How to Become an RN in Massachusetts: 5 Steps
Curious about how to become an RN in Massachusetts? Ranked among the top states for healthcare, the Bay State features world-class hospitals, competitive nursing salaries, and a growing demand for healthcare professionals — which means exciting opportunities across a variety of healthcare settings. Add in a thriving life sciences sector and diverse recreational opportunities, and you’re set for a dynamic nursing career with endless possibilities for personal and professional growth.
When you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming an RN in Massachusetts, this guide will walk you through the process, from starting school to landing your first nursing job.
How to Become an RN in Massachusetts: Interesting Facts
- Growing need for RNs: The demand for RNs in Massachusetts is projected to increase by 12% in the next several years, which is higher than average across other states.
- Top-rated healthcare facilities: Massachusetts is home to renowned hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital, which is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
- Competitive pay: The RN salary in Massachusetts is approximately 15% higher than the national average, offering attractive earning potential for nurses in the state.
- World-class schools: Massachusetts is home to some of the nation’s best educational institutions, like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard, providing excellent opportunities for advanced degrees and continuing education.
- Quality of life: Massachusetts offers exciting city activities in places like Boston, along with plentiful outdoor opportunities, from hiking in the Berkshires to unwinding on Cape Cod’s beaches.
What Does an RN in Massachusetts Do?
As you learn how to become an RN in Massachusetts, your first step is to understand the scope of the role. Your patient care duties will differ depending on the specialty, ranging from routine checkups to life-saving interventions. Here are some of the specialties you might consider:
- Pediatric RN: Work with children of all ages, providing treatments, vaccinations, and support to families during hospital stays or routine checkups.
- Med-surg RN: Assist patients recovering from surgery or managing medical conditions, handling wound care, monitoring vitals, and coordinating treatment plans.
- Oncology RN: Support cancer patients through every stage of their journey, administering chemotherapy, managing symptoms, and offering emotional support.
- Critical care RN: Provide life-saving care to critically ill patients, assisting with emergency procedures and using advanced medical equipment.
- Labor and delivery RN: Offer compassionate care to mothers and newborns, assist in labor and delivery, and provide support during postpartum recovery.
As an RN, no matter which specialty you choose, there are several essential tasks that will be part of your daily responsibilities. Here are a few examples:
- Performing assessments: You’ll evaluate a patient’s health by checking vital signs, conducting a head-to-toe assessment, and reviewing medical history.
- Creating care plans: You’ll help develop individualized care plans based on the patient’s health status, treatment goals, and preferences.
- Educating patients and families: You’ll guide patients and their families on managing health conditions and preventing future complications.
- Maintaining accurate documentation: You’ll update patient charts, enter progress notes, witness informed consent, and document treatments and outcomes.
How Long Does It Take to Become an RN in Massachusetts?
Becoming an RN in Massachusetts typically takes between two to four years, depending on the educational pathway you choose. Here’s an overview of the different options and their timelines:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): This program typically takes 2 years to complete and is commonly offered at community colleges. It provides the foundational training needed to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This 4-year program is offered at universities and nursing schools, providing a comprehensive education that includes courses on leadership and research.
Having a previous degree can help you become an RN faster. Here are two options to speed up your way into a nursing career:
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN): This program typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete and is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who wish to transition into nursing.
- Bridge program: These programs typically take 1 to 2 years to complete and are designed for individuals with prior medical training, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or paramedics, who want to advance their careers to nursing.
How to Become an RN in Massachusetts: 5 Steps
Becoming an RN means gaining the right education, skills, and licensure to practice safely. Here’s a simple guide to help you start your nursing career in Massachusetts:
Step 1: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
The first step to becoming an RN in Massachusetts is completing an accredited ADN or a BSN nursing program. During your studies, you’ll take essential nursing classes like anatomy, pharmacology, and pathophysiology and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. These rotations help you build practical skills, like administering injections and working with electronic health records (EHR) like Epic.
Massachusetts offers a variety of nursing programs. Consider your career goals, budget, and schedule to find the best fit. Whatever program you choose, make sure it’s approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing so you’re eligible for licensure when you finish your education.
| BSN Programs | ADN Programs |
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Thinking about earning a BSN? Explore the top nursing schools in Massachusetts to find the one that’s right for you.
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Exploring ADN options? These community colleges offer strong programs to support your path:
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It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the cost of nursing school, but don’t let finances crush your career dreams. Here are some options to help fund your RN journey in Massachusetts:
- Explore national and Massachusetts-specific nursing scholarships and grants.
- Enroll in a work-study program that allows you to work part-time at your school or with other organizations.
- Apply for student nurse jobs in MA that offer flexible hours and competitive pay.
- Explore federal and private student loan options that can help cover tuition, books, and living expenses.
- Look for healthcare employers that offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
Step 2: Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
The journey of how to become an RN in Massachusetts involves more than just earning a degree — it also requires passing the NCLEX-RN, the standardized exam that evaluates your nursing knowledge and clinical judgment to determine if you’re prepared for real-world patient care.
To register for the exam you’ll need to complete the following steps:
- Submit an application for an RN license through the Health Professions Licensing Portal, and submit an application for an RN license by exam.
- Meet Good Moral Character requirements. This includes consenting to a background check by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) database.
- Register with Pearson VUE, the official testing service for the NCLEX, and wait for authorization to test (ATT). The registration fee is $200.
- Schedule your exam at a location that works for you. The NCLEX-RN is offered year-round at designated testing centers.
The exam lasts up to five hours and includes between 75 to 145 questions, featuring multiple-choice, select-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop formats. If you don’t pass, you can retake it up to eight times per year, with a 45-day waiting period between attempts.
Step 3: Wait for Your Massachusetts RN License
After passing the NCLEX-RN, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing will review your application. Once approved, you’ll receive your RN license, officially granting you the authority to practice as an RN in Massachusetts. You can track your license status through the Massachusetts Health Professions License Verification portal.
Massachusetts isn’t part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) yet, but legislation has been signed to adopt it. Until the NLC is fully implemented, an RN license from Massachusetts only allows you to practice within the state.
Step 4: Start Your Job Hunt
The next big milestone in your journey of how to become an RN in Massachusetts is getting hired. From major hospitals to specialty clinics and research centers, RN jobs in Massachusetts can be found in a variety of settings. Check out these hospitals to start your job search journey:
- Mass General Brigham
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Boston Medical Center
- UMass Memorial Health
- Baystate Health
If bedside care isn’t for you, Massachusetts offers a strong public health system with plenty of nursing opportunities through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other government agencies. For those passionate about research, consider roles at the Broad Institute or Massachusetts Life Science Center.
Step 5: Keep Your License Up to Date
Earning your RN license is just the beginning of your nursing career. To keep it active, you must renew your Massachusetts nursing license every two years (except for your first renewal cycle). Additionally, all nurses must complete a one-time training on Alzheimer’s and dementia care and domestic and sexual violence education.
How Much Do RNs Earn in Massachusetts?
Now that you’ve learned how to become a registered nurse in Massachusetts, you’re probably curious about potential earnings. On average, RNs in MA earn around $108,850 per year, though salaries can vary based on experience, education, and workplace setting.
Larger cities often offer higher pay, so if you’re starting your job search, consider exploring opportunities in Massachusetts’ five most populous cities:
Helpful Resources for Massachusetts Nurses
Still have questions about how to become an RN in Massachusetts and launch a successful career? Here are some valuable resources to help you find the answers:
- American Nurses Association Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Massachusetts Association of Public Health Nurses
- Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association
- Massachusetts Nurses Association
- Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act
Looking for an RN Job That Works for You?
Completing the steps of how to become an RN in Massachusetts is a huge achievement. Now let’s find a position where you can thrive. Find out how IntelyCare’s personalized job alerts can help you stay updated on openings in your specialty and preferred location.
