Earn your direct entry in Nursing (MSN) from Simmons University

Simmons University’s direct entry MSN program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds looking to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Students in a nursing simulation lab

Our direct entry MSN degree is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. Once you've completed the prerequisite courses for admission, our direct entry MSN for non-nurses will prepare you for a career as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).

Simmons equips direct entry MSN students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates of the direct entry FNP program is prepared to take the family nurse practitioner (FNP) national board certification exam. Our direct entry MSN students go on to find success in positions in primary health care and community care settings, private practice, and in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

In addition to our direct entry MSN for non-nurses, we also offer an on the ground BSN to MSN degree or an online BSN to MSN degree — accelerated programs designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to advance their careers. Simmons also features an accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for aspiring nurses, and our fully online RN to BSN program for adult learners.

Why are direct entry MSN programs worth it?

Direct entry MSN programs allow you to seamlessly transition into the high demand field of advanced practice nursing, preparing you for national board certification wide variety of career opportunities, and for roles in the clinical world, in leadership and in academia. 

Graduates of direct entry NP programs command higher salaries than registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for advanced practice nurses was $117,670 in May 2020. Overall employment of advanced practice nurses is projected to grow 45% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Right now, the world needs advanced practice nursing professionals more than ever before, and Simmons’ direct entry MSN makes it even easier for students to become nurses.

The direct entry NP program’s admission requirements

Applicants to Simmons’ direct entry MSN must have a BS or BA from a regionally accredited US college or university or a post-secondary institution abroad which is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country in a discipline other than nursing to apply.

Learn more about our direct entry nursing program’s admission requirements.

What will you learn in direct entry nurse practitioner programs?

Direct entry nurse practitioner programs take 3 years to complete and provide students of all backgrounds the opportunity to become Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioners.

In the first four semesters of the direct entry MSN program, students complete the pre-licensure nursing curriculum. They learn from industry leaders and are aptly prepared for the registered nurse licensure (NCLEX) exam. Upon passing, newly-certified RNs move into the 
post-licensure portion of the program, which consists of three components—foundational courses, primary care, and research.

Simmons has close relationships with the world-renowned teaching hospitals and research facilities that surround the Simmons campus, like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Students in direct entry NP programs expand their knowledge by completing clinical practicums, attending lectures, and taking advantage of research opportunities.

What can you do with a direct entry MSN for non-nurses?

Graduates from direct entry MSN programs go on to offer a wide range of healthcare services that revolve around the family unit; from health promotion and disease prevention to direct care and counseling for patients of all ages. After completing Simmons’ direct entry MSN for non-nurses will be well positioned to work in doctor’s offices, clinics, private homes, schools, and hospitals.

Since family nurse practitioners possess a graduate-level education, as well as clinical training in family medicine, they are qualified to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. The advanced training and education you’ll receive in the direct entry MSN for non-nurses, can also qualify FNP graduates to serve as administrators and policymakers.

Learn more about our direct entry MSN!

Ready to embark on a rewarding career in healthcare with our direct entry MSN for non-nurses? Apply now or request more information today!

CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) Seal

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Simmons University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Description

The program is designed for registered nurses with bachelor's degrees in nursing who wish to advance their careers with a graduate degree in nursing. The MSN consists of three components – foundational courses, primary care, and research. We prepare students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. You will focus on health promotion and education, disease prevention, and learn to assess and manage patients with acute and chronic illnesses.

Graduates of this program are prepared to take the family nurse practitioner certification exam, and find success in positions in primary health care and community care settings, private practice, specialty medicine, public health, academia, and beyond. Graduates of this program are also prepared to enter Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD programs to further advance their careers.

The FNP MSN for Bachelor's prepared nurses is offered on campus in Boston and online via Nursing@Simmons.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the BS-MSN program must have a current unencumbered/unrestricted United States RN license in good standing and a BSN or BS with a major in nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

Statistics Prerequisite: Applicants must have taken an undergraduate statistics course at a regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institution within 7 years prior to the application deadline. The course must be equal to a semester in length and a grade of B or better is required. The course may be in progress at the time of application and must be completed before the start of the program.

FNP MSN Course Prerequisite and Corequisite Rules

(Direct Entry and RN to MSN students should consult additional pre- and co-requisite rules noted in those sections, below.)

  • Advanced Pathophysiology (404): Students must successfully complete CHSO 404 prior to attempting NURP 424 and NURP 530.
  • Advanced Pharmacology (424) & Advanced Health Assessment (530): Students must pass the 3Ps (courses outlined above), prior to entering their didactic primary care courses, immersion weekend and clinical courses.
  • FNP I Primary Care Nursing of the Child Bearing Family (531) & FNP II Primary Care Nursing (532): Students can take these courses as corequisites; Students must successfully complete their 3Ps prior to taking these courses
  • FNP III Primary Care Nursing (533): Students .must successfully complete their 3Ps prior to taking this course; Students must successfully complete FNP I Primary Care (531) and FNP II Primary Care Nursing (532) prior to taking FNP III Primary Care Nursing (533).
  • Immersion Weekend (534): Students must successfully complete their 3Ps, 531, 532 and must be currently enrolled in 533 (or already have successfully completed 533) in order to be eligible to attend Immersion Weekend (NURP/NURS 534).
  • FNP Clinical Decision Making I (535): Students must successfully complete all required didactic courses, except NURP/NURS 411 - Scholarly Inquiry, prior to taking FNP Clinical Decision Making I (535).
  • FNP Clinical Decision Making II (536): Students must successfully complete their 3Ps, 531, 532, 533, 534, and 535 prior to taking FNP Clinical Decision Making II (536).
  • Scholarly Inquiry (411): Students must pass Research Methods (410) before taking Scholarly Inquiry (411).

FNP MSN Clinical Placement

  • Placements occur during the final two terms of the program, 535 & 536.
  • Clinical education covers related content in two settings: mastery of didactic knowledge in the academic setting and application of didactic knowledge to practice in clinical settings.
  • Students will attend their clinical placement approximately 24 hours per week for two 14-week terms to complete a minimum of 672 clinical hours.

Clinical education carries a total of 12 credits.

Online Full-Time Sequence

Term 1

CHSO404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURP589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 3
NURP570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 2
NURP 402 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 0

Term 2

NURP424 Advanced Pharmacology Across Life Span 3
NURP530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3
NURP450 Health Care System: Interdisiplinary Perspectives 3

Term 3

NURP531 FNP I Primary Care Nursing: Child Family 3
NURP532 FNP II Primary Care Nursing 3
NURP505 Family Theory: Health & Illness 2

Term 4

NURP533 FNP III Primary Care Nursing 3
NURP534 Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1
NURP410 Research Methods 3

Term 5

NURP535 FNP Clinical Decision Making I 6
NURP411 Scholarly Inquiry 4

Term 6

NURP536 FNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

Online Part-time Sequence

Term 1

CHSO404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURP589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 3
NURP570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 2
NURP 402 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 0

Term 2

NURP424 Advanced Pharmacology Across Life Span 3
NURP530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3

Term 3

NURP531 FNP I Primary Care Nursing: Child Family 3
NURP450 Health Care System: Interdisiplinary Perspectives 3

Term 4

NURP505 Family Theory: Health & Illness 2
NURP532 FNP II Primary Care Nursing 3

Term 5

NURP410 Research Methods 3
NURP533 FNP III Primary Care Nursing 3
NURP534 Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1

Term 6

NURP535 FNP Clinical Decision Making I 6
NURP411 Scholarly Inquiry 4

Term 7

NURP536 FNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

On Campus Full-Time Sequence

Students complete 48 course credits.

Year 1 Fall

NURS589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 2
NURS 570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 3
CHSC404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURS402 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 1

Year 1 Spring

NURS424 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan 3
NURS530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3
SNHS450 Health Care System: Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3

Year 1 Summer

NURS531 FNP I Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS532 FNP II Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS505 Family Theory: Health and Illness 2

Year 2 Fall

NURS533 FNP III Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS534 Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1
NURS410 Research Methods 3

Year 2 Spring

NURS411 Scholarly Inquiry 4
NURS535 FNP Clinical Decision Making I 6

Year 2 Summer

NURS536 FNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

On Campus Part-Time Sequence

Year 1 Fall

NURS589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 2
CHSC404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURS 570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 3
NURS402 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 1

Year 1 Spring

NURS424 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan 3
NURS530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3

Year 1 Summer

NURS531 FNP I Primary Care Nursing 3
SNHS450 Health Care System: Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3

Year 2 Fall

NURS505 Family Theory: Health and Illness 2
NURS532 FNP II Primary Care Nursing 3

Year 2 Spring

NURS533 FNP III Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS534 Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1
NURS410 Research Methods 3

Year 2 Summer

NURS411 Scholarly Inquiry 4
NURS535 FNP Clinical Decision Making I 6

Year 3 Fall

NURS536 FNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

Description

This on campus program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. Whether your degree is in psychology, chemical engineering or English, once you have completed the prerequisite courses for admission, you will be on your way to an MS in Nursing.

Students complete the pre-licensure Nursing curriculum full time on campus for the first four semesters of the program. You will learn from leaders in Nursing and Health Care and be prepared for the registered nurse (NCLEX) exam. Upon passing, you will move into the graduate portion of the program, which consists of three components – foundational courses, primary care, and research. We prepare students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates of this program are prepared to take the family nurse practitioner (FNP) national board certification exam (AANP or ANCC). Our students find success in positions in primary health care, community care settings, specialty medicine, public health, academia and beyond. Graduates of this program are also prepared to enter and in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs or PhD programs to further advance their careers.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a BS or BA from a regionally accredited US college or university or a post-secondary institution abroad which is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country in a discipline other than Nursing to apply.

Prerequisites:

All prerequisite courses must have been completed within ten years prior to the application deadline; all must have grades (pass/fail or audit courses, AP (Advanced Placement), IB or CLEP scores do not fulfill prerequisites) and all must have been taken at a regionally accredited institution or at a post-secondary institution abroad recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country.

A cumulative GPA (of all institutions attended) of 3.0 and a 3.0 in all prerequisites. Prerequisite courses (based on semester systems) required for admission:

  • Statistics: One semester of statistics, can be taken in a math, psychology or science department. Course content must include principles of probability, binomial and normal distributions, sample statistics, estimation and testing of hypotheses and linear regression and correlation.
  • Developmental Psychology: One semester of developmental psychology. Course content must span birth to death; general psychology does not meet this requirement. A series of appropriate courses in combination could fulfill the prerequisite, such as prenatal to adolescence, young-middle adulthood, aging and dying.
  • Microbiology: One semester of microbiology with a lab.
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology: Two semesters of human anatomy and physiology with lab. Animal physiology will not meet this requirement.
  • Inorganic Chemistry: One semester of inorganic chemistry with lab. (Usually General Chemistry I and II will fulfill the inorganic and organic chemistry prerequisites).
  • Organic Chemistry: One semester of organic chemistry with lab. (Usually General Chemistry I and II will fulfill the inorganic and organic chemistry prerequisites.


FNP MSN Direct Entry Pre-Licensure Clinical Placement

Placements occur during NURS 448, NURS 419, NURS 426, NURS 438, NURS 449, NURS 447, NURS 487

Direct Entry Prerequisite and Corequisite Rules

DE Pre-Licensure Courses: DE students must take pre-licensure courses in the sequence in which they are listed. No variation is allowed.

NURS 438: Students must pass NURS 426 before they can take NURS 438.

NURS 426: Students must pass or be enrolled in CHSC 404 and NURS 435 before they can take NURS 426.

Direct Entry Post-Licensure Full-Time Sequence

Year 2 Spring

NURS424 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan 3
NURS530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3
NURS 570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 3

Year 2 Summer

NURS531 FNP I Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS532 FNP II Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS505 Family Theory: Health and Illness 2

Year 3 Fall

NURS533 FNP III Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS534 Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1
NURS410 Research Methods 3

Year 3 Spring

NURS411 Scholarly Inquiry 4
NURS535 FNP Clinical Decision Making I 6

Year 3 Summer

NURS536 FNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

Direct Entry Post-Licensure Part-Time Sequence

Year 2 Spring

NURS424 Advanced Pharmacology Across the Lifespan 3
NURS530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3

Year 2 Summer

NURS531 FNP I Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS505 Family Theory: Health and Illness 2

Year 3 Fall

NURS532 FNP II Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS 570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 3

Year 3 Spring

NURS533 FNP III Primary Care Nursing 3
NURS534 Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1
NURS410 Research Methods 3

Year 3 Summer

NURS535 FNP Clinical Decision Making I 6
NURS411 Scholarly Inquiry 4

Year 4 Fall

NURS536 FNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

Direct Entry Pre-Licensure Sequence

Year 1 Fall

NURS426 Variances in Health Patterns of Adults and Elders I 2
NURS435 Integ Pharmac Pathophys 4
NURS494 Nursing Fundamentals & Health Assessment 4
CHSC404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3

Year 1 Spring

NURS438 Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing 6
NURS448 Variances in Health Patterns of Clients with Psychiatric and Mental Illness 4
SNHS450 Health Care System: Interdisciplinary Perspectives 3

Year 1 Summer

NURS447 Variances in Health Patterns of the Childbearing Family 4
NURS449 Variances in Health Patterns of the Childrearing Family 4
NURS487 Nursing Care of Individuals, Families, and Communities 4

Year 2 Fall

Please note that in the 2023-2024 academic year, Direct Entry MSN students will take the 3-credit version of NURS 589 from the prior academic year's curriculum.
NURS455GR Clinical Decision Making & Complex Care 4
NURS495 Contemporary Issues & Role Development for Advanced Practice Nursing 4
NURS589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 2
NURS419 Clinical Capstone Practicum 2
SNHS459 Caring at the End of Life 4

NCLEX

*All students must pass and submit proof of passing the NCLEX before starting the second term (Year 2 Summer) of the post-licensure portion of the program.

The Direct Entry MSN program for BA/BS Holders is 96 credits.



This PMHNP MSN is intended for currently licensed Registered Nurses who hold a BS with a major in nursing or a BSN and desire to become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.

The goal of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) track is to graduate Advanced Practice nurses who specialize in the care of children through older adult patients to promote health and treat those living with psychiatric and mental health conditions. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners are critical in all clinical settings and are a key component to assisting with closing the gap around the mental health provider shortage, particularly among patients being able to adequately access psychiatric prescribers. PMHNPs assess, diagnose, treat, and manage issues related to mental health and substance abuse. PMHNPs will effectively partner with patients and their families and interdisciplinary colleagues to promote mental health and well-being.

The program has been created in line with the standards for advanced practice nursing graduate education by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties Core and Mental Health Specialty competencies, National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, and American Psychiatric Association practice guidelines, all of which combined ensure that nurse practitioners graduate with a comprehensive background in medical sciences on top of their nursing background.

Clinical Courses for PMHNP

  • NURP 545: PMHNP Clinical Decision Making I (6 Credits)
  • NURP 546: PMHNP Clinical Decision Making II (6 Credits)

Certification

Students who complete this MSN PMHNP program will be eligible to sit for the national Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner board certification exam with ANCC to become a PMHNP-BC and licensed by state boards of nursing across the US for practice. The program prepares students to also obtain a DEA number for prescriptive authority based on state rules and regulations.

Online Full-time PMHNP Sequence

Term 1

NURP404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURP570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 2
NURP589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 3
NURP 402 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 0

Term 2

NURP424 Advanced Pharmacology Across Life Span 3
NURP530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3
NURP450 Health Care System: Interdisiplinary Perspectives 3

Term 3

 

NURP426 Clinical Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan 3
NURP540 Neurobiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders 2
NURP541 PMHNP I: Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan 2
NURP542 PMHNP II: Diagnosis & Management 2

Term 4


NURP410 Research Methods 3
NURP543 PMHNP III: Diagnosis & Management 3
NURP544 PMHNP IV: SMI & Addictions Medicine 2
NURP 534P PMHNP Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1

Term 5


NURP545 PMHNP Clinical Decision Making I 6

Term 6


NURP546 PMHNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

Online Part-time PMHNP Sequence

Term 1

CHSO404 Advanced Pathophysiology 3
NURP589 Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics 3
NURP 402 Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse 0

Term 2

NURP424 Advanced Pharmacology Across Life Span 3
NURP530 Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span 3

Term 3

NURP426 Clinical Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan 3
NURP450 Health Care System: Interdisiplinary Perspectives 3
NURP540 Neurobiology & Differential Diagnosis of Mental Disorders 2

Term 4

NURP410 Research Methods 3
NURP541 PMHNP I: Psychotherapy Across the Lifespan 2
NURP542 PMHNP II: Diagnosis & Management 2

Term 5

NURP543 PMHNP III: Diagnosis & Management 3
NURP544 PMHNP IV: SMI & Addictions Medicine 2
NURP570 Health Promotion Global Perspective 2
NURP 534P PMHNP Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course 1

Term 6

NURP545 PMHNP Clinical Decision Making I 6

Term 7

NURP546 PMHNP Clinical Decision Making II 6

Other Program Information

 

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN program is 47 credits.

Clinical and Research

Clinical and research are key components of our nursing programs. You'll have opportunities to explore your interests, build your skills and develop mentoring relationships with leaders in the field.

Our students put their knowledge into practice in many ways, including:

  • Six group clinical rotations, a final-semester preceptorship for approximately 600 clinical hours to prepare you for the NCLEX exam.
  • For Advanced Practice Clinical Preparation, you'll complete 770 clinical hours over four semesters at a variety of settings – hospitals, clinics, community-based health centers, nursing homes – and with diverse populations across the lifespan, including pediatrics, women’s health, adult and geriatric care.
  • Collaborate with faculty or community agencies to develop and implement scholarly research projects. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a degree in a science discipline to apply to the Direct Entry Nursing program?
    No. You may hold a bachelor's degree in any academic area from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. We have had students in the program who majored in business, psychology, chemical engineering and theology to name a few. That's the beauty of the program - we welcome all backgrounds! However, the key is that you must have completed or are completing the prerequisite courses for admission.
  2. Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?

    Yes, as long as the community college is regionally accredited, courses were taken within 10 years of the application deadline and include labs. We require a course syllabus for all online courses; these will be considered on a case by case basis.

  3. Is the TOEFL required if English is not my first language?

    Yes, TOEFL is required if English is not your native language. Scores taken within 2 years prior to the application deadline are required. Student score reports are not acceptable. SNHS is unable to accept electronic scores so the Educational Testing Service (ETS) must send official test scores to Simmons. Allow 4-6 weeks for such scores to arrive. Score requirements: paper-based: 570 computer-based: 230 internet-based: 88.

    The TOEFL is waived if an applicant earned either a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or, a post-secondary institution abroad which has been recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country of English-speaking countries only.

  4. When are courses offered?

    Some courses are offered during the day while others are offered during the evening. This is why we strongly suggest that you do not plan to work during the first part of the program.

  5. Can I concentrate in a specialty, such as pediatrics?

    The Simmons graduate program prepares students to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP). We focus on this area as the current and future U.S. population is in great need of qualified advanced practice nurses who can fill the gap in the primary care setting, for which there is a critical national shortage. This does not mean that you would not be able to work in a pediatric setting, since the FNP deals with care for infants to the elderly. Upon completion of the DE program and earning your MS, you would take the FNP exam for certification.

  6. What do I do if I want to speak or meet with a current student, graduate or faculty member?

    Please contact us for information about availability for such meetings.

    PLEASE NOTE: we do not require an interview for the DE program as other nursing programs do. Due to the academic and practice demands of our we may not be able to honor all of the requests we receive. We strongly encourage you to attend one of our campus information sessions where faculty will be present. 

  7. If I live out of state, can I complete my clinical rotations there?

    Students who live in New England may have an opportunity to complete clinical experiences outside Massachusetts while in the final semester of the pre-licensure curriculum or graduate curriculum.

Licensure

This information is provided in good faith to applicants as of May 27, 2020.

Simmons University is recognized by both the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Per CCNE guidelines, the graduate level courses address advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) care content specific to the role and population focus of the program. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible for examination to earn national certification as a FNP via the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) which will allow graduates to apply for state specific licensure. Scope of practice, exam eligibility, background checks, and even coursework requirements outside the scope of the program may vary by state. Prospective and current students are encouraged to research the requirements for licensure specific to their current or intended state of practice to ensure that our program meets their state licensure requirements. Please find here a state by state breakdown of comparable requirements, including a determination of eligibility for examination. This information provided is designed as a baseline determination of whether the program meets individual state specific requirements.

Spotlight on Nursing Students and Alums

Deborah (Cheetham) Mattheus, MSN, PhD, APRN-Rx, CPNP, FAAN

Dr. Deborah (Cheetham) Mattheus ’90 MSN Receives Edge Runners Award from the American Academy of Nursing

Deborah (Cheetham) Mattheus, MSN, PhD, APRN-Rx, CPNP, FAAN, is the Nancy Atmospera-Walch Endowed Professor in School Health at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Under her leadership, the Hawaii Keiki (child): Healthy and Ready to Learn program has expanded healthcare access to hundreds of K–12 public schools throughout the state.


Photo of Kayla Canty

Kayla Canty '18 Shares her Passion for Pediatric Nursing

As a young woman born and raised in the South, Kayla Canty took a "leap of faith" to move to Boston to study nursing. For her, Simmons was a transformative experience, and she remains involved by serving on the African...


Vivian Williams ’06MSN holding award

Vivian Williams '06MSN Receives American Academy of Nursing Edge Runner Award

The American Academy of Nursing's Edge Runner initiative recognizes the nursing profession's contributions to transforming the health system through nursing solutions. Vivian Williams '06MSN spoke with us about her passion for nursing and her reaction to receiving this recognition. This...


Diana Namumbejja Abwoye promoting condom use on the streets of Kampala.

Taking Back Control: Diana Abwoye '20MSN Brings "Our Bodies, Ourselves" to Uganda

We caught up with Diana about the first time she read "Our Bodies, Ourselves," and how this book ultimately changed the trajectory of her future.