Nursing: BSN to MSN
Our BSN-MS 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 the lifespan. Learn more about the MSN program for BSN holders.
How to Apply
We are still accepting applications for Fall 2023 on a rolling basis. Limited application fee waivers and scholarships are available. Please email [email protected] to inquire about a fee waiver.
Simmons subscribes to NursingCAS for the application process. Please go to the NursingCAS website for more information on the application process.
Application Requirements
At Simmons, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider your personal, professional, and academic experiences as a whole in order to evaluate your preparedness and potential for success in the program.
The application deadline for fall admission is June 1. An applicant will be considered for review if the following requirements are submitted and completed by the deadline.
- A bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale,
- Personal statement of one-to-two pages
- Current resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended, whether or not a degree was earned
- Copy of Current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S Registered Nurse (RN) license
- If applicable, additional requirements for international students
Once you submit the application, please check the self-service portal on NursingCAS to determine that all required application materials have been received.
Prerequisites: Statistics
Successfully completed (with a grade of B or better) a three-credit course in statistics before the start of the program in September. If you do not meet this requirement, please contact an Admission Counselor at [email protected] to discuss options for fulfilling this requirement.
Academic Records: Transcripts
All transcripts will be submitted to NursingCAS, not the Office of Admission.
Official transcripts for all courses completed (undergraduate and graduate) at regionally accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions, whether or not a degree was awarded or regardless of when the courses were taken, are required. This requirement includes courses which appear on another transcript as transfer or study abroad credit. If courses and grades for study abroad appear on your home institution's transcript, you do not need to submit a separate transcript. Otherwise, please request the transcript directly from the school from which you earned the credits. Educational documents should clearly indicate the degree and date awarded. Photocopies or copies "issued to student" are not acceptable.
If you earned a degree abroad, academic records must include end of year marks sheets for each year of attendance, not just final exam results or a copy of the degree. Educational documents should clearly indicate the degree and date awarded. Overseas post-secondary institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education in the home country. Academic records in the native language and an official English translation (if needed) are required. English translations must be provided by someone other than the applicant, family member or friend. It may also be necessary for the applicant to submit an interpretation by a foreign credential services agency.
Standardized Tests
GRE scores are not required for our graduate nursing programs at Simmons University.
Applicants whose first language is not English must submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or Duolingo English Test scores taken within two years prior to the application deadline. This requirement is based on native language, not citizenship.
This requirement is waived for applicants who have graduated at the bachelor's or master's level from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a post -secondary institution abroad that is recognized by the Ministry of Education in the host country in English-speaking countries only.
Official scores are required; copies of student score reports are not acceptable. The TOEFL code is 3761. A minimum score of 570 (paper-based), 230 (computer-based,) or 88 (internet-based) is required. The TOEFL should be taken well in advance of the application deadline in order for the official scores to be received in time; it takes 5-6 weeks to receive scores from ETS. Further information about TOEFL can be obtained by contacting Educational Testing Service (ETS) by telephone at 609-771-7670 or by visiting their website.
Recommendations
Three recommendations, written within six months of the deadline, are required. Employers or supervisors are the preferred references, as well as instructors because we need evaluations from individuals who can assess your academic ability and readiness to engage in graduate studies. We do not accept recommendations from individuals with whom you have a non-professional relationship (family members, friends, religious personnel or politicians). Additional instructions for the recommendation process can be found within the application.
Admission Decisions
All admission decisions are made after the designated application deadline and decisions are sent together as a group. We do not use rolling notification.
Enrollment Deposit
All accepted students who choose to enroll are required to submit a non-refundable $750 enrollment deposit by the date stated in the letter of admission. This deposit is applied to the first term bill.
Deferred Entrance
An accepted student may request in writing to the Director of Admission a deferral of the entrance date for a maximum of one year. The student must indicate what he/she will do in the interim. Deferrals are not granted if the student plans/chooses to attend another institution If the deferral is approved, a non-refundable enrollment deposit is required to hold a place in the future class. This fee is applied to the first term bill.
Reapplication Procedure
An applicant who wishes to re-apply should call the Office of Admission at 617-521-2605 to learn about this process. A new electronic application must be submitted; official academic transcripts for courses completed since the initial application must be submitted. A reapplication fee is required and should be submitted with the new application.
Resources
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees at Simmons are updated annually each spring. They are assessed each semester based on the number of credits enrolled, the level of degree, and the particular program of study.
Merit scholarships and funding options
We believe that your exceptional academic preparation and hard work should be rewarded.
Health insurance
All students taking 9 or more credits are required by Massachusetts State law to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan or be covered by a health insurance plan with comparable coverage.
Contact us
Questions? Contact us via email or at 617-521-2605. We're happy to schedule visits and campus tours.