Which Nursing Program is Right For You?
The Simmons School of Nursing has been preparing nurses to deliver compassionate and evidence-based care, advocate for patients and communities, lead interprofessional teams, and advance research since 1902. As one of the nation’s first university-based nursing programs, Simmons has established a reputation for clinical excellence and innovation.
At Simmons, we're proud to offer a comprehensive range of nursing programs to support you at every stage of your professional journey—including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Post-Graduate Certificate (PGC) programs.
We are here to help you choose the right path, whether you are just starting out or want to advance your nursing career.
Unsure which nursing specialty suits you? Explore which nursing role is right for you.
Choosing a Nursing Degree Program
Choose the statement that best describes where you are in your journey.
I am looking to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing
I have a bachelor's degree in something other than nursing
I have a bachelor's degree in nursing and want to advance my career
I have a master's degree in nursing and want to advance my career
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Are you seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing to become a Registered Nurse (RN)? We offer a traditional four-year BSN program, and two accelerated programs to help you earn both your BSN and an advanced degree in less time.
Our BSN program is available as a four-year option for first-year undergraduate students, and as well as a custom plan for transfer students.
Program Requirements: 68 nursing credits/128 total credits
Degree: BSN
Format: On Campus
Duration: 4 years (custom plans for transfer students)
Licensure: Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact: [email protected]
Accelerated 4+1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Our accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is available for current Simmons undergraduate students.
Program Requirements: Current Simmons nursing students are eligible to apply for the 4+1 accelerated BSN and MSN program during their sophomore year.
Duration: 5 years
Degrees: Both BSN (after year 4) and MSN (after year 5)
Format: On Campus
Licensure: Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN) after year 4. You must pass the NCLEX exam to continue to the MSN portion of the program.
Accelerated 4+2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Our accelerated six-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is available for current Simmons undergraduate students.
Program Requirements: Current Simmons nursing students are eligible to apply for the 4+2 accelerated BSN/MSN/DNP program during their sophomore year.
Duration: 6 Years
Degrees: BSN (after year 4), MSN (after year 5), and DNP (after year 6)
Format: On-Campus Pre-Licensure; Hybrid Post-Licensure
Licensure: Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN) after year 4. You must pass the NCLEX exam to continue to the MSN portion of the program.
Graduate Level Direct Entry Nursing Programs
Do you have a bachelor's degree in something other than nursing? A Direct Entry nursing program is a good option for you.
Direct Entry Program Options
Whether your next step is to become a Registered Nurse (RN), a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), or a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), you'll find a pathway at Simmons.
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing
If you hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and aspire to embark on a fulfilling nursing career, a Direct Entry MSN program offers an accelerated and rewarding path to becoming an RN. This innovative program is designed to fast-track students through the essential nursing knowledge and clinical expertise required for professional practice. Simultaneously, our graduate-level education repares you for advanced nursing leadership and clinical roles in the future.
Eligibility: Non-nursing bachelor’s degree + prerequisites
Program Requirements: 4 terms/59 credits
Time to Completion: 16 months
Format: On Campus
Degree: MSN
Licensure: Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Learn more about the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (RN)
We offer two degree levels for Family Nurse Practitioners: Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (RN) and Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Eligibility: Non-nursing bachelor’s degree + prerequisites
Program Requirements: 87 credits taken over 9 terms
Total Time to Completion: 3 years (36 months)
Format: On Campus or Hybrid (on campus terms 1–5; choose between on campus or online following term 5)
Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) RN
• MSN conferred after term 5
• Post Graduate Certificate (PGC): Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) conferred after term 9
Licensure:
• Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam after term 4 to become Registered Nurse (RN)
• Eligible to sit for FNP certification exam after term 9
Explore the Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (RN) and PGC Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice — Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP)
Eligibility: Non-nursing bachelor’s degree + prerequisites
Program: 9 terms FT/11 terms PT
Credits: 104 credits
Length: 36–44 months
Format: On campus or Hybrid (on campus through term 4; on campus or online following term 4)
Degrees: Both MSN and DNP
• Following term 4: MSN
• Following term 9 FT: DNP; Following term 11 PT: DNP
Licensure: Eligible to sit for FNP certification exam after conferral of the DNP
Explore the Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP)
We offer two degree levels for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners: Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (RN) and Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Eligibility: non-nursing bachelor’s degree + prerequisites
Program Requirements: 91 credits taken across 9 terms FT/10 terms PT
After pre-licensure curriculum -> take NCLEX exam to become RN
Total Time to Completion: 3 years (36–40 months)
Format: Hybrid (on campus terms 1–5; online following term 5)
Degree: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• MSN conferred after term 5
• Post Graduate Certificate (PGC): Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) conferred after term 9 FT or term 10 PT
Licensure:
• Eligible to sit for NCLEX exam after term 4 to become Registered Nurse (RN)
• Eligible to sit for PMHNP Board Certification exam after term 9 FT or term 10 PT
Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice — Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Eligibility: Non-nursing bachelor’s degree + prerequisites
Program: 9 terms FT/11 terms PT
Credits: 108 credits
Length: 36–44 months
Format: On campus or Hybrid (on campus through term 4; online only following term 4)
Degrees: Both MSN and DNP
• MSN conferred following term 4
• DNP conferred after program completion
Licensure: Eligible to sit for PMHNP Board Certification exam after DNP conferral
Explore the Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Graduate Level Degree Programs for Registered Nurses
If you already have an undergraduate BSN degree and are a Registered Nurse, Simmons can help you advance to the next level through our on-campus program or one of our hybrid/online learning programs.
Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner for BSN Holders
Our two-year Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN degree) program is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Eligibility: BSN Holders
Credits: 47 credits
Length: 2 years
Format: On campus
Degrees: MSN
Licensure: Eligible to sit for ANCC or AANP FNP certification
Explore the Master of Science in Nursing FNP for BSN Holders
You can earn an advanced nursing degree through one of our Nursing@Simmons programs.
MSN (If you already hold a BSN)
• FNP
• PMHNP
• Leadership
BSN-DNP (you will receive an MSN and a DNP) (If you already hold a BSN)
• FNP
• PMHNP
• Executive Leadership
Post-Graduate Programs
You can earn a post-graduate nursing degree through one of our online Nursing@Simmons programs.
Post Graduate Doctorate of Nursing Practice
You qualify for this program if you already hold an MSN. Three tracks are available:
• FNP
• PMHNP
• Executive Leadership
Post Graduate Certificate
You qualify for this program if you already hold an MSN or DNP and are certified as an APRN.
• FNP
• PMHNP
Learn more about the online DNP program and post-graduate certificates