[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/”]nurse practitioner (NP)[/hen-ui-link] in Massachusetts can launch you into a high-earning career with many job opportunities. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oesmap/” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore this guide on the top nursing programs in Massachusetts for NPs, admission requirements, and what to look for in a program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] 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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Nurse Practitioner Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]master of science in nursing (MSN)[/hen-ui-link] or[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/”] doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] 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[hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”] bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN)[/hen-ui-link] can complete traditional NP programs in about 2-3 years, while those with an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] often require 4-6 years of additional training.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Nurse Practitioner Program in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Because Massachusetts NPs are [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link], 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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]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[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]3.0 or higher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Other Requirements: [/hen-ui-text]Resume/CV showing clinical experience, essay or personal statement, and recommendation letters; some schools require candidates to interview with nursing faculty[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is NP Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All of our ranked nursing programs in Massachusetts are accredited.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Practitioner Programs in Massachusetts[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in Massachusetts?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]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.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who gets paid more, NPs or DNPs?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First, a DNP is a type of degree. NPs are a type of advanced practice registered nurse. NPs can earn a DNP. They can also earn an MSN. Because a DNP is a more advanced degree than an MSN, NPs with a DNP typically earn more than those with an MSN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can nurse practitioners practice independently in Massachusetts?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, Massachusetts NPs can practice independently without a supervising or collaborating physician as they have full-practice authority. This means they can also open their own practices.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the fastest way to become an NP?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The quickest way to become a nurse practitioner is by completing an RN program and two-year MSN program full-time, then applying for a NP license immediately after graduation. The journey can take as few as six years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]