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How to become a registered nurse (RN) in Massachusetts. NCLEX-RN required. NLC compact member state. ADN or BSN accepted. CE hours: 15. Total initial fees: $430. Verified 2026-03-20. Data verified 2026-03-20. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Registered Nurse
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78% of data points are verified against official sources. 10 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
NCLEX Required
Yes
NLC Member
No
BSN Required
15 hrs
CE Hours
None
Practice Hours
$430
Total Initial Fees
ADN/BSN & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
ADN or BSN
Program Accreditation
Board-approved nursing program; ACEN or CCNE accreditation recognized
Accepted Degree Types
Program Length
2-4 years depending on degree type
Clinical Hours
500 hrs
Prerequisite Education
High school diploma or GED required for ADN programs; prerequisite college coursework required for BSN programs
Registered nurses must complete an approved nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or a diploma program. Programs must be accredited by ACEN or CCNE. BSN programs typically take 4 years while ADN programs take 2-3 years, both including required clinical hours.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNCLEX-RN Required
National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
CAT Format
75-145 Questions
Pass/fail based on adaptive algorithm; passing standard set by NCSBN
Passing Standard
$200
NCLEX Fee
Format: Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT), 75-145 questions
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
45-day waiting period between attempts; must re-register and pay $200 fee for each attempt
The NCLEX-RN is a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) administered by the NCSBN. The exam adapts to each candidate, with a minimum of 75 and maximum of 145 questions. A jurisprudence exam on state-specific nursing laws may also be required depending on the state.
NLC / eNLC Membership
Mostly verifiedNLC Member State
Yes
Multistate License
Not Available
Compact Privileges
Massachusetts has enacted NLC legislation (Nov 2024) but implementation is pending. Multistate licenses are NOT yet available. RNs must obtain a separate Massachusetts license until implementation is complete.
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. Nurses must meet uniform licensure requirements including a federal background check to qualify for a multistate license.
Permitted Activities & Career Pathways
VerifiedAllowed
Patient Assessment
Allowed
Care Planning
Allowed
Medication Administration
Allowed
IV Therapy
Allowed
Delegation to LPN
Allowed
Delegation to CNA
Allowed
Telehealth
Restricted Activities
Advanced Practice Specialization Pathways
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
MSN or DNP required; national certification (ANCC or AANP) and state APRN authorization through Board of Registration in Nursing
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
MSN or DNP with CNS focus; state recognition through Board of Registration in Nursing
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
DNP required (effective 2025); NBCRNA certification required for CRNA practice
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
MSN or DNP required; AMCB certification required for CNM practice
Registered nurses are authorized to perform patient assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and provide IV therapy. RNs may delegate tasks to LPNs and CNAs under appropriate supervision. Advanced practice pathways include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM).
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Initial RN licensure by examination fee; credit card only accepted | $230 |
NCLEX Fee Paid to Pearson VUE | $200 |
License Fee | Included in application fee |
Background Check Fee Massachusetts Board of Nursing does not require fingerprints for initial licensure or endorsement | $55 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal; late fee of $57 applies if renewed after birthday. Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs. | $120 |
Total Initial Fees $230 application + $200 NCLEX = $430 (no separate background check fee) | $430 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified2 years
Renewal Period
15 hrs
CE Hours Required
—
Practice Hours
Renewal Fee
$120
Late fee of $57 applies after birthday; reinstatement fee is $180 + renewal fee
Regulatory Board
Registered nurse licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education hours covering topics such as pharmacology, patient safety, and nursing ethics. Some states also require minimum practice hours for renewal to ensure ongoing clinical competency.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Mostly verifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
NLC Member
Yes
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows registered nurses to practice in all compact member states with a single multistate license. Non-compact states require license by endorsement, which typically involves verifying NCLEX scores, submitting transcripts, passing a background check, and meeting state-specific requirements.
Massachusetts is NOT an NLC member state. The state does not require fingerprinting or criminal background checks for nursing licensure, which is unusual among states. The $230 application fee is higher than average. License expires on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years. Mandatory one-time Alzheimer's/dementia training and ongoing Chapter 260 sexual/domestic violence CE are required.
Massachusetts is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact; separate licensure is always required.
Application fee of $230 for initial licensure by examination is among the higher state fees.
License expires on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years; renewal opens 90 days before.
15 CE contact hours per 2-year renewal cycle required; must include sexual/domestic violence training (Chapter 260).
One-time Alzheimer's/dementia training required at initial licensure or first renewal.
Massachusetts does NOT require fingerprinting or background check for licensure.
Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
Credit card is the only accepted form of payment.
Late renewal fee is $57; reinstatement fee is $180 plus renewal fee.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Massachusetts.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#10 of 51
Cost
#41 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Registered Nurses (SOC 29-1141)
Entry Level
$83,980
25th percentile
Median
$101,970
+9% vs. national avg ($93,600)Experienced
$132,980
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
90,190 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Registered Nurses (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+6.2%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+199,400
over 10 years
Annual Openings
193,100
per year (avg.)
3.2M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+206% salary growth potential
You are here
Registered Nurse
$101,970
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$45,410
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$76,560
You are here
Registered Nurse
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$101,970
MSN or DNP + national certification
$138,890
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NCLEX-RN — 2024National rate
91.2%
Pass Rate
Based on 186,208 candidates
Source: NCSBN NCLEX-RN Pass Rates (2024)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 110–224 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks after NCLEX
Estimated processing time
Source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-20
Accessed 2026-03-20
Updated January 2026
Accessed 2026-03-20
Massachusetts requires passing the NCLEX-RN for RN licensure. As an NLC member state, Massachusetts offers multistate practice privileges. All licensing is managed through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.