Boston College offers undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs. The undergraduate program boasts a 95% pass rate for its students on the national licensing exam. Undergraduates take courses in both nursing and liberal arts and can take advantage of the campus' close proximity to Boston-area clinical sites for hands-on experience. Aspiring nurse practitioners can earn a master of science in a number of specialty areas including women's health, gerontology, nurse anesthesia and pediatric health. There are master's pathways available for students who studied nursing as undergraduates as well as those with degrees in non-nursing fields. The doctoral program in nursing is research-focused and students take courses in the philosophy of science and study strategies for developing nursing knowledge. Doctoral students are assigned mentors with whom they develop study plans and discuss their dissertation research.
Boston College
William F. Connell School of Nursing
Cushing Hall
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-552-4250
bc.edu
The nursing department at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers a number of degree and certificate programs. Nursing students can earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, or complete graduate certificates in specialty nursing care areas. At the undergraduate level, students can choose from a baccalaureate program or a degree completion for registered nurses who hold an associate's degree. Master's candidates can specialize in family health, psychiatric and mental health or gerontological nursing. The Ph.D. program trains nurse scholars in the field of health promotion---specifically policies that affect the health of the elderly and families residing in urban areas. Applicants to the master's and Ph.D. programs must have a valid RN license. Nurses seeking specialty training can explore several certificate options including end-of-life care, sleep disorders and orthopedic nursing.
University of Massachusetts Lowell
3 Solomont Way, Suite 2
Lowell, MA 01854-5126
978-934-4525
uml.edu
At the undergraduate level, the University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Nursing offers an online bachelor's degree program for registered nurses in addition to a traditional bachelor's degree and a second bachelor's program. The second bachelor's program is geared towards individuals pursuing second careers in nursing. Master's students can select from either a master of science degree or a dual master of science/master of public health degree. The clinical nurse leader (CNL) option is a master's degree program that trains nurses to manage health prevention programs. The CNL is offered online. Doctoral students can select from a nursing practice track if interested in providing patient care or a Ph.D. track for those who wish to work as researchers or teachers.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Amherst, MA 01003
413-545-0306
umass.edu
Middlesex Community College offers an associate's degree in nursing with both day and evening/weekend options. Prospective students must complete algebra, biology and chemistry as prerequisites for admission with a grade of "C" or better. They must also submit three recommendation letters. Preference for admissions is given to Massachusetts residents. Students participate in classroom lectures, labs, and off-campus clinical experiences. Applicants must undergo a background check and sex offender registry check as a prerequisite for participating in clinical programs involving children, disabled or elderly patients.
Middlesex Community College
Lowell, MA 01852
978-656-3200
middlesex.mass.edu