Earn your direct entry in Nursing (MSN) from Simmons University

Simmons University’s direct entry MSN program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds looking to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Our direct entry MSN degree is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. Once you've completed the prerequisite courses for admission, our direct entry MSN for non-nurses will prepare you for a career as a family nurse practitioner (FNP).

Simmons equips direct entry MSN students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates of the direct entry FNP program is prepared to take the family nurse practitioner (FNP) national board certification exam. Our direct entry MSN students go on to find success in positions in primary health care and community care settings, private practice, and in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

In addition to our direct entry MSN for non-nurses, we also offer an on the ground BSN to MSN degree or an online BSN to MSN degree — accelerated programs designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to advance their careers. Simmons also features an accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for aspiring nurses, and our fully online RN to BSN program for adult learners.

Why are direct entry MSN programs worth it?

Direct entry MSN programs allow you to seamlessly transition into the high demand field of advanced practice nursing, preparing you for national board certification wide variety of career opportunities, and for roles in the clinical world, in leadership and in academia.

Graduates of direct entry NP programs command higher salaries than registered nurses. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for advanced practice nurses was $117,670 in May 2020. Overall employment of advanced practice nurses is projected to grow 45% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Right now, the world needs advanced practice nursing professionals more than ever before, and Simmons’ direct entry MSN makes it even easier for students to become nurses.

The direct entry NP program’s admission requirements

Applicants to Simmons’ direct entry MSN must have a BS or BA from a regionally accredited US college or university or a post-secondary institution abroad which is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country in a discipline other than nursing to apply.

Learn more about our direct entry nursing program’s admission requirements.

What will you learn in direct entry nurse practitioner programs?

Direct entry nurse practitioner programs take 3 years to complete and provide students of all backgrounds the opportunity to become Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Family Nurse Practitioners.

In the first four semesters of the direct entry MSN program, students complete the pre-licensure nursing curriculum. They learn from industry leaders and are aptly prepared for the registered nurse licensure (NCLEX) exam. Upon passing, newly-certified RNs move into the
post-licensure portion of the program, which consists of three components—foundational courses, primary care, and research.

Simmons has close relationships with the world-renowned teaching hospitals and research facilities that surround the Simmons campus, like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Students in direct entry NP programs expand their knowledge by completing clinical practicums, attending lectures, and taking advantage of research opportunities.

What can you do with a direct entry MSN for non-nurses?

Graduates from direct entry MSN programs go on to offer a wide range of healthcare services that revolve around the family unit; from health promotion and disease prevention to direct care and counseling for patients of all ages. After completing Simmons’ direct entry MSN for non-nurses will be well positioned to work in doctor’s offices, clinics, private homes, schools, and hospitals.

Since family nurse practitioners possess a graduate-level education, as well as clinical training in family medicine, they are qualified to diagnose and treat complex health conditions. The advanced training and education you’ll receive in the direct entry MSN for non-nurses, can also qualify FNP graduates to serve as administrators and policymakers.

Learn more about our direct entry MSN!

Ready to embark on a rewarding career in healthcare with our direct entry MSN for non-nurses? Apply now or request more information today!

CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) Seal

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Simmons University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Direct entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors classes

Learn more about the nursing direct entry course requirements.

Clinical and Research

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:

Six group clinical rotations, a final-semester preceptorship for approximately 600 clinical hours to prepare you for the NCLEX exam.
For Advanced Practice Clinical Preparation, you'll complete 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree in a science discipline to apply to the Direct Entry Nursing program?
No. You may hold a bachelor's degree in any academic area from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. We have had students in the program who majored in business, psychology, chemical engineering and theology to name a few. That's the beauty of the program - we welcome all backgrounds! However, the key is that you must have completed or are completing the prerequisite courses for admission.
Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
Yes, as long as the community college is regionally accredited, courses were taken within 10 years of the application deadline and include labs. We require a course syllabus for all online courses; these will be considered on a case by case basis.
Is the TOEFL required if English is not my first language?
Yes, TOEFL is required if English is not your native language. Scores taken within 2 years prior to the application deadline are required. Student score reports are not acceptable. SNHS is unable to accept electronic scores so the Educational Testing Service (ETS) must send official test scores to Simmons. Allow 4-6 weeks for such scores to arrive. Score requirements: paper-based: 570 computer-based: 230 internet-based: 88.
The TOEFL is waived if an applicant earned either a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or, a post-secondary institution abroad which has been recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country of English-speaking countries only.
When are courses offered?
Some courses are offered during the day while others are offered during the evening. This is why we strongly suggest that you do not plan to work during the first part of the program.
Can I concentrate in a specialty, such as pediatrics?
The Simmons graduate program prepares students to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP). We focus on this area as the current and future U.S. 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. This does not mean that you would not be able to work in a pediatric setting, since the FNP deals with care for infants to the elderly. Upon completion of the DE program and earning your MS, you would take the FNP exam for certification.
What do I do if I want to speak or meet with a current student, graduate or faculty member?
Please contact us for information about availability for such meetings.

PLEASE NOTE: we do not require an interview for the DE program as other nursing programs do. Due to the academic and practice demands of our we may not be able to honor all of the requests we receive. We strongly encourage you to attend one of our campus information sessions where faculty will be present.
If I live out of state, can I complete my clinical rotations there?
Students who live in New England may have an opportunity to complete clinical experiences outside Massachusetts while in the final semester of the pre-licensure curriculum or graduate curriculum.

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.