University of Massachusetts-Amherst

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst is a public university with both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It is also part of the University of Massachusetts System, along with five other campuses. The university was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College. By 1867, the college had still not admitted any students. The university now serves over 19,000 students annually. It is a major research university and the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts System. The campus is on 1,450 acres spread through the town of Amherst, with some buildings in neighboring Hadley, Massachusetts.

Depending on their past education, nursing students can choose from seven different nursing programs at the UMass-Amherst College of Nursing. Incoming freshman may apply for the traditional BSN program or the ADN program. There is also an accelerated BSN for those with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field and an RN to BSN program for registered nurses. The graduate-level programs include a BSN to PhD program, DNP program, and a PhD program. All programs are accredited by the CCNE. Students have access to a state-of-the-art simulation lab and gain clinical experience working in area health care facilities and clinics under the guidance of school faculty.

Not reviewed yet

Updated on: 07 Nov, 2025

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