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The Nursing Department

Simmons College has provided higher education programs for Nurses since its beginning in 1902 and for the Nurse practitioners since 1978.  Simmons College is accredited by the New England Schools and Colleges.  Simmons College courses typically transfer to other universities and colleges without issue. 

In 2007 the Department of Nursing celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first graduating class of Simmons Nurses.  In response to a growing interest in Nursing and the devleopment of a direct entry program and accelerated baccalaureate program, enrollments in the Nursing Programs have increased signficantly, reflecting the commitment of the faculty and administratiopn to the advancement of professional education.  Continued feedback from graduates and employers speaks to the rigor and success of the program.  The Nursing Department consists of baccalaureate (generalist/pre-licensure), master's (specialist) degree granting curricula, and several post-masters certificate programs including a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

The Nursing Department also offers the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program.  A program for at-risk-students which is designed to enhance the educational experience and success of ALANA students enrolled in the nursing program.  The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program is the shared vision of Dr. Judy Beal, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Dotson Family.  Phyllis Nickerson Dotson '62 is an alumna of the Nursing Department at Simmons College.  She and her husband George S. Dotson made the program possible through a generous gift.

Affiliating clinical agencies where Simmons nursing students are placed may require the following: documentation relating to immunizations (TB skin test, Tdap, measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine X3, proof of vaccination or positive varicella titer, H1N1 vaccine, seasonal flue vaccine, random drug screening, criminal background check.  This list is not limited to these items and may change based on agency requirements.  Hospitals reserve the right to refuse student participation if students are unable or unwilling to provide such documetation.  This may result in the student's inability to complete the clinical requirements for the nursing major.

Pre-licensure programs:

  • The traditional BS program for women 18-23 years of age
  • Dix Scholars programs: an 18 month program for individuals with a previous BA/BS who wish to accelerate; a 2 or 3 year option for those without a baccalaureate degree or  those desiring a part-time program.
  • The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program
  • The RN-BS Program for Nurses without a baccalaureate degree
  • The 5 year BS-MS program
  • A Direct Entry Program in Advanced Practice Nursing

The Master's programs:

  • The traditonal master's program for Nurses with a baccalaureate in Nursing or related field
  • The RN-MS program for Nurses without a baccalaureate degree
  • The Direct Entry Program: post RN licensure curriculum
  • The 5 Year BS-MS program: post RN licensure curriculum
  • Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study for Nurses with a master's degree in Nursing including Family and Occupational Health
  • Certificate of Health Professions Education
  • PhD in Health Professions Education
  • MS completion program of Nurse practitioners without a master's degree in Nursing
  • Dual degree programs offered in Occupational Health and Maternal-Child Health with the Harvard School of Public Health
  • Post-Master's Doctorate in Nursing Practice

Simmons College Nursing  has a rich tradition:

  • The first New England NP Program
  • Highly respected in the community
  • Interdisciplinary health education
  • Expert practitioner faculty
  • Experience — Theory — Practice
  • Community Focus
  • Flexible Learning options
  • Supportive Faculty
  • Small Classes

The Nursing Department has:

  • A newly revised and approved curriculum
  • An increased community focus
  • Increased clinical experience, and
  • Increased flexibility for career mobility

The Nursing Department is proud to have earned a ten-year accreditation in November 2008 by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.