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DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Simplify your search for an accredited DNP in Massachusetts! Our guide & directory contains rankings of the best and most affordable DNP programs in Massachusetts, notes on online & hybrid MA doctorates, and tips on comparing BSN to DNP options. Already have a school or two in mind? Skip ahead to our detailed listings.

Top Massachusetts DNP Programs

To find the best DNP programs in MA, we evaluated independent rankings for nursing graduate degrees, prioritizing any Massachusetts school with a high DNP placement in U.S. News & World Report. We also considered student reviews, reputation, research funding, and other quality factors.

1. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Our #1 spot goes to UMass Amherst’s online DNP program. It’s convenient, relatively affordable for in-state & out-of-state students, and well-regarded. You’ll often find it nationally ranked in the top 30 of DNPs and the top 25 of Online Graduate Nursing Programs. The quality of teaching in the College of Nursing is another plus. DNP faculty are more than happy to be approached with questions about the program and student work on previous DNP projects. They also have their own faculty research interests and funded projects.

Keep in mind that UMass Amherst is truly an online program. Graduate students on independent review sites say that coursework is a little bit of everything—online discussions, group work, readings, papers, project proposals, PPTs—you name it. And you will be required to secure your own clinical practicum sites and preceptors. Before you sign on the line, we recommend you ask the DNP program coordinator for the latest NP certification pass rates. You can also see if you qualify for any College of Nursing Scholarships.

Note: BSN to DNP students who prefer in-person teaching may want to expand their search. For example, Boston College has some excellent national rankings for NP specialties and great certification pass rates.

2. Northeastern University

If you’re looking for a CRNA or post-master’s option in Massachusetts, Northeastern’s DNP program is tough to beat. It comes from the School of Nursing in the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, a school that frequently ranks in the top 25 of Nursing Anesthesia programs (it has a great NCE pass rate) and the top 50 of DNP programs. Faculty have a strong interest in nursing research, and the School is doing some interesting things in the realm of healthcare technology. Thanks to an NIH grant, it was able to launch the North­eastern Center for Tech­nology in Sup­port of Self Man­age­ment and Health (NUCare).

One of the key benefits of Northeastern? Career connections. The university is close to some of the best hospitals in the country, including Brigham & Women’s, Boston Children’s, BMC, MGH, and more. CRNA students will be saturated in relevant clinical work; post-master’s students will be able to network during semester intensives. Reviews of Northeastern’s graduate nursing programs are uniformly positive, with students praising the supportive & passionate professors, the high-quality coursework, and the “small family” feel. But it is expensive. We recommend you check the section on Graduate Aid and talk to the DNP program coordinator about funding opportunities.

3. MGH Institute of Health Professions

One for aspiring leaders & clinical scholars! MGHIHP’s online DNP program hits all the right buttons. It’s nationally ranked (e.g. top 60). It includes weekend intensives that allow for networking & research. And it has been built by a School of Nursing with an excellent reputation in the Boston area. More than 80% of nursing faculty hold a doctoral degree, many are practicing clinicians, and a large number of them are concerned with pressing healthcare issues. See the nurse-led Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health for further proof.

MGHIHP is especially well-known for its emphasis on interprofessional learning and high-quality clinical training. As you might expect, the School is tied at the hip to MGH, but it also has clinical affiliations with plenty of other leading hospitals in the Boston area (it’s the only degree-granting affiliate in Partners HealthCare). It even runs its own Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness. Like Northeastern, MGHIHP is expensive. So you may wish to ask your employer about the possibility of tuition reimbursement. As far as we can determine, MGHIHP doesn’t offer any internal scholarships to DNP students.

Most Affordable DNP Programs in Massachusetts

For this list of the cheapest DNP programs in Massachusetts, we ranked each school by the per credit tuition rate. In some cases (e.g. UMass Dartmouth), this was the in-state rate for MA residents. For public universities, we factored in mandatory fees.

1. University of Massachusetts-Boston

DNP Tuition & Fees

The per credit online tuition rate for the post-master’s DNP at UMass Boston is remarkably affordable for a Massachusetts university. However, there is a per semester College of Nursing fee. Other fees may also apply.

2. University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

DNP Tuition & Fees

The cheapest rate at UMass Dartmouth is the MA resident graduate tuition rate. The out-of-state rate is comparable to expensive private universities. There will be additional fees (e.g. per semester College of Nursing & Health Sciences fee). If you’re a Rhode Island resident, be sure to ask if you qualify for the proximity rate.

3. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

DNP Tuition & Fees

UMass Amherst’s DNP is online. That means students pay the same per credit tuition rate, regardless of their state of residency. There is a registration fee each semester. There may also be additional fees for certain courses or program resources.

Online DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Happily, there are a number of options for online DNP programs in Massachusetts. In our listings, you’ll see that most Schools of Nursing have tried to make their doctorates “worker-friendly.” For instance:

  • 100% Online BSN to DNP Programs in MA: UMass Amherst states that its BSN to DNP is completely online and no campus visits are required. Regis also offers its BSN to DNP tracks in a distance learning format with 100% online coursework. You may wish to double-check that no intensives or orientations are included.
  • Hybrid BSN to DNP Programs in MA: Other schools in Massachusetts have opted for a blended approach. UMMS’s program is a mix of in-class and online learning; UMD’s PMHNP track is a blend of online & on-campus courses; and some of UML’s credits require one campus visit per month (on a Saturday).

The majority of Massachusetts DNP programs at the post-master’s level are billed as online. Having said that, some of them are 100% online; others have at least one campus component. For example:

  • 100% Online Post-Master’s DNP Programs in MA: UMass Amherst’s DNP program (in all tracks) is completely online. You could also look into Regis College’s offering, with its multiple concentrations. Regis offers this DNP in a hybrid or online version. Simmons is the same (hybrid or online), but post-master’s students may have to participate in the Doctoral Symposium for Emerging Nurse Leaders.
  • Online/Hybrid Post-Master’s DNP Programs in MA: This category includes schools such as MGHIHP (e.g. weekend intensives twice a semester); Northeastern (e.g. initial orientation & face-to-face meetings twice per semester); UMMS (e.g. three on-site Saturday meetings each semester); and UML (e.g. on-campus orientation and intensives).

Coming from out-of-state? Before you choose a DNP, be sure you can apply. Many schools have state authorization and distance learning restrictions. For instance, UMass Amherst can’t accept online DNP students from certain states. Regis has state exceptions. So does [email protected]. When in doubt, talk to the DNP program coordinator.

Note: Want to compare online degrees in neighboring areas? Check out the directory of Online DNP Programs. They are organized by state.

BSN to DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Searching for a particular BSN to DNP specialty in Massachusetts? You’ll find it flagged in our listings! While we were doing our research on program tracks, we noticed a few trends.

  • Multiple APRN Specialties: Boston College and Regis have very similar NP offerings, including a WHNP track, so you can compare them side-by-side. The same holds true for UMMS and UMass Amherst. The only difference is UMass Amherst has one unusual specialty—Public Health Nursing Leader (PHNL).
  • Popular NP Specialties: If you’re interested in popular tracks (e.g. FNP, AGNP, or PMHNP), you can add UMass Lowell and UMass Dartmouth to the list. Programs at these schools tend to be hybrid, with a blend of online and on-campus coursework.
  • Nurse Anesthesia: Your two options in Massachusetts are Northeastern and Boston College. Both have excellent CNE pass rates. These are going to be intense, full-time, on-campus programs.

Note: Looking for more options? Consult our listings of on-campus and online BSN to DNP Programs.

Massachusetts Nursing Organizations

  • Board of Registration in Nursing (Board)
  • Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners (MCNP)
  • Massachusetts Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA)
  • Organization of Nurse Leaders (ONL); formerly MONE
  • Massachusetts Association of Colleges of Nursing (MACN)

Below you'll find a list of all of the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs available in Massachusetts.

Full list of Massachusetts DNP Programs

10 schools

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Direct Entry DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Direct Entry DNP - Family Health[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Direct Entry DNP - Pediatric Primary Care[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Direct Entry DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Direct Entry DNP - Women's Health[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Family Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Pediatric Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Baccalaureate DNP - Women's Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Family Health[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Nurse Anesthesia[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Pediatric Primary Care[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Women's Health[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Family Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Pediatric Primary Care[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Psychiatric/Mental Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
RN to DNP - Women's Health[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Enrollees in Boston College's DNP program choose from six advanced practice nursing specialties: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Primary Care, Psychiatric/Mental Health, or Women's Health. The nurse practitioner programs have four routes to entry: RN-DNP, direct entry for nurses with non-nursing bachelor's degrees, post-BSN, and post-MSN. Most specialties run spring and fall start dates. The programs are full-time with post-bachelor's students committing 36 months and post-master's students needing 24 months. The programs build most of the DNP project work and specialty practicums, which students complete in the Boston area, into the final year. The DNP in Nurse Anesthesia functions somewhat differently. It only runs spring starts and admits only BSN- and MSN-trained nurses with a year of critical care experience.

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Advanced Practice Nurses[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Nurse Executives[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
There are three pathways to the DNP program at MGH Institute for Health Professions. The RN to DNP program is delivered in a hybrid format and designed for RNs with a bachelor's degree in nursing or another field who want to become nurse practitioners. Students accepted to the program can choose to specialize in one of the following areas. Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics, Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, Women's Health, and Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women's Health. The Post-Master's DNP program is offered online and has the following concentrations: Advanced clinical practice, Education, Global Health, Informatics, and Nursing administration. The DNP for Nurse Executives program is also offered online and designed exclusively for executive-level nurse leaders and chief nursing officers.

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Full-time students who already have a master's degree can expect to complete the CCNE-accredited DNP program at Northeastern University in five continuous semesters. Pursuing the program on a part-time basis typically takes three years. The university's DNP program is delivered in a hybrid format and includes advanced coursework in informatics and health policy, leadership, population health, and research translation. Applicants must have two years of current experience in the nursing field, preferably in advanced nursing. The culminating experience of the program is a scholarly capstone project. This could be a program needs assessment with program development and evaluation, a cost/benefit assessment of program models, the development of an assessment instrument or protocol, or other scholarly project approved by the student's advisor.

Regis College

Weston, Massachusetts
Accreditation: ACEN
BSN to DNP - Adult Gerontology - Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Family (FNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Pediatrics (PNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BSN to DNP - Women's Health (WHNP)[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Post-BS[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Post-MSN[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Gerontology Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Global Public Health Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Health Informatics Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Health Policy Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Integrative Health Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Nursing Education Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP - Nursing Leadership Concentration[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The curriculum of the post-master's Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Regis College is designed to meet the advanced education needs of nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and nurse educators. Classes are offered 100% online. Students can choose from 5 concentrations for the BSN-DNP Degree: Family, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Psychtric Mental health and Adult Gerontology. MSN-DNP students can opt in to the Nurse Education concentration. The DNP program at Regis College is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Simmons University

Boston, Massachusetts
Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Offered in a blended learning format, the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Simmons College is designed for experienced nurse leaders and advanced practice nurses. On-site classes are held two weekends each semester following an intensive residency format, with the remainder of coursework and requirements to be completed online. Students have the option of earning their DNP degree on a full-time (two years) or part-time (three or four years) basis. In order to provide their students with different health care settings for the implementation of their capstone project, the college maintains professional connections with teaching hospitals and research facilities in the area such as Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post MS DNP Completion[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Public Health Nurse Leader[online][BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Both the BS to DNP and the MS to DNP Completion programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are offered completely online. Clinical internships (a program requirement) are arranged in the student's geographical area. Students who enter the program with a BS in nursing can choose from a four- or five-year plan of study. An individualized plan of study is created for MS to DNP students based on the master's degree courses that were taken. The university offers the following DNP specializations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Public Health Nurse Leader, and Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. The MS to DNP Completion program only considers APNs who hold current certifications as: FNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, ANP, PNP, GNP, ACNP, Nurse Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist, and CNS.

University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester

Worcester, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's to DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The CCNE-accredited DNP program at UMass Medical School has four plans of study. The Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP to DNP) is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing. The Bachelor's to DNP plan of study is for APNs who have a BSN. The third plan of study, Pre-Graduate to DNP Option, is for individuals with an associate's degree or diploma in nursing and a BS or BA in a non-nursing field. All of these programs have the following tracks: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner. The final plan of study is the post-master's to DNP program. This is open to nurse practitioners or nurse administrators with MSN degrees.

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Boston, Massachusetts
Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of Massachusetts Boston is a part-time, online program that can be completed with three years of continuous enrolment. Students are only required to come on campus for the following: a two-day orientation at the beginning of the fall semester, in the spring of the first and second years for DNP Intensives, and in the final year for the Capstone project defense. The program is open to MSN holders with preparation as family, gerontology, or adult nurse practitioners, as well as clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse midwives. The DNP program is CCNE-accredited and includes courses such as: Leadership/Management in Health Care, Principles of Epidemiology, Health Informatics, and Evidence Based Practice.

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP Plan - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Masters - DNP[MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
The CCNE-accredited BS - DNP program at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth offers a focus in Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. This program is open to students who have completed their BS in a nursing field. Applicants who are registered nurses but whose BS or BA degree is in another field, may be considered for the DNP Graduate Admission Program (GAP). In this program, students take the Transition to Advanced Practice Nursing course where they complete a portfolio documenting their achievement of undergraduate nursing program outcome objectives. Additional courses may be required as part of the preparation for graduate nursing study. The university also offers a post-master's DNP program for nurses with current APRN certification and an MSN.

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts
Accreditation: CCNE
BS to DNP - Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP Fast Track - Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
BS to DNP Fast Track - Family Nurse Practitioner[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Master's DNP Fast Track[BSN to DNP option]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Online MS to DNP Fast Track[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Post-Master's DNP[online][MSN required]
Admissions InfoCost InfoCurriculum Info
Students accepted to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UMass Lowell have the option of pursuing the program on a full-time (two years) or part-time (three years) basis. The program is open to applicants who have an MS in Nursing (with APRN preparation) and national certification as an APRN. Applicants with a Master's degree in other nursing specialties may also be considered for the program. There is a DNP Fast-Track program for students who are already enrolled in the MSN program of the university. Students can apply to this program after completing at least 12 UMass Lowell credits in the MSN program (including Advanced Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning course).

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