University of Massachusetts Boston Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
The Donna M. and Robert J. Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences at UMass Boston offers pre-licensure BSN pathways, an online RN-to-BSN, NP-focused graduate programs, DNP and PhD options, and certificates—backed by Greater Boston clinical partnerships. Figures below come from UMass Boston’s official nursing, Bursar, and program pages; confirm current NCLEX cohort data with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and the university.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UMass Boston emphasizes urban health equity and hosts the Center for Clinical Education & Research for simulation, while publishing transparent 2024 NCLEX outcomes on its Traditional and Accelerated BSN pages—use those figures alongside Massachusetts Board data when comparing cohorts.
Overview & Why Students Choose UMass Boston
On Boston’s harbor campus, the Donna M. and Robert J. Manning College of Nursing & Health Sciences positions nursing within a public research mission focused on health equity, anti-racist practice, and policy. The Department of Nursing describes itself as one of the nation’s larger nursing programs and highlights partnerships with more than 200 healthcare organizations, a deep simulation footprint through the Center for Clinical Education and Research (CCER), and the only publicly supported nursing pathways in Greater Boston that graduate large cohorts of diverse bachelor’s- and graduate-prepared nurses.
Academic routes span pre-licensure (Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN), degree-completion (online RN-to-BSN), graduate NP education (MSN tracks), doctoral practice and research (DNP, PhD), and certificate options such as the Nurse Educator Certificate and post-master’s APRN certificates—each detailed on UMass Boston’s program finder and Department of Nursing pages.
UMass Boston lists 2024 NCLEX performance on its Traditional BSN and Accelerated BSN program pages: 90.82% annual pass rate for the Traditional BSN (189 graduates) and 92.68% for first-time Accelerated BSN test takers. These are school-reported figures, not a substitute for the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing’s official statistics—confirm the latest cohort with the Board and the university.
Reasons students choose UMass Boston
Urban clinical volume
The Traditional BSN page cites rotations with major Boston teaching hospitals—Brigham and Women’s, Beth Israel Deaconess, Mass General, Boston Children’s, VA facilities, and others—alongside hundreds of regional partners.
Multiple entry paths
Students can pursue a four-year Traditional BSN, a 12-month hybrid ABSN for second-degree learners, or an online RN-to-BSN while working—letting applicants match timeline and prior education to the right track.
NP & DNP depth
Graduate nursing includes MSN NP concentrations (AGNP, FNP, PMHNP) plus BS-to-DNP and MS-to-DNP pathways with AGNP/FNP focus areas described in DNP materials.
Research-ready PhD
The Ph.D. in Nursing emphasizes Health Policy and Population Health concentrations for careers in policy analysis, research, and education.
Transparent admissions cues
The Accelerated BSN page publishes cohort size (~48 seats), approximate applicant volume, and GPA thresholds—useful for planning even though overall nursing acceptance rates are not published university-wide.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following list mirrors program entries on the Department of Nursing and linked program-finder pages. Use the UMass Boston catalog for full course requirements.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate completion
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Pre-licensure BSN for first-year and transfer students; department notes Fall-only entry for freshman applicants. Clinical progression includes community through capstone nursing courses per the catalog.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—at UMass Boston the option is a 12-month, 54-credit hybrid program with weekly clinical assignments across Massachusetts; requires a prior bachelor’s degree and prerequisite GPA thresholds.
RN-to-BSN
Online RN-to-Bachelor of Science completion for licensed RNs; deadlines differ from pre-licensure tracks (see application-requirements table).
Graduate & doctoral
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Online MSN with Adult-Gerontology NP (primary care), Family NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP tracks; requires Massachusetts RN licensure, bachelor’s in nursing, and typically ≥1 year of practice experience.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
BS-to-DNP and MS-to-DNP options focusing on health-system leadership, population health, and quality improvement; concentrations include AGNP and FNP pathways per DNP curriculum materials.
Ph.D. in Nursing
Research doctorate preparing policy analysts and scientists; department overview highlights Health Policy and Population Health concentration areas.
Nurse Educator Certificate & Post-Master’s Certificate
Post-baccalaureate/post-master’s certificates—including Nurse Educator coursework and APRN post-master’s options—are listed on the Department of Nursing academic programs menu; confirm specialty availability each cycle.
The Department of Nursing publishes a CCNE accreditation statement covering the baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. Pre-licensure tracks hold full approval status with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing per the Accelerated BSN disclosure. Confirm any updates on the department website.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Massachusetts publishes aggregate NCLEX statistics through the Board of Registration in Nursing. UMass Boston also publishes program-level NCLEX performance on individual program pages—use both sources because definitions (annual vs. first-time, cohort scope) differ.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN annual pass rate (2024) | 90.82% — 189 graduates (per UMass Boston Traditional BSN program page) |
| Accelerated BSN first-time pass rate (2024) | 92.68% — first-time test takers (per UMass Boston Accelerated BSN program page FAQ) |
| Source | UMass Boston Traditional BSN; UMass Boston ABSN; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Confirm current rates with the Board and the university. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and pathway. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and UMass Boston.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Use this checklist as orientation only; policies change by program and visa type.
- English proficiency: Meet UMass Boston’s scores for your applicant category (undergraduate vs. graduate).
- Credential evaluation: Submit transcripts through approved evaluation services if required by admissions.
- MSN online restriction: The Nursing MS page states that because coursework is fully online, applicants who need an F-1 visa are not eligible for the MSN NP programs—consider on-campus pre-licensure tracks instead.
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing: Internationally educated nurses must follow Board rules for licensure by examination or endorsement before practicing in Massachusetts.
- Clinical clearance: ABSN students receive updated clinical clearance requirements each cycle (see student handbook links on the program page).
Confirm details with UMass Boston Graduate/Undergraduate Admissions, the International Student & Scholar Services office, and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Nursing pathways differ: Traditional BSN students typically enter as pre-nursing majors and apply to the major after prerequisites; ABSN applicants need a conferred bachelor’s degree and completed prerequisites; RN-to-BSN applicants need an RN license; graduate programs require RN licensure (MSN/DNP) and additional experience for the MSN.
Application timeline (selected programs)
| Program | Deadline examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerated BSN | May 1 (Fall), Sept 1 (Spring), Feb 1 (Summer) | Per ABSN page; decisions ~one month after deadline. |
| Traditional Nursing (current UMB students) | April 1 (Fall), Nov 1 (Spring) | Per Manning College application requirements. |
| RN-to-BSN | Aug 15 (Fall), Jan 15 (Spring) | Online completion track. |
| MSN NP | April 1 (Fall), Nov 1 (Spring for select tracks) | FNP & PMHNP allow spring; confirm track availability. |
| DNP | Feb 1 (Fall) | Per DNP program page. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| ABSN competitiveness | Program cites ~300 applicants per cycle, ~48 seats, ~15% admission rate (school-reported on ABSN page). |
| ABSN GPA minimums | Cumulative bachelor’s GPA 3.0 and prerequisite GPA 3.3 (ABSN page). |
| Traditional nursing (internal transfer) | Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at UMass Boston after 12 graded credits; two lab sciences with C+ or higher (B recommended); TEAS optional. |
| MSN GPA guidance | Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA 2.75 for graduate admission; 3.0 BSN GPA recommended. |
| TEAS / HESI | TEAS listed as optional for current UMass Boston students applying to Traditional Nursing; ABSN page does not list TEAS—confirm for your entry path. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Costs vary by career level (undergraduate vs. graduate), residency, and whether a program bills through regular session or special (SP1) tuition. Figures below cite the Bursar’s published AY 2025–2026 charts.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate (first-year, full-time, approximate total) | $17,349 in-state / $40,156 out-of-state including tuition, mandatory fees, and one-time new-student charges listed on the Regular Session chart (before health insurance waivers). |
| Accelerated BSN (special program) | 54 credits; ABSN page listed $700 per credit for 2024–2025 inclusive bundle—confirm the current AY rate in the Special Program Tuition PDF. |
| Graduate nursing (full-time, 9 credits/semester example) | Fall 2025/Spring 2026 chart shows $7,969.50 in-state tuition & mandatory fees per semester plus an $800 Department of Nursing curriculum & service fee (before insurance). |
| Source | UMass Boston Regular Session Tuition & Fees; Graduate full-time PDF; ABSN cost notes. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Outcome metrics should always be read with the methodology printed on the school’s disclosure. UMass Boston’s 2024 NCLEX data appear on the Traditional and Accelerated BSN program pages (see NCLEX section).
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (Traditional BSN, 2024) | 90.82% annual pass rate; 189 graduates (UMass Boston Traditional BSN page). |
| NCLEX-RN (ABSN, 2024) | 92.68% first-time test takers (UMass Boston ABSN FAQ). |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed for this guide. Check UMass Boston career outcomes or consumer information disclosures. |
| Source | Links in References; confirm current cohorts with UMass Boston and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. |
Is UMass Boston the Right Fit for You?
UMass Boston blends urban mission, public tuition, and high-volume clinical access—but cohort sizes and Boston-area competition are real considerations.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a public, research-intensive university inside Boston with extensive hospital affiliates.
- Need flexible entry (Traditional BSN, ABSN, or RN-to-BSN) or online MSN NP tracks while maintaining Massachusetts licensure.
- Value published NCLEX transparency and a simulation-heavy skills lab (CCER).
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a guaranteed seat—nursing majors remain capacity-limited and selective, especially ABSN (~15% admit rate per program page).
- Need a fully online pre-licensure program (ABSN requires Massachusetts-area clinical presence).
- Plan to use an F-1 visa for the online MSN (program states F-1 applicants are not eligible).
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Boston anchors one of the densest academic medical clusters in the United States. UMass Boston’s nursing materials specifically name Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Good Samaritan–Brockton, and VA Medical Centers among rotation sites, while noting more than 200 partner organizations overall.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| Teaching hospitals | Brigham & Women’s, BIDMC, Mass General, Boston Children’s—named on the Traditional BSN page as examples of clinical training sites. |
| Community & specialty | Good Samaritan–Brockton, VA campuses, and community agencies supporting population-health clinicals. |
| Regional demand | Greater Boston’s teaching hospitals, ambulatory networks, and community health centers sustain strong RN demand; graduates compete for roles across acute, ambulatory, and public health settings. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students split time between waterfront campus classrooms and the Center for Clinical Education and Research, where simulation and skills labs prepare learners before hospital rotations. Manning College messaging highlights student services, scholarship programs such as Beacons of Promise, and interdisciplinary collaboration with exercise science, gerontology, and urban public health departments housed in the same college.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Boston, MA
- Address
- 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125, US (Manning College / Department of Nursing, Quinn Administration Building offices)
- Telephone
- 617-287-7500 (Manning College main line listed on department pages)
- Contact email
- nursing@umb.edu
- Website
- umb.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the Department of Nursing and open the program-specific pages that match your pathway (Traditional BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD).
- Download the catalog section for your major and map prerequisites to your transcripts.
- If you plan for ABSN, register for a required online information session before applying.
- Calculate costs using the graduate cost calculator (MSN/DNP) or the Bursar PDFs (undergraduate).
- Bookmark the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for licensure and NCLEX reporting.
- Email mcnhsstudentservices@umb.edu with optional application materials if applying as a current UMB student to Traditional Nursing.
- Add application deadlines from the application requirements page to your calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Massachusetts Boston a good school for nursing?
UMass Boston publishes CCNE accreditation for its pre-licensure and graduate nursing programs (see Department of Nursing disclosure) and shares 2024 NCLEX outcomes on program pages—90.82% (Traditional BSN) and 92.68% first-time (ABSN). Confirm the latest cohort data with UMass Boston and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
What NCLEX pass rates does UMass Boston report for 2024?
The Traditional BSN program page lists a 90.82% annual pass rate with 189 graduates; the Accelerated BSN FAQ lists a 92.68% first-time pass rate for 2024. Definitions differ by pathway—verify details on the program pages and with the Board.
Does UMass Boston require the TEAS for nursing?
For current UMass Boston students applying to the Traditional Nursing major, the Manning College application requirements page lists the TEAS as optional. Other entry paths may differ—confirm for first-year, transfer, or ABSN applicants on the relevant admissions materials.
How competitive is the UMass Boston Accelerated BSN?
The ABSN page reports roughly 300 applicants per cycle for about 48 seats (~15% admission rate) and minimum GPA thresholds (3.0 cumulative, 3.3 prerequisite). Meeting minimums does not guarantee admission.
Does UMass Boston offer an online RN-to-BSN?
Yes. The Department of Nursing lists an online RN-to-Bachelor of Science completion program with deadlines such as August 15 (Fall) and January 15 (Spring) on the application-requirements chart.
What MSN nurse practitioner tracks does UMass Boston offer?
The MSN program includes Adult-Gerontology NP, Family NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP tracks, delivered online with clinical practica; applicants need a Massachusetts RN license and typically at least one year of clinical experience.
Can international students enroll in UMass Boston’s online MSN programs?
The Nursing MS page states that because coursework is fully online, students who require an F-1 visa are not eligible for the MSN NP programs. Contact Graduate Admissions for pathways that support your visa status.
Where do UMass Boston nursing students complete clinical rotations?
The Traditional BSN page names major Boston teaching hospitals and the department cites 200+ affiliates. Clinical assignments vary by semester—confirm with the program.
What tuition rates apply to UMass Boston nursing students?
Undergraduate nursing students pay regular-session tuition unless enrolled in special-fee programs like ABSN (per-credit special rate—confirm on the Special Program Tuition PDF). Graduate nursing students pay graduate tuition plus the Department of Nursing curriculum fee per the Bursar charts.
References
- University of Massachusetts Boston — Department of Nursingumb.edu/nursing-health-sciences/…/nursing/
- UMass Boston — Traditional BSN program page (NCLEX disclosure)umb.edu/academics/program-finder/nursing-bs/
- UMass Boston — Accelerated BSN program pageumb.edu/…/accelerated-bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
- UMass Boston — Manning College application requirementsumb.edu/nursing-health-sciences/application-requirements/
- UMass Boston — Bursar tuition & feesumb.edu/bursar/tuition-fees/tuition-mandatory-fees/
- UMass Boston — Graduate full-time tuition & fees PDF (Fall 2025 / Spring 2026)PDF on umb.edu
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursingmass.gov Board of Registration in Nursing
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
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 program-list accuracy, tuition figures tied to UMass Boston Bursar materials, and NCLEX statistics as published on UMass Boston program 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