MGH Institute of Health Professions Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Private graduate health-professions institution on the Charlestown Navy Yard with Accelerated BSN and Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing (NP specialty tracks), plus post-BSN MSN, DNP, and certificates. This guide cites CCNE accreditation statements from MGH IHP, 2025–2026 tuition figures from the Institute’s official Tuition & Fees PDF, and first-time NCLEX-RN percentages published on MGH IHP’s Career Paths page with source to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services / Board of Registration in Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
The MGH Institute of Health Professions is the only degree-granting affiliate of Mass General Brigham, pairing intensive pre-licensure pathways (Accelerated BSN, Direct-Entry MSN) with advanced-practice graduate programs. Use the Institute’s official tuition PDF and School of Nursing tuition calculator for your cohort, and compare NCLEX-RN percentages published on MGH IHP’s Career Paths & Opportunities page (sourced to Massachusetts DPH/Board data) with the latest Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing releases.
Overview & Why Students Choose MGH Institute of Health Professions
Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) is a private, specialized health-sciences university at 36 1st Avenue in Boston’s Charlestown Navy Yard. The School of Nursing focuses on graduate-level and accelerated pathways for career changers and advancing nurses, with Mass General Brigham–connected clinical education and interprofessional learning alongside the Institute’s other health professions programs.
Pre-licensure students typically enter with a prior bachelor’s degree: the Accelerated BSN leads to NCLEX-RN and the RN credential in 12 or 24 months (on campus); the Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing blends RN licensure preparation with nurse practitioner specialty training over about three years in a hybrid format. Post-licensure options include MSN (advanced practice and nurse educator leadership), DNP, and certificates described on MGH IHP’s nursing programs page.
MGH IHP’s Career Paths & Opportunities page publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for IHP ABSN and IHP Direct Entry by year, with graduate counts and national pass rate benchmarks in the same table, and attributes the data to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services / Board of Registration in Nursing. Marketing pages also highlight headline outcomes (e.g., 91% first-time NCLEX on the ABSN page and 100% first-time NCLEX on the Direct-Entry page)—always align cohort years with the Board and the school.
Reasons students choose MGH IHP
Mass General Brigham clinical ecosystem
MGH IHP emphasizes rotations across Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and regional community sites—ABSN students are in clinical at MGH for their first two semesters per program materials.
Accelerated & direct-entry options
Second-degree students can choose a 12- or 24-month ABSN or a three-year Direct-Entry MSN with six NP specialty tracks after the RN licensure phase.
Simulation & on-campus practice
The School of Nursing highlights high-tech classrooms, simulation labs, and the Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness within the IMPACT Practice Center for hands-on learning.
CCNE-accredited nursing (2034)
MGH IHP states that its baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), with accreditation expiring 2034, on its School of Nursing landing page.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program names below follow the MGH IHP Nursing Programs listing and linked catalog pages. MGH IHP describes two paths into nursing for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree (non-nursing), plus graduate options for BSN-prepared nurses.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN pathway)
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
Onsite intensive BSN for college graduates; 12-month full-time or 24-month part-time options with Fall, Spring, and Summer starts per MGH IHP. All ABSN students have clinical rotations at Massachusetts General Hospital; broader Mass General Brigham and community placements apply in later terms. Apply via NursingCAS.
Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing
Approximately three-year hybrid program: first three semesters cover pre-licensure nursing coursework and NCLEX-RN preparation; after licensure, students complete advanced-practice specialty semesters. Six NP tracks are listed (Family, Pediatrics, Psych/Mental Health Lifespan, Women’s Health, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health). The program states it culminates in both BSN and MSN credentials for non-nurses. Apply via NursingCAS.
Post-licensure & graduate (BSN or APRN preparation)
Master of Science in Nursing — Advanced Practice Nursing
MGH IHP describes a post-BSN master’s with seven advanced practice nursing specialty options on its programs overview page—confirm specialty titles and delivery in the current catalog.
Master of Science in Nursing — Leadership in Nursing Education
Educator-leadership MSN for BSN-prepared nurses; also highlighted in federal Nursing Workforce Expansion Grant materials on MGH IHP.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
DNP pathways (including post-master’s schedules) are listed under School of Nursing degrees; tuition PDF shows four- and five-semester total tuition schedules for cohorts entering Fall 2025.
Certificates
Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing
Listed on the School of Nursing degrees & certificates page alongside degree programs.
Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education
Referenced in the Nursing Workforce Expansion Grant section on MGH IHP.
MGH IHP does not list a traditional four-year pre-licensure BSN for first-time freshmen on its nursing programs page—entry is through second-degree ABSN or Direct-Entry MSN for applicants who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Confirm specialty availability, start terms, and any catalog updates before applying.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to the annual tables on MGH IHP’s Career Paths & Opportunities page (accessed for this 2026 review), the Institute attributes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for its IHP ABSN and IHP Direct Entry programs to the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. The most recent years shown in that table at publication time include 2020–2023 with graduate counts per row.
Examples from the same table (first-time pass rate, graduates tested): 2023 — ABSN 93% (126); Direct Entry 99% (88). 2022 — ABSN 87% (188); Direct Entry 88% (92). Program landing pages may also display headline rates (e.g., 91% ABSN and 100% Direct Entry first-time NCLEX on marketing pages)—always reconcile reporting year and definition with the Board and the school.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ABSN first-time NCLEX-RN (2023) | 93% (126 graduates per MGH IHP table) |
| Direct Entry first-time NCLEX-RN (2023) | 99% (88 graduates per MGH IHP table) |
| Source (primary citation on this page) | MGH IHP — Career Paths & Opportunities (tables sourced to Massachusetts DPH / Board of Registration in Nursing) |
| Source (Board verification) | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing — confirm the latest program-level statistics and publication year. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and MGH IHP.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
MGH IHP publishes English proficiency and foreign transcript rules on admissions pages (e.g., TOEFL iBT 89 or IELTS 6.5 for applicants without a degree from an English-instruction program, and NACES-member course-by-course evaluations for non-U.S. degrees). See the Institute’s international student information hub. Internationally educated nurses seeking U.S. licensure must also satisfy Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requirements for NCLEX eligibility or endorsement. This checklist is guidance only—confirm details with MGH IHP and the Board; it is not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS minimums and exemptions listed on MGH IHP program admissions pages.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: NACES-approved evaluators (e.g., WES, ECE, SpanTran) for non-U.S. degrees as specified by MGH IHP.
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing: NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS/visa screening, or endorsement steps for foreign-educated nurses.
- Immigration & visa: F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements—confirm with MGH IHP admissions and international student services.
Policies change frequently. Verify with MGH IHP and the Board; this is not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Accelerated BSN and Direct-Entry MSN use NursingCAS. MGH IHP states the TEAS is not required for ABSN and the GRE is not required for Direct-Entry MSN. ABSN lists a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 (or graduate GPA 3.30) for application review; 3.0 preferred on the ABSN page. Direct-Entry requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or evaluated foreign equivalent). Both pathways require prerequisite science courses (C+ or higher, within seven years) and supporting documents (transcripts, résumé, references, personal statement, MGH IHP custom questions).
Post-BSN graduate and DNP programs have separate admissions requirements—use the School of Nursing and Graduate Admissions pages for specialty-specific prerequisites.
Application deadlines (examples)
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| ABSN (NursingCAS) | Example cycle published for Fall 2026 entry: Priority April 1, 2026; Final May 1, 2026—only verified NursingCAS applications are eligible for review. |
| Direct-Entry MSN (NursingCAS) | Example: Fall 2026 entry lists Priority January 15, 2026 and Final March 20, 2026; Summer 2026 entry lists Final March 3, 2026—confirm active dates on NursingCAS. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / GRE | TEAS not required (ABSN); GRE not required (Direct-Entry MSN) per MGH IHP program pages |
| ABSN GPA threshold | Minimum 2.70 baccalaureate GPA (or 3.30 graduate GPA); 3.0 preferred on ABSN page |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees are approved by the MGH IHP Board of Trustees. The Tuition & Fees page links to official PDF schedules (e.g., 2025–2026 complete listing) and School of Nursing tuition calculators by academic year. All students pay per-credit general student ($75) and technology ($50) fees on credit-bearing registration; ABSN and Direct-Entry students pay a first-term NCLEX prep package fee and clinical placement fees as published on the same page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| ABSN full-time cohort total tuition (2025–2026) | $85,850 total for Fall 2025 / Spring 2026 / Summer 2026 entering cohorts ($31,815 + $30,300 + $23,735 per term) |
| ABSN part-time per credit (2025–2026) | $1,590 per credit hour |
| Direct Entry Nursing per credit (2025–2026) | $1,667 per credit hour |
| Post-BSN MSN Nurse Educator (2025–2026) | $1,485 per credit hour |
| Other graduate nursing programs (2025–2026) | $1,636 per credit hour (per PDF row “All Other Graduate Programs”) |
| DNP per credit (2025–2026) | $1,974 per credit hour; total tuition example $59,230 for five-semester cohort entering Fall 2025 |
| Source | MGH IHP — 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees (PDF); Tuition & Fees page. Confirm current amounts with the Bursar. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
For NCLEX-RN, see the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate section for Board-cited tables on MGH IHP’s Career Paths page. For advanced practice certification, MGH IHP’s Direct-Entry materials reference first-time ANCC NP board exam success rates and employment within 12 months for surveyed graduates—confirm definitions and cohort years on the official program page.
Employment (school-reported examples): The ABSN page states graduates often receive job offers within about two months of starting a search and cites a 96% employment rate “last year” in marketing copy; the Direct-Entry page cites 94% employed within 12 months among 2025 graduates surveyed. These are school-reported indicators—not guarantees. Confirm methodology and year with MGH IHP career services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (MA Board–cited table on MGH IHP) | See NCLEX section (e.g., 2023 ABSN 93%, Direct Entry 99% first-time pass rates) |
| Employment (school-reported examples) | ABSN page: 96% employment rate last year (marketing language); Direct-Entry: 94% employed within 12 months (2025 graduates surveyed)—confirm with MGH IHP |
| Sources | MGH IHP — Career Paths & Opportunities; Accelerated BSN; Direct-Entry MSN |
Is MGH Institute of Health Professions the Right Fit for You?
MGH IHP fits career changers who already hold a bachelor’s degree, want an accelerated or direct-entry nursing pathway tied to Mass General Brigham hospitals, and can budget for private graduate-health-sciences tuition and fees. It is not a traditional four-year undergraduate college for first-time freshmen.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want intensive second-degree ABSN or a Direct-Entry MSN with NP specialty training after RN licensure.
- Value Charlestown campus simulation, interprofessional learning, and dense Boston academic medical center placements.
- Are prepared for NursingCAS deadlines, prerequisite science coursework, and competitive admission.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a traditional four-year BSN straight from high school—MGH IHP’s pre-licensure paths are for bachelor’s-prepared second-degree students.
- Require the lowest in-state public tuition—compare total cost of attendance with Massachusetts public universities.
- Want a fully online pre-licensure program—ABSN is onsite; Direct-Entry is hybrid with substantial in-person requirements.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Boston and Cambridge anchor one of the nation’s largest clusters of academic medical centers, research institutes, and community health networks. MGH IHP is part of the Mass General Brigham ecosystem, giving nursing students structured access to Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation, and numerous community sites.
Massachusetts offers strong demand for nurses and advanced practice roles—useful context for clinical networking, though individual job offers depend on performance, timing, and employer needs.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital | ABSN page: all ABSN students rotate at MGH; early immersion in the system network |
| Brigham & Women’s Hospital · Boston Children’s Hospital | Named on MGH IHP clinical and Direct-Entry pages for Boston-area rotations |
| Mass General Brigham affiliates | Institute emphasizes system-wide affiliation for placements and faculty practice |
| Community hospitals & health centers | ABSN and Direct-Entry materials reference skilled nursing, community health, and underserved-rural intensive options |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Campus life centers on the Charlestown Navy Yard waterfront campus with interactive classrooms, high-fidelity simulation, and the Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness within the IMPACT Practice Center for community-facing clinical learning. MGH IHP is a graduate health-professions institution—expect a professional, cohort-focused environment rather than a large undergraduate residential campus.
The School of Nursing highlights interprofessional education, student involvement in community service through the Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness, and a Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health—confirm active student organizations and supports with the Institute.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Boston, MA
- Address
- 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129-4557, US (Charlestown Navy Yard)
- Admissions
- (781) 951-5102 · admissions@mghihp.edu · Fax (617) 726-8010
- School of Nursing
- nursing@mghihp.edu
- Website
- mghihp.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the Nursing Programs page and confirm your target pathway (ABSN vs. Direct-Entry MSN vs. post-BSN graduate).
- Review prerequisite coursework for your program and map any gaps against MGH IHP’s online prerequisites or accredited colleges.
- Create or update your NursingCAS account and note verification timelines for ABSN or Direct-Entry MSN.
- Download the 2025–2026 tuition PDF and run the School of Nursing tuition calculator for your entry term.
- File FAFSA and contact Financial Aid for COA questions.
- Read the Career Paths NCLEX tables and bookmark the Massachusetts Board for updated program statistics.
- Email admissions@mghihp.edu with program-specific questions after reviewing published FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing degrees does MGH Institute of Health Professions offer?
MGH IHP lists Accelerated BSN, Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursing, post-BSN MSN (advanced practice and nurse educator leadership), DNP, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Nursing, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education on its nursing programs page. It does not advertise a four-year pre-licensure BSN for first-time freshmen—entry is through second-degree pathways.
What were MGH IHP’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for ABSN and Direct Entry in recent years?
MGH IHP’s Career Paths page publishes annual tables with IHP ABSN and IHP Direct Entry first-time pass rates and graduate counts, sourced to Massachusetts DPH/Board data—for example 2023: ABSN 93% (126 graduates), Direct Entry 99% (88 graduates). Confirm newer years with the Board.
How much is tuition for MGH IHP Accelerated BSN and Direct-Entry programs?
The 2025–2026 official PDF lists $85,850 total tuition for full-time ABSN cohorts entering Fall 2025–Summer 2026 across three terms, $1,590 per credit for ABSN part-time, and $1,667 per credit for Direct Entry Nursing, plus institutional per-credit fees—see the Tuition & Fees page.
Does MGH IHP require TEAS or GRE for nursing admission?
MGH IHP states TEAS is not required for Accelerated BSN and GRE is not required for Direct-Entry MSN. Prerequisite coursework, GPA thresholds, NursingCAS materials, and English proficiency (if applicable) still apply.
How do I apply to MGH IHP ABSN or Direct-Entry MSN?
Both pathways use NursingCAS. MGH IHP publishes term-specific priority and final deadlines on program pages (e.g., ABSN priority April 1 and final May 1 for a published Fall entry cycle). Only verified NursingCAS applications are eligible for review.
Where do MGH IHP nursing students complete clinical rotations?
ABSN materials emphasize rotations at Massachusetts General Hospital and broader Mass General Brigham and community sites. Direct-Entry pages name MGH, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, and other regional partners—confirm your cohort’s sites with the School of Nursing.
Is MGH Institute of Health Professions nursing CCNE-accredited?
MGH IHP states that its baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs are accredited by CCNE, with accreditation expiring 2034, on its School of Nursing page.
What English proficiency scores does MGH IHP require for international applicants?
Program pages commonly list TOEFL iBT 89 or IELTS 6.5 when English was not the language of instruction for the prior degree, with exemptions for certain countries—confirm current rules on the program admissions tab.
Who do I contact at MGH IHP admissions?
Admissions Office: (781) 951-5102 · admissions@mghihp.edu · Shouse 2nd floor, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129-4557.
References
- MGH Institute of Health Professions — School of Nursingmghihp.edu/nursing
- MGH IHP — Nursing programsmghihp.edu/nursing/programs
- MGH IHP — Accelerated BSNmghihp.edu/nursing/programs/accelerated-bsn
- MGH IHP — Direct-Entry Master of Science in Nursingmghihp.edu/nursing/programs/direct-entry-ms-nursing
- MGH IHP — Career Paths & Opportunities (NCLEX tables)mghihp.edu/nursing/about-school/career-paths-opportunities
- MGH IHP — Tuition & Feesmghihp.edu/admissions/tuition-fees
- MGH IHP — 2025–2026 Tuition and Fees (PDF)fy26-complete-list-for-web-viewing-3-4-26.pdf
- MGH IHP — Admissions Officemghihp.edu/ihp-directory/admissions
- 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/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
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 alignment with MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing programs pages, the 2025–2026 tuition PDF, Career Paths NCLEX tables (Massachusetts DPH/Board attribution), and Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing resources.
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