Massachusetts Bay Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
MassBay’s Health Sciences nursing pathways include a selective Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate, both taught on the Framingham campus. This guide summarizes official tuition, catalog admissions rules (including TEAS), and school-published NCLEX tables—confirm every detail with MassBay and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
MassBay publishes transparent ADN and PN outcome PDFs (including first-time NCLEX pass rates and job-placement lines) and runs selective admissions with TEAS scores folded into a ranked profile—strong fit for students who want a documented, MetroWest community college pathway into RN or LPN licensure.
Overview & Why Students Choose Massachusetts Bay Community College
Founded in 1961, Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) is one of 15 Massachusetts public community colleges and serves roughly 6,000 students across Wellesley Hills, Framingham, and Ashland. Nursing-specific instruction sits in Health Sciences on the Framingham campus, where the college offers a full-time Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Practical Nursing (PN) certificate—both aligned with Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing approval and ACEN accreditation disclosures published on MassBay’s site.
MassBay emphasizes affordability and access: the college promotes free community college for many Massachusetts residents who do not already hold a bachelor’s degree, and it publishes detailed nursing outcome PDFs so applicants can review recent NCLEX and job-placement lines before applying.
According to MassBay’s ADN Program Outcomes PDF, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates were 89% (2024), 90% (2023), and 81% (2022). Confirm the latest cohort with MassBay and cross-check the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Reasons students choose MassBay
Documented NCLEX tables
MassBay publishes separate ADN and PN outcome PDFs with multi-year first-time NCLEX pass rates and comparison rows to national and Massachusetts aggregates—useful for applicants who want source-linked numbers.
Clear selective-admissions rules
The 2025–2026 catalog spells out prerequisite GPA, science grades, and TEAS submission rules, and the Nursing Admission and Progression Committee ranks applicants using GPA, A&P performance, and TEAS subscores.
Stacked credentials
Students can pursue PN licensure first or move directly into the ADN track; MassBay also describes CNA training separately through Continuing Education for those who need a shorter workforce entry point.
MetroWest clinical access
Course descriptions emphasize hands-on labs and clinical experiences in hospitals and clinics throughout the region—exact sites rotate; confirm availability with the program.
Nursing Programs Offered
MassBay is a community college: it does not offer a traditional four-year BSN on campus. Instead, it delivers pre-licensure nursing programs that prepare students for NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN. Programs below are summarized from MassBay’s nursing pages and the 2025–2026 catalog.
Pre-licensure (RN and LPN)
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Full-time ADN cohorts on the Framingham campus complete the curriculum in four semesters after prerequisites. Graduates earn an Associate in Science in Nursing and sit for NCLEX-RN. ACEN lists continuing accreditation; Massachusetts BON approval is stated on MassBay’s ADN pages.
Practical Nursing Certificate (PN)
MassBay’s PN program runs as an intensive 40-week fall start (three semesters in selective admissions materials). Graduates take NCLEX-PN. ACEN accreditation is described as initial on the PN page—confirm status with ACEN.
Related workforce training (not an RN degree)
MassBay offers a Nurse Assistant (CNA) training pathway through Continuing Education that prepares students for the Red Cross competency exam. It is not a substitute for the ADN or PN programs but can be a stepping stone for students testing healthcare careers.
MassBay does not list BSN, MSN, DNP, or RN-to-BSN completion programs in the nursing materials we reviewed. If you need a bachelor’s degree, plan to transfer via MassTransfer or a partner university after earning your ADN.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to MassBay’s Associate Degree Nursing Program Outcomes PDF, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the ADN program were 89% in 2024, 90% in 2023, and 81% in 2022. The same document compares MassBay to aggregate national and Massachusetts RN program pass rates (for example, 2024 rows show MassBay 89%, national RN programs 91%, Massachusetts RN programs 94%). These comparisons appear in MassBay’s table—confirm how aggregates are defined in the PDF.
NCLEX-PN (Practical Nursing)
MassBay’s PN Program Outcomes PDF lists first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates of 100% (2024), 92% (2023), and 100% (2022), with comparison rows for national and Massachusetts PN programs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (ADN) | 89% (2024); 90% (2023); 81% (2022)—school-reported PDF |
| NCLEX-PN first-time pass rate (PN) | 100% (2024); 92% (2023); 100% (2022)—school-reported PDF |
| Source | MassBay ADN outcomes PDF; MassBay PN outcomes PDF. For independent verification, see the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with MassBay’s outcome PDFs and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Clinical nursing programs involve background checks, immunizations, and U.S. clinical placements that may have additional rules for international applicants. Use the checklist below as guidance—not legal advice—and confirm details with MassBay Admissions, the college’s international-student office (if applicable), U.S. immigration counsel, and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Ask MassBay whether TOEFL/IELTS or other proof is required for your applicant type.
- Transcript evaluation: Determine whether coursework from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated (e.g., WES) before prerequisite credit is awarded.
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing: For licensure by examination or endorsement, confirm documentation, NCLEX eligibility, and any CGFNS-related steps the Board requires.
- Visa & clinical compliance: Health Sciences programs may require documentation that affects F-1 status or clinical clearance—ask early.
Policies change frequently. Verify with MassBay and the Board before you invest in prerequisites or relocation.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
MassBay nursing uses selective admissions: you first apply to the college, then submit a Health Sciences selective application after prerequisites progress. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a seat—the Nursing Admission and Progression Committee ranks applicants.
What the ADN catalog requires (2025–2026)
- High school diploma or equivalent (or higher credential)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA from prerequisite and corequisite courses completed before application
- ATI TEAS scores (no minimum composite required; most recent score used; up to two attempts per 12 months; valid three years)
- EN 101 with C or better; 100-level math with C or better (or placement into 200-level math)
- BI 215 & BI 217 Anatomy & Physiology I/II with C+ or higher within five years (repeat rules apply)
Application timeline
| Program | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | Feb 13, 2026 & May 22, 2026 | May deadline only if seats remain; Fall & Spring starts per selective admissions page |
| PN | Feb 13, 2026 & May 22, 2026 | Fall start; MassBay noted some cohorts reach capacity—confirm openings |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA (prereq-based) | 2.5 per catalog |
| TEAS | Required for ADN per catalog; MassBay also markets TEAS prep workshops |
| Clinical experience | Not required for entry; healthcare work may strengthen your overall application narrative |
Applicant tips
Protect your science GPA: the catalog explicitly weights Anatomy & Physiology performance and TEAS subject scores in ranking. Attend a Health Sciences information session, download the admissions ranking sheet PDF, and build a timeline that leaves room for a TEAS retake if needed.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
MassBay’s Tuition & Fees page lists per-credit totals that include the All College Fee. Many Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree may qualify for free community college—confirm eligibility before you budget.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| In-state (MA resident) | $249 per credit ($24 tuition + $225 All College Fee) |
| Out-of-state | $455 per credit ($230 tuition + $225 All College Fee) |
| NEBHE (New England non-MA) | $261 per credit ($36 tuition + $225 All College Fee) |
| Nursing course/lab fee | Tuition & Fees page lists $80 per credit for NU (RN) and PN (LPN) course codes—add to base per-credit totals |
| Cost of attendance (budget) | MassBay’s 2024–2025 COA table lists $5,856 tuition & fees for a full-time budget (12 credits/semester); books, housing, and transportation are separate estimates |
| Source | MassBay Tuition & Fees; Cost of Attending. Confirm current charges with Student Accounts. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The tables below quote MassBay’s published PDFs. Job-placement percentages are methodology-sensitive; use them as snapshots and confirm how “placement” is defined in the PDF.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time (ADN) | 89% (2024); 90% (2023); 81% (2022)—MassBay ADN outcomes PDF |
| NCLEX-PN first-time (PN) | 100% (2024); 92% (2023); 100% (2022)—MassBay PN outcomes PDF |
| Job placement (ADN, school-reported) | 80% (2024); 100% (2023); 63% (2022)—MassBay ADN outcomes PDF. Confirm current methodology with MassBay. |
| Job placement (PN, school-reported) | 100% (2024); prior years marked “Data Not Available” in PN PDF—confirm updates with MassBay. |
| Source | MassBay ADN and PN outcome PDFs linked in References. For regulatory context, see the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. |
Is Massachusetts Bay Community College the Right Fit for You?
MassBay is strongest for students who want transparent, published outcomes and a Massachusetts public-college price point—especially residents who may qualify for free tuition. It is less ideal if you expect an on-campus BSN or guaranteed admission without a competitive selective process.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want ADN or PN pre-licensure training in MetroWest with published NCLEX tables
- Can complete science prerequisites and TEAS with strong grades
- Plan to work in Massachusetts acute-care, long-term care, or community settings after licensure
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a traditional BSN without transferring to a four-year university
- Cannot commit to daytime, sequential clinical courses on the Framingham campus
- Expect guaranteed admission after meeting minimum GPA alone
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Framingham sits in the Greater Boston/MetroWest corridor, where community hospitals, long-term care networks, and specialty clinics create steady demand for nurses and practical nurses. MassBay states that nursing students gain experience in hospitals and clinics throughout the region—exact sites rotate by semester.
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Acute & community hospitals | MetroWest patients access care through multiple systems serving Greater Boston; students should expect diverse clinical experiences. |
| Post-acute & community care | PN graduates often work in long-term care, rehabilitation, and home care—MassBay’s PN page highlights these settings. |
| Workforce demand | Massachusetts health systems continue to recruit RNs and LPNs; verify salary and vacancy data via MassBay Career Services and state workforce reports. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Health Sciences nursing classes meet on the Framingham campus, where students use on-campus labs and simulation resources described in MassBay marketing materials. Beyond nursing, MassBay promotes student engagement offices, student events, and support services (advising, tutoring, career counseling). Nursing students should also budget time for clinical requirements such as immunizations, background checks, and drug screening outlined in MassBay’s common clinical requirements PDF.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Main campus
- Wellesley Hills, MA
- Nursing (Health Sciences)
- Framingham campus—confirm building and parking with admissions
- Address
- 50 Oakland Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481, US
- Telephone
- 781-239-3000 (main)
- Admissions (nursing inquiries)
- admissions@massbay.edu · 508-279-4059 listed on nursing pages
- Website
- massbay.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download MassBay’s ADN and PN outcome PDFs and note the latest NCLEX and placement lines.
- Compare your transcripts to BI 215/217, EN 101, and math requirements in the 2025–2026 catalog.
- Schedule the ATI TEAS and consider MassBay’s TEAS prep workshop if you need structured review.
- Register for a Health Sciences information session and read the admissions ranking sheet PDF.
- Ask Student Accounts how free community college eligibility applies to your situation.
- Review common clinical requirements (immunizations, CORI/SORI, drug screen) so you know downstream costs.
- Add selective application deadlines (Feb 13 / May 22, 2026) to your calendar with reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does Massachusetts Bay Community College offer?
MassBay offers a selective ADN program that awards an Associate in Science in Nursing and prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN, plus a Practical Nursing certificate that prepares graduates for NCLEX-PN. Both are taught on the Framingham campus. CNA training is offered separately through Continuing Education.
What NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN pass rates does MassBay publish?
MassBay’s ADN outcomes PDF reports first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of 89% (2024), 90% (2023), and 81% (2022). The PN outcomes PDF reports first-time NCLEX-PN pass rates of 100% (2024), 92% (2023), and 100% (2022). Confirm the latest cohorts with MassBay and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Does MassBay nursing require TEAS?
Yes for the ADN pathway per the 2025–2026 catalog: applicants must submit ATI TEAS scores. No minimum composite score is listed; scores factor into ranking alongside GPA and science grades.
What GPA do I need for MassBay ADN?
The catalog lists a minimum 2.5 GPA calculated from prerequisite and corequisite courses taken before application, plus C+ or better in Anatomy & Physiology I and II within five years (with repeat limits).
How much is tuition at Massachusetts Bay Community College?
MassBay’s Tuition & Fees page lists $249 per credit for in-state students, $455 for out-of-state, and $261 for NEBHE—all inclusive of the All College Fee. Nursing courses add the published per-credit lab fee for NU/PN prefixes. Many residents may qualify for free community college.
When are selective nursing applications due at MassBay?
The selective admissions page lists February 13, 2026 and May 22, 2026 deadlines for ADN and PN (May applies only if seats remain). Confirm the next cycle on MassBay’s site.
Where is MassBay nursing located?
Health Sciences nursing programs are delivered on the Framingham campus even though the college’s main address is Wellesley Hills.
Is MassBay’s nursing program accredited?
MassBay states ADN holds ACEN continuing accreditation and PN holds ACEN initial accreditation, with Massachusetts BON approval. Confirm current status directly with ACEN and the Board.
How can I verify Massachusetts NCLEX statistics independently?
Use the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for official nursing education statistics and use MassBay’s PDFs for school-reported cohort tables.
References
- Massachusetts Bay Community College — Nursing programs overviewmassbay.edu/academics/health-sciences/nursing-programs-admissions-policy
- Massachusetts Bay Community College — ADN Program Outcomes (NCLEX & placement PDF)massbay-learning-outcomes-adn.pdf
- Massachusetts Bay Community College — PN Program Outcomes PDFnursing-pn-program-outcomes.pdf
- MassBay Catalog — Nursing (AS) admission requirementsmassbay.catalog.acalog.com
- Massachusetts Bay Community College — Tuition & Feesmassbay.edu/finance/tuition-and-fees
- Massachusetts Bay Community College — Cost of Attendingmassbay.edu/finance/cost-of-attendance
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursingmass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for MassBay program scope (ADN vs PN), TEAS and prerequisite accuracy, and alignment with MassBay-published NCLEX outcome PDFs and tuition pages.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy