Accelerated BSN Programs in Massachusetts

Program Length & Format

• 20-month duration (two academic years plus one intensive summer semester)
• Full-time
• Cohort model with maximum 24 students
• 72 total credits (inclusive of Elms College core requirements)
• Core nursing requirements: 63 credits; required non-nursing courses: 6 credits

Admission Requirements

• Completed associate, baccalaureate, or higher degree from an accredited institution in a non-nursing major
• Minimum GPA: 3.2 for applicants with a baccalaureate or higher; 3.4 for applicants with an associate degree
• Applicants dismissed for academic or clinical reasons, or withdrawn pending such dismissal, from another nursing program are ineligible
• Must complete all entry requirements prior to admission

Prerequisites

• Natural science prerequisites: Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits, lab), Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits, lab), Microbiology (4 credits, lab), Chemistry (4 credits, lab) ...  minimum grade of B- for all
• Behavioral/statistics/nutrition prerequisites: Human Growth and Development (3 credits), Introduction to Psychology (3 credits), Statistics (3 credits), Nutrition (3 credits) ... minimum grade of B- for all
• Additional courses required only for applicants with an associate degree: English (6 credits), Art (3 credits), History (3 credits)

Deadlines

• Rolling admission (applications reviewed as received)

Application

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Proof of high school completion (official transcript, diploma copy, or GED)
• Optional documents: letters of recommendation; personal statement
• Personal interview may be requested by the nursing review committee

Curriculum and Progression Policies

• Passing standard for NUR courses: minimum 77% objective test grade unless otherwise stated in course syllabus
• Minimum cumulative GPA to progress to next level: 2.5
• Academic policy: two course failures or a second failure of the same course results in ineligibility for the nursing major
• Passing standard for non-nursing courses in the nursing curriculum: minimum 77% (C+)

Contacts

• Campus address: 291 Springfield Street, Chicopee, MA 01013

Program Length & Format

• 16-month, full-time program with 50 credit hours
• Day classes on Milton campus
• Cohort model with enrollment start in January (Spring) and Fall
• Cohort size limited to 30 students

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field required
• Minimum undergraduate GPA required: 2.7 (3.0 preferred)
• At least two of four required science prerequisites must be completed before application review
• All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to program start; provisional admission allowed pending successful completion

Prerequisites

• Anatomy & Physiology I (4 credits with lab; grade B- or better)
• Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits with lab; grade B- or better)
• Chemistry (4 credits with lab; grade B- or better)
• Microbiology (4 credits with lab; grade B- or better)
• Statistics (3 credits; grade C- or better)
• Human Growth and Development (3 credits; grade C- or better)
• Lab sections required for all science courses

Deadlines

• Fall start: apply before July 1
• Spring/January start: apply before December 1

Application

• Complete online application
• Current resume
• Personal statement per program FAQ prompts
• Official transcripts from institutions awarding undergraduate degree and prerequisite courses

Selection Process

• Cohort admissions; students accepted into a specific Spring or Fall cohort
• Applications not reviewed until at least two of the four science prerequisites are completed
• Provisional admission permitted pending completion of prerequisites prior to program start

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition: $1,150 per credit; total tuition for program: $57,500 (50 credits)
• Students must be admitted to a degree program and maintain half-time enrollment (6 credits per semester) to be eligible for federal student loans
• Institutional aid not available for continuing education students; federal and state grants and loans may be available
• Financial Aid office phone: 617-333-2354
• Indirect cost allowances used for cost of attendance calculations: Books/Supplies $1,200; Food/Housing $18,450; Transportation $1,450; Personal $1,200
• Pay-by-month payment plan available; $40 nonrefundable application fee per semester for payment plan

Contacts

• Program and advising phone: 617-333-2364
• Student Financial Services phone: 617-333-2354
• Campus: Milton, MA

Program Length & Format

• 32-month
• at the Boston campus
• Year-round schedule
• 56 pre-program credits plus 64 program credits; 585 experiential learning hours (lab/simulation and clinical)

Admission Requirements

• Completed MCPHS application
• Official college transcripts from each college/university attended; official high school transcript or GED
• Personal statement included in application
• Prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C+ or higher
• Math and science courses completed more than 10 years before anticipated matriculation are not accepted

Entrance Exams

• TEAS score of 65.3% required for year 2 entry
• Up to three TEAS attempts allowed within three years

Prerequisites

• Prerequisite coursework must be completed at a regionally accredited institution with a final grade of C+ or higher
• Math and science prerequisite courses older than 10 years are not accepted

Application

• Submit completed MCPHS application
• Submit official college/university transcripts and official high school transcript or GED
• Include personal statement within application
• Final transcripts and test scores must be sent directly from institutions or testing agencies (sealed if mailed)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Onsite simulation and patient assessment laboratories at Boston campus
• Clinical rotations at medical and research institutions in the Boston area and across New England
• 585 experiential learning hours designated for lab/simulation and clinical placements

Credit Transfer

• Official transcripts required for transfer credit evaluation
• Prerequisite courses accepted only if completed at regionally accredited institutions with grade C+ or higher
• Math and science courses completed more than 10 years prior to matriculation are not accepted

Contacts

• MCPHS University Admission Office, 179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
• General admissions phone: 617-879-5964

Program Length & Format

• 12 months (full-time) or 24 months (part-time)
• Format: On-campus, in-person classes and clinicals
• Semester starts: Fall, Spring, Summer
• Clinical rotations begin in the first semester
• Full-time students attend classes/clinicals 5-6 days per week
• Part-time students spend 2-3 days per week in class, clinical, and lab

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited US college or university required before matriculation
• Preferred minimum cumulative
  • undergraduate GPA: 3.0 or above; 
  • baccalaureate: 2.7 or above
  • graduate 3.3 or above
• Prerequisite courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C+ within the last 7 years
• All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to program start
• Up to two prerequisite courses may be in progress during application
• Two recommendation letters required (one academic, one professional)
• Personal statement addressing nursing profession issues and inclusivity (approx. 3 pages, double spaced)
• Resume required
• Application through NursingCAS with accompanying official transcripts and custom school questions

Prerequisites

• Basic Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry, or Chemistry for Health Professions (no lab required)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology (no lab) or separate Anatomy (no lab) and Physiology (no lab) courses
• Developmental Psychology covering lifespan (physical, cognitive, and emotional development)
• Microbiology course with microbial content (no lab required)
• Statistics course including inferential statistics
• Prerequisite courses must be from accredited institutions
• Courses must be completed within the last 7 years from anticipated matriculation
• Waiver possible for 7-year rule with approval

Deadlines

• Spring full-time and part-time application deadline: October 15, 2025
• Summer full-time and part-time application deadline: November 2, 2025
• NursingCAS application must be verified to be eligible for admission review

Application

• NursingCAS application required, including:
  • Application form and fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Two recommendation letters (academic and professional)
  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • MGH Institute custom questions
• Transcripts must be official, sealed, and sent directly to NursingCAS
• International transcripts require credential evaluation from a NACES member agency
• Personal statement prompt includes reflection on nursing profession and inclusivity
• Factors considered: cumulative GPA, recent prerequisite grades, references, personal statement, resume

Cost & Financial Aid

• General student fee: $75 per credit hour per semester
• Technology fee: $50 per credit hour per semester
• Clinical fee for ABSN: $1,350 assessed in first and second semesters
• Health service fee: $110 per semester for on-campus and clinical programs
• Matriculation fee: $720 one-time per program matriculation
• Continuing enrollment fee: $1,650 for course extensions or ongoing project completion
• FAFSA code: G22316

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical rotations start first semester, 180 hours of direct-care experience with bachelor's prepared RN preceptors
• Clinical sites include Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women's, Spaulding Rehabilitation, Boston Children's Hospital, and various community hospitals and health centers in Massachusetts
• Clinical group sizes of 5-6 students per instructor
• Simulation lab with high & low fidelity simulators replicating healthcare environments

International Students

• Must provide course-by-course credential evaluation from a NACES-approved agency
• Required to demonstrate English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS unless exempt
• Must submit all required official transcripts and credential evaluations through NursingCAS

Contacts

• Ruth Sleeper, Director, Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness, (617) 643-1127
• Financial Aid Office: [email protected], (617) 724-6332

Program Length & Format

• 16 months across four full-time semesters
• Delivery format: hybrid (online didactic coursework plus in-person skills/simulation labs and clinical rotations)
• Cohort start dates: January, May, September
• Clinical groups: typically 5–8 students per instructor

Admission Requirements

• Non-nursing bachelor’s degree or minimum of 62 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution
• Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
• Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher
• Must meet university technical standards for clinical participation

Prerequisites

• Required prerequisite courses (grade C or higher) include:
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
  • Human Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
  • Introduction to Chemistry with lab (4 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • Developmental (lifespan) Psychology (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences (100 level or above) (3 credits)
• Time limits:
  • Most prerequisites must be completed within 10 years of program start
  • Some transfer-track prerequisites must be completed within 5 years as specified
• Application may be submitted if at least five prerequisites completed and registration for remaining three is confirmed

Deadlines

• Applications are typically due two months before the cohort start date

Application

• Apply via NursingCAS
• Required documents:
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Goal statement describing nursing interests and career plans
  • Updated resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional; at least one academic preferred)

Selection Process

• Applications processed on a rolling basis
• Admissions decisions typically issued within a few weeks of application
• Enrollment handled on a first-come, first-served basis

Wait List Policies

• No waitlist; applications processed on a rolling basis

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition per credit hour: $1,353 (tuition and fees subject to change)
• Nursing coursework requirement at Northeastern: minimum 67 credit hours
• Transfer students: required nursing coursework at Northeastern: 71 credit hours
• Automatic scholarships for newly admitted ABSN students:
  • Burlington and Fall River locations: $15,000 disbursed over four semesters
  • Charlotte location: $26,000 disbursed over four semesters; some Charlotte students eligible for an additional $10,000 based on educational background
• Other cost items to consider: prerequisite course fees, transcript fees, application fee, transportation to labs/clinicals, testing assessments, books, lab supplies, uniforms, liability insurance

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Skills and simulation labs located at program sites in Greater Boston, Fall River (Providence area), and Charlotte
• Simulation labs use patient simulator manikins and clinical equipment for skills practice
• Clinical rotations conducted at regional healthcare facilities in assigned areas
• Clinical attendance mandatory; missed clinical hours must be made up per clinical coordinator schedule
• Clinical compliance requirements: background check, immunizations, health insurance, site-specific onboarding
• Clinical compliance platforms:
  • Boston/Burlington: Exxat registration required
  • Charlotte: Complio and My Clinical Exchange registration required

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite credits may be transferred from accredited institutions if course content aligns with requirements
• AP credits may be applied toward prerequisites as determined by admissions counselor
• Prerequisite courses with lab requirement cannot be satisfied via online-only courses

International Students

• Additional requirements for applicants with degrees from institutions outside the U.S.:
  • Lawful permanent residence in the United States
  • Course-by-course transcript evaluation by World Education Services (WES) prior to admissions review
  • TOEFL score of 100 if degree was completed at an institution where English is not the primary language

Contacts

• Boston/Burlington site address: 67 South Bedford Street, Suite 300, Burlington, MA 01803
• Providence area/Fall River site address: 277 Pleasant Street, Fall River, MA 02722 (site hours noted as Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
• Charlotte site address: 2151 Hawkins Street, Suite 800, Charlotte, NC 28203

Program Length & Format

• 16 months duration, full-time, on-campus at Weston, Massachusetts
• 60 total credit hours
• Cohort start months: Fall (September) and Spring (January)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field required
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
• All nursing prerequisites must be completed with a grade of B- or higher before program start
• Resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation required

Prerequisites

• Seven prerequisite courses required; all must be completed prior to program start
• Applicants encouraged to complete at least four of seven prerequisites (preferably physical sciences with labs) to be reviewed for admission
• Some 4-credit prerequisites must have been completed within the past seven years; other 4-credit prerequisites must have been completed within the past ten years; two 3-credit prerequisites have no time limit
• CH 105 Introduction to Chemistry with lab at Regis may satisfy both chemistry prerequisite requirements

Deadlines

• Fall cohort: Priority deadline December 15; Preferred deadline March 15
• Spring cohort: Priority deadline October 15; Preferred deadline November 15
• Rolling admission after preferred deadline; applications reviewed on a space-available basis

Application

• Complete online application form
• Official transcript from undergraduate degree and transcripts for all prerequisite courses (unofficial transcripts used for initial review)
• Resume, statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation
• Interview with program director may be required
• Deposits may be required; deposits waived for veterans

Selection Process

• Applications reviewed using submitted transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable for initial review)
• Applicants meeting preferred deadline reviewed by deadline; applicants after preferred deadline reviewed as received on a space-available basis
• Interview with program director may be part of final selection

Cost & Financial Aid

• Cost per credit: $1,285; Total tuition: $77,100 (does not include fees; based on academic year 2025-2026)
• Students in second-bachelor programs eligible to apply for undergraduate federal aid
• MetroWest Health Foundation scholarships up to $4,000 for residents of 25 MetroWest towns; scholarship application windows in fall and spring

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Boston Children's Hospital, plus community hospital sites
• Simulation activities include manikins and standardized patient scenarios on the Weston campus
• NCLEX-style exams embedded in clinical courses and a comprehensive predictor exam in the final semester
• Final-semester clinical preceptorship included

Credit Transfer

• Prerequisite courses may be completed at Regis or any accredited two- or four-year institution
• Transfer credits accepted for prerequisites; unofficial transcripts used for initial review and official transcripts required upon acceptance

Contacts

• Associate Director of Graduate Admission (program contact)
• Regis College address: 235 Wellesley Street, Weston MA 02493
• Phone: 781.768.7000

Program Length & Format

• 16-month full-time, in-person
• Total program credits: 58  
• Program start: Fall term; sequence includes fall, winter session, spring, summer sessions, and second fall
• Didactic courses offered in-person in fall and spring; winter and summer session courses offered online
• Typical weekly time commitment: 24–30 hours in program activities plus 10–16 hours of outside study

Admission Requirements

• Completed bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from an accredited institution in a field other than nursing
• U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident required for admission
• Minimum grade of C (3.0) in each prerequisite course and cumulative prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher by application deadline
• One professional reference, resume, and 500-word essay required

Entrance Exams

• TEAS is not required
• NLN exams and CLEP credits are not accepted to satisfy prerequisite courses

Prerequisites

• Must complete all prerequisite courses prior to application deadline
• Prerequisites to be completed within five years: Human Nutrition (3 credits); Medical Microbiology or General Microbiology (3 credits; lab not required for admission)
• Prerequisites to be completed within ten years: Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credits); Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credits); Statistics (3 credits); Human Growth and Development throughout the Lifespan (3 credits)
• All prerequisite courses must be 3 or 4 semester hours; quarter credits converted by multiplying by 0.67

Deadlines

• Application deadline for fall start: January 8
• Deadline for missing application materials: February 1
• Admissions decisions communicated by March 15 (application review begins after all required materials received)

Application

• Submit online application and $90 application fee (fee waived for active duty military or U.S. veterans)
• Required supplemental materials: 500-word essay answering "Why have you chosen nursing?" and why applicant is an excellent candidate; one professional reference; resume
• Official college transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended (electronic transcripts accepted from official third parties or directly from registrar; student-submitted transcripts not accepted)
• Evidence of high school degree conferral and compliance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health immunization requirements

Selection Process

• Applicants ranked by prerequisite GPA, recommendation, essay, resume, and TOEFL score for foreign applicants
• Admissions reviewed after receipt of complete application materials; complete applications reviewed in order received (rolling basis)

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition per credit: $695 (same rate for in-state and out-of-state)
• Total tuition based on 58 credits: $40,310
• Additional expected costs: clinical expenses (drug testing, badges, liability insurance), laptop/software/books, uniforms/supplies, NCLEX preparation package, room and board, personal transportation, health insurance

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• At least 2 days per week of clinical experience each term; summer and final fall terms may require up to 4 days per week
• Clinical shifts may include day, evening, weekend, and night assignments across seven days a week
• Clinical sites include inpatient, outpatient, community agencies, ambulatory-care centers, community hospitals, medical centers, home-care agencies, long-term care facilities, and public health agencies
• Clinical credit hour equals 42 hours per semester; N498 internship requires 12–24 hours per week under faculty guidance and a professional nurse preceptor
• Simulated laboratory experiences included; ATI NCLEX preparation assessments required during most terms
• Students must provide their own transportation to assigned clinical sites

Credit Transfer

• Maximum transferable credit: 75 semester credits
• All prerequisite courses must be completed for credit at accredited institutions; quarter credits converted by 0.67 factor
• CLEP and NLN exams not accepted for prerequisite satisfaction
• Official transcripts required for transfer evaluation

International Students

• applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• English proficiency: TOEFL iBT minimum 80, TOEFL computer-based minimum 213, or IELTS minimum 6.5; TOEFL scores expire after 2 years
• Applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution may qualify for a TOEFL waiver
• International transcripts require translation and evaluation when applicable

Contacts

• Admissions Office phone: 413-545-3440
• ABSN Academic Office phone: 413-545-5096
• Mailing address for supplemental admissions materials: Flexible Education, UMass Amherst, 350 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA 01003-9248
• Elaine Marieb College of Nursing address: 651 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003

Program Length & Format

• 12-month
• 54 credits across 12 nursing courses
• Hybrid delivery: online didactic coursework with in-person clinical placements and on-campus simulation
• In-person clinical placements require commuting to the greater Boston area; out-of-state applicants must relocate
• Pre-licensure program holds Full Approval Status from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field with a minimum of 68 prior credits
• Cumulative baccalaureate GPA minimum 3.0
• Prerequisite GPA minimum 3.3
• All prerequisite courses must be completed by the application deadline
• F-1 visa holders are not eligible to apply to the ABSN program

Entrance Exams

• TEAS scores optional
• If submitted, recommended minimum score: 75 on each TEAS section
• Accepted TEAS formats: TEAS at PSI, TEAS at ATI, remote proctored TEAS

Prerequisites

• Courses requiring grade C or higher:
  • Introductory Sociology or Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
• Courses requiring grade C+ or higher (no time limit):
  • Human Growth & Development through the Lifespan (3 credits)
  • Nutrition (3 credits)
• Courses requiring grade C+ or higher, with lab, completed within 10 years:
  • Anatomy & Physiology I with lab (4 credits)
  • Anatomy & Physiology II with lab (4 credits)
  • Microbiology with lab (4 credits)

Deadlines

• Fall semester start (September): application deadline May 1
• Spring semester start (January): application deadline September 1
• Summer semester start (May): application deadline February 1
• Applicants receive admission decisions via email approximately one month after each deadline

Application

• Official college transcripts from all institutions attended; bachelor’s degree must be conferred by the application deadline (Fall applicants with May graduation must have degree conferred by June 1)
• $60 application fee
• CED or WES evaluation required for foreign coursework
• Two written essays: one 500-word prompt and one 250-word prompt
• Two recommendation letters
• Accelerated Nursing Prerequisite Form submitted via Beacon Gateway after application
• Mandatory in-person orientation at UMass Boston and online virtual orientation if accepted

Selection Process

• Typical applicant volume: over 300 per cycle
• Approximate seats per cohort: 48
• acceptance rate: ~15%
• Admission decision factors include GPA thresholds and completion of prerequisites

Cost & Financial Aid

• Tuition rate for 2024–2025 Academic Year: $650 per credit
• Program nursing credits: 54 total; total nursing tuition = 54 credits × $650 per credit (tuition and fees subject to change)

Clinical & Simulation Lab

• Clinical placements in greater Boston area and regional Massachusetts hospitals
• Typical clinical assignment load: approximately 8–12 hours per week each semester
• On-campus simulation training at UMass Boston Center for Clinical Education and Research (CCER) several times per semester
• Clinical clearance documentation required prior to clinical start; clearance items updated each enrollment cycle

Graduation Criteria

• Maintain cumulative UMass Boston GPA of 2.50 (77%) or higher each semester in the program
• Minimum grade of C+ required for major courses; lecture grade of C+ or higher plus PASS for lab/clinical components to pass a course
• Total degree requirement: 123 credits including up to 71 transfer credits from prior bachelor’s and 54 UMass Boston nursing credits
• Residency requirement: all 54 nursing credits must be completed at UMass Boston
• No more than eight courses taken pass/fail may apply toward the degree; maximum one pass/fail course per semester

Credit Transfer

• Up to 71 transfer credits accepted from prior bachelor’s degree toward 123-credit degree
• All 54 nursing major credits must be completed at UMass Boston; no major courses may be taken outside the program

International Students

• Foreign coursework requires CED or WES evaluation
• Students on F-1 visas are not eligible to apply to the Accelerated Nursing program

Contacts

• Current ABSN students: Allison Christiansen, Program Assistant
• ABSN application and credit transfer questions: George Goldman, Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions
• Undergraduate Admissions: phone 617.287.6100