Paying For Mcphs Online Fnp And Pmhnp Programs
The online graduate nursing programs cost $990 per credit plus fees. There is a one-time technology fee of $500 during the first semester of the program. Aspiring students should speak with the School of Nursing through MCPHS for updated and current tuition information.
MCPHS graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal Stafford Loans and Graduate PLUS loans through the FAFSA, in addition to private loans. Scholarships may also be available. Students are also encouraged to check with their employers in regard to a tuition reimbursement program. As well, MSN students may seek outside funding such as organizational or community scholarships and grants.
About Nursing Schools In Massachusetts
The role of a professional nurse in Massachusetts is reliant on dedication of being a lifelong learner and the ability to apply what you learn to your career. The field of nursing is a distinct field that requires technical knowledge along with a comprehensive approach to nursing research. There are many traits that can be learned through experience on the job. However, this is not the only way information can be obtained. There are other ways to expand your knowledge and strengthen your skills as a nurse. The best way this can be accomplished is by obtaining a Bachelors degree in Nursing.
In our Massachusetts RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key Massachusetts RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of Massachusetts, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate’s degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
Northeastern University School Of Nursing
Northeastern Universitys School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree vial multiple pathways including a Direct Entry pathway, an RN to MSN pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway.
The Direct Entry pathway allows those seeking to become a nurse with a non-nursing Bachelors to prepare to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse in just sixteen months. A BSN is awarded and the student will then practice in the field as a full-time RN for 6-9 months before returning to complete the graduate portion of the curriculum after which the MSN degree is awarded.
The RN to MSN is referred to at Northeaster as their BSN/MS Nursing Program. It is designed for RNs with only a diploma or Associates degree in nursing. It leads to both a BSN and MSN degree being awarded.
MSN programs are offered in a variety of roles/specializations including:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
Applicants entering via the Direct Entry pathway must hold a Bachelors degree in a non-nursing field with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Those with lower GPAs will be considered on an individual basis.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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Why Become A Nurse Practitioner
You may be considering pursuing your MSN to become a nurse practitioner because youre looking for greater autonomy and less direct supervision. You might be attracted to the average salary for nurse practitioners – nearly $114,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You surely value the job outlook of a field expected to grow an average of 31 percent between 2016 and 2026, adding 64,000 jobs and outpacing the growth for all occupations by more than four times. Whatever else is motivating your search, every NP is motivated by a desire to have a real, lasting impact on the quality of life for patients through a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Its no wonder that nurse practitioner currently ranks number seven on the Best Job list according to U.S. News and World Report . Or that 96% of NPs are pleased with their chosen profession based on the 2017 Medscape Nurse Career Satisfaction Report.
As much as nurse practitioners are fulfilled by their career choice, patients report an even greater satisfaction with their selection of an NP as their healthcare professional. A survey by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Qualitys Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems found that NPs received an almost perfect score 9.8 out of 10. NP listening skills were ranked at 80% compared to 50% of physician patients.
Nurse Practitioner Programs In Massachusetts

Nurse practitioners: Theyre not doctors, but they do some of the things that people traditionally associate with doctors. The Massachusetts nurse practitioner scope of practice includes advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment as well as consultation and referral. Nurse practitioners can prescribe medicines and other therapeutics. The Massachusetts Board notes that they work for various types of ambulatory healthcare center including private practices and community health settings they also work in other settings such as long-term care facilities and hospitals.
Nurse practitioner is the most common of the five advanced practice nursing roles recognized in Massachusetts. In 2014, Massachusetts boasted 7,752 nurse practitioners, as compared to 1,252 nurse anesthetists and 868 psychiatric clinical nurse specialists.
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Opportunities For Fnps In Massachusetts
Although current laws allow FNPs to diagnose and treat their patients, prescription authority requires the collaboration of a physician. However, with the challenges of the shortage of primary care physicians as described by the Boston Globe, the FNP can be the solution for cost-effective and available care. As reported by the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, FNPs require full practice authority to alleviate the physician shortage and provide low cost care to patients. In response to these recommendations, the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners has filed legislation known as HB 1079/SB 2009 to remove the barriers of care from the FNPs practice.
According to Forbes Magazine in 2013, nurse practitioner positions have climbed into the top 20 most desired jobs for the first time in history. With the growth of retail health and popularity of nurse-run clinics, FNPs have limitless opportunities to practice in numerous areas of care. FNPs can also explore other opportunities such as:
- Medical and pharmaceutical research
Courses In This Program
This program consists of the following courses, which you will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. As soon as youre ready, youll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on.
You will complete your MSN FNP degree mostly online. The first part of your program consists of six online core courses that are part of all WGU MSN programs. We call this our MSN Core.
Next, you will complete specialty online courses comprised of different clinical requirements for the FNP program. During the term before you begin your clinical internship courses, youll complete the FNP Skills Workshop. This is an immersive learning experience conducted virtually at this time. Keep in mind, travel might be required in the future. During the skills workshop, you will be taught all your ambulatory skills, such as casting, splinting, suturing, and biopsies. Your program will culminate with the clinical internship courses involving 650 direct patient care clinical hours in your home community, as available.
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Choose The Track That Is Right For You
The MGH Institute School of Nursing offers seven advanced practice nursing specialties to become a Nurse Practitioner. Please note that the ability to apply to the following advanced practice specialty options for the Post-BSN Master of Science in Nursing program may differ by application cycle. Please visit our Apply Page for the most up to date information.
Upon completing the program, you will be prepared to take the advanced practice certification exam for your chosen specialty. Read more on licensing and careers. The nursing specialties offered are as follows :
Family Nurse Practitioner Programs In Massachusetts
As a registered nurse in Massachusetts, you have an extraordinary opportunity to work as an advanced nurse in family health. With an expanded role in primary care, your scope of practice is designed for you to treat patients of all ages. As discussed in an AACN white paper, nurse practitioners in family health are the front-line of health services that is lower in cost, comparable to physicians and readily available for the needs of the community.
Massachusetts requires you to attend a state-approved graduate program that prepares you to perform primary care in family health. With flexible and creative course plans, busy working professionals may find a program track that meets their scheduling needs.
Graduate programs may include options such as:
- ADN or BSN to FNP masters degree program
- MSN to postgraduate or FNP doctoral program
- Non-nursing degree to masters degree FNP program
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Career & Professional Opportunities
The Family Nurse Practitioner has the privilege of working in all levels of healthcare but critical care, and the opportunity to care for patients throughout the lifespan. FNPs work in:
- Emergency Department or other departments of a hospital such as interventional radiology, pain, cardiac, gynecology, neurological, infertility, pediatrics, pulmonary or renal, and more
- Primary care
- Surgical centers or specialty
- Ambulatory care clinics or private practices in internal medicine or family practice
- Specialty clinics or private practice in all types of specialties such as gastroenterology, cardiac, gynecology, oncology, pulmonary, endocrine, infectious disease, and more
- College health
- Pediatric clinics, school-based care, or private practice
- Long-term care
- Research
- Palliative care
As an autonomous primary healthcare provider, you’ll be prepared to administer care with the following advanced skills and knowledge:
- Genetics
- Geriatrics
- Pediatrics
Additionally, your knowledge in health policy, epidemiology, biostatistics, and nursing research will serve to improve your ability to assume an advanced practice nursing role.
Learn about how Fairfield’s Career Center can support your post-graduate goals, and how Fairfield’s tight-knit alumni network can build career and mentoring opportunities that last a lifetime.
Admission And Certification Requirements
For admission into an MSN/DNP program, the following may be required:
- A BSN degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Letters of recommendation
- A written statement of purpose
- Documentation of clinical experience/ practicum hours
- Submission of transcripts from previous collegiate coursework
- Graduate Record Exam
- Prior clinical experience as an RN/ APRN
Since each graduate program differs slightly, students are encouraged to identify specific admission criteria before applying.
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Licensure For Nps In Massachusetts
Throughout your education, maintain your registered nursing license through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. After you graduate, you can pursue national certification, which is required for nurse practitioner licensure. Once you have your license, note that Massachusetts has restricted practice rights for nurse practitioners . This means that you need a cooperative agreement with a physician to work with patients.
University Of Massachusetts Lowell Department Of Nursing

Multiple pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing are offered by the Department of Nursing at University of Massachusetts Lowell. Like practically all graduate nursing programs, they offer a BSN to MSN pathway. But they also have pathways for RNs and non-RNs who are seeking an MSN.
UMass Lowell offers a Fast Track MSN Program for Pre-licensure BSN Students. Non-RN students can enroll in the UMass Lowell pre-licensure BSN program. Then at the end of their Junior year the can apply and gain admission to this program. This will allow the undergraduate student to take several designated graduate courses that can then be applied toward both their BSN and MSN degrees.
They also offer a Fast Track MSN Program for Licensed RN to BSN Students. Students enrolled in UMass Lowells RN to BSN program can apply to this program at the end of their Junior year. Those accepted are allowed to take 6 hours of graduate courses as an undergraduate which will apply toward both their BSN and MSN degrees.
MSN programs are offered in several Advance Practice Nursing roles/specializations:
- Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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Worcester State University Department Of Nursing
There are three pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree offered by the Department of Nursing at Worcester State University. They offer an RN to MSN Bridge pathway, an RN to MSN Fast Track pathway, and a traditional BSN to MSN pathway,
The RN to MSN Bridge pathways is designed for diploma or Associates prepared Registered Nurses who also hold a Bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. Through a series of bridge courses, students in the program are prepared for the Masters level coursework by first assuring that they have mastered the outcomes of a BSN program.
The RN to MSN Fast Track pathway is designed for students already enrolled in Worcester States RN to BSN program. If accepted into the RN to MSN Fast Track program, students are allowed to take 6 hours of graduate courses which apply to both their BSN and MSN degrees.
MSN programs are offered in the following specializations:
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Nurse Educator
Applicants entering via the RN to MSN Bridge pathway are required to hold a diploma or Associates degree in nursing as well as a non-nursing Bachelors. Students must have taken undergraduate courses in Statistics and Nursing Research. Candidates must submit GRE scores taken within the last five years. They must hold a current unencumbered license as a Registered Nurse in Massachusetts.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
University Of Massachusetts Amherst School Of Nursing
The School of Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers two pathways to a Master of Science in Nursing degree. They offer and RN to MSN pathway and a BSN to MSN pathway. The MSN program is offered with a specialization as a Clinical Nurse Leader.
Applicants to the program must hold either a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associates degree in nursing plus a non-nursing Bachelors degree. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must have completed undergraduate courses in Statistics and Health Assessment. Candidates must hold professional licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
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Master Of Science In Nursing
The master of science in nursing program is for the registered nurse with a bachelors degree in nursing, or a bachelors degree in another field and an associate degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing. Salem State University offers an MSN and an opportunity to specialize in an adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program. In addition, there is an opportunity for the post-master’s certificate in nursing education. Completion of the post-master’s certificate also allows for certification as a nurse educator.
The MSN program is designed for working professionals with classes that are offered in the evening and in a hybrid format.
Students who successfully complete the adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner program track are eligible to take the national Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing.
Introduction To Np Programs In Massachusetts
With the primary care physician shortage there is an increasing demand for Nurse Practitioners s. NPs are trained versatile providers that are equipped to fill the primary care gap. This helps increase preventative care measure and quality of care for patients. Nurse Practitioners also offer a cost effect way to fill this gap for various healthcare organizations. This is increasing the increasing demand for NPs due to preventative healthcare coverage and physician shortages in primary care. Depending on the state NPs can either practice completely independently, with a physician present in the practice, or with a direct supervising physician agreement. In Massachusetts NPs are required to have a supervising physician agreement.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about being an Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts. We will cover types of programs available, costs of education, online programs, steps required to become a licensed NP in the state, and potential places of employment.
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Family Nurse Practitioner Track
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner track is designed to prepare graduates in advanced nursing practice. This program equips future FNPs to provide family-centered primary care, from wellness to illness, to diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared as nurse practitioners who will be leaders in clinical practice, nursing education, health policy and healthcare delivery systems.
Applying To An Online Nurse Practitioner Program In Massachusetts
Nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts typically require an active, unencumbered RN license, a bachelor of science in nursing, and a 3.0 minimum GPA. Other common prerequisites include 1-2 years of clinical RN experience, GRE scores, and completion of an undergraduate statistics course.
Applicants usually submit transcripts, a personal statement, and 2-3 recommendation letters. Some candidates may be invited to interview.
Massachusetts requires NPs to hold APRN licenses and to maintain their RN licenses and national certification. Certification requires completing an exam in a specialty area, such as adult-gerontology, family practice, mental health, neonatal, oncology, or pediatrics.
NPs who want to prescribe medication complete additional education hours, register with the state’s controlled substances regulation department and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, and enroll in the Massachusetts Prescription Monitoring Program.
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Jennifer Jordan 13 Dnp Aprn Fnp
What Elms is doing is raising the bar. I think that there is an expectation that when youre in practice, your provider is as highly trained and skilled as possible. And I think thats what Elms is doing. After completing her DNP degree, Jennifer joined Atkinson Family Practice as a family nurse practitioner.