NP Advanced Practice

Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts

Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Initial Cost
$150
Renewal Period
2 years
Practice Authority
reduced
Reduced Practice

Reduced practice authority with some limitations

Prescriptive Authority: Prescriptive Authority NOT issued by Board of Nursing; register with Massachusetts Drug Control Program

1 Education Requirements

Degree Required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Program Requirements

  • Complete accredited Nurse Practitioner program
  • Hold active RN license in the state
  • Clinical hours as specified by program

2 National Certification

Certification Body

ANCC or AANPCB

Required

Yes

American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

3 Background Check

Fingerprint-based criminal background check
FBI and state background check required

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $150
Total $150

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $180

Continuing Education Requirements

15
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

2 hrs domestic/sexual violence required

Prerequisites

To become a Nurse Practitioner in Massachusetts, you must first hold an active RN license. Massachusetts requires a state-specific RN license.

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Phone
617-973-0800

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Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 1 official sources Last verified: January 2026