In the Bay State, following the Red Sox is an important free-time activity for some. Massachusetts residents also work a variety of day jobs--many in education, tourism and health care. Hospitals and health care centers actually make up a good part of the state's top employers, which is a good sign for those interested in Massachusetts nursing schools online.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 85,000 registered nurses worked in the densely populated state in 2010. Their mean yearly salary was $84,990--well above the average of $67,720 for these professionals nationwide. In Massachusetts, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned an annual mean wage of $49,620 as of May 2010.

Massachusetts nursing schools online: a good bet

The state is home to over 60 public and private colleges and universities, many of which offer nursing programs. Potential students in need of more flexibility can consider online nursing schools in Massachusetts--such as Capella University and Benedictine University, for example. Massachusetts online nursing schools may provide a combination of virtual classes, peer interaction and hands-on clinical practice, all scheduled to fit a busy nursing student's needs and even accommodate people who want to continue working while pursuing a degree.

And because there are so many well-known medical centers in and around Boston, students can seek internships and practical experience. Potential employers in the area include institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School.

Massachusetts is certainly a center of opportunity for those interested in a nursing career. And if they're not Red Sox fans, residents of the state can always follow the Patriots, Bruins and Celtics.