In the nursing profession, a DNP is the highest level of education someone can achieve. While many nurse practitioner programs offer doctorate degrees, there are many other options for nurses with an MSN, as well as some BSN to DNP options in other specialties. Here, we take a closer look at the DNP programs available in Massachusetts.
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DNP Programs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts offers various DNP programs with different entry points, concentrations, and formats. Graduates of all DNP programs must complete 1,000 post-BSN clinical or practicum hours, according to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The clinical hours listed below include the number of hours each program provides toward that 1,000-hour requirement.
Most of the DNP programs in Massachusetts offer some online component, but on-campus requirements vary by program. Here are the hybrid and on-campus programs in Massachusetts that offer opportunities for in-person learning.
Massachusetts BSN to DNP Programs
The BSN to DNP program at Endicott college is the only BSN to DNP program with on-campus learning. They also offer an MSN to DNP program, which we cover below.
Endicott College
- Beverly, Massachusetts
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,015 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At Endicott College, there are DNP pathways for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. The BSN to DNP is 73 credits with 1,000 clinical hours and takes three years to complete, while the MSN to DNP is 34 credits with 400 clinical hours and takes two years to complete. Note that students enrolled in the MSN to DNP program who do not have 600 post-BSN clinical hours may need to take additional clinical courses.
Massachusetts MSN to DNP Programs
For MSN-prepared nurses interested in an on-campus or hybrid program, there are four options in Massachusetts: Boston College, College of Our Lady of the Elms, Northeastern University, and Regis College.
Boston College
- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- Campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,804 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Boston College offers several DNP paths for those who want to pursue a career in this field and one MSN to DNP track for those who already practice as NPs. This comprehensive program is offered on-campus. In the last two semesters, each student will complete a practice change project, applying existing research to practice and delivering evidence-based solutions to deliver more efficient care.
College of Our Lady of the Elms
- Chicopee, Massachusetts
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 33
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $938 to $1,010 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
In addition to several nurse practitioner DNPs, the College of Our Lady of the Elms offers an MSN to DNP in Health Systems Innovation and Leadership. This 33-credit program uses a hybrid model, with students expected to attend on-campus and Zoom sessions throughout each semester. It takes about 2.5 years to complete.
Northeastern University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid
Credit Hours: 34
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $56,400 for program + fees or about $1,658 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at Northeastern University is 34 credits with a minimum of 500 practicum hours. Students can attend the program full- or part-time, with full-time students being able to complete the program in as little as 16 months. Classes are delivered online in a hybrid format, with up to four on-campus meetings every year.
Regis College
- Weston, Massachusetts
- Online + Hybrid
Modality: Hybrid or online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $1,425 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Regis College offers two options for nurses who wish to pursue a DNP. The MS to DNP Online option is for nurses who are already APRNs or have a BSN with a master’s in a related healthcare field. This track offers a number of NP specialties, as well as nurse leadership and nurse education. The online program can be completed in 24 to 36 months.
There is also an MSN to DNP Hybrid option available to nurses who already have an MSN and who are practicing as nurse practitioners, nurse educators, or nurse leaders. This option is 36 credits and takes two years to complete.
Online DNP Programs in Massachusetts
While most of the DNP programs in Massachusetts offer some online component, many programs are offered primarily through distance learning. Some of these programs are offered entirely online, while others require limited on-campus visits.
Massachusetts Online BSN to DNP Programs
The University of Massachusetts offers the only online BSN to DNP program in the state, though on-campus visits may be required. They also offer MSN pathways, which we included below.
University of Massachusetts
- Amherst, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus requirements
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: $825 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
At the University of Massachusetts, students with either a BSN or DNP can enter the DNP Public Health Nurse Leader program. BSN-prepared students can complete the program in four or five years, depending on whether they attend classes full-time or part-time; MSN-prepared students can complete it in two to three years. In addition to required online coursework, students will also complete 504 practicum hour working on a population health project.
The Elaine Marieb College of Nursing at UMass also offers an MSN to DNP option designed for APRNs. This program can be completed in two or three years, andit includes one on-campus practicum in the final semester.
Massachusetts Online MSN to DNP Programs
Four schools offer online MSN to DNP programs, two that are entirely online and two that include on-campus immersions or intensives.
Bay Path University
- Longmeadow, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Tuition: $995 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
Bay Path University offers an MSN to DNP option that starts twice a year, in January and September. Students have two pathways in this program. Those who are already practicing APRNs will follow the Post-Master’s w/APRN Track, which is 36 credits, and nurses with master’s degrees in other fields will follow the Post-Master’s Non-APRN Track, which is 45 credits. All classes are online, and there are no on-campus requirements.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 36
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $1,160 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The MSN to DNP program at MCPHS consists of 36 credits and accepts up to 500 hours of post-BSN work to meet the 1,000-hour requirement. All classes are online, and all coursework is asynchronous, making this a flexible option for working professionals. This program starts every spring and takes 24 months to complete.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus intensives
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $58,500 for the program + fees or about $1,950 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The intensive 30-credit MSN to DNP program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions can be completed in two years. Students generally take one course every semester, attending live online sessions and two weekend intensives every semester, in Boston and online.
This flexible program offers pathways for nurses practicing as either APRNs or nurse executives, and each pathway can be completed in four or five semesters, depending on what works best for the student’s schedule.
Simmons University
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Online + Campus
Modality: Online with on-campus immersions
Credit Hours: 30
Clinical Hours: Unspecified
Tuition: $1,476 per credit + fees
Program Overview:
The online MSN to DNP program at Simmons University consists of small face-to-face online classes and a required immersion experience on the school’s Boston campus. It is designed for nurses who have already completed an MSN degree, but RNs with master’s degrees in healthcare-related fields can also apply.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Massachusetts
The length of these programs vary depending on degree requirements, whether you’re starting with a BSN or MSN, and whether you attend full- or part-time. If you are interested in completing your DNP as quickly as possible, consider the programs below.
Shortest BSN to DNP Programs
The shortest BSN to DNP program is offered by Endicott College, and it takes three years to complete.
Shortest MSN to DNP Programs
The shortest MSN to DNP option is at Northeastern University; full time students can complete it in as little as 16 months.
Best DNP Programs in Massachusetts
The best DNP program depends on what best suits your life and goals. If you are interested in a degree that is more specialized, consider the MSN to DNP DNP in Health Systems Innovation and Leadership at the College of Our Lady of the Elms or the DNP Public Health Nurse Leader at the University of Massachusetts.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Massachusetts
The cost of these programs can vary significantly as each program has its own fees and other associated costs. That said, when looking only at the cost per credit, University of Massachusetts, College of Our Lady of the Elms, and Bay Path University are the most affordable.