Northeastern Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Northeastern University’s School of Nursing in Bouvé College of Health Sciences pairs Boston’s major teaching hospitals with co-op and simulation for Traditional BSN students, while Accelerated BSN (ABSN), Direct-Entry Nursing (BSN & MS), and graduate NP, DNP, and PhD tracks serve second-degree and advanced-practice learners. This guide cites 2025–2026 tuition from Student Financial Services, school-reported NCLEX-RN tables in the pre-licensure outcomes PDF, and CCNE framing from Northeastern materials—confirm every figure with the university and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Northeastern’s Arnold S. Goldstein Simulation Lab, six-month co-ops, and a multi-site ABSN network (Burlington, Charlotte, Fall River) are differentiators alongside Direct-Entry Nursing for career changers. Use the official Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes PDF for NCLEX tables and Student Financial Services for billing—then confirm licensure questions with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Overview & Why Students Choose Northeastern
Along Huntington Avenue in Boston, Northeastern’s School of Nursing sits inside Bouvé College of Health Sciences and emphasizes experiential learning: Traditional BSN students complete two six-month co-ops, six clinical courses, and a senior practicum while rotating through major Boston systems. Second-degree students can choose Accelerated BSN (ABSN) cohorts in Burlington, Charlotte, or Fall River, or the Direct-Entry Nursing sequence that awards a BSN after the pre-licensure segment and later supports MSN NP specialties.
Graduate offerings span NP tracks (adult-gerontology acute and primary care, family, neonatal, pediatric, psychiatric mental health), Nursing Leadership, BSN-to-DNP, DNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia, and a PhD in Nursing. Pre-licensure Boston programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing; confirm CCNE scope statements on Northeastern’s catalog pages.
According to Northeastern’s Nursing Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes (2021–2025) PDF, first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates vary by pathway and year—for example, Traditional BSN 81% in 2025 and 89% in 2024; ABSN Burlington 81% in 2025; ABSN Charlotte 75% in 2025; MS Direct Entry pre-licensure 95% in 2024 (school-reported). Confirm current cohorts with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and Northeastern.
Reasons students choose Northeastern
Co-op–powered Traditional BSN
The Traditional BSN layers paid, six-month co-op experiences on top of clinical courses so graduates leave with more than a year of full-time healthcare employment before licensure.
Multi-site Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) cohorts run in Massachusetts (Burlington, Fall River) and North Carolina (Charlotte) through Northeastern ABSN—useful if you need a defined second-degree timeline outside the four-year Boston model.
Direct-Entry Nursing (BSN & MS)
The Direct-Entry track compresses RN pre-licensure coursework, then transitions to master’s-prepared NP specialties after RN practice—application deadline June 1, GRE not required, and not F-1 eligible per the program page.
Simulation & interprofessional context
The Arnold S. Goldstein Simulation Lab Suite anchors skills and high-fidelity scenarios before inpatient rotations; faculty cite hospitals such as Boston Children’s, Mass General, Tufts Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s on the BSN marketing page.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program groupings below mirror the School of Nursing landing page and linked Bouvé program URLs.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN eligibility)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Four-year Boston curriculum with two co-ops, six clinical courses, and senior practicum. High school applicants select Nursing on the Common Application—no separate nursing supplement per the BSN page. External transfers into the Boston BSN are not accepted as of the published FAQ; confirm policy for your entry year.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) options are listed for Burlington, MA; Charlotte, NC; and Fall River, MA (near Providence, RI). These serve students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and need an intensive pre-licensure sequence.
Direct-Entry Nursing (BSN & MS)
64 credit hours of RN pre-licensure coursework, then 36–42 credits of master’s study depending on NP specialty after 1–2 years of RN practice. Applies through NursingCAS; prerequisites include sciences, statistics, developmental psychology, nutrition, and behavioral science.
Post-licensure & graduate
MSN nurse practitioner & leadership programs
Bouvé lists Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Neonatal NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP, and Nursing Leadership (MS)—some tracks include CAGS options. Modality varies by specialty.
BSN-DNP, DNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia, PhD
Doctoral pathways include BSN to DNP, practice DNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia (COA-accredited per program materials), and PhD in Nursing for nurse scientists. Confirm specialty availability and GRE/test requirements on each program page (DNP-NA lists GRE required).
Certificate in Patient Safety
Graduate certificate offering aligned with Bouvé’s quality and safety focus—verify admissions criteria separately from pre-licensure nursing majors.
Listings reflect Northeastern’s public School of Nursing pages. Accelerated BSN (ABSN) is the standard concept label; campus branding may differ by site. Always confirm current approvals, tracks, and start terms in the academic catalog.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Northeastern publishes multi-year, program-level first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates in its Nursing Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes (2021–2025) PDF. Figures below are school-reported from that document (not independently audited here).
| Program | Recent first-time pass rate (school-reported) |
|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 81% (2025); 89% (2024); 94% (2023) |
| ABSN — Burlington | 81% (2025); 94% (2024) |
| ABSN — Charlotte | 75% (2025); 85% (2024) |
| MS Direct Entry (pre-licensure segment) | 95% (2024); 89% (2023) |
| Source | Northeastern — Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes PDF. Confirm current cohorts with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and Northeastern. |
NCLEX outcomes vary by cohort and program site. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and Northeastern’s School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Northeastern’s Direct-Entry Nursing page states the program is not F-1 eligible. Other pathways may have different visa rules—work with Office of Global Services and Bouvé admissions. Internationally educated nurses seeking Massachusetts licensure should follow Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing guidance for credential evaluation and NCLEX eligibility. This checklist is not legal advice.
- English-language proficiency: Direct Entry lists TOEFL iBT 100 for applicants without degrees from English-medium institutions.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Follow Bouvé graduate admissions for international transcripts; licensure may require additional Board-approved steps.
- Massachusetts Board of Nursing: Confirm NCLEX-RN eligibility, CGFNS, and endorsement rules for internationally educated nurses.
- Visas & clinical placements: Clinical courses must align with program authorization; verify each term with the international office and program manager.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Northeastern and the Board.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Traditional BSN: Applicants apply through Northeastern undergraduate admissions; select Nursing as the major—no separate nursing supplement per the BSN page. External transfers into the Boston BSN are not accepted as of the published FAQ; ABSN may be the pathway for many transfer-oriented students.
Direct-Entry Nursing (BSN & MS): Requires a completed bachelor’s degree (GPA ≥ 3.0), prerequisites, two recommendations, goal statement, and NursingCAS application. Deadline June 1; GRE not required, per program page.
ABSN: Use ABSN admissions for prerequisites and campus-specific deadlines.
Application deadlines
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Direct Entry Nursing | June 1 application deadline (program page) |
| Traditional BSN (first-year) | Follow Northeastern undergraduate admissions for Early Decision / Early Action / Regular Decision dates. |
| Graduate NP / DNP tracks | Varies by specialty—check each Bouvé program page. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / HESI | Not highlighted on the BSN overview page; confirm with admissions for your pathway |
| Direct Entry GPA | Minimum 3.0 bachelor’s GPA (program page) |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from Northeastern Student Financial Services — Tuition and Fees (2025–2026 tables as published). Add fees, housing, health insurance, and lab/studio fees where applicable.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate full-time tuition | $33,995 per term; $2,125 per credit (2025–2026) |
| Bouvé graduate programs (most) | $1,946 per credit unless a specific program rate applies |
| MS Nursing — Direct Entry | $23,298 per semester (2025–2026 Bouvé table) |
| ABSN | $1,353 per credit (2025–2026 Bouvé table) |
| MS Nursing (Online) | $1,035 per credit (2025–2026 Bouvé table) |
| PhD programs (annual) | $47,250 annual fee listed for PhD programs (verify nursing PhD billing with Student Financial Services) |
| Source | Student Financial Services — Tuition and Fees. Confirm current amounts before enrolling. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The same pre-licensure outcomes PDF also lists completion rates by program (for example, Traditional BSN completion 97% in 2024—school-reported). Job placement percentages for nursing graduates are not summarized on this page; see Northeastern career outcomes or consumer information disclosures if published.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (first-time) | See NCLEX section—rates vary by pathway (Traditional BSN, ABSN, Direct Entry) |
| Completion rate (example) | Traditional BSN: 97% completion in 2024 (school PDF)—confirm definitions with Northeastern |
| Employment | Not publicly disclosed on this page for nursing-specific placement; check Northeastern career services or outcomes reports |
Is Northeastern the Right Fit for You?
Northeastern fits students who want experiential learning at scale—co-op for Traditional BSN, multiple ABSN geographies, and a Direct-Entry pipeline into NP specialties—while accepting private research-university tuition and a competitive admissions environment.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want paid co-op and dense Boston academic medical center exposure alongside the Arnold S. Goldstein Simulation Lab.
- Need a structured second-degree path (ABSN or Direct Entry) with clear prerequisite lists.
- Plan to progress to NP or DNP specialties within Bouvé’s graduate portfolio.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Must transfer into the Boston Traditional BSN—the program states it does not accept external transfers; consider ABSN or other schools.
- Need F-1 eligibility for Direct Entry—Northeastern states that program is not F-1 eligible.
- Require the lowest possible tuition—compare net price after aid with Massachusetts public universities.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Boston offers one of the densest clusters of academic medical centers, specialty institutes, and community hospitals in the United States. Northeastern’s BSN marketing materials highlight partnerships with Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Tufts Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, among others—your exact rotation list depends on semester and course.
Regional demand for RNs remains strong, but hiring depends on credentialing, timing, and employer needs.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital · Brigham and Women’s Hospital | Flagship academic medical centers commonly referenced in Northeastern clinical materials |
| Boston Children’s Hospital | Pediatric quaternary care; cited on the Traditional BSN page |
| Tufts Medical Center | Named on the BSN page alongside other major Boston hospitals |
| Community health centers & VA | Bouvé describes broad affiliations—confirm placement sites each term with the program |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students use the Arnold S. Goldstein Simulation Lab Suite for skills, procedures, and immersive scenarios before inpatient rotations. The Northeastern University Student Association of Nursing (NUSNA) offers volunteer and professional-development opportunities alongside peers.
Traditional BSN students complete two six-month co-ops, six clinical courses, and a senior practicum—structuring much of the undergraduate experience around Boston-area healthcare employers.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Boston, MA
- Address
- 102 Robinson Hall, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, US (Direct Entry program office listing)
- Main university
- (617) 373-2000
- Bouvé School of Nursing
- bouve.northeastern.edu/academics/school-of-nursing
- Website
- northeastern.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Download Northeastern’s Nursing Pre-Licensure Handbook and the Pre-licensure Outcomes PDF.
- Map your pathway: Traditional BSN vs ABSN vs Direct Entry—each uses different admissions offices and deadlines.
- If applying Direct Entry, begin NursingCAS and prerequisite coursework verification early.
- Estimate cost using the 2025–2026 tuition tables (undergraduate term rate vs Direct Entry semester rate vs ABSN per credit).
- Bookmark the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for licensure questions.
- Review co-op expectations on the cooperative education site if you are considering the Traditional BSN.
- Contact Bouvé graduate admissions if you are targeting MSN, DNP, or PhD tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCLEX-RN pass rates does Northeastern University School of Nursing publish?
According to the Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes PDF, Traditional BSN first-time pass rates were 81% in 2025 and 89% in 2024; ABSN Burlington was 81% in 2025; ABSN Charlotte 75% in 2025; MS Direct Entry pre-licensure was 95% in 2024 (school-reported). Confirm current cohorts with Northeastern and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
What is undergraduate tuition for Northeastern’s Traditional BSN?
Student Financial Services lists $33,995 per term full-time undergraduate tuition and $2,125 per credit for 2025–2026 before fees and housing.
How much is Direct Entry Nursing MS tuition at Northeastern?
The Bouvé graduate table lists MS Nursing—Direct Entry at $23,298 per semester for 2025–2026.
Does Northeastern offer Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs?
Yes—Northeastern lists ABSN cohorts in Burlington, MA; Charlotte, NC; and Fall River, MA through absn.northeastern.edu.
Is Northeastern’s Direct Entry Nursing program F-1 eligible?
The Direct Entry program page states it is not F-1 eligible. Verify visa options with Northeastern’s international office.
Is Northeastern University School of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
Northeastern’s catalog materials describe CCNE accreditation for baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs—confirm effective dates on CCNE and Northeastern pages.
Where do Northeastern nursing students complete clinical experiences?
The BSN page cites hospitals such as Boston Children’s, Mass General, Tufts Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s; Bouvé describes additional affiliations—placements vary by course.
Does Northeastern accept transfers into the Boston Traditional BSN?
The BSN FAQ states Northeastern is not currently accepting transfer students from outside Northeastern into the Boston-based undergraduate nursing degree—confirm for your cycle.
What GPA do you need for Northeastern Direct Entry Nursing?
The program lists a minimum 3.0 GPA on the prior bachelor’s degree plus prerequisite coursework—see the Direct Entry page for full requirements.
References
- Northeastern University — School of Nursing (Bouvé)bouve.northeastern.edu/academics/school-of-nursing
- Northeastern — Traditional BSNbouve.northeastern.edu/programs/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing-bsn
- Northeastern — Direct-Entry Nursing (BSN & MS)bouve.northeastern.edu/programs/direct-entry-nursing-ms
- Northeastern — Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes (NCLEX PDF)Nursing-Pre-licensure-Programs-Outcomes-2021-2025.pdf
- Northeastern — Student Financial Services (Tuition & Fees)studentfinance.northeastern.edu/billing/tuition-and-fees
- Northeastern — Undergraduate admissionsadmissions.northeastern.edu/application-information
- Northeastern ABSNabsn.northeastern.edu
- 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 Northeastern Bouvé School of Nursing pages, the 2025–2026 Student Financial Services tuition tables, the Pre-licensure Programs Outcomes PDF, 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