DNP Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts DNP Programs

Massachusetts is among more than 5 states with the most Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs in the country. Currently, nine Massachusetts colleges and universities offer this advanced nursing degree, though five of them are University of Massachusetts campuses. This number is likely to grow quickly in the years to come, as the AACN wishes to move the necessary level of education for advanced practice from MSN to DNP by 2015.

The common mission of Massachusetts DNP programs is to prepare advanced practice nurses to provide the highest possible level of care to a diverse population of patients. The programs aim to promote leadership in nursing, and prepare graduates for roles in clinical practice, administration, and policy.

Curriculum and Degree Requirements

The curricula of DNP programs in Massachusetts vary depending on the particular college or university. Regis College offers a post-master's DNP program comprised of 27 core credits and 9 elective credits. Simmons College also offers a post-master's program. It is designed for advanced practice nurses or experienced nurse managers with at least two years or 5,000 clinical practice hours. Simmons offers courses online, but requires students to complete two on-campus residencies per semester. The curriculum is made up of 24 core credits, a six-credit Capstone project, and six elective credits, for a total of 36 credits.

Other programs, such as that offered by MGH Institute for Health Professions, offer entry to applicants with either a bachelor's degree or a master's degree. This program can be completed in four years or eight semesters.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements also vary between programs, but only slightly. Students applying to Massachusetts DNP programs should expect to have to meet the following requirements:

  • 3.0 Cumulative GPA (or higher)
  • Satisfactory GRE results in the past 5 years
  • Official Transcripts
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Phone or on-campus Interview
  • Essay
  • Unencumbered RN License
  • Current Resume

Tuition

Tuition varies depending on the college or university, and is subject to change annually. Simmons College lists its tuition at $1,082 per credit hour. MGH Institute for Health Professions charges $1,114 per credit hour.

Additional Resources

DNP Schools Near You & Online in Massachusetts

University of Massachusetts

  • 300 Massachusetts Avenue Amherst, MA 01003
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Leader, DNP, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (413) 545-0306

Massachusetts General Hospital

  • 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA 02114
    Programs: BSN, DNP, RN
    (617) 726-2000

Simmons College

  • 300 The Fenway Boston, MA 02115
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, Accelerated MSN, BSN, DNP, LPN to BSN, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (617) 521-2000

University of Massachusetts

  • 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston, MA 02125
    Programs: Accelerated BSN, BSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN
    (617) 287-5000

University of Massachusetts

  • 883 Broadway Street Lowell, MA 01854
    Programs: BSN, DNP, MSN, Nursing PhD, RN, RN to BSN, RN to MSN
    (978) 934-4000

Regis College

  • 235 Wellesley Street Weston, MA 02493
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, BSN, DNP, MSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, RN, RN to MSN
    (781) 768-7000

University of Massachusetts – Worcester

  • 365 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605
    Programs: Accelerated MSN, DNP, MSN, Nuclear Medicine Tech, Nursing PhD, Radiation Therapy, RN, RN to MSN
    (508) 334-1000