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:
  • College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
  • College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta
• British Columbia:
  • BC College of Nurses and Midwives
• Ontario:
  • College of Nurses of Ontario
• Québec:
  • Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec

Begin employment and pick a specialty

After obtaining your licence, you can begin employment and choose a specialty. Common specialties include neonatal nursing, nurse midwifery, clinical nursing, and critical care nursing. When deciding, consider:

• Age of population served: Pediatrics, neonatal, geriatric, or family care.
• Patient gender: Relevant for fields like gynecology.
• Specific health problems: Oncology, cardiac nursing, dermatology, etc.
• Nursing equipment proficiency: Tools and techniques you prefer to use.
• Direct or indirect work: Patient care vs. administrative roles.

How to get a nursing job

Securing a nursing job involves more than having the degree and licence. Here are strategies to enhance your job search:

• 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?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) qualifies you for roles such as registered nurse, emergency room nurse, outpatient care nurse, patient coordinator, or oncology nurse. Although a BSN is preferred by many employers, an ADN can be completed in two to four years.

What is the most popular nursing degree?

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most popular degree, serving as the foundation for advanced practice roles and offering versatility across nursing specialties.

What is the difference between a nurse practitioner and a registered nurse?

A registered nurse completes an RN program, while a nurse practitioner must also complete a graduate-level nurse practitioner program to meet certification and licensure requirements.

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner?

Generally, three to four years for a BSN plus two to five years for a master's degree, depending on program structure and whether you study full- or part-time.

Start your journey to becoming a nurse

While becoming a nurse may seem complex, you're capable of achieving so much with the right professors and programs. At MCPHS, every step you take is 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 to success in the medical field. With updated technology, top professionals, and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio — 90% of whom hold terminal degrees — you'll have all the support you need.