A nursing program that will challenge and change you

The MGH Institute's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares highly motivated college graduates with non-nursing bachelor's degrees who are seeking a career as a professional registered nurse (RN). In this rigorous, fast-paced, 12-month program, you'll learn the essential skills and knowledge to deliver outstanding patient care as well as to advance the profession of nursing. You'll be fully supported by faculty and staff, along with access to further academic support.

  • Exceptional NCLEX Success: Our students achieve a 91% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX (5-year average), surpassing both state and national averages. 
  • High Employment Rate: Our 2022 graduates attained a remarkable 96% employment rate, illustrating our program's effectiveness in launching successful nursing careers. 

An Innovative Learning Environment

Be prepared to spend much of your class time participating in interactive classroom instruction. Through active learning, a highly valued approach to health care education, you'll learn about collaborating to solve problems to improve patient care and promote quality outcomes. You will strengthen your interprofessional skills in our clinical care center

In addition, our high-tech simulation lab mirrors health care environments and enhances your clinical learning. The state-of-the-art lab includes acute-care rooms and a functional living lab along with high- and low-fidelity interactive simulators where you will respond to a wide range of health situations.

The program includes a direct-care experience working one-on-one with a bachelor's prepared registered nurse for 180 hours while simultaneously completing clinical seminars and simulations. This one-to-one experience is an excellent opportunity to integrate your academic and clinical experiences – and prepare you to enter the nursing workforce.

 

This intensive ABSN program builds on the skills and knowledge that you have accomplished in other degrees and careers and prepares you to become a licensed professional nurse. Upon graduation, you'll be ready to provide direct care to diverse populations across acute, long-term, and community settings.

While this is an accelerated, intensive program, we provide the essential content required for professional nursing practice. The curriculum demands your commitment, with a rigorous course load. Preparation for licensure (NCLEX) is incorporated throughout the program.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing Prelicensure and Direct Entry Programs are approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

MGH Institute’s 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is for students holding a bachelor's degree in another field who are looking to make a career in nursing. The program participates in NursingCAS, the Centralized Application Service for Nursing. All students are required to apply to NursingCAS.

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Contact Admissions

Program Start Date: Summer 2024
2023-2024 NursingCAS application cycle: Open Now
Suggested Apply Date: February 1, 2024

 

Items to submit directly to NursingCAS:

  • Application with the application fee
  • Official transcript(s) from all colleges/universities attended
  • Reference letters (2)
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume
  • MGH Institute Custom Questions

The MGH IHP is committed to accepting students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The application materials submitted should reflect the applicants complete academic background, outline their motivation for pursuing a nursing career, and inspire confidence that the applicant will be successful at IHP.  The admissions committee is particularly interested in your service to the community; evidence of compassion, leadership and professionalism; and your understanding and commitment to inclusivity.  If you feel that you have overcome significant life challenges, please outline what those challenges have been and how you have overcome them. 

All materials submitted are carefully reviewed after a file is complete, and a variety of factors are used to determine eligibility, including:

  • Overall baccalaureate grade point average above 2.70 or above or overall graduate grade point average 3.30 or above
  • Prerequisites coursework with a minimum letter grade of C+ or higher, completed within the last 7 years
  • Consistently strong references, and well written personal and diversity statements
  • Up-to-date resume

Baccalaureate Degree Requirement

Admission into the ABSN program requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited US college or university. An applicant’s bachelor's degree may be in-progress at a US institution at the time of application, provided proof of baccalaureate completion is provided prior to matriculation into the ABSN program. Applicants who are graduates from outside the US, please see the “Transcripts” section below for additional evaluation requirements.

Prerequisite Coursework

Completion of the courses listed below is required to satisfy the ABSN program's prerequisite requirements.  They must be taken at a fully accredited college or university.

All of these courses are offered online by the MGH Institute. Learn more about our online prerequisites or select a course below to view its description.

  • Chemistry (no lab): Basic Chemistry, Intro to Chemistry, or Intro to Chemistry for Health Professions will be accepted.

  • Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2 (no lab) or Human Anatomy (no lab) and Human Physiology (no lab).

  • Human Growth & Development (aka: Developmental Psychology): Course must cover lifespan including physical, cognitive, and emotional development.

  • Microbiology: Must include content on microbes. No lab component is required.

  • Human Nutrition: Exercise, sport, or weight control courses do not meet this requirement.

  • Statistics: Must include inferential statistics.

Prerequisite coursework must be completed with a minimum letter grade of C+ or higher.

Prerequisite coursework must have been completed within the last seven (7) years. Time is measured from the time of course completion to the time of anticipated matriculation. Applicants with extenuating circumstances may apply for a waiver of the 7-year policy by completing and submitting the ABSN Prerequisite Time Limit Waiver Form. (Example: Courses completed in or after the Spring 2017 term will be accepted for the Spring 2024 admissions cycle)

Applicants may have prerequisite coursework planned or in process at the time of application with no more than two (2) outstanding prerequisites during the semester prior to anticipated matriculation.

Important: All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to starting the program.

Complete and submit our ABSN Prerequisite Inquiry Form if you have any questions about prerequisite course equivalency and/or suitability. Upon submission of the form, replies can be expected by email within 5-7 business days.

TOEFL/ IELTS

The language of instruction and clinical education at the MGH Institute is English and a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is required.  Applicants who have not completed either an undergraduate or graduate program where English is the language of instruction must demonstrate English Language proficiency as part of your application to the MGH Institute of Health Professions.  If you have questions about the language requirements, please contact the Office of Admissions.

  • Applicants who are citizens of Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Great Britain, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Guyana, an Anglophone country of Africa, or an English-speaking country of the Caribbean are not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
  • Applicants who are candidates for graduation from an accredited degree-granting program in the United States or at an English-speaking school in one of the countries listed above are also not required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. Acceptance to the IHP will be contingent upon successful completion of this degree prior to matriculation.

Please note that in some circumstances, demonstrating English language proficiency may be required by the academic program even if you are a citizen of a country in which the (or one of the) national language(s) is English. Decisions about the need for TOEFL or IELTS scores are at the discretion of the academic program to which you are applying in coordination with the department of OES.

The IHP accepts either the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The test must have been taken within two years of the application deadline and official score reports are required. The minimum TOEFL (internet-based) score accepted is 89 and the minimum IELTS score accepted is 6.5.  

  • To forward your TOEFL score please contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS).  The MGH Institute of Health Professions code is 3513.
  • For IELTS, a Test Report Form may be mailed to MGH Institute of Health Professions and score information will be verified by the IHP directly. You may designate up to 5 schools to receive Test Report Forms at the time you register for the test.  To request additional Test Report Forms, contact your test center.

Please contact the Office of Admissions if you have any questions about the MGH Institute’s English Language requirements. 

Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each college and/or university attended directly to NursingCAS, even if a degree was not received from that institution. For transcripts to be considered official they must be in their original signed and sealed envelopes when received. Please visit our Program Page in NursingCAS for additional information and requirements.

Transcripts from an institution where a student participated in a study abroad program (completed as part of an undergraduate program) are not required for the application process if an applicant is not using the courses to fulfill prerequisites. If an applicant is planning on using study abroad courses to fulfill prerequisites, the foreign transcript is required to be evaluated by one of our approved credential evaluation services.

Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from InSpring or one of the following NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES), or the Center for Educational Documentation. If you earned your bachelor's degree outside of the U.S. this credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher.

Personal Statement

A personal statement is required for all applicants and must be submitted directly to NursingCAS. The prompt should address:

In what way(s) do you envision that your entry into the nursing profession could help address pertinent issues in nursing?  The MGH IHP’s core value is to uphold Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. In what ways do you envision you will foster an inclusive environment at the IHP. How will you contribute to the IHP community to make it a welcoming and inclusive place to learn?

The personal Statement should be approximately three (3) pages in length, double spaced.

Recommendation Letters

Applicants are required to provide two (2) recommendation letters directly to NursingCAS. Recommendation letters should come from individuals who are able to address your academic ability, character, and integrity, as well as your potential for post-baccalaureate study. At least one letter should come from an academic reference and one should come from a professional reference. No more than four (4) recommendation letters will be reviewed as part of your application. 

Common Admissions Questions

Information on requirements can be found in our immunization/compliance section.

The TEAS is not required for admission.

Yes. Applicants that have earned a degree from a non-US institution are required to submit a course-by-course credential evaluation from one of the following NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) members: Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc., SpanTran: The Evaluation Company, World Education Services (WES), or the Center for Educational Documentation. If you earned your bachelor's degree outside of the U.S. this credential evaluation must document minimum equivalency of a US baccalaureate degree or higher.

Additional International Student Information can be found on our website.
 

Yes, each applicant meeting admission criteria is automatically considered for an MGH IHP scholarship based on need and/or merit. For applicants offered admission who qualify for a scholarship, the award is also included in the admission offer.

The minimum GPA requirement for the program is a Baccalaureate GPA of 2.70 or a minimum graduate GPA of 3.30. Applications will not be reviewed if your baccalaureate grade point average is less than a 2.70.

Applicants may have prerequisite coursework planned or in process at the time of application with no more than two (2) outstanding prerequisites at the time of application.

Clinical Experiences

Gain valuable experience and make potential job connections through clinical placements that start early in your first semester. You'll enjoy unparalleled access to opportunities at a number of Boston-area health care facilities, including Massachusetts General, Brigham & Women's, and Boston Children's Hospital, as well as at a range of community hospitals, health centers, skilled nursing facilities, and community health sites throughout the state.

Nursing students at MGH Institute of Health Professions don’t just learn about providing health care. Through clinical placements and scholarly projects, you will also learn about how providing health care can change the world. All ABSN students are in clinical at MGH for their first two semesters.

The Dr. Charles A. and Ann Sanders IMPACT Practice Center houses the Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness, a nurse-led screening, referral, education, and support resource for Charlestown and Greater Boston-area residents.

The IMPACT Practice Center enables student teams from across the health professions to deliver integrated services as part of their uniprofessional and interprofessional clinical education.  By providing this free care under the  supervision of the Institute's practicing clinician faculty, students enrolled in the nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, speech-language pathology, and genetic counseling programs receive a priceless benefit: real-life experience.

Students provide care to a variety of clients, tackling complex problems, supported by the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities. Client populations include those with chronic conditions across the lifespan.

A Strong Support System

The MGH Institute is committed to every student, supporting you in a variety of ways to help you succeed. That's a major reason why our graduation rate since inception of the program has been 95 percent.

You will meet your faculty advisor during orientation, and he or she will be there for you throughout the program. You'll also receive individualized attention from your professors, the majority of whom are practicing clinicians and actively engaged in scholarship. This expertise and mentoring occurs in our clinical placements as well, where experienced nurses serve as our clinical instructors and work with small groups of students (5-6) at a time.

You will also benefit from academic support counselors and teaching assistants, as well as career development to help you craft your résumé, prepare for interviews, and position yourself for professional success.

A man on a laptop working in front of a window

View our current ABSN curriculum; for all currently-matriculated students and those entering May 2023.

View Curriculum

Following is the 12-month curriculum, taking effect in January 2024.

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
Session 1 Session 1 Session 1
NS-500U Foundations of Nursing Practice (4)

NS-503BU Pharmacology I (1.5) 

NS-523 Ethical and political influences on nursing care (3)*

NS-501U Pathophysiology (3)*

NS-520U Adult & Population Health II (5)

NS-540U Nursing Care of Complex Adult Health Conditions (5)

NS-502U Health Assessment (3) NS-521U Nursing Care of Childbearing Families (3) NS-545 Nursing Theory, Research, and Leadership (4)*
Session 2    
NS-503AU Pharmacology I (1.5)  Session 2 Session 2
NS-504U Mental Health Nursing (4) NS-522U Nursing Care of Children and Families (3) NS-550U Transition to Nursing Practice (6)
NS-510U Adult & Population Health I (3) NS-530U Adult & Population Health III (5)  
18.5 credits 17.5 credits 18 credits

Total = 54 credits

*Indicates courses that run for the full 14-week semester (during session 1 and session 2)

This program has been approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

An investment in your degree will pay you back many times over the course of your career. Here are helpful resources to consult as you consider applying.

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Top 6% of BSN Programs in the Country
2nd in New England

1:6

clinical faculty-to-student ratio

Optimized 12-Month Program Tailored to Your Needs

In the three-semester program, all ABSN students experience clinical rotations at Mass General Hospital. You'll be taught by expert faculty, most of whom continue to practice clinically as registered nurses and nurse practitioners. 

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Learn from expert nursing faculty

Being in the Hub of New England's top teaching and research medical centers, and benefiting from our affiliation with the world-class Mass General Brigham system, students are mentored by premier practitioners and researchers in the nursing field.

View All Nursing Faculty
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Associate Dean, Academic Affairs Associate Professor Nursing

Kathryn Sabo, PhD, RN, CNE

Director, Ruth Sleeper Nursing Center for Clinical Education and Wellness Assistant Professor Nursing

Commonly Asked Program Questions

It is strongly recommended that students do not work while attending this program. This program is a full-time commitment. It does not have a set schedule and the courses and clinical assignments could be held on any day of the week (Monday through Sunday) and at various times within a 24-hour period. In addition to course and clinical time, there are numerous assignments to be completed in an accelerated format. Work schedules will not be accommodated. 

Students in the ABSN program can expect to be in class or clinical 5-6 days per week. The program follows a typical semester schedule, with 2-4 week breaks in between semesters. Clinical rotations begin the first semester of the program. Classes are usually on campus 2 days / week, while clinicals can be a variety of different days based on the semester and the clinical rotation. 
 

There is no part-time ABSN program currently available.

The number of applications varies from year to year.
 

Our cohort size averages 85 students. 
 

Clinical placements will occur throughout the state, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham & Women's, Spaulding Rehabilitation and Boston Children's Hospital, as well as at a range of community hospitals, health centers, and community health sites.

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