Requirements to Become a Nurse in Massachusetts

The ‘Bay State’ is a great place to work as a Registered Nurse. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the annual mean income of Registered Nurses working in Massachusetts in 2019 was $93,160. This was much higher than the national average for that year. If you want to join this rewarding field, then read this article on how to become a Nurse in Massachusetts.

If you want to make a lasting difference in the lives of others, then a Nursing career would suit you.

The process of becoming a Registered Nurse can vary from one state to another, but the job requirements are more or less the same. Take a look at the table to get a better idea of the education and licensing criteria. The data displayed below has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

BLS has reported that Registered Nurses will experience an above-average growth rate of 12% from 2018 to 2028. Thus, the demand for these professionals will remain promising in the future.

The details listed below will help you understand how to become a Nurse in Massachusetts.

1. 1. Enroll in a Nursing School

To become eligible to sit for the licensing exam, you will be required to complete an approved nursing program. You can become a Registered Nurse after completing an Associate’s degree; however, most hospitals today only accept candidates who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Therefore, earning a BSN is advisable because it will open many employment opportunities for you.

2. 2. Complete the Nursing Program

The curriculum of the Nursing program usually incorporates a range of modules such as Pathophysiology, General Microbiology, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology, Acute Care Nursing, Nursing Care of the Aging Adult, Community Nursing, and Maternal Child Nursing. You will be required to study these modules and complete clinical practicums in order to graduate from the Nursing program.

3. 3. Get a Nursing License

The curriculum of the Nursing program usually incorporates a range of modules such as Pathophysiology, General Microbiology, Foundations of Nursing Practice, Health Assessment, Clinical Pharmacology, Acute Care Nursing, Nursing Care of the Aging Adult, Community Nursing, and Maternal Child Nursing. You will be required to study these modules and complete clinical practicums in order to graduate from the Nursing program..

4. 4. Get a Nursing License

Once you have completed your Nursing program, you can start preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). A passing score on this test is required to get the Nursing license. You have the option of scheduling this exam at the site and time of your choosing. In case you are unable to pass this exam, you will have to wait 45 days before taking the test again.

In addition to clearing this exam, you will also be expected to meet the good moral character (GMC) standards. If you are found to be non-compliant, the Board will inform you about its decision of denying you the license. Only those candidates who are able to clear the licensing exam and meet the character criteria will be given the state license.

Aspiring Nurses have to initially study the required pre-requisites and then have to graduate from an approved nursing program. A standard BSN program might take around four years to complete. After graduating from the Nursing school, candidates have to take the licensing exam. Moreover, individuals also have to meet the good moral character (GMC) requirements to become eligible to work as a Nurse.

To get licensed as a Practical Nurse (PN) or a Registered Nurse (RN), candidates have to meet several eligibility requirements. They must prove that they have:

Official wage data published by BLS shows that Nurses in Massachusetts made an above-average annual mean pay of $93,160 in 2019.