Rivier University Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
The Department of Nursing and Health Professions at Rivier University in Nashua offers ASN through DNP pathways, a renovated simulation center, and clinical connections across southern New Hampshire and the Boston metro. Use this page with Rivier’s official catalog, tuition pages, and New Hampshire nursing regulators to verify deadlines and costs.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Rivier’s Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center was fully renovated in 2022 with six simulation labs and settings that mirror med/surg, pediatrics, OB, and telehealth—paired with clinical placements Rivier lists from Nashua and southern New Hampshire through major Boston teaching hospitals.
Overview & Why Students Choose Rivier
Rivier University is a private Catholic-inspired institution on a 68-acre campus at 420 South Main Street in Nashua—within reach of the Manchester metro, Boston, and regional health systems. The Department of Nursing and Health Professions describes more than 30 years of preparing RNs and advanced-practice nurses, with undergraduate options on campus or online (where listed) and graduate nursing delivered primarily online.
What stands out operationally is the 2022 opening of the renovated Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center, which Rivier markets with six simulation labs and high-fidelity manikins across inpatient-style rooms, plus partnerships Rivier lists from Elliot Health System and Southern New Hampshire Health through Boston Children’s and Massachusetts General Hospital for student rotations.
Rivier publishes multi-year averages from its BSN and ASN programs: for 2020–2024, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates averaged 93.48% for BSN graduates and 86.75% for ASN graduates (Rivier undergraduate nursing outcomes disclosures). These are school-reported aggregates, not a single cohort year. Confirm current cohort results with Rivier’s outcome PDFs and with the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) Board of Nursing.
Reasons students choose Rivier
Breadth of pathways
One department spans ASN, LPN-to-ASN, traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, online RN-to-BSN, multiple MSN concentrations, post-master’s certificates, and an online DNP—useful if you want to ladder credentials without changing institutions.
Simulation & skills infrastructure
The 2022 simulation center renovation added dedicated lab space for undergraduate and NP-level training with scenarios across med/surg, OB, peds, and telehealth.
Regional clinical reach
Rivier emphasizes supervised clinical experiences across southern New England; its BSN materials name major tertiary hospitals and community agencies as examples of placement sites.
Published outcome transparency
Rivier links undergraduate and graduate nursing outcome PDFs and publishes ANCC first-time pass snapshots for select NP tracks—helpful for comparing program-level reporting.
Flexible entry points
Professional Studies formats (evening/weekend language on ASN pages) and online RN-to-BSN and graduate tracks suit working adults alongside traditional daytime BSN.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following align with Rivier’s published “Nursing & Health Professions” program list and department accreditation statement. Always confirm active tracks, delivery mode, and start terms in the academic catalog.
Pre-licensure (undergraduate)
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
Two-year pre-licensure ASN listed under Professional Studies with on-campus delivery options; prepares graduates for NCLEX-RN eligibility.
LPN to ASN
Advanced-placement pathway for licensed practical nurses seeking the ASN and RN licensure.
Traditional BSN
On-campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students progressing through Rivier’s pre-licensure curriculum.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
For applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field; Rivier lists as little as 16 months, 62 nursing credits plus prerequisites, with some coursework online.
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN
Online BSN completion for licensed RNs; Rivier notes ACEN accreditation for this pathway.
Graduate & doctoral
MSN
Online MSN tracks published by Rivier include Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Nursing Education, Leadership in Health Systems Management, and an Advanced Practice RN completion sequence.
Post-master’s certificates
Certificate options such as FNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, and Nursing Education for master’s-prepared nurses adding certification-eligible preparation.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Online DNP focused on leadership and advanced nursing practice per Rivier’s doctoral program materials.
Pathway names, tracks, and approvals can change with board and accreditor reviews. Confirm your exact program version, clinical requirements, and state authorization for online study in your home state using Rivier’s catalog and admissions office.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Per Rivier’s public disclosures, graduates of the BSN program who took NCLEX-RN for the first time during 2020–2024 averaged a 93.48% pass rate; ASN first-time test takers over the same window averaged 86.75%. Rivier compares those figures to published national BSN averages in the same materials. These statistics are school-reported multi-year averages, not a guarantee for any single cohort.
For regulatory context, the New Hampshire OPLC Board of Nursing publishes nursing education oversight materials and links to national testing resources. When a board table lists Rivier by name for a specific reporting year, use that document alongside Rivier’s PDFs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| BSN first-time NCLEX-RN (avg.) | 93.48% (Rivier, 2020–2024 aggregate) |
| ASN first-time NCLEX-RN (avg.) | 86.75% (Rivier, 2020–2024 aggregate) |
| Source | Rivier Department of Nursing and Health Professions; Undergraduate Nursing Outcomes PDF (Aug. 2025). Confirm current cohort data with Rivier and the NH OPLC Board of Nursing. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and exam version. Always confirm the latest pass rates with Rivier’s consumer outcome documents and New Hampshire nursing regulators before making enrollment decisions.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Rivier enrolls students from many backgrounds, but nursing clinical requirements, professional licensure rules, and visa types interact in complex ways. Treat the list below as a planning checklist—not legal advice—and confirm each item with Rivier’s admissions and international-student staff and with the New Hampshire OPLC Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Minimum scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.) for degree admission—confirm on Rivier’s international applicant materials.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Course-by-course evaluations (e.g., WES) if you completed prerequisites outside the United States.
- New Hampshire Board of Nursing: For internationally educated nurses seeking U.S. licensure or endorsement, review NH OPLC instructions for comparable education, English proficiency, and NCLEX eligibility.
- Immigration & visa: Clinical nursing courses may have restrictions for certain visa categories; confirm F-1 or other status implications with Rivier’s designated school official before accepting admission.
Rivier also publishes a state licensure overview PDF for distance-education and multi-state considerations—review it if you live outside New Hampshire.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Rivier advertises rolling undergraduate admission and states that standardized test scores are optional for all majors, including nursing. Nursing pathways still have prerequisite science coursework, possible competitive review, and separate Professional Studies calendars for ASN/ABSN—use the catalog’s admission sections for your track.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional undergraduate (BSN) | Rolling | Apply via Rivier; confirm seat availability for nursing cohorts. |
| Accelerated BSN | Varies by cohort | Example start March 20, 2026 on Rivier’s ABSN page—confirm next entry. |
| Graduate nursing (MSN/DNP) | Program-specific | See Graduate Admissions and individual program pages. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | Pathway-dependent (e.g., Rivier cites a 3.0 prior-degree expectation for ABSN and a 2.5 minimum for RN-to-BSN in marketing materials). Confirm in the catalog. |
| TEAS / HESI | Rivier states standardized tests are optional for undergraduate admission; confirm whether your pathway still recommends a test for competitive review. |
| Clinical / liability requirements | Background checks, immunizations, and liability insurance fees apply once enrolled in clinical courses (see Student Accounts fee schedule). |
Honest tips
If you pursue the Accelerated BSN, map prerequisites early—Rivier lists 62 nursing credits plus prerequisites and an intensive 16-month layout. For RN-to-BSN, gather proof of an unencumbered RN license and compare Rivier’s bridge policies with your employer’s tuition benefits.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come directly from Rivier’s 2026–2027 tuition pages (accessed March 2026). Nursing courses may add clinical surcharges ($150 per course on the fee schedule), liability insurance, and other program fees.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Full-time undergraduate tuition (2026–27) | $41,860 per academic year for up to 18 credits per semester. |
| Part-time undergraduate (1–11 credits) | $1,394 per credit (2026–27). |
| Accelerated BSN (2025–26 rates listed on program page) | $415 per nursing course credit; $1,166 per clinical course credit—confirm whether 2026–27 rates are updated. |
| Graduate nursing (2026–27) | $769 per graduate nursing credit; $1,200 per graduate nursing clinical credit. |
| Estimated total COA (2026–27) | Rivier estimates $43,353 for commuters and $60,935 for resident students before individual aid; see net price calculator. |
| Source | Undergraduate Tuition (2026–2027); Graduate Tuition (2026–2027); Accelerated BSN program page. Confirm current amounts with the Office of Student Accounts. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Rivier publishes downloadable outcome PDFs for undergraduate nursing, graduate nursing, and the DNP. In addition to NCLEX-RN averages, Rivier cites multi-year ANCC first-time pass rates for Family NP and Psychiatric Mental Health NP tracks on its department page—use those documents for cohort-specific graduate certification exams.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (BSN aggregate) | 93.48% average first-time pass (2020–2024, Rivier-reported) |
| NCLEX-RN (ASN aggregate) | 86.75% average first-time pass (2020–2024, Rivier-reported) |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on this page; see Rivier career services or consumer information disclosures. |
| Source | Undergraduate outcomes PDF; Graduate outcomes PDF. Confirm current rates with Rivier and NH OPLC. |
Is Rivier the Right Fit for You?
Rivier fits applicants who want a private New England campus with extensive clinical networking into Massachusetts and New Hampshire, combined with online options at the RN-to-BSN and graduate levels.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Value a dedicated simulation center and frequent hands-on labs alongside regional hospital placements.
- Need flexible entry (ASN, LPN-to-ASN, traditional BSN, ABSN, or online RN-to-BSN) within one institution.
- Plan to stay in northern New England or greater Boston where Rivier’s named clinical partners operate.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require the lowest possible tuition; Rivier is a private university with 2026–27 full-time tuition of $41,860 before aid.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure RN program—Rivier’s pre-licensure ASN/BSN/ABSN pathways are primarily campus-based.
- Prefer a large public research university experience; Rivier is a smaller private institution.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Nashua sits in Hillsborough County with quick access to the Manchester corridor and the Boston metro. Rivier highlights clinical experiences throughout southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, reflecting both community hospitals and tertiary referral centers.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire Health | Regional system serving Nashua-area patients; Rivier lists it among example clinical partners. |
| Elliot Hospital / Elliot Health System | Manchester anchor hospital named on Rivier BSN materials. |
| Catholic Medical Center | Manchester facility cited by Rivier for clinical education. |
| Lowell General Hospital | Massachusetts community hospital named among Rivier placement examples. |
| Boston teaching hospitals | Rivier references Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Boston Children’s Hospital as examples—actual assignments vary by semester. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses are housed in Sylvia Trottier Hall alongside the Nursing Simulation and Clinical Education Center described on Rivier’s site. Beyond labs, Rivier promotes Raiders athletics, Campus Groups organizations, and student services typical of a residential private campus. Nursing students should budget time for travel to regional clinical sites—some placements may be 45–60 minutes from Nashua depending on rotation.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Nashua, NH
- Address
- 420 South Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060, US
- Main telephone
- (603) 888-1311
- Department of Nursing
- (603) 897-8530 · nursing@rivier.edu
- Undergraduate admissions
- (603) 897-8507 · admissions@rivier.edu
- Website
- rivier.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark Rivier’s Department of Nursing and Health Professions page and download the latest undergraduate or graduate outcome PDF that matches your pathway.
- Open the catalog section for your program (ASN, BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP) and list every prerequisite you still need.
- Because Rivier states standardized tests are optional for undergraduates, decide with admissions whether submitting SAT/ACT/TEAS strengthens your file for competitive nursing seats.
- Email nursing@rivier.edu with questions about clinical clearance, liability insurance, and travel expectations for rotations.
- Review Rivier’s net price calculator and note the 2026–27 commuter vs. resident cost estimates.
- If you are an RN-to-BSN or graduate applicant, gather license verification and employer tuition-reimbursement forms early.
- Check the NH OPLC Board of Nursing page for any updates on approved programs and licensure examination policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rivier University a good school for nursing?
Rivier publicly reports ACEN continuing accreditation for its ASN, BSN, MSN, post-master’s certificate, and DNP programs in Nashua, and publishes multi-year NCLEX-RN averages for its pre-licensure tracks. Rankings cited on Rivier’s site (for example, Nursing Schools Almanac) are third-party editorial products—not guarantees of fit. Confirm accreditation, costs, and outcomes with Rivier and the New Hampshire OPLC Board of Nursing.
What GPA do you need for Rivier’s nursing programs?
Minimum GPA expectations differ by pathway. Rivier’s marketing materials reference a 3.0 prior-degree benchmark for Accelerated BSN applicants and a 2.5 minimum for RN-to-BSN, but your official requirement appears in the catalog and admission letter for your entry term.
Does Rivier require the TEAS exam for nursing?
Rivier states that standardized test scores are optional for all undergraduate majors, including nursing. Some applicants still submit scores to strengthen a competitive file—ask admissions whether your pathway recommends testing.
What is Rivier’s NCLEX-RN pass rate?
Rivier reports that first-time BSN test takers averaged a 93.48% pass rate and ASN test takers averaged 86.75% across 2020–2024. Those are multi-year school averages, not a promise for future cohorts. Confirm the newest data in Rivier’s outcome PDFs and NH regulatory publications.
How much is Rivier nursing tuition?
For 2026–2027, full-time undergraduate tuition is $41,860 per year (up to 18 credits per semester) and part-time credits are $1,394 each. Accelerated BSN nursing/clinical per-credit rates appeared as $415/$1,166 for 2025–2026 on Rivier’s ABSN page—verify updates. Graduate nursing courses are $769 per credit with $1,200 clinical credits in 2026–2027.
Does Rivier offer an Accelerated BSN?
Yes. Rivier’s Accelerated BSN targets students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, with a published timeline as short as 16 months and 62 nursing credits plus prerequisites.
What nursing degrees can you earn at Rivier in Nashua?
Rivier lists ASN, LPN-to-ASN, traditional BSN, Accelerated BSN, online RN-to-BSN, multiple online MSN concentrations, post-master’s NP/education certificates, and an online DNP.
Is Rivier nursing ACEN-accredited?
Yes. Rivier states ACEN continuing accreditation for associate, baccalaureate, master’s, post-master’s certificate, and doctoral nursing programs located in Nashua. Verify the latest public disclosure through ACEN’s program search.
Where do Rivier nursing students complete clinical rotations?
Rivier lists examples ranging from Elliot Health System and Southern NH Health to Boston teaching hospitals. Actual sites rotate each term—confirm availability with the department.
References
- Rivier University — Department of Nursing and Health Professionsrivier.edu/academics/department/nursing-health-professions
- Rivier University — B.S. in Nursing programrivier.edu/academics/all-programs/b-s-nursing
- Rivier University — Accelerated BSNrivier.edu/academics/all-programs/accelerated-bsn
- Rivier University — Undergraduate tuition (2026–2027)rivier.edu/financial-aid/tuition-fees/undergraduate-tuition
- Rivier University — Graduate tuition (2026–2027)rivier.edu/financial-aid/tuition-fees/graduate-tuition
- Rivier University — Undergraduate nursing outcomes PDF (Aug. 2025)20250806_UndergraduateNursingOutcomes.pdf
- New Hampshire OPLC — Board of Nursingoplc.nh.gov/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 NCLEX sourcing clarity, tuition alignment with Rivier’s published 2026–2027 schedules, and program-list accuracy against Rivier’s official program directory.
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 Rivier University and the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Board of Nursing.
Published: March 27, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 27, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy