Massachusetts, despite its progressive healthcare landscape, presents a unique environment for Nurse Practitioners (NPs). While facing a projected surge in demand for NP services by over 56% by 2030, the state still navigates practice autonomy regulations. However, the pressing healthcare needs have prompted temporary expansions in NP scope of practice, underscoring the vital role these advanced practitioners play, especially in acute care settings. For registered nurses aspiring to specialize in acute care and seeking advanced education, Massachusetts offers a range of exceptional programs. Furthermore, the financial outlook is promising; graduates from accredited nurse practitioner schools in Massachusetts can expect to earn upwards of $138,700 annually.
This guide delves into the best Acute Care Np Programs Massachusetts has to offer for 2025, highlighting institutions that equip nurses with the specialized skills and knowledge to excel in critical and acute healthcare environments.
Discover Premier Acute Care NP Programs in Massachusetts for 2025
(Based on rigorous evaluation criteria, the following institutions represent the top choices for pursuing acute care nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts for the year 2025.)
1. University Of Massachusetts – Boston
Image alt text: Aerial view of the University of Massachusetts Boston campus showcasing modern buildings and waterfront location, representing top acute care NP programs in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: MSN, BSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificate
The University of Massachusetts Boston stands out for its commitment to health equity and social justice, making it an ideal choice for healthcare professionals passionate about impactful patient care. Recognized by “U.S. News & World Report” for its highly-ranked master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, UMass Boston provides robust pathways for nurses seeking acute care specialization. While their program names focus on Adult-Gerontological Acute Care, the curriculum and clinical experiences are deeply relevant to acute care practice.
MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner
While the MSN concentrations listed are Family and Adult-Gerontological, the Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner track provides a strong foundation for acute care practice. The curriculum, designed for working RNs, can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in three to four years, offering flexibility for busy professionals. Both specializations require 48 credits and 665 clinical hours, ensuring comprehensive practical experience. Crucially, clinical rotations leverage Boston’s renowned healthcare ecosystem, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center, offering exposure to diverse acute care settings.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
The BSN to DNP programs, while officially Primary Care focused, include elements applicable to acute care, particularly within the Adult/Gerontological track. These programs blend online and classroom learning, requiring 78 credits and 1,065 clinical hours. The extensive clinical hours in a DNP program can be strategically focused on acute care settings to build specialized expertise. Students are encouraged to pursue NP certifications after completing the MSN portion, typically around three years, allowing for earlier entry into advanced practice roles, potentially in acute care.
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (AGNP)
The Post-Master’s certificate options at UMass Boston cater to NPs seeking to expand their specialization. While not explicitly “acute care,” nurses with existing certifications could utilize these certificates to deepen their knowledge in related areas, potentially complementing prior acute care experience or laying groundwork for a future acute care focus. The program’s flexibility, with 12 and 21-credit tracks, allows for tailored learning paths.
It’s important to note that UMass Boston has geographical restrictions for online programs, so prospective students should confirm their state eligibility.
2) Northeastern University – Boston
Image alt text: Modern architecture of Northeastern University in Boston, symbolizing comprehensive acute care NP program offerings in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: MSN and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
Northeastern University distinguishes itself with an expansive array of nurse practitioner programs, including specialized acute care tracks. Renowned for its experiential learning approach, Northeastern’s cooperative education model integrates academic study with real-world professional experience. Advanced practice nursing students benefit from clinical placements at top Boston hospitals such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, providing unparalleled exposure to acute and critical care environments.
MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Northeastern offers a dedicated Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP MSN, directly addressing the need for specialized acute care education. This program requires 43-semester credits and a minimum of 600 precepted clinical hours, specifically focused on acute care settings. The curriculum prepares graduates to manage complex health conditions in acutely ill adult and geriatric patients.
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner MSN also focuses on acute care, albeit within a specialized population. This program, requiring 24-semester credits, mandates prior experience in a Level 3 or higher NICU, ensuring students enter with a foundation in neonatal critical care. Clinical rotations in leading NICUs like Boston Children’s Hospital further enhance acute care expertise.
While the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program has primary care and dual primary care/acute care tracks, the latter (52-semester credits) directly addresses acute care pediatrics. Applicants to this track need acute care pediatric experience, and the curriculum focuses on managing acutely ill children.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (CAGS), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (CAGS), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (CAGS), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CAGS) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (CAGS)
For nurses already holding an MSN, Northeastern’s CAGS programs offer efficient pathways to specialize in acute care. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP CAGS (24-semester credits), Neonatal Nurse Practitioner CAGS (21-semester credits), and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner CAGS (24-semester credits) provide focused training for nurses seeking to transition into or deepen their expertise in these acute care specialties. Prior MSN and post-MSN professional experience requirements ensure CAGS students bring advanced nursing knowledge to their acute care specialization.
3) Boston College – Chestnut Hill
Image alt text: Iconic Gasson Hall at Boston College, representing esteemed nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts with strong clinical focus.
Programs Offered: RN to DNP, Post-BSN to DNP, Post-Master’s DNP, and Direct Entry DNP
Boston College, while a Jesuit institution, welcomes students of all backgrounds and provides strong nurse practitioner programs with a significant emphasis on clinical education. Their extensive network of over 85 clinical partnerships, including Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, offers rich opportunities for acute care clinical experiences. While Boston College does not explicitly list “acute care” NP programs, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP specialization is often integrated within their DNP program offerings or available as a post-graduate certificate. Prospective students should inquire directly about the availability of acute care focused tracks.
RN (ADN) to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
While these concentrations are primarily focused, the DNP framework provides a foundation for advanced practice in various settings, including acute care. Students interested in acute care can potentially tailor their DNP projects and clinical rotations towards acute care environments, especially within the Adult-Gerontology track, to gain relevant experience and skills.
Post-BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Similar to the RN to DNP program, the Post-BSN to DNP concentrations offer opportunities to specialize indirectly in acute care through focused clinical experiences and DNP project selection, particularly within the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric tracks. The DNP curriculum prepares graduates for leadership roles and advanced clinical practice, applicable across healthcare settings including acute care.
Post-Master’s DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
For nurses with a master’s degree, the Post-Master’s DNP at Boston College allows for further specialization and advanced practice skill development. Nurses with prior acute care experience could leverage this program to deepen their expertise and leadership capabilities within acute care settings, even if the listed specializations are primarily focused.
Direct Entry DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
The Direct Entry DNP program, designed for non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees, provides a pathway into advanced nursing practice. While not explicitly acute care focused in its listed concentrations, students interested in acute care can explore opportunities to steer their clinical training and DNP projects towards acute care settings, particularly within the Adult-Gerontology and Pediatric tracks, after obtaining their RN licensure and progressing into the NP specialization phase.
4) University Of Massachusetts – Amherst
Image alt text: Campus pond reflecting University of Massachusetts Amherst buildings, representing accessible online acute care NP program options in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: Post-BSN to DNP and Post-Master’s Certificate
UMass Amherst is recognized for its emphasis on diversity, social justice, and research in healthcare. Its College of Nursing, considered among the best nurse practitioner schools in Massachusetts, offers programs with facilities in Amherst and Springfield. UMass Amherst’s online DNP program and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certificate are particularly relevant for nurses seeking specialized advanced practice education, though direct acute care NP programs may not be explicitly listed. However, the PMHNP specialization is crucial in acute care settings where mental health is often intertwined with physical health.
Post-BSN to DNP Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
UMass Amherst’s DNP program, a pioneer in online nursing education, is ranked among the top online programs nationally by “US News & World Report.” While the listed concentrations are FNP, AGPCNP, and PMHNP, the PMHNP track is highly relevant to acute care. Acute care settings frequently require NPs with expertise in managing the psychiatric and mental health needs of patients. The PMHNP program’s 85-semester credits and 840 clinical hours provide in-depth training in this critical area. The online format offers flexibility, and clinical rotations are arranged near students’ locations, facilitating practical experience.
Post-Master’s Certificate Concentrations: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Post-Master’s PMHNP certificate is an accelerated option for master’s-prepared nurses to specialize in psychiatric mental health. This certificate is directly applicable to enhancing skills needed in acute care, where co-morbid mental health conditions are common. The program’s individualized study plans and online coursework make it accessible for working professionals. The clinical hour requirements (560-728 hours) ensure practical competency in PMHNP care.
5) University Of Massachusetts Medical School – Worcester
Image alt text: Modern buildings of UMass Medical School in Worcester, highlighting research-focused acute care NP program options in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: DNP
The University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester houses a highly respected graduate nursing school, offering DNP programs with specializations relevant to acute care. While they do not explicitly list “acute care NP programs,” their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track within the DNP program is a direct pathway to acute care specialization.
DNP Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP
UMass Medical School’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP DNP is a prime choice for nurses seeking acute care expertise. This program, along with the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks, is open to RNs with various educational backgrounds, including non-nursing bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees in nursing. The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP track requires 75 credits of coursework, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum focused on the complexities of acute care for adult and geriatric patients.
6) Regis College School Of Nursing – Weston
Image alt text: Picturesque campus of Regis College School of Nursing, representing diverse acute care NP program pathways in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: RN (ADN) to MSN, RN to BSN to MSN, MSN, BSN to DNP, Post-MSN to DNP, and Post-Master’s Certificates
Regis College, a Catholic university with an inclusive environment, boasts the Young School of Nursing, recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing. Regis College offers an extensive array of NP program options, including pathways relevant to acute care, particularly within their Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP specializations embedded in various degree programs and certificates.
RN (ADN) to MSN Concentrations: Nurse Practitioner Family, Nurse Practitioner Pediatric, Nurse Practitioner Women’s Health, Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology, and Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health
Within the RN to MSN “bridge tracks,” the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialization provides a foundation for acute care practice. While not explicitly “acute care,” the advanced coursework and clinical rotations prepare RNs for more complex patient management, which can be directed towards acute care settings. All specialties in this track require 59 credits, with clinical rotations in Boston-area hospitals like Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
RN to BSN to MSN Concentrations: Nurse Practitioner Family, Nurse Practitioner Pediatric, Nurse Practitioner Women’s Health, Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology, and Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health
Similar to the RN to MSN track, the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialization within the RN to BSN to MSN program offers a pathway to acute care knowledge and skills. This program, requiring 104 credits, includes foundational nursing coursework and specialized NP courses, with clinical rotations in Boston hospitals.
MSN Concentrations: Nurse Practitioner Family, Nurse Practitioner Pediatric, Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology, Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health, and Nurse Practitioner Women’s Health
Regis College’s MSN program offers an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialization that can be tailored towards acute care. While not explicitly named “acute care,” the curriculum and clinical experiences can be focused on developing acute care competencies. All MSN NP specializations at Regis require a 24-credit core curriculum, followed by specialty-specific credits and 600 clinical hours.
Post-BSN to DNP Concentrations: Nurse Practitioner Family, Nurse Practitioner Pediatric, Nurse Practitioner Women’s Health, Nurse Practitioner Adult-Gerontology, and Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health
The Post-BSN to DNP program at Regis, with its Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner specialization, offers an advanced route to acute care expertise. The DNP level of education prepares graduates for leadership and complex clinical roles, highly relevant in acute care settings. The Adult-Gerontology NP DNP requires 85 credits and 1,000 clinical hours, providing extensive training.
Post-MSN to DNP Concentrations: Pediatrics (PNP), Family (FNP), Psychiatric Mental Health (PMHNP), Women’s Health (WHNP), and Adult-Gerontology (AGNP)
For MSN-prepared nurses, Regis offers Post-MSN to DNP pathways, including Adult-Gerontology NP. This option allows nurses to further specialize and enhance their advanced practice skills, potentially focusing on acute care within the Adult-Gerontology specialization.
Post-Master’s Certificates Concentrations: Nurse Practitioner Family, and Nurse Practitioner Psychiatric-Mental Health
Regis also provides Post-Master’s certificates, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. While not explicitly acute care, these certificates can complement prior acute care experience or provide related specialization for nurses working in or transitioning to acute care settings.
7) University Of Massachusetts – North Dartmouth
Image alt text: Modern campus buildings of UMass Dartmouth, representing affordable acute care NP program options in Southeastern Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: BS-DNP
UMass Dartmouth offers the only advanced practice nursing degrees in southeastern Massachusetts and is recognized for its value and quality. While UMass Dartmouth doesn’t explicitly offer an “acute care NP program,” their Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP within the BS-DNP program can be tailored to focus on acute care through clinical rotations and DNP project selection.
BS to DNP Concentrations: Adult Gerontology Primary Care and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP program, requiring 63 credits and 1,008 practicum hours, can be strategically focused on acute care settings. Students interested in acute care can seek clinical placements in hospitals and critical care units to gain specialized experience. The DNP project can also be chosen to address an acute care issue, further enhancing expertise in this area.
8) University Of Massachusetts Lowell – Lowell
Image alt text: University of Massachusetts Lowell campus scene, representing VA-affiliated acute care NP program opportunities in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: MSN and BSN to DNP
UMass Lowell is part of the Northeast Region VA Nursing Alliance, offering unique clinical rotation opportunities within veterans’ hospitals, which often include acute and critical care settings. While not explicitly offering “acute care NP programs,” UMass Lowell’s Adult-Gerontological Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner track within both the MSN and BSN to DNP programs can be oriented towards acute care.
MSN Concentrations: Family Health Nursing – Nurse Practitioner, and Adult-Gerontological Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
The Adult-Gerontological Nursing – Primary Care Nurse Practitioner MSN program (42-semester credits) can be focused on acute care through strategic clinical placement choices. VA hospitals and other affiliated healthcare facilities provide ample opportunities for acute care clinical experiences.
BSN to DNP Concentrations: Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner
The BSN to DNP program with the Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner track (75 credits) also provides a pathway to acute care specialization. While primarily listed as “primary care,” the DNP curriculum and extensive clinical hours allow for a focus on acute care. The VA affiliation and other clinical partnerships offer diverse acute care rotation options. The DNP research project requirement further allows students to delve into acute care topics.
9) MGH Institute Of Health Professions – Boston
Image alt text: Modern building of MGH Institute of Health Professions, highlighting expert-led acute care NP programs in Massachusetts.
Programs Offered: Post-BSN to MSN, Post-Master’s/Post-NP Certificate, and Direct-Entry MSN
The MGH Institute of Health Professions, founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, offers unparalleled access to expert practitioners and clinical settings. They provide a direct Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP specialization within their MSN, Post-Master’s Certificate, and Direct Entry MSN programs, making them a top choice for acute care NP education in Massachusetts.
Post-BSN to MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, and Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health
MGH Institute’s Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-BSN to MSN program (91 credits) is specifically designed for acute care specialization. The curriculum and clinical rotations are focused on managing acutely ill adults and older adults in hospital and critical care settings. The affiliation with Massachusetts General Hospital provides exceptional clinical learning environments.
Post-Master’s/Post-NP Certificate Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics (Post MSN only), Women’s Health (Post MSN only), Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, and Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health
The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP Post-Master’s Certificate program at MGH Institute offers a focused pathway for MSN-prepared nurses to specialize in acute care. The program requires a minimum of 500 supervised clinical practicum hours in acute care settings, ensuring practical competency. Individualized study plans are created with faculty mentors, tailoring the program to each student’s needs and goals.
Direct-Entry MSN Concentrations: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family, Pediatrics, Psychiatric/Mental Health Lifespan, Women’s Health, and Dual Adult-Gerontology/Women’s Health
The Direct-Entry MSN program at MGH Institute also includes an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP specialization, providing a three-year path for non-nurses with bachelor’s degrees to become acute care NPs. The curriculum mirrors the Post-BSN to MSN Acute Care NP track, providing comprehensive training from foundational nursing to advanced acute care practice.
10) Simmons University – Boston
Image alt text: Simmons University campus buildings in Boston, representing established nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts with strong clinical partnerships.
Programs Offered: RN (ADN) to MSN, BSN to MSN, MSN+MPH, and Direct Entry (MSN)
Simmons University, located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, maintains strong clinical relationships with over 200 partners, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. While Simmons University focuses on Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) tracks across its programs, the robust clinical partnerships and comprehensive MSN curriculum can provide a foundation for nurses interested in acute care, especially if clinical rotations are strategically chosen in acute or urgent care settings. Prospective students interested in acute care should inquire about opportunities to focus their clinical experiences in relevant areas.
RN (ADN) to MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
The RN to MSN FNP program at Simmons, while FNP-focused, can provide a pathway to acute care knowledge. Phase II of the program, with its MSN and FNP specialty coursework (41 credits), can be complemented by clinical rotations in acute care settings to gain relevant experience.
BSN to MSN Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
The BSN to MSN FNP program (48 credit hours) also allows for potential acute care focus through clinical rotation choices. While the specialization is FNP, students can seek out clinical placements in urgent care clinics, emergency departments, or other acute care environments to gain practical skills in this area.
MSN+MPH Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
The MSN+MPH program, although FNP-focused, offers a broader public health perspective that can be valuable in acute care, particularly in understanding population health needs and healthcare delivery systems. However, direct acute care specialization is not the primary focus.
Direct Entry (MSN) Concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner
The Direct Entry MSN program (48 credits in MSN/NP curriculum) at Simmons, while FNP-focused, can also be a starting point for nurses interested in acute care. By strategically selecting clinical rotations in acute care settings during the MSN portion of the program, students can begin to develop acute care competencies, even within an FNP framework.
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What are the Total Number of Accredited NP Programs in Massachusetts?
The American Association of Nurse Practitioners reports that there are currently Thirty Six accredited nurse practitioner programs in Massachusetts.
| Program Type | # |
|---|---|
| BSN to MSN | 10 |
| BSN to DNP | 8 |
| MSN to DNP | 9 |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 9 |
| Total | 36 |
Nurse Practitioner Programs in Nearby States
| 1. Connecticut 2. New York | 1. Rhode Island |
|---|
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