or Life Science Chemistry with Lab, and a Microbiology course with lab.
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from a nationally accredited nursing program with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have a minimum of 110 credits – 55 in general education and the remaining credits in nursing. They must also have completed a course in Statistics. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a 3.0 or higher GPA. They must have completed a Statistics course. Candidates must hold current licensure as an RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Cushing Hall, Room 202
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
(617) 552-1710
Curry College Division of Nursing
Curry College’s Division of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree program leading to a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader. There are two pathways to the MSN degree: an RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN pathway referred to at Curry as their Pathway to MSN for Registered Nurses with a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree is, as the name implies, designed for RNs without a BSN who hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s. Students are admitted conditionally to the MSN program until they successfully complete a series of bridge courses. A Statistics course and the Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing course must be completed prior to beginning any Master’s level courses. The Contemporary Topics in Nursing and Community Health Nursing courses must be completed within one year of starting Master’s level coursework. All must be completed with a grade of “C+” or higher for nursing bridge courses and a grade of “C-” or higher for the Statistics course within the specified timeframe to be fully admitted to the program.
Applicants to the MSN program must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA preferred. They must have completed a college level course in Statistics. Candidates must hold an unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
1071 Blue Hill Avenue
Milton, MA 02186
(617) 333-0500
Elms College Division of Nursing
Three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered through the Division of Nursing at Elms College. The school offers an RN to MSN pathway, and RN to BSN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The RN to MSN track includes four bridge courses from the nursing Bachelor’s curriculum. Once the bridge courses are completed, students progress into the coursework for their selected MSN track. The program can be completed in approximately 28 months. No BSN is conferred.
The RN to BSN to MSN pathway is a program designed for RNs who seek to earn both their BSN and MSN degree. The plan includes two bridge courses within the BSN curriculum, and allows students to enroll in graduate courses while completing their BSN coursework. A BSN and MSN degree are both conferred in this program.
MSN specialty areas offered by Elms College include:
- Nursing and Health Services Management
- Nursing Education
The college also offers an MSN/MBA dual degree option.
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 GPA in their nursing program. They must also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing from a regionally accredited institution. They must have completed a Statistics course with a “C+” or higher grade. Candidates must be eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts within their first semester of enrollment at Elms College.
Applicants entering via the RN to BSN to MSN program are required to have graduated from an accredited diploma or Associate’s program and currently be licensed as a Registered Nurse. They must meet all requirements of the RN to BSN program including several prerequisite courses: English, Introduction to Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, and 15 credit hours of non-nursing electives. They must have successfully completed a course in Statistics with a grade of “C” or better.
Applicants to the BSN to MSN program must possess a BSN degree from a nationally accredited nursing program. They should have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or have completed 6 credit hours at the graduate level with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Candidates must be licensed as an RN in Massachusetts within the first semester.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
291 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 265-2455
Endicott CollegeSchool of Nursing
Endicott College’s School of Nursing offers two pathways to an MSN degree: a traditional BSN to MSN pathway and an RN to MSN pathway which they call their Pre-Master’s pathway.
The RN to MSN Pre-Master’s pathway is designed for those RNs with a diploma or Associate’s in nursing who also hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a non-nursing field. Students in the program are required to complete four undergraduate nursing courses: Applied Statistics, Nursing Research, Leadership and management in Nursing, and Community Health Nursing. No BSN degree will be granted.
MSN programs are offered in the following roles and areas of specialization:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Administrator
- Nurse Educator
- Global Health Nursing
Applicants to the MSN programs must hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Students must have completed a basic Statistics course. They must submit MAT or GRE scores. Candidates must hold a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
376 Hale Street
Beverly, MA 01915
(978) 232-2328
Fitchburg State University Department of Nursing
Fitchburg State University’s Department of Nursing offers an RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathways a Master of Science in Nursing in Forensic Nursing. The program requires 36 semester hours and 420 clinical hours for completion.
Applicants to the program must either hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a regionally accredited institution or present a portfolio of educational and work experience to be evaluated with the Program Chair. Students must submit official GRE or MAT test scores. Candidates should hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
160 Pearl Street
Fitchburg, MA 01420
(978) 665-3144
Framingham State University Department of Nursing
The Department of Nursing at Framingham State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree designed for BSN prepared Registered Nurses. Programs are offered in the following specializations:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership
Courses are delivered in a hybrid/blended format. Students enroll in two courses each semester, but are only required to be on campus on evening each week.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited institution or a nationally (NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE) accredited nursing program with an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale as well as a minimum 3.25 GPA in all undergraduate nursing courses. Those whose GPAs fall short of the above criteria will be required to submit MAT scores in the 50th percentile or greater. They must have completed a Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. Candidates should hold a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
100 State Street, HH220
PO Box 9101
Framingham, MA 01701
(508) 626-4715
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree for BSN prepared nurses in the following areas of specialization:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Teaching and Learning (Nursing Education)
Applicants to the program are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university, preferably with a 3.0 or higher GPA in their undergraduate nursing coursework. They must hold a current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in the state where practice experience will occur. Candidates should have one year of full-time RN employment prior to starting the program. It is preferable that for those entering the Family Nurse Practitioner track that their experience be in an acute care setting.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
179 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(508) 373-5680
MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing
There are multiple pathways offered by the School of Nursing at MGH Institute of Health Professions through which one can earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer a Direct Entry pathway as well as a Post-RN pathway encompassing both an RN to MSN pathway and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway offers individuals with non-nursing Bachelor’s and a desire to become a Registered Nurse with the opportunity to become a licensed RN and Advanced Practice Nurse. The program can be completed in six semesters as a full-time student or in eight semesters as a part-time student. Six prerequisite courses must be completed prior to admission. Graduates from the program are awarded both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
The school also offers Post-RN MSN programs. These programs vary in length depending on the degree the student holds upon enrollment. The program is open to RNs with a nursing diploma, an Associate’s degree in nursing, a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Those who do not hold a BSN or non-nursing Bachelor must complete a prerequisite course of study prior to matriculation
MSN programs are offered in the following areas of specialization:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
A dual Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program is also offered.
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. They must have completed the six prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better. They should submit acceptable GRE scores (in some situations this requirement can be waived).
Applicants entering via the Post-RN pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university or college. RNs who hold only a diploma or Associate’s in nursing and no Bachelor’s will be required to complete a set of prerequisite courses. Students must submit GRE scores (unless waived). Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
36 First Avenue
Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, MA 02129
(617) 726-2947
Northeastern University School of Nursing
Northeastern University’s School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree vial multiple pathways including a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway allows those seeking to become a nurse with a non-nursing Bachelor’s to prepare to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse in just sixteen months. A BSN is awarded and the student will then practice in the field as a full-time RN for 6-9 months before returning to complete the graduate portion of the curriculum after which the MSN degree is awarded.
The RN to MSN is referred to at Northeaster as their BSN/MS Nursing Program. It is designed for RNs with only a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing. It leads to both a BSN and MSN degree being awarded.
MSN programs are offered in a variety of roles/specializations including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Those with lower GPAs will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree from an NLNAC/ACEN accredited program with at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students must have completed a Statistics course. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts or apply for interstate endorsement.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCEN accredited program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. They must have completed a Statistics Course. Students are required to submit satisfactory GRE or MAT scores. Candidates should be licensed as a Registered Nurse in the U.S. Most are required to have at least one year of experience as an RN. Those entering the Nurse Anesthesia program are required to hold at least a year of critical care nursing experience and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
360 Huntington Avenue
102 Robinson Hall
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 373-3649
Regis CollegeSchool of Nursing, Science, and Health Professions
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree are offered by the School of Nursing, Science, and Health Professions at Regis College. They offer a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to BSN to MSN pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway is the Nurse Practitioner BS/MS in Nursing program. The program is designed to prepare students with a non-nursing Bachelor’s to sit for the NCLEX and become a Registered Nurse after 16 months of study. A set of prerequisite courses are required prior to beginning the program. Students are awarded their BSN after the second year. Upon completion of the specialization component, students are awarded their MSN.
The RN to BSN to MSN Upward Mobility pathway is designed for diploma or Associate ‘s prepared RNs who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline. They complete coursework required to first earn their BSN and then progress into graduate level coursework to earn their MSN.
The RN to MSN Bridge pathway is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared RNs who hold a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing discipline. Students in this program are only required to take four upper division bridge nursing courses before progressing to their graduate coursework: Health Assessment, Evidence for Clinical Practice, Concepts and Challenges for Professional Practice, and Community-Based Nursing.
MSN programs are offered in the following specializations:
- Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Acute Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Nursing Leadership/Health Policy
- Nursing Leadership/Health Informatics
- Nursing Leadership/Health Administration
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway are required to hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate GPA of 3.25. They must have completed several prerequisite courses: Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry I & II, Statistics, Human Development, and Ethics. Candidates must submit GRE or MAT scores (this requirement can be waived if the student already holds a Master’s degree).
Applicants who are Registered Nurses entering an MSN program via the RN to BSN to MSN Upward Mobility pathway, RN to MSN Bridge pathway, or BSN to MSN pathway must hold a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree, a nursing diploma or Associate’s degree plus a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, respectively. They must have a 3.0 GPA on all previous coursework. GRE or MAT scores are required for those students who hold a Bachelor’s degree (this requirement can be waived by those holding a BSN who attains a grade of “B” or higher in two graduate courses before matriculation). Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
235 Wellesley Street
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7000
Salem State University School of Nursing
Salem State University’s School of Nursing offers a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a BSN to MSN pathway to a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
The Direct Entry pathway at Salem State is designed for those who hold a Bachelor’s in a non-nursing field and want to pursue a nursing career. The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and certification in their chosen specialization.
The MSN program is designed for RNs who hold a Bachelor’s degree. If the student holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN pathway) then it must be from an accredited program. If the Bachelor’s degree is in a non-nursing field (RN to MSN pathway) then the student must complete the National League of Nursing Baccalaureate Achievement Exam.
MSN students can choose from the following roles/specializations:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway must hold a non-nursing Bachelor’s with a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA. Students must have completed several prerequisite courses with grades of “B” or better before being admitted: Anatomy and Physiology I & II with lab, General Chemistry with lab, Microbiology with lab, Pathophysiology, and Statistics.
Applicants to the MSN program must hold either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing plus a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. They must submit GRE or MAT scores unless they hold a Master’s degree or have a GPA of 3.3 or higher on their Associate and/or Bachelor’s coursework. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 542-7012
Simmons College School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing is offered by Simmons College’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences. They offer a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway. All programs prepare the student to sit for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
The Direct Entry pathway is designed to prepare those with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline without a nursing background to sit for the NCLEX and to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Students are awarded an MSN, but a BSN degree is not conferred as part of this program.
The RN to MSN pathway is designed for diploma and Associate’s degree prepared RNs who seek an MSN and Advanced Practice Nursing career as a Family Nurse Practitioner. The program is customized for each student depending on previous education and experience so that it can be completed in three to four years.
The BSN to MSN pathway is designed to prepare RN’s with a BSN or Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field for a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or an international post-secondary institution recognized by the country’s Ministry of Education. They must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must have completed several prerequisite courses before being admitted: Statistics, Developmental Psychology, Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
Applicants entering the MSN program via the RN to MSN pathway must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree with an overall 3.0 GPA as well as a 3.0 GPA in nursing courses. Candidates must possess a current license as an RN and have work experience in a healthcare setting.
Applicants entering via the BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree or other Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. A 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 GPA in nursing courses is required. Candidates must hold a current RN license.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
300 The Fenway
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 521-2141
University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Nursing
The School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer and RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway. The MSN program is offered with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader.
Applicants to the program must hold either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associate’s degree in nursing plus a non-nursing Bachelor’s degree. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Health Assessment. Candidates must hold professional licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
651 North Pleasant Street
234 Skinner Building
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2703
University of Massachusetts Boston College of Nursing & Health Sciences
The College of Nursing & Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston offers several Master of Science in Nursing degree programs to Bachelor’s prepared Registered Nurses. Students can choose from the following roles/specializations:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Acute/Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
Programs can be completed in two years with full-time enrollment or three-four years of part-time study.
Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree and submit GRE scores. They must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
100 Morrissey Boulevard, Science Center
2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02125
(617) 287-7544
University of Massachusetts DartmouthCollege of Nursing
The College of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree in the following specialization areas:
- Adult Health/Nurse Management
- Adult Health/Nurse Educator
- Community Health/Nurse Management
- Community Health/Nurse Educator
Applicants are required to either hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a nationally (NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE) accredited program or hold a diploma or Associate’s in nursing plus a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. Their undergraduate GPA must be 3.0 or higher. Candidates must hold a current license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts and have at least one year of clinical nursing experience.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (Formerly NLNAC)
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
(508) 999-8000
University of Massachusetts Lowell Department of Nursing
Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing are offered by the Department of Nursing at University of Massachusetts Lowell. Like practically all graduate nursing programs, they offer a BSN to MSN pathway. But they also have pathways for RNs and non-RNs who are seeking an MSN.
UMass Lowell offers a Fast Track MSN Program for Pre-licensure BSN Students. Non-RN students can enroll in the UMass Lowell pre-licensure BSN program. Then at the end of their Junior year the can apply and gain admission to this program. This will allow the undergraduate student to take several designated graduate courses (6 hours) that can then be applied toward both their BSN and MSN degrees.
They also offer a Fast Track MSN Program for Licensed RN to BSN Students. Students enrolled in UMass Lowell’s RN to BSN program can apply to this program at the end of their Junior year. Those accepted are allowed to take 6 hours of graduate courses as an undergraduate which will apply toward both their BSN and MSN degrees.
MSN programs are offered in several Advance Practice Nursing roles/specializations:
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Applicants to the Fast Track MSN Program for Pre-licensure BSN Students are required to already be enrolled in the UMass Lowell pre-licensure BSN program. They must have a 3.5 or better GPA at the end of their Junior year. They must have completed an introductory course in Statistics.
Applicants to the Fast Track MSN Program for RN to BSN Students must be enrolled in the RN to BSN program at UMass Lowell and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better at the end of their Junior year. Students are required to have completed a course in Statistics. They must also have experience working as a Registered Nurse.
Applicants entering an MSN program via the BSN to MSN pathway should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater. They must have completed an introductory course in Statistics. GRE scores are required. Candidates should hold a license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and have experience as a practicing RN.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
Three Solomont Way
Suite 2
Lowell, MA 01854
(978) 934-4525
University of Massachusetts Worcester Graduate School of Nursing
The Graduate School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Worcester offers multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree: a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
UMass Worcester’s Direct Entry MSN pathway is called the Graduate Entry Pathway or GEP program. It is designed for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline who are seeking to become a Registered Nurse. The program leads first to licensure as an RN and then to completion of a Family Nurse Practitioner program.
The RN to MSN pathway offered at UMass Worcester is known as the Pre-Master’s Pathway. It is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared RNs who hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a discipline other than nursing. Students are required to have completed a series of undergraduate bridge courses: Nursing Leadership, Health Assessment, and Concepts/Practice in Community Health. It should be mentioned that no BSN is conferred as part of this program. Once the student has been admitted into the program and has completed the prerequisite coursework, they will follow the same curriculum as the traditional BSN to MSN students.
Students can choose from the following roles/specializations in Advanced Practice Nursing:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (Concentrations available in Cancer Care, Cardiovascular Care, and Nurse Educator)
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Concentrations available in Cancer Care, Cardiovascular Care, and Nurse Educator)
- Family Nurse Practitioner (Available to GEP to MS pathway students only)
- Nurse Educator (Available to Traditional BSN to MSN pathway students only – Concentrations available in Cancer Care, Cardiovascular Care, and Critical Care)
Applicants entering the MSN program via the Direct Entry GEP program are required to hold a Bachelor’s or higher degree in a non-nursing discipline from one or more accredited institutions. Students must submit acceptable qualitative and quantitative GRE scores taken within the last five years. Candidates must have completed a series of prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better within the last five years: Anatomy and Physiology I & II with lab, Microbiology with lab, two social sciences courses one of which must be a course in Human Growth and Development across the Life Span, and Statistics.
Applicants seeking admission via the Pre-Master’s RN to MSN pathway are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a field other than nursing as well as a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing from an NLNAC/ACEN accredited program. A 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA is required. Candidates must submit acceptable GRE scores. They must hold a current, unrestricted Massachusetts license as a Registered Nurse.
Applicants entering via the Traditional Master’s (BSN to MSN) Pathway are required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an NLNAC/ACEN or CCNE accredited program with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Health Assessment with a grade of “C” or better. Candidates must hold a current unrestricted license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
55 Lake Avenue North
S1-853
Worcester, MA 01655
(508) 856-5801
Worcester State University Department of Nursing
There are three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree offered by the Department of Nursing at Worcester State University. They offer an RN to MSN Bridge pathway, an RN to MSN Fast Track pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway,
The RN to MSN Bridge pathways is designed for diploma or Associate’s prepared Registered Nurses who also hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. Through a series of bridge courses, students in the program are prepared for the Master’s level coursework by first assuring that they have mastered the outcomes of a BSN program.
The RN to MSN Fast Track pathway is designed for students already enrolled in Worcester State’s RN to BSN program. If accepted into the RN to MSN Fast Track program, students are allowed to take 6 hours of graduate courses which apply to both their BSN and MSN degrees.
MSN programs are offered in the following specializations:
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Nurse Educator
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN Bridge pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing as well as a non-nursing Bachelor’s. Students must have taken undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research. Candidates must submit GRE scores taken within the last five years. They must hold a current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
Applicants to the RN to MSN Fast Track pathway must hold a diploma or Associate’s degree in nursing and already be enrolled in the Worcester State RN to BSN program. They must hold a current unencumbered license to practice as an RN in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Applicants entering via the traditional BSN to MSN pathway must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and have taken undergraduate courses in both Statistics and Nursing Research. They must submit satisfactory scores on the GRE or MAT taken within the last five years. Candidates must hold unencumbered licensure as an RN in Massachusetts.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8680