List of accredited nursing schools in Boston, Massachusetts

The term “nurse” is actually an umbrella term. It encompasses a broad range of nursing roles, from junior nursing assistants to senior nurse administrators and specialists. Aspiring nurses should familiarize themselves with the full breadth of options in order to make a well-informed choice of nursing career path.

Nursing assistant
After completing a brief certification process (typically six weeks to several months in length), nursing assistants are qualified to provide basic caregiving duties under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). In the Boston metro area, there are over 15,000 certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

Licensed practical nurse
LPNs are required to complete 12 to 18 months of study in a state-approved certificate course. Upon successfully passing the NCLEX-PN national licensure examination, LPNs may work in a wide variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, doctor’s offices, and home care. LPNs in Boston typically earn $45,000 to $60,000 annually. Major employers in the market include Tenet Health and Genesis Healthcare.

Registered nurse
With over 40,000 registered nurses (RNs) in Boston, this role comprises the majority of the city’s nursing workforce. Most RNs in Massachusetts have earned either an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). These two degree programs are offered at many Boston schools. For example, Simmons College has a well-regarded BSN program and also offers graduate-level pathways such as a master’s or doctor’s degree.

To help Boston’s aspiring nurses sort through the options, we have compiled below a comprehensive list of nursing schools and programs across this great city.