Earn your Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN degree) from Simmons University

Our 2-year Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN degree) program is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to advance their careers.

Students working in the nursing simulation lab

What is the value of a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree?

Right now, the world needs advanced practice nursing professionals more than ever before. Nursing professionals are integral pieces of the healthcare system and their work has an impact on the health of our country. 

By becoming an FNP, nurses may increase their earning potential in a field that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected to grow 52.4% between 2019 and 2029. Nurses can also gain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction by expanding their scope of practice in a career that is consistently ranked one of the best jobs in health care.          

Graduates of Simmons’ Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) 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, and in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

Simmons offers both on-campus and online options to complete your Master’s of Science in Nursing. In addition to our campus-based BSN to MSN program, we also offer an online BSN to MSN program, an online program that allows Registered Nurses (RNs) to earn their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in just 3 years, and a Master’s in Nursing—Direct Entry (MSN), designed for students from all academic backgrounds looking to pursue a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree.

Learning outcomes for the MSN degree

Our Master’s of Science in Nursing provides Registered Nurses (RNs) the opportunity to advance their careers and become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). 

Faculty in our MSN degree program are passionate educators, clinicians, and researchers, and our location in Boston’s renowned medical area provides unparalleled student training for our campus-based students. Learn more about our MSN program requirements.

Boston-based students in our Master’s of Science in Nursing degree program have access to more than 200 clinical training sites, including world-class institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Students in our online BSN to MSN degree program complete clinical training in their communities nationwide, with over 6,000 sites, led by a team of 20+ regional placement specialists.

The BSN to MSN program’s admission requirements

Our BSN to MSN program consists of three components - foundational courses, primary care, and research. This 2-year program prepares students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across their lifespan.

Applicants to the MSN degree program must have a current United States unencumbered RN license in good standing and a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Learn more about applying to Simmons University’s master’s in Nursing program.

What can you do with a master’s in Nursing?

Our Master’s of Science in Nursing program prepares students to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP).  We focus on this area because the current and future US 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. 

Students in our Master’s of Science in Nursing program are educated to provide compassionate and evidence-based care, advocate for patients and communities, lead interprofessional teams, and advance research. Simmons graduates also perform well above the national average on certification exams.

Graduates of our MSN degree program work in every area of health care, and are recognized for clinical excellence. Programs culminating in a master’s in Nursing prepare graduates for a range of rewarding roles, including FNP, clinical researcher, and public health nurse.

Learn more about our MSN degree!

Ready to take your nursing career to the next level with our BSN to MSN degree program? Apply now or request more information today!

Put Knowledge into Practice

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:

  • 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. 

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.

Online MSN Program for BSN Holders

Apply to Simmons’ BSN to MSN Degree

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