Top Online ABSN Programs in MA: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re looking to change careers and become a nurse in Massachusetts, you may be able to build off of your previous studies through an accelerated BSN (ABSN) and earn your nursing qualifications at a faster pace. Completing at least part of your ABSN program online can be a convenient and potentially more affordable way to do so. Read on to learn more about online ABSN programs in Massachusetts, including costs, admissions requirements, durations, and more.
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Massachusetts Accelerated BSN Programs: A Comparison
Multiple colleges and universities offer online and hybrid ABSN programs in Massachusetts. However, it’s important to note that online and hybrid ABSN programs in Massachusetts all have in-person lab and/or simulation courses as well as clinical rotations that must be completed at a hospital or other healthcare facility. That said, being able to complete part of your coursework online affords added flexibility that can ease the burdens of tight schedules and multiple commitments.
So which online or hybrid program is a good fit for you?
That depends on a host of variables, such as course offerings, learning methods, tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and more. EduMed has provided three profiles of high quality Massachusetts ABSN programs to give you an idea of what you might expect and help jumpstart your research.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s Burlington location offers a full-time, hybrid ABSN Program that combines online coursework with hands-on learning, as clinical rotations are in person while coursework is online. Those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees or transfers with 62 college credits are eligible to apply. This program consists of four semesters totaling 67 credit hours. The online curriculum includes simulations and chat sessions with instructors as well as a discussion forum to interact with other students. Clinicals take place in a variety of settings both within and outside of the Boston metro area. Plus the school provides automatic scholarships to newly admitted students of up to $15,000.
Duration: 16 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $87,569
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field or 62 credits from accredited institution
- Prerequisite courses with minimum grade of C or better
- Transcripts
- Goal statement
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
Core Curriculum:
- Foundations of Professional Nursing Practice
- Nursing Health Assessment and Fundamental Nursing Skills
- Labs and Clinicals
- Integrated Pathophysiology and Pharmaceutical Interventions for Nursing Practice
- Nursing with Women & Families
- Influences on Health and Illness: A Nursing Perspective
- Nursing Care of Adults
- Nursing and the Promotion of Mental Health
- Advanced Assessment and Interventions
- Nursing Care of the Child
- Introduction to Research Methods and Applications for Healthcare
- Comprehensive Nursing Practicum
- Public Health Community Nursing
- Ethical Healthcare Integrating Genetics and Genomics
- Managing and Leading in Nursing
UMass Boston
One of the shortest and most affordable accelerated BSN programs in Massachusetts is found at UMass Boston. This hybrid Accelerated BSN program is designed for students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. The 12 courses and 52 credits can be completed with full-time study or on a part-time schedule. Incoming students must have completed a minimum of 68 credits from their previous bachelor’s degrees. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and has a 95% completion rate and 100% job placement. It also has a 95% first-time pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN).
Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $35,000
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Attend an Accelerated Nursing Information Session
- Two essays
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Prerequisite courses
Core Curriculum:
- Introduction to the Concepts of Nursing
- Principles of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Nurse
- Assessment and Health Promotion
- Applying Nursing Process
- Healthcare Participant
- Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- Concepts of Health and Illness
- Professional Nursing Concepts
- Active and Engaged Nursing Practice
- Concepts of Health and Illness
UMass Dartmouth
UMass Dartmouth offers non-nurses who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in a different field a full-time, hybrid Second Degree Accelerated BSN program that’s accredited by the CCNE. The curriculum includes courses in pathophysiology and pharmacology, community health nursing, family health, psychiatric/mental health, and more. Online coursework combined with in-person labs and clinicals provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN. The university offers additional support to students through one-on-one personal advising and a free online and in-person tutoring and writing center. Independent study in clinical community nursing is also available.
Duration: 17 Months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $46,138 (tuition and fees)
Admissions Requirements:
- Previous bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field
- Prerequisite courses
- GPA of 3.0 or better in original degree
- GPA of 3.2 in prerequisite courses
- Three letters of professional and academic references
- Resume
- TEAS test completion
- TOEFL score for those without a degree
Core Curriculum:
- Intro to Professional Nursing
- Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
- Holistic Health Assessment
- Knowledge Foundations in Nursing
- Experiential Learning Credits
- Scholarly Inquiry
- Care of Adults with Acute and Chronic Illness
- Community Nursing
- Family Health Nursing
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Transition to Professional Practice
- Nursing of Adults Experiencing Complex Health Problems
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Clarifying Your Questions About Accelerated BSN Programs in Massachusetts
Before you apply to an online ABSN program in Massachusetts, it’s natural to have a few questions. In fact, most students in your position do. That’s why we’ve provided some of the most commonly asked questions along with detailed answers for each.
How long does an online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts take to complete?
The time to complete an online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts will depend on the program, with some taking as little as a single calendar year and others requiring 17 months. This total time to completion includes not only the program courses, online and/or in person, but also any clinical rotations in your program, which means you may be managing a fairly intensive study schedule. Additionally, you may need to complete prerequisite coursework depending on your previous courses of study. That said, some schools offer an RN to BSN program with no prerequisites, and still others offer shorter-term RN to BSN or LPN to BSN programs for those who already have nursing licensure.
Can I work while I complete my online accelerated BSN in Massachusetts?
An accelerated BSN is typically a full time academic program, meaning that it would be challenging to hold down a full time job while you complete your ABSN. Part-time work during your ABSN studies can be an option, especially for students who are looking to pay for their degree through their own funds. If you are looking for student-specific work meant to fit in an academic schedule, contact your program advisor to inquire about work-study or similar opportunities.
How can I fund my Massachusetts accelerated BSN studies?
Generally speaking, an online or hybrid ABSN in Massachusetts will be a more affordable option than a traditional BSN program. But it can still pose a significant financial burden. However, there are many BSN programs with financial aid, and you may qualify for federal grants and loans. In addition to these resources, look for scholarships from private organizations or the schools themselves.
How many credits can be transferred to my Massachusetts accelerated BSN program?
The number of transferrable credits will depend both on your program and your academic background. Many online, hybrid, and in-person ABSN programs count general education credits—such as those in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and non-nursing natural sciences—from your previous studies towards your degree. Nursing-related credits are then typically offered via the ABSN program.
How can I tell if a Massachusetts accelerated BSN program is high quality?
When you’re comparing top online BSN programs, one of the most important factors in determining if your program is high quality is if it’s accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Remember, accreditation is what will give your degree legitimacy, both to future employers and to any graduate schools you may apply to. Plus, you need to attend an accredited school to be eligible to take the state licensing exam. So be certain that the program you enroll in has both institutional and programmatic accreditation. If you can’t find accreditation information on the school’s website, don’t enroll. Other marks of a high quality program include high first-time NCLEX pass rates, high post-graduation employment rates, and high graduation rates from the program itself.
The Allure of Nursing in Massachusetts
According data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for RNs is $86,070, with certain industries exceeding six-figure salaries. Beyond the material opportunities, nursing is an engaging, people-centered career, where you make an impact every day on the job. Moreover, you have the opportunity to specialize throughout your nursing career in research and teaching as well as in specialized care—making a nursing career with room to grow.
