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.
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:
Endicott runs DNP entry points for both BSN- and MSN-prepared nurses. The BSN to DNP is 73 credits with 1,000 clinical hours over three years. The MSN to DNP is 34 credits with 400 clinical hours over two years. MSN-to-DNP students who don’t already hold an APRN credential complete additional FNP coursework as part of the program. Endicott is the Beverly North Shore option fitting nurses commuting from greater Boston.
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 runs multiple DNP paths plus an MSN-to-DNP for already-practicing NPs. The on-campus program culminates in a practice-change project in the final two semesters where each student applies existing research to clinical practice and delivers measurable improvement. BC’s Connell School of Nursing positions the program for the Boston academic medical center pipeline including Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel, and Boston Children’s.
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:
Elms’s MSN to DNP in Health Systems Innovation and Leadership runs 33 credits in a hybrid model — students attend a mix of on-campus sessions and Zoom meetings throughout each semester, completing in about 2.5 years. The program targets nurses pursuing systems-leadership doctoral preparation while continuing to work in current clinical roles.
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:
Northeastern’s MSN to DNP runs 34 credits with at least 500 practicum hours. Full-time students can finish in 16 months. Hybrid online delivery with up to four on-campus meetings per year fits New England-area APRNs who don’t want to relocate to Boston while pursuing the doctorate.
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 offers two doctoral pathways. The MS to DNP Online admits practicing APRNs and nurses with a BSN plus a master’s in a related healthcare field, with NP specialty options alongside leadership and education tracks. The 24-month online program complements the existing Regis NP catalog. The second pathway converts BSN-prepared nurses through the MSN milestone before continuing to the doctorate.
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:
UMass’s DNP Public Health Nurse Leader admits both BSN- and MSN-prepared students. BSN-prepared full-time students finish in four years (five part-time); MSN-prepared students finish in two to three years. The public-health-nurse-leader framing is uncommon nationally and aligns with UMass’s broader public-health emphasis at the Worcester Chan Medical School affiliation.
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’s MSN to DNP starts twice yearly (January and September) with two pathways. The Post-Master with APRN Track admits already-practicing APRNs at 36 credits. The Post-Master Non-APRN Track admits MSN-prepared nurses from related fields at expanded credit load to add the APRN credential. Both run online for working-nurse flexibility.
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:
MCPHS’s MSN to DNP runs 36 credits and accepts up to 500 post-BSN clinical hours toward the 1,000-hour total. The program is fully asynchronous online — coursework can be completed entirely on the student’s schedule. Annual spring start with 24-month full-time completion fits APRNs adding the doctorate without disrupting clinical practice.
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:
MGH Institute’s 30-credit MSN to DNP can be completed in two years with one course per semester. Each semester includes live online sessions plus two weekend intensives — one in Boston, one online. The format gives APRNs concentrated faculty engagement without requiring full-time campus attendance, while leveraging MGH Institute’s direct connection to Massachusetts General Hospital.
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:
Simmons’s online MSN to DNP combines small face-to-face online classes with a required on-campus immersion at the Boston campus. The program targets MSN-prepared nurses, with provisions for RNs holding a master’s in a healthcare-related field. Simmons’s consistent national rankings and 96% NP board pass rate make it a high-credibility Boston pick.
Shortest/Accelerated DNP Programs in Massachusetts
Leadership-track and post-master’s DNPs typically finish fastest in MA because they layer onto existing APRN credentials. Northeastern’s 34-credit MSN to DNP can finish in 16 months full-time. Elms’s 33-credit MSN to DNP in Health Systems Innovation runs about 2.5 years. MGH Institute’s 30-credit MSN to DNP completes in two years. For BSN-entry doctoral pathways, Endicott’s 73-credit BSN to DNP is the shortest at three years.
Best DNP Programs in Massachusetts
Best fit depends on entry credential, specialty interest, and delivery preference. Boston College leads on Boston academic medical center positioning with multiple DNP pathways and a culminating practice-change project. MGH Institute’s direct affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital gives unmatched MA clinical training depth. Simmons’s 96% NP board pass rate signals consistent outcomes. Northeastern’s hybrid online format with up to four on-campus visits per year fits practicing APRNs. UMass’s DNP Public Health Nurse Leader is uncommon nationally and aligns with the broader UMass public-health emphasis.
Cheapest DNP Programs in Massachusetts
MA DNP tuition skews higher than public-system-heavy states because most options are at private institutions. UMass’s public-system DNP (Public Health Nurse Leader track) carries the lowest per-credit rate for MA residents. Among privates, MCPHS, Bay Path, Endicott, and Elms cluster in the lower-to-mid tier. Per-credit cost is only part of the picture — non-residents at UMass pay differential rates, and fees plus clinical placement costs add to the total.