M.S. for Diploma/A.D. Nurses : School of Health Sciences : Simmons College

The R.N. to M.S. in Nursing Program is a unique curriculum designed for diploma and associate degree registered nurses who wish to obtain a graduate degree in nursing within a nurse practitioner specialty concentration. The program is individually designed and paced to allow the student to complete the program in three to four years once the prerequisite courses are met. There is no time limit on undergraduate courses accepted for transfer. These features, among many others, position the program among the best in the country. Specifics will vary depending upon experience, previous education, and selection of part-time or full-time study.

Admission Requirements and Program of Study

For R.N.s without their Undergraduate Degree

Students are admitted directly into the graduate nursing program and work closely with the R.N. to M.S. in Nursing Program Coordinator. Students do not receive an undergraduate degree as they are considered graduate students and therefore, are not required to meet all the undergraduate requirements for a bachelor of science degree. Applicants must be licensed to practice nursing in Massachusetts. Simmons College has articulation agreements with Laboure and Roxbury Community Colleges for the R.N. to M.S. in Nursing program, and with Emmanuel College for the R.N. to M.S. in Nursing program and the Direct Entry programs. Graduates of these schools should direct specific questions to the Nursing Program Office at 617-521-2141.

Phase I - Senior Sequence

The nursing sequence begins in May. It is expected that students maintain a minimum cumulative average of 2.67 (B-) in the undergraduate courses and 3.0 (B) average in the graduate level sequence.

Phase II - Graduate Sequence

Upon successful completion of the first year of the R.N.-M.S. program, students enter the core primary-care courses and specialty courses for their nurse practitioner program of study. Please refer to the Simmons College School of Health Sciences Graduate Nursing catalog for further course descriptions.

Portfolio documentation of senior-year equivalent clinical experience in Community Health (NUR 337) and Leadership and Management (NUR 454) affords the applicant the opportunity for an individualized and alternative senior-year clinical practicum. These two courses are required of all students. Students are guided in the portfolio development and review process by their faculty advisor. Upon successful completion of the first year of the R.N.-M.S. program, students select the core primary care courses and specialty courses for their nurse practitioner program of study. Prior to starting the graduate research sequence (SHS 410) students are required to take a basic statistics course. View the sample curriculum for a First-Year R.N.-M.S. student having met all the prerequisites.