[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts is home to some of the most nurse-friendly healthcare centers in the country, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Winchester Hospital, and Lowell General Hospital. As one of the top five states for the highest average annual salary, Massachusetts is an ideal location for nurses to both begin and advance their careers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide explores how to become a nurse in Massachusetts, the salary and job outlook, and the best nursing programs in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the top nursing schools in Massachusetts and which programs make the best options for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/applying-to-nursing-school/”]choosing a nursing program[/hen-ui-link], applicants should consider factors based on their academic and professional goals. To simplify the process, prospective students should research an institution’s tuition, program length, and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//financial-aid/nursing-scholarship-grants/”]financial aid options for nurses[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Verify that the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing institution is accredited[/hen-ui-link] and review their National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) scores and graduation rates. These numbers can indicate program quality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses in Massachusetts enjoy one of the highest average salaries in the U.S., with licensed practical nurses, registered nurses (RNs), and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) collectively earning higher salaries than 90% of the country.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts also has pending legislation to become a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. As an NLC state, Massachusetts nurses can qualify for a license in another NLC state with minimal paperwork.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As part of the NLC, Massachusetts would agree to a set of rules and procedures that all licensed RNs must follow, joining 37 states already part of the compact.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At $96,250, RNs in Massachusetts earn one of the highest average salaries in the country, third only to Hawaii ($104,830) and California ($120,560). Similarly, nurse practitioners in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $126,050, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While nurses in the state benefit from higher salaries, the cost of living in Massachusetts is one of the highest in the country, ranking 5th as the most expensive place to live. Therefore, the higher salary partially offsets the high cost of living in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like most other states, Massachusetts also expects an increase in the demand for nurses. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://projectionscentral.org/” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Labor[/hen-ui-link], Massachusetts ranks 23rd in anticipated demand, with a projected 8.2% employment growth from 2018-2028.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Projections may change due to COVID-19.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest-paying cities in Massachusetts are located in the more densely populated areas of the state. These areas are close to the Massachusetts Bay and Atlantic Ocean.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With the western part of the state less populated, cities from the central part of Massachusetts to the coast tend to provide the best salaries.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Boston — Cambridge — Nashua[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$99,410[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Leominster — Gardner[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$89,370[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Worcester[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$88,470[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Barnstable Town[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$88,210[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Springfield[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$82,540[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/state/massachusetts/nurse-licensing-requirements/”]To become an RN or APRN in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-link], prospective nurses need to complete a state-board approved nursing program. After fulfilling the academic requirements, nursing students must [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link], which allows them to apply for their license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both RNs and APRNs must satisfy [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education requirements for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to maintain their license and continue working as a nurse in the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Other Top Nursing Programs in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Best Massachusetts Medical Assisting Programs + Online Options[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Top LPN Programs in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Top Massachusetts RN-to-MSN Programs + Online Requirements[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/state/massachusetts/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]The Best Massachusetts Online Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How long does it take to become an RN in Massachusetts?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses must earn an ADN or a BSN before applying for RN licensure in Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree takes the shortest amount of time to complete, requiring around two years of study. However, some employers prefer to hire BSN-holders. Some nursing schools in Massachusetts offer [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]ADN-to-BSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How do I become an RN in Massachusetts?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses in Massachusetts must complete a state-approved, accredited nursing program that prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam. Candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN before getting licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]What is the salary range for nurses in Massachusetts?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the BLS, salaries range from $73,310 (bottom 25th percentile) to $117,310 (top 75th percentile). Compared to the rest of the country, RNs in Massachusetts rank 3rd in annual salary at $96,250, while nurse practitioners rank 5th, earning $126,050.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-icon icon=”circle-help” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /]How much is nursing school in Massachusetts?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]nursing school’s cost[/hen-ui-link] depends on many factors, including location and degree type. For instance, Framingham State University represents the lower end of tuition costs at $11,380 per year, while Endicott College boasts much higher rates at $35,764 per year.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]