[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts offers a great home for professional and aspiring nurses alike. About 84,000 registered nurses (RNs) work in Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Bay State also ranks among the highest-paying states for RNs, ranking third in highest mean salary.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you are interested in becoming an MA nurse, you can find many [hen-ui-link href=”/state/massachusetts/nurse-practitioner-programs/”]nursing programs in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-link] and employment opportunities at major hospitals. Read on to learn more about [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//”]how to become a registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] in Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become a Nurse in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a nurse in Massachusetts requires candidates to complete education requirements, supervised experiences, and exams. Nurses often supplement their credentials with continuing education credits or certification, and they must renew their licenses regularly. The steps below outline how to become a registered nurse in Massachusetts.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-article-card title=”The Complete Guide to How to Become a Registered Nurse” href=”/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn//” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Massachusetts Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing” target=”_blank”]Massachusetts Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link] operates as the regulatory organization for nurses in the state. This is the department in charge of issuing and renewing licenses for professional nurses at every level. Nurses cannot legally practice in the state without board-issued licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The board also provides resources for aspiring and professional nurses. Individuals can find application forms online, check their licenses and print license verification, and learn about renewal requirements. Accreditation information and updates on the state’s licensure compact status can be found on the site. Nurses can visit the board’s website about their professional scope of practice too.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Get Your Nursing License in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]New nurses can apply [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-nursing-license-by-exam” target=”_blank”]by examination[/hen-ui-link], which involves taking the NCLEX-RN soon after earning their nursing degrees. Nurses who move from other states but want to practice in Massachusetts can apply [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-nursing-license-by-reciprocity” target=”_blank”]by reciprocity[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts is not a part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means that nurses who apply by reciprocity must fulfill requirements stipulated by the state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Licensure for Nurses From a Different State”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses who relocate to Massachusetts from different states must apply for MA nurse licensure, even if they already possess licenses in their home states. While they do not need to retake the NCLEX-RN, they still must fulfill other requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Steps to Apply for RN License”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Make sure you qualify for Massachusetts’ “good moral character” standing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Verify your nursing license using the Nursys license verification system.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Request to have your final transcripts from your degree that led to initial RN licensure sent to Professional Credential Services, Inc.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pay the $275 application fee.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit the [hen-ui-link href=”https://manurse.pcshq.com/info/rn-reciprocity/” target=”_blank”]online application[/hen-ui-link], including the Child Protective Services background record request form. Before filling out the application, make sure you have a list of all your licenses and information about the education program that led to initial RN licensure.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upload a passport-style color photo.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Confirm your license number on the Massachusetts Health Care Safety & Quality website.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Nursing Schools and Programs in Massachusetts” href=”https://nursejournal.org/state/massachusetts/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Renew Your Nursing License in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs need to renew their licenses every two years. In Massachusetts, nurse licensure expires on individuals’ birthdays every even-numbered year. RNs should apply to renew their credentials through the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mass.gov/how-to/renew-your-nursing-license” target=”_blank”]Massachusetts Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To renew their licenses, each RN needs to complete 15 contact hours of continuing education. They can fulfill these requirements through lectures or workshops, often hosted by professional associations or their employers. They can also enroll in college courses or participate in supervised clinical experiences. Some nurses may prefer independent study through home courses or [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/best-bsn-programs-online/”]online programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, RNs need to maintain standing with good moral character, as defined by Massachusetts law. Renewing RN licensure in Massachusetts costs $120.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Employment for Nurses in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts ranks as the third-highest state for mean RN salaries in the country. BLS data also indicates that RNs in the state take home a mean salary of $96,250.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua area, RNs earn a mean salary of $99,410. In the next four highest-paying metro areas — Worcester, Leominster-Gardner, Barnstable Town, and New Bedford — RNs earn mean salaries of over $80,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The employment outlook for RNs in Massachusetts remains optimistic as well, with the BLS projecting a 8.2% increase in RN employment from 2018-2028.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas for RNs[/hen-ui-heading]

Metropolitan Area	Mean Annual Salary
Boston — Cambridge — Nashua	$99,410
Leominster — Gardner	$89,360
Worcester	$88,470
Barnstable Town	$88,210
New Bedford	$83,020

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”hospitals”]Best Hospitals to Work as a Nurse in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following hospitals, which each employ at least 1,500 nurses, come from U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals in Massachusetts list, which calculates factors like patient outcomes and quality of care to determine its rankings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.massgeneral.org/” target=”_blank”] Massachusetts General Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Based in Boston, Mass General operates as both a medical and surgical facility. The teaching hospital, established in 1811, maintains an affiliation with Harvard University. Mass General also carries out medical research, with at least 1,200 clinical trials occurring at the hospital.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.brighamandwomens.org/” target=”_blank”] Brigham and Womens Hospital[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] BWH is also a Harvard teaching hospital located in Boston. Along with a womens health center, the hospital also offers healthcare services in primary care, emergency care, oncology, and surgery. Approximately 3,500 nurses work in clinical and leadership roles at the Brigham. BWH has achieved Magnet recognition.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bidmc.org/” target=”_blank”] Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] Operating as a part of Beth Israel Lahey Health, BIDMC joins the Brigham as a Boston-based Harvard teaching hospital. The medical center comprises several departments, including emergency services with a level I trauma center. About 3,000 nurses work at BIDMC, and 92% of them possess bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees. The medical center also delivers about $130,000 in scholarship awards each year for nurses academic advancement.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.lahey.org/lhmc/” target=”_blank”] Lahey Hospital and Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] As a nonprofit teaching hospital for Tufts University, Laheys Burlington location serves about 3,000 patients each day through inpatient, outpatient, and emergency care. Approximately 1,500 nurses, nursing assistants, and medical assistants work at Lahey.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ummhealth.org/” target=”_blank”] UMass Memorial Medical Center[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] This Worcester-based hospital maintains an affiliation with the University of Massachusetts. In addition to carrying out research and operating as a teaching hospital, the medical center offers services through its level I trauma center and level III neonatal intensive care unit. The medical center employs approximately 2,500 nurses.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Resources for Nurses in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing” target=”_blank”] Massachusetts Board of Nursing[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] As a part of the state government, the regulatory board determines who can legally practice as a nurse. Nursing candidates apply for licensure through the board. Individuals can find information about education, experience, and exam requirements on the boards website. Working nurses can also renew their licenses through the board.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.massnurses.org/” target=”_blank”] Massachusetts Nurses Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] With 23,000 members, the MNA operates as both a professional organization and a nursing union. Members can attend informative talks and access continuing education materials. Nurses can also participate in collective action, promoting the interests of the profession in the state legislature.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.anamass.org/” target=”_blank”] American Nurses Association Massachusetts[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] ANAMass offers several resources, such as a career center, journal subscriptions, and continuing education webinars. Members can also join the advocacy arm of ANAMass to influence legislative and policy agendas for nursing and healthcare in the state.[/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get a nursing license in Massachusetts?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who enroll in associate degree programs can obtain their nursing licenses in two years, while bachelor’s degree enrollees typically take four years. Many individuals enroll in school part time, which can add an extra year or two to their nursing licensure timeline.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much does a Massachusetts nursing license cost?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts’ nursing board sets different RN license fees, depending on how you apply for your nursing license. Candidates who apply by taking the NCLEX-RN exam must pay an application fee of $230. An out-of-state nurse applying by reciprocity pays a $275 fee.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is MA a nursing compact state?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Massachusetts does not participate in the NLC. Nurses moving to Massachusetts from out of state must apply through reciprocity. Each out-of-state nurse must have graduated from a board-approved nursing program, passed the NCLEX, and possess licensure from another state. They must also stand in “good moral character” as defined by the Massachusetts Board of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How do I apply for the NCLEX in MA?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can apply to take the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]NCLEX exam[/hen-ui-link] in Massachusetts through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. First, you must apply for licensure through the Massachusetts nursing board, and then you can register for the NCLEX with Pearson Vue, either online or through a telephone call.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Nursing Programs in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-grid columns=”1″ columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top Massachusetts RN-to-MSN Programs” href=”/state/massachusetts/msn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Top LPN Programs In Massachusetts” href=”/state/massachusetts/lpn-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Massachusetts Online Nurse Practitioner Programs” href=”/state/massachusetts/nurse-practitioner-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][hen-ui-article-card title=”Best Massachusetts Medical Assisting Programs” href=”/state/massachusetts/medical-assistant-programs/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card][/hen-ui-grid]