How to Become a Nurse with Help from MCPHS
Learn how to become a nurse by registering for one of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences programs.
Hoping to become a nurse but aren't sure how? You've come to the right place. In this blog, we'll break down the various steps necessary to earn a nursing degree and enter this career. Let's look at your degree options and answer some of the questions you may have about the journey.
While the road ahead of you may seem long, becoming a nurse can take less time than expected. At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), students can complete their studies to become registered nurses in two to four years, depending on the chosen program.
Get a nursing degree
MCPHS offers several program types and curricula that can help you get exactly what you want out of your college education. We have multiple pathways you can choose from:
Undergraduate nursing school programs at MCPHS
Undergraduate programs are usually the first step for students interested in nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Postbaccalaureate
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Postbaccalaureate program is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree and wish to gain the skill sets necessary to enter the nursing field. During this 16-month program, students will work alongside experts in clinical and classroom settings, learning the essential techniques to provide adequate patient care. Upon completion of this program, learners are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated
An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 32-month program that helps students gain real-world experience while studying and completing nursing coursework. MCPHS allows learners to finish in three years, compared to the typical four-year timeline elsewhere. Like the postbaccalaureate option, this program makes individuals eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Master and doctoral nursing school programs at MCPHS
A master's program (and beyond) comes after completing an undergraduate degree.
Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
A Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program is a 24-month, part-time course of study that provides students the flexibility to work while earning a nursing diploma. It advances students' bachelor's degrees with a specialty in family nursing, preparing them to deliver primary patient care services and diagnose and treat a variety of healthcare concerns.
Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
This 24-month, part-time, online program allows learners to specialize in psychiatric mental health nursing. Students build their knowledge of critical neurological disorders — such as dementia, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions — and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a 24-month, online doctoral program focused on organization and systems leadership. Applicants must hold a BSN or MSN. Coursework covers public health, health informatics, and medication safety, equipping graduates for leadership roles in nursing practice.
Secure your licence
If you want to practice in the United States, MCPHS staff can help you understand and secure the right licence. You can also take your skills back home to Canada.
In Canada, nurses are regulated by the provinces and territories. You'll need to get licenced in the region you intend to practice. Here are a few links to the biggest ones:
- Alberta:
- British Columbia:
- Ontario:
- Québec:
Begin employment and pick a specialty
After obtaining your licence, you can begin employment and choose a specialty. While you don't necessarily have to select a particular type of nursing to go into, it's pretty common. Some nursing positions associated with different specialties may require specific certifications or continued education. Examples of specialties include neonatal nursing, nurse midwife, clinical nursing, and critical care nursing.
As you decide what — if any — specialization you'd like to pursue, it's helpful to know what your preferences are for the following categories:
- Age of population served: What age group do you desire to work with? Are you more interested in pediatrics, neonatal, geriatric, or family care?
- Patient gender: This would generally only apply if you desire to go into gynecology work.
- Specific health problems that need treatment: Are there any specific types of diseases or issues that you specifically want to help cure? This could include oncology, cardiac nursing, or dermatology.
- Nursing equipment proficiency: What tools and techniques are you extremely comfortable with or want to use daily?
- Direct or indirect work with patients: It's important to know what capacity you want to serve people. This could include the typical model of working directly with a patient or involve more administrative work if that better suits your preferences.
How to get a nursing job
After you have your degree and obtain your licence, the hard work is over — except for actually securing a nursing job. Here are a few ways to make this process smoother::
- Pay attention to the job market: Monitor hiring trends and follow healthcare organizations on LinkedIn.
- Attend nursing career fairs: Meet recruiters, gather brochures, and make a strong first impression.
- Network with professionals: Leverage MCPHS's Boston affiliations to build industry connections.
- Look into residency programs: Six- to 12-month residencies help you transition into practice and gain experience.
- Build up your resumé: Include school accomplishments, honours, certifications, and licence credentials.
- Visit chat rooms and forums: Ask questions and gain insights from practicing nurses online.
- Attend special events: Introduce yourself to professionals at conferences and networking dinners.
- Prepare for interviews: Practice answers to common questions and highlight your skills and experiences.
Nursing FAQs
Here are a few questions we hear from students time and time again.
What can you do with an associate degree in nursing?
There are various job options people can choose from with an associate degree in nursing, including a registered nurse, an emergency room nurse, an outpatient care nurse, a patient coordinator, an oncology nurse, and more. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is recommended by many healthcare professionals, an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) can generally be obtained after two to four years in an ADN program.
What is the most popular nursing degree?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most popular degree with students. This is due to it being the first step toward earning a master's in a specific nursing practice. Additionally, this degree can be used for a variety of different jobs, from a public health nurse to a vocational nurse.
What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse?
The biggest difference between these two medical jobs is their education requirements. While a registered nurse only needs to complete an RN program through an accredited school of nursing, a nurse practitioner must also complete a nurse practitioner program to meet certain certifications and licensure requirements or certified nurse midwife.
How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?
It depends on the school, program, and course load, but generally, a bachelor's degree takes three to four years of coursework while a master's degree requires an additional two to five years, depending on whether you go part-time or full-time.
MCPHS has three different part-time program options: one undergraduate and two graduate degrees:
- Family Nurse Practitioner Bridge Program - (RN to MSN): This three-year, part-time program can build off of a student's associate's degree without requiring a bachelor's degree in nursing. Students will receive clinical experience as they learn from professors both in and outside the classroom and lab, ultimately allowing them to sit for the Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certification Exam upon completion.
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP): A 24-month, part-time course of study that provides students with the flexibility necessary to work and earn their nursing diploma simultaneously. Like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Postbaccalaureate program, the Master of Science in Nursing - FNP path allows students to gain a niche understanding of family nursing for patients of all ages.
- Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP): This is a part-time, online program that takes place over 24 months. Students will study advanced pathophysiology and pharmacology, basic counseling theories and techniques, and gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations. Students also dive into the doctor-patient relationship and learn about counseling best practices. After two years, learners are eligible to sit for the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner certification.
Start your journey to becoming a nurse
While becoming a nurse may seem like a complex task, you're capable of achieving so much with the help of the right professors and programs. At MCPHS, every step you take is a step toward a fulfilling and illustrious nursing career. For over 200 years, we've created innovative courses that have started thousands of students on a path toward success in the medical field.
When it comes to updated technology, the ability to work with top professionals, and comprehensive health knowledge, MCPHS is ranked in the top 10% of nursing programs nationwide. On top of that, our university has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, meaning there's always a professor or industry expert available to answer questions or meet with. With 826 faculty members — and 90% of them holding terminal degrees — there's a wealth of knowledge and experience for students to pull from.
Explore accelerated nursing at MCPHS