Nursing + Nursing (4+1)
Earn your BSN and MSN in 5 years
Simmons University’s 4+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing lets you earn an advanced nursing degree faster, so you can make an impact on patient care in your community sooner.
This program is open to current Simmons undergraduate nursing students. If you are already studying nursing at Simmons, you can apply for the 4+1 BSN and MSN program during your sophomore year. If you are not a Simmons student yet, you will need to apply to the BSN program first.
Not sure which nursing program to choose? Compare your options to find the one that fits you best.
Why pursue an accelerated nursing degree?
If you want to earn an advanced practice nursing degree or focus on a specific area of nursing, the BSN/MSN 4+1 program could be a great choice for you.
- Start your advanced nursing career sooner. This five-year program lets you earn both your bachelor’s degree and MSN faster.
- Learn from experienced faculty and study the latest nursing practices and procedures. You’ll focus on providing safe, efficient, and patient-centered care to individuals, families, and the community.
- Gain real-world experience in our Nursing Simulation Center: Simmons’ 11,000-square-foot center features 30 simulation spaces, including 16 lab beds, eight health assessment beds, and five high-fidelity suites. It also includes a loft apartment for home health, hospice and palliative care, and telemedicine.
- Access to Boston's innovative medical network: You’ll gain clinical experience at teaching hospitals and research centers in Boston, many located near campus. These include Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
- Become a nursing leader who makes a real difference in clinical practice and research. Simmons graduates are known as ethical, well-rounded nurses who use their knowledge to improve patient care.
What will you learn in the Simmons 4+1 BSN + MSN program?
The Simmons 4+1 BSN + MSN prepare you to provide primary or mental health care to people of all ages. Courses cover topics like medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, health promotion, healthcare policy, health assessment, anatomy and physiology, clinical decision-making, and informatics.
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing): Once accepted, you’ll begin the accelerated BS in nursing that prepares you to take the registered nurse licensure (NCLEX) exam at the end of your fourth year. After you pass the exam and earn your RN license, you move into the MSN phase of the program.
- MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): You'll build advanced knowledge through foundational courses, diagnosis and management courses, and research. You then choose a track that leads you to certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
You’ll also complete clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience with guidance from professional nurses and instructors. This practical training will deepen your understanding of nursing and help you become a confident, caring nurse.
What can you do with an accelerated MSN?
Simmons nursing students are known for their excellence in the field. After finishing this five-year program, you’ll be ready to take on rewarding roles in many healthcare settings, such as:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Clinical Researcher
- Public Health Nurse
Program graduates are ready to take either the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification exams. Some continue to Doctor of Nursing (DNP) programs to build advanced management and leadership skills.
Nursing Program Accreditation
Simmons University’s baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, located at 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, and 202-887-6791.
Spotlight on Nursing Students and Alums
Bringing Cancer Education to Underserved Communities
Nursing student Claire Tuquero ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Passionate Leaders Project and the clinical training she was able to achieve at several Boston hospitals.
Meaningful Mentorship, Received and Given
Nursing major Lisa Aboagye-Kodjoe ’26 reflects on her time at Simmons and her involvement with the Dotson Bridge and Mentorship program, the Honors Program, and Girls, Inc.
SON Alumna Makes Impact in Pediatric Neurology
Beverly Byron ’75, is currently the co-chair of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Fatality Review Team. She is a longtime nurse educator and legal nurse consultant who double majored in nursing and sociology at Simmons.
Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.
Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars
Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.
Thriving through Diversity: A Nursing Success Story
The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program pairs first-generation and other underrepresented nursing student mentees — called Scholars — with experienced Mentors (typically School of Nursing alumnae/i). Sasha DuBois ’08BSN has served as a mentor since the program began in 2009. LaDonna Christian ’16PhD became director of the program in 2010.
Nursing Alumna Brings Compassionate Care to Baltimore
Registered Nurse and Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program Mentor Amanda Lee Davis ’15 recently relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where she has already made a significant impression on the city’s healthcare community. She is also pursuing a doctoral degree at Johns Hopkins University.
Simmons Welcomes New Cohort of Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. We spoke with Ellie Foss ’28, Jocelyn Miranda Landaverde ’28, Bridget Swezey ’28, and Soraya Timas ’28 about what drew them to the program.