School of Nursing
Program Overview
The MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing prepares compassionate and capable nurse professionals who are on the forefront of change in health care. We offer two pathways into nursing, as well as several options for Registered Nurses to earn an advanced degree or certification.
Since its 1977 creation as the successor institution to the 104-year-old Massachusetts General Hospital diploma nursing school, the MGH Institute has been at the forefront of nursing education. In addition to the original Master of Science in Nursing degree, in 2007 the school created one of the country's first four accredited Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs – which is now online. The next year, the School of Nursing inaugurated an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to meet the demand of filling more than 100,000 nursing vacancies nationwide. The School of Nursing also offers a certificate in Mind Body Health and Healing for Health Professionals who want to integrate a holistic approach with enhanced patient care and a certificate in Global Health Equity and Innovations in conjunction with the world renowned Partners in Health.
You will be mentored by premier practitioners and researchers in the nursing field. More than 80% of the faculty hold a doctoral degree, most actively publish in peer-reviewed journals and textbooks, and many are recognized nationally and internationally. In addition, a large majority are practicing clinicians who use their own real-world experience as teaching examples.
You will receive priority clinical rotation placements within the first few weeks of your education at prestigious health care facilities. The MGH Institute is affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Children’s Hospital Boston, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, McLean Hospital, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital and North Shore Medical Center. These placements have often resulted in job offers after graduation.
Graduating classes have strong pass rates as first-time takers on both the registered nurse licensure (NCLEX-RN®) and advanced practice nursing certification (ANCC and NCC) exams. Graduates also consistently score well above both state and national averages.
Become a Nurse
People with an existing Bachelor’s degree and no previous health care experience have two options to become a nurse at MGH Institute School of Nursing.
- The 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepares you to become a Registered Nurse and provide direct care to patients at the bedside. This intensive program is the most direct way to enter the profession with the nursing knowledge and skill preparation that health care employers increasingly prefer.
Demand for registered nurses is high. Nationally there is a shortage of more than 100,000 nurses to care for the country’s rapidly aging population. The median income of registered nurses is $62,450.
Demand for Nurse Practitioners is increasing. You can deliver as much as 80% of the primary and preventative health care services traditionally provided by primary care physicians. The median income of nurse practitioners is $82,590.
At the successful completion of this program, you will be granted a BSN with your Master's degree.