Most important takeaways…
- Boston metro NP programs span FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP specialties at both MSN and DNP levels.
- Nurse practitioners in the Boston area earn a median salary of roughly $141,000 per year.
- MGH Institute of Health Professions alone offers six distinct NP specialty tracks for graduate students.
- Most NP certification exams require 500 to 750 supervised clinical hours, and Boston's major health systems support local placement.
Which nurse practitioner programs are realistic options for working RNs in the Boston area?
Boston's concentration of academic medical centers, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's, and Boston Children's, creates an unusually dense network of clinical training sites within a single metro area. That density translates directly into program variety: schools here offer FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP tracks at MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels, with formats ranging from fully online to hybrid and traditional campus schedules.
For nurses commuting from Worcester, Providence, or southern New Hampshire, the practical question is often which programs accommodate clinical placements closer to home while maintaining access to Boston's specialty rotations.
NP Programs in the Boston Metro Area
The greater Boston area is home to a deep bench of nurse practitioner programs spanning every major NP specialty, from family and psychiatric mental health tracks to pediatric, women's health, and acute care concentrations. Whether you are looking for a fully online MSN, a hybrid DNP, or a post-master's certificate, these schools offer flexible pathways designed for working nurses. Students regularly commute from surrounding cities such as Lowell, Salem, Worcester, and even Amherst, and several programs let you complete clinical rotations close to home.
- Graduate tuition and net price
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Breadth of NP specialty offerings
- Delivery format flexibility
- Clinical partnership strength
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Boston College
Boston College's Connell School of Nursing offers NP tracks at both the master's and doctoral levels, covering adult-gerontology primary care, psychiatric mental health, and women's health. All programs are campus-based and CCNE-accredited, with 750 clinical hours and placements at renowned Boston hospitals. The school's partnership with the VA Boston Healthcare System adds a distinctive post-graduate psychiatric residency pathway. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 90.8% institution-wide graduation rate, the school combines small-class mentorship with rigorous clinical training.
- Campus-based MSN with multiple entry pathways
- Adult-gerontology primary care concentration
- Clinical placements at top Boston healthcare sites
- B average GPA and statistics prerequisite required
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Comprehensive patient assessment and treatment training
- Specialized psychiatric mental health focus
- Campus format with multiple clinical placement sites
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Advanced practice nursing preparation
- Comprehensive lifespan mental health training
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- CCNE-accredited DNP with six concentration options
- 750 clinical hours plus capstone project
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Psychotherapy training across the lifespan
- Eligible for ANCC certification and prescriptive authority
- Clinical partnerships with Boston hospitals
- Women's health across the lifespan focus
- 750 clinical hours at top Boston hospitals
- Prepares for national WHNP certification
- Leadership and evidence-based practice curriculum
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Holistic and compassionate care emphasis
- 73 total credit hours with 750 clinical hours
- CCNE-accredited with multiple entry options
- Graduates eligible for ANCC certification
- Innovative DNP practice improvement project required
- Clinical experiences at leading Boston hospitals
- Focus on holistic, compassionate patient care
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Northeastern University
Northeastern University stands out for the sheer breadth of its NP offerings, covering family, adult-gerontology primary and acute care, psychiatric mental health, pediatric (primary, acute, and dual), and neonatal tracks across MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels. Most programs use a hybrid or online format with two on-campus clinical intensive weekends in Boston, making the school especially practical for working nurses across New England. Northeastern is the only program in the region offering an acute-care pediatric NP track, and its clinical affiliations include Boston Children's Hospital. Graduate tuition is approximately $26,020 per year.
- Hybrid format with two Boston campus intensives
- 47 total credits and 750 clinical hours
- No GRE required; fall and spring starts
- Full-time or part-time enrollment available
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Clinical placements within 100 miles of campus
- Primary care and dual acute/primary care tracks
- Only acute-care PNP program in New England
- Clinical partnerships with Boston Children's Hospital
- CCNE-accredited with fall entry
- Two- to three-year completion timeline
- Focus on urban, underserved populations
- Hybrid with synchronous and asynchronous options
- 43 total credit hours; fall and spring starts
- Case-based lecture approach with clinical intensives
- Two on-campus immersive experiences
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP exams
- Clinical partnerships with top Boston hospitals
- Hybrid online format with weekend campus intensives
- 43 credits for MSN or 24 credits for certificate
- Lifespan-focused, biopsychosocial framework
- No GRE required for admission
- Minimum one year psychiatric nursing experience
- Clinical placements arranged within 100 miles
- Fully online MSN for experienced NICU nurses
- Requires two or more years of NICU experience
- Three program start dates per year
- Prepares for national NNP certification
- Part-time and full-time options available
- Precepted clinical experience included
- CCNE-accredited BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Seven concentration options across NP specialties
- Capstone scholarly project required
- No entrance exam required for admission
- Hybrid format designed for working professionals
- Statistics prerequisite with B or better grade
- Campus-based AGACNP post-master's certificate
- 600 clinical hours; financial aid available
- Two years acute care RN experience required
- Clinical affiliations with top Boston hospitals
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- CCNE-accredited with fall entry
- Primary care, acute care, or dual tracks available
- Clinical partnerships with Boston Children's Hospital
- Two-year program with fall entry only
- Prepares for PNP certification exams
- CCNE-accredited with financial aid available
- Dual track prepares for two certification exams
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — On-Campus
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
UMass Lowell provides one of the most affordable NP pathways in the Boston metro area, with in-state graduate tuition of about $16,434 per year and an online per-credit rate of $610. The school offers FNP and adult-gerontology primary care tracks at both the MSN and DNP levels, along with BSN-to-DNP options in both concentrations. Most programs use a hybrid format with just a few on-campus intensive days, which is convenient for nurses commuting from the Merrimack Valley or north of Boston. The FNP program reports a 100% licensure pass rate and is CCNE-accredited.
- Online format with just four on-campus days
- 45 credits at $610 per credit; CCNE-accredited
- 100% licensure pass rate reported
- 750 clinical hours; no GRE required
- Prepares for Family Nurse Practitioner certification
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Hybrid delivery with rolling admissions
- 45 total credit hours; two-year full-time plan
- Test optional; 3.0 GPA minimum required
- Up to six transfer credits accepted
- Part-time option available (three to five years)
- Prepares for AGPCNP certification exam
- Hybrid DNP with on-campus intensives
- 60 total credit hours over four years
- Capstone project required for graduation
- Fast Track option for UML baccalaureate graduates
- Massachusetts RN license required
- Interview required for admission
- 75 total credits at $610 per credit
- Two-year full-time or three-year part-time plan
- Four two-day on-campus intensives
- Interdisciplinary curriculum in finance and informatics
- Scholarly project from design to dissemination
- CCNE-accredited; financial aid available
- BSN-to-DNP hybrid pathway
- Four years full-time or five years part-time
- Emphasis on cultural competency and leadership
- Evidence-based practice and health policy focus
- Massachusetts RN licensure and 3.0 GPA required
- Reduces health disparities through family care
- BSN-to-DNP hybrid pathway for AGPCNP
- Up to eight years to complete the program
- Leadership and cultural competency focus
- Evidence-based curriculum for patient care outcomes
- Requires Massachusetts RN licensure
- 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Hybrid
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
UMass Amherst's Elaine Marieb College of Nursing offers fully online NP programs at the doctoral and post-master's certificate levels, with concentrations in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health. The DNP programs feature three start dates per year and individualized plans of study, allowing completion in four or five years. The 28- to 30-credit post-master's PMHNP certificate is a particularly efficient option for nurses who already hold a master's degree and want to add a psychiatric specialty. Clinical coursework is completed locally, with no campus visits required.
- Fully online with three annual start dates
- 75 total credit hours; 752 clinical hours
- CCNE-accredited BSN-to-DNP pathway
- DNP project sequence across five courses
- Priority admission deadline October 15
- Financial aid available; capstone required
- Completely online; no campus visits required
- 728 clinical hours with local practica
- Four-year or five-year individualized plans
- 3.0 GPA minimum; three start dates per year
- CCNE-accredited; experiential clinical learning
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
- 28 to 30 credits; 100% online delivery
- Designed for nurses who already hold a master's
- Clinical experience in behavioral health settings
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Admissions prefer psychiatric nursing experience
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Master's Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Salem State University
Salem State University is one of the most affordable options in the Boston metro area for an MSN in adult-gerontology primary care. The 42-credit hybrid program uses evening classes so working nurses can keep their clinical schedules, and part-time students can finish in about three years. Located on the North Shore, Salem State draws students from communities across the northeastern suburbs. No entrance exam is required, and up to nine transfer credits are accepted. The institution-wide graduation rate is 49.8%, so prospective students should connect with the nursing department directly for program-specific outcome data.
- Hybrid format with evening classes
- 42 total credit hours; three-year part-time plan
- No entrance exam required for admission
- 3.0 GPA minimum; up to nine transfer credits
- Non-matriculated students may begin coursework
- In-state tuition approximately $9,360 per year
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Regis College
Regis College in Weston offers one of the broadest online NP selections in the Boston area, with BSN-to-DNP pathways in family, pediatric, adult-gerontology acute care, and women's health concentrations. The school was the first in the Boston area to launch a DNP program and delivers all coursework 100% online at $1,025 per credit, with no campus visits required. Graduate tuition is $17,910 per year, and the institution has a 72.2% graduation rate and a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. MSN-level tracks in pediatric, AGACNP, and women's health NP round out the portfolio.
- 100% online; completable in as few as 40 months
- 73 total credits at $1,025 per credit
- ACEN-accredited with three annual start dates
- 600 clinical hours; capstone required
- No GRE required; test-optional admission
- Transfer up to nine graduate credits
- 100% online DNP; no campus visit required
- 40-month program with clinical coordinator support
- One year critical care RN experience required
- ACEN-accredited; military benefits accepted
- Faculty advisor assigned each semester
- Financial aid and employer reimbursement supported
- 100% online with clinical placement coordination
- 800 clinical hours; ACEN-accredited
- $1,025 per credit; three starts per year
- Personal faculty advisor assigned to each student
- Transfer up to nine graduate credits accepted
- No campus visit required
- 100% online with 28- to 36-month timeline
- Multiple entry pathways; no GRE required
- PNCB certification eligibility upon completion
- Clinical hours completed in student's local area
- Transfer credits accepted; tuition discounts available
- 83% NP exam pass rate reported
- Online, flexible format over 28 to 36 months
- 46 to 61 total credits; no GRE required
- 100% NP exam pass rate reported
- ANCC certification eligible upon graduation
- Multiple entry pathways available
- Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred for admission
- 600 precepted clinical hours in acute settings
- Advanced pathophysiology and telehealth training
- Rotations in urgent care, ED, and ICU
- ANCC certification preparation included
- Campus-based program in Weston, MA
- Emergency department clinical experience
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Online
BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Simmons University
Simmons University, located in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, has built a strong PMHNP identity alongside its FNP offerings. The school provides MSN and DNP tracks in both family and psychiatric mental health, plus post-graduate certificates for nurses who want to add a specialty without pursuing another degree. Simmons also offers direct-entry MSN and DNP pathways for applicants who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, with over 1,400 total clinical hours and access to more than 850 training sites. A reported 97% NCLEX pass rate and rolling admissions with three annual start dates add flexibility.
- Fully online MSN with rolling admissions
- Three annual start dates; financial aid available
- Prepares for FNP board certification
- For licensed RNs with a BSN
- CCNE-accredited program
- Flexible full-time or part-time pacing
- Online MSN requiring 49 credits and 756 clinical hours
- 24 months full-time or 32 months part-time
- CCNE-accredited; rolling admissions with three starts
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP board certification
- Direct-entry option for non-nursing bachelor's holders
- Campus-based pre-licensure, then online post-licensure
- Direct-entry or BSN-to-DNP; 104 total credits
- 1,400 clinical hours at 850-plus training sites
- 97% licensure pass rate; capstone required
- Hybrid online and on-campus flexibility
- Faculty are practicing NPs and researchers
- Leadership and health policy courses included
- Hybrid direct-entry DNP; 108 total credits
- 1,400-plus clinical hours; 97% licensure pass rate
- Prepares for both NCLEX and PMHNP certification
- Earn MSN before progressing to DNP
- Over 850 clinical training sites available
- Leadership, advocacy, and evidence-based practice focus
- Online post-graduate certificate for current APRNs
- CCNE-accredited with clinical placement assistance
- Rolling admissions; three start dates per year
- No GRE required; scholarships available
- High ANCC board pass rates
- Full-time and part-time options
- 27 credits and 756 clinical hours
- 16 months full-time or 20 months part-time
- Online delivery with on-campus immersion
- For current APRNs with graduate degree
- CCNE-accredited; rolling admissions
- Prepares for ANCC PMHNP certification
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
MCPHS University
MCPHS University, centrally located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, offers FNP and PMHNP tracks at the MSN and post-master's certificate levels, plus an RN-to-MSN bridge for nurses without a bachelor's in nursing. All programs are primarily online with two on-campus residencies and 750 clinical hours completed in the student's local community. MCPHS reports 91 to 92% first-time certification pass rates for its FNP track and a 100% first-time pass rate for its PMHNP track in 2024. Graduate tuition is approximately $27,210 per year.
- Online with two on-campus residencies; 27 months
- 750 clinical hours; CCNE-accredited
- 91 to 92% first-time FNP pass rates
- Fall, spring, and summer start terms
- Per-credit tuition rate structure
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB certification
- Online with two on-campus residencies; 27 months
- 750 clinical hours completed locally
- 100% ANCC pass rate reported for 2024
- Diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders across lifespan
- Fall, spring, and summer start dates
- CCNE-accredited with interprofessional collaboration
- Three-year part-time program, entirely online
- Four on-campus residencies required
- Clinical experience in the student's community
- Eligible for FNP board certification
- Designed for RNs without a BSN
- Fall term start; flexible for working nurses
- Post-master's certificate; 750 clinical hours
- Online with in-person residency components
- Individualized study plans; high pass rates
- Fall, spring, and summer starts available
- Prepares for FNP certification exams
- Graduate nursing background required
- Post-master's online certificate; 27-month timeline
- Two on-campus residencies included
- 100% first-time pass rate reported in 2024
- Prepares for ANCC or AANPCB exams
- Simulated clinical experiences integrated
- Individualized study plans for each student
Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Master of Science, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge Program (RN to MSN) — Online
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Bay Path University
Bay Path University in Longmeadow offers a fully online, non-residency DNP with a family nurse practitioner concentration. The 70-credit program accepts both BSN-to-DNP and post-master's students and requires 1,000 practice hours plus a capstone project. With graduate tuition of about $15,162 per year and a net price around $14,271, Bay Path is one of the most affordable private options in Massachusetts. The curriculum is grounded in the AACN Essentials and emphasizes clinical judgment, ethics, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Fully online, non-residency DNP program
- 70 total credit hours; 1,000 practice hours
- BSN-to-DNP and post-master's entry paths
- Capstone project required for graduation
- Curriculum based on AACN Essentials
- Focus on clinical judgment and interprofessional collaboration
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Elms College (College of Our Lady of the Elms) in Chicopee provides DNP programs in family and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner concentrations, along with post-graduate certificates for APRNs who want to add a new specialty. The hybrid format combines synchronous and asynchronous online classes with in-person sessions, and the school offers clinical placement support. DNP students complete 80 credit hours and up to 1,000 clinical hours alongside a faculty-mentored scholarly project. Located about 90 minutes west of Boston, Elms is a practical choice for students in the Springfield and Pioneer Valley corridor.
- Hybrid format; 80 credits over three years
- Synchronous and asynchronous class options
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification
- Faculty-mentored scholarly capstone project
- Clinical placement support provided
- Family-centered care model across the lifespan
- 80 total credits; 1,000 clinical hours
- BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP entry paths
- Hybrid online and in-person classes
- Prepares for ANCC AGACNP certification
- Faculty are practicing nurse practitioners
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Hybrid format for currently certified APRNs
- Individualized gap analysis determines coursework
- Includes clinical practicum hours
- Prepares for national FNP certification exams
- Option to continue into the DNP program
- 15 to 20 hours of weekly commitment
- Hybrid post-graduate certificate; two-year timeline
- Gap analysis determines individual credit needs
- Requires current APRN licensure for admission
- Eligible for AGACNP national certification
- Prior coursework transfer may reduce credits
- Personalized faculty attention throughout program
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
NP Specialties You Can Study in Boston
MGH Institute of Health Professions offers six distinct NP specialty tracks, a breadth that reflects the varied demand across Boston's healthcare landscape. For a broader look at how these roles compare, explore this guide to nurse practitioner specialties.
Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
The most versatile NP role, FNP prepares you to care for patients of all ages in primary care settings. Boston-area schools like UMass Lowell (online, 100% certification pass rate), Simmons University (online), and MCPHS University (online, 91-92% first-time pass rates) all offer streamlined FNP pathways. If you prefer a hybrid format, Endicott College and UMass Boston combine online coursework with on-campus intensives.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP)
AGNP tracks split into primary care and acute care. Primary care AGNPs manage chronic conditions in outpatient clinics, while acute care vs primary care distinctions matter most in hospital-based roles. Boston College and Salem State University offer campus-based or hybrid Adult-Gerontology Primary Care programs. The acute care emphasis is especially valuable in Boston's dense hospital network, though specific program availability varies by school.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
PMHNP is one of the fastest-growing specialties nationwide, and Boston's concentration of psychiatric hospitals and behavioral health centers gives students a clinical edge. UMass Amherst and UMass Dartmouth both provide fully online post-master's PMHNP certificates, ideal for nurses who already hold an MSN. These programs emphasize telehealth skills and medication management across the lifespan.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP)
PNPs focus on children from infancy through adolescence. Regis College offers a 100% online PNP master's program with an 83% NP exam pass rate, allowing you to complete clinical hours in your own community. While fewer Boston schools list dedicated PNP tracks, those that do often pair them with strong pediatric clinical placements at children's hospitals.
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care (AGACNP)
WHNP and AGACNP remain high-demand specialties in Massachusetts. WHNPs provide reproductive and gynecologic care, while AGACNPs manage complex inpatient cases. Though not all local programs list these tracks, schools like MGH Institute typically include them among their multiple NP concentrations. If you already hold an MSN and want to add an acute care credential, an AGNP post-master's certificate online is worth considering. With Boston's world-renowned academic medical centers, acute care rotations are particularly robust.
DNP vs. MSN: Choosing Your Pathway
Your career goals shape the degree level. An MSN or post-master's certificate gets you into clinical practice faster; UMass Amherst's online PMHNP certificate, for example, is designed for nurses already holding a master's. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), on the other hand, prepares you for leadership, teaching, or policy roles. UMass Chan Medical School and Bay Path University offer BSN-to-DNP or post-master's DNP options with FNP tracks, while other Boston schools embed DNP paths into their specialty offerings. If you're balancing work and study, online and hybrid formats at schools like MCPHS, Simmons, and Regis make it feasible to advance without pausing your nursing career.
Tuition and Cost Comparison Across Boston NP Programs
The table below compares graduate-level tuition and institution-wide average net price for Massachusetts schools offering NP programs. Note that the average net price column reflects a university-wide figure based on federal reporting, not a program-specific guarantee. Actual NP tuition may differ, so contact each school's graduate admissions office for a current quote. Private institutions typically charge the same rate regardless of residency, while UMass campuses offer significantly lower tuition for in-state students. Out-of-state online learners should ask whether they qualify for in-state or reduced rates through institutional agreements. Beyond tuition, several financial aid strategies can lower your total cost: the NHSC Scholarship Program covers tuition, fees, and a living stipend in exchange for a minimum two-year service commitment at a health professional shortage area site. Boston hospital systems such as Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Lahey Health commonly offer $2,500 to $5,000 per year in tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing advanced degrees. The Massachusetts High Demand Scholarship Program provides up to $5,000 through the MASSAid Student Portal, and the Massachusetts Nurses Foundation awards scholarships with a June 1, 2026 deadline.
| School | Type | In-State Tuition (per year) | Out-of-State Tuition (per year) | Avg. Net Price (institution-wide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salem State University | Public | $9,360 | $11,069 | $15,996 |
| American International College | Private | $13,314 | $13,314 | $23,274 |
| Bay Path University | Private | $15,162 | $15,162 | $14,271 |
| UMass Lowell | Public | $16,434 | $29,118 | $17,163 |
| UMass Amherst | Public | $17,410 | $35,726 | $22,383 |
| UMass Dartmouth | Public | $17,269 | $30,589 | $20,927 |
| Elms College | Private | $17,670 | $17,670 | $17,545 |
| Regis College | Private | $17,910 | $17,910 | $27,477 |
| UMass Boston | Public | $20,456 | $39,352 | $17,707 |
| Simmons University | Private | $28,561 | $28,561 | $25,265 |
Related Articles
Clinical Hour Requirements and Placement in Massachusetts
Clinical training requirements for nurse practitioner programs continue to evolve as certification bodies emphasize hands-on competency, making Boston's concentration of major healthcare systems a meaningful advantage for students in any NP pathway.
National Certification Standards
To sit for the ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam, candidates must complete a minimum of 500 faculty-supervised direct patient care hours.1 The AANP certification pathway follows similar requirements. However, most FNP programs in Massachusetts build in additional clinical time, with typical requirements ranging from 600 to 750 hours across the curriculum.2
Massachusetts does not impose a state-specific clinical hour minimum beyond what accredited programs and national certification bodies require.3 The Board of Registration in Nursing accepts graduates from CCNE, ACEN, or equivalent-accredited programs and requires passing scores on either the AANP or ANCC certification exam for licensure.3
Boston's Clinical Site Advantage
The Boston metro area offers one of the densest concentrations of clinical training sites in the country. Students can pursue nurse practitioner clinical rotations at academic medical centers like Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, specialty settings such as Boston Children's Hospital, federally qualified health centers throughout the region, and VA facilities serving veteran populations.
This network benefits both on-campus and online students. Many online NP programs require students to secure their own preceptors and clinical placements, a task that becomes significantly easier when you live within commuting distance of Boston's healthcare ecosystem. Community health centers in neighborhoods like Roxbury, Dorchester, and Chelsea provide primary care exposure with diverse patient populations, while suburban practices in areas like Newton, Brookline, and Cambridge offer additional placement options.
What This Means for Working Nurses
If you are completing an online program while working as an RN in the Boston area, your existing professional network can help you find NP preceptors. Colleagues, supervisors, and nurse practitioners you work alongside may be willing to serve as clinical mentors or connect you with others who are. This local advantage often reduces the stress of finding quality clinical placements, a challenge that students in more rural areas frequently describe as one of the most difficult parts of NP education. It is also worth noting that Massachusetts grants full practice authority after a collaborative period of 2 years or 1,600 hours, so completing clinical training in the state can help you build the professional relationships that support a smooth transition into independent practice.4
Boston NP Salary and Job Market
What NPs Earn in the Boston Area
Nurse practitioners in the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua metro area earn a median annual salary of approximately $141,120, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2023.1 That sits roughly $20,000 above the national median of about $121,610, a meaningful premium that reflects both the region's high cost of living and its exceptional demand for advanced practice clinicians.2 The metro area employed more than 5,300 NPs at last count, concentrated across academic medical centers, community health networks, and specialty practices that span Boston proper and extend into surrounding communities like Cambridge, Quincy, Lowell, and Nashua. For a deeper look at how compensation varies across roles, see our breakdown of nurse practitioner salary by specialty.
Job Growth and Boston's Healthcare Density
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects NP employment to grow 46 percent over the decade ending in 2033, one of the fastest growth rates of any healthcare occupation.3 Boston is well positioned to benefit from that trend. The city anchors one of the most hospital-dense corridors in the country, and the shift toward team-based primary and behavioral health care continues to open new practice settings beyond traditional hospital roles.
The Return on Your Education Investment
When you weigh program costs against earning potential, the math tends to favor the investment. Graduate debt for NP programs at Boston-area schools often falls in the range of $19,000 to $25,000 at completion, based on federal data for institutions covered in this guide. Against a regional median salary near $141,000, most graduates reach a comfortable debt-to-income ratio well within the first year of full-time NP practice. Program-level earnings data for specific Boston-area NP tracks are not yet fully reported across all institutions, so exact figures vary. The broader picture holds: completing an NP program in this market positions you for earnings well above what most RNs can reach at the bedside. If you are weighing degree options, our guide to MSN vs DNP vs PhD in nursing can help you compare long-term return on investment.
More NP Programs in the Boston Area
In addition to the top-ranked programs, several other excellent NP programs are available within the Boston metro area and surrounding regions. These schools offer a range of specialties, degree levels, and formats, including online and hybrid options, to fit the needs of working nurses. Below is a directory of additional programs, organized by region for easy browsing.
Boston Area
University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, MA · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
- BS-DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- BS-DNP (Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner)
MGH Institute of Health Professions Boston, MA · On-Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner
North Shore
Endicott College Beverly, MA · Hybrid
- M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Family Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
South Coast
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA · Online
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS): Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner)
- Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Central Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Worcester, MA · Hybrid
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
Western Massachusetts
American International College Springfield, MA · Online
- Online MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
