RNs in Massachusetts have many options for earning their Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Earning your DNP degree makes you a standout leader in your field. No matter what school you choose to attend, you’ll be recognized as a leader in your organization, with knowledge of advanced nursing techniques and the ability to create positive change in healthcare systems.
Sponsored School(s)
SEE ALSO: Massachusetts DNP Salary
1. Boston College
At Boston College, the DNP program prepares nurses to be at the top of their field. Boston College creates compassionate nurses who provide evidence-based care to their patients. The College is a Jesuit school and roots itself in the principles of compassion and human value.
- Campus: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,460 per credit, the total number of credits depends on student’s prior education and individual path through the DNP program
- Minimum time commitment: Two to three years, depending on prior education and experience
- Online availability: No
- Degree requirements: There are several different options for entry to the DNP program at Boston College. Entry to the program is available for current RNs, students who have their undergraduate degree in a non-nursing field, and for experienced nurses who already have a year or more of experience working as an RN.
- Programs: Students have the option to specialize in nurse anesthesia.
- School Site: Boston College Connell School of Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Regis College School of Nursing and Health Professions, Weston
At Regis College School of Nursing, both nurses who have their MSN and nurses who are just starting their careers with their BSN can apply to the DNP program. The DNP program can be completed online, making Regis College a great choice for nurses who are trying to balance work and family life. Many specialties are offered, which can be an advantage in solidifying a specialty nursing career down the line.
- Campus: Weston, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $15,700 per year
- Minimum time commitment: Three years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have earned their BSN or MSN before the start of their education at Regis.
- Programs: Students may specialize in becoming a family nurse practitioner, a pediatric nurse practitioner, a women’s health nurse practitioner, an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner, a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, or may specialize in nursing leadership, nursing education, health informatics, health policy, integrative health, or global public health.
- School Site: Regis College – Doctor of Nursing Practice
3. University of Massachusetts – Boston
The University of Massachusetts offers a highly competitive program for nurses who want to earn their DNP degree. This affordable option is especially convenient for nurses who already have their MSN, as they’re able to complete the program online.
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing
- Tuition: $750 per credit (for both in-state and out-of-state students), the total number of credits will differ depending on student’s individual experience
- Minimum time commitment: 5-6 years for BSN to DNP, 3 years for MSN to DNP
- Online availability: BSN to DNP is not available online, MSN to DNP is available online
- Degree requirements: For the BSN to DNP program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a GPA of at least 3.4, an RN license, completion of a college-level statistics course, and completion of a college-level health assessment course. For the MSN to DNP program, students must have their BSN degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and their MSN degree with a GPA of 3.2 or higher. They must submit proof of at least one year of experience as an APRN, CNM, CNS, or CRNA, and must submit at least three letters of recommendation.
- Programs: Students may specialize in becoming an adult/ gerontological primary care nurse practitioner, or family nurse practitioner.
- School Site: University of Massachusetts Boston, College of Nursing and Health Sciences – Doctor of Nursing Practice
4. MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston
Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MGH Institute of Health Professions is a private graduate school designed to help healthcare professionals become leaders in their field. Offering programs for both nursing executives and advanced practice nurses, MGH offers one of the fastest options for earning a DNP.
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,360 per credit, the total number of credits will depend on previous education
- Minimum time commitment: 16 months
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must be licensed RNs with their MSN, and must already be advanced practice nurses (NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA). Nurse educators and nurse educators may qualify for admittance to the nurse executive to the DNP program.
- Programs: There are two different programs available: one for advanced practice nurses, another for nurse executives.
- School Site: MGH Institute of Health Professions – Becoming A Nursing Leader
5. Simmons College, Boston
Simmons College is a woman-focused institution that offers an excellent, highly-regarded DNP degree to nurses who want to become leaders in their field. This program is highly competitive and is often chosen as a reach school by nurses interested in earning their DNP.
- Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $1,410 per credit hour, total number of credit hours may differ based on student’s prior experience
- Minimum time commitment: Two to four years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have an MSN or related degree with a GPA of at least 3.5, have an RN license, have at least two years of work experience or board certification in a nursing specialty. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of B or better within 8 years before the application.
- Programs: Doctorate of Nursing Practice
- School Site: Simmons University Doctor of Nursing Practice