Nursing (MSN): Direct Entry Program
Our Direct Entry Program is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. We prepare students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. Graduates of this 3-4 year program are prepared to take the family nurse practitioner (FNP) certification exam. Please visit the program page to learn about the curriculum, faculty and more!
How to Apply
Our application for entry in Fall 2024 is available on NursingCAS. The priority deadline is January 2, 2024 with rolling admission on a space-available basis after January 2nd. Applicants applying by the priority deadline will get priority consideration for scholarship, and will get an admission decision in early February 2024.
Limited application fee waivers may be available upon request. Please email [email protected] to inquire about a fee waiver.
Admission Requirements
Applicants 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. All candidates for admission will need to provide satisfactory evidence of secondary school graduation, or its equivalent, and compliance with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health [ref 244 CMR 6.04(3)(a)1] should they be admitted to the program.
Direct Entry applicants exceeding two prerequisite retakes (two separate prerequisite course repeats or one prerequisite course repeated twice) within the past 10 years, are not eligible to apply to the Simmons University Direct Entry (MSN) program.
Application Procedure
The Office of Admission subscribes to NursingCAS for the application process. Please see the NursingCAS website for more information on the application process.
An applicant will be considered for review if the following requirements are submitted to NursingCAS and completed by the deadline:
- Complete application
- Personal statement
- Current resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended, whether or not a degree was earned. Students enrolling in the Direct Entry program also need to provide an official high school transcript.
- If applicable, additional requirements for international students
**Please note that if you are currently taking prerequisites during the fall semester, the Office of Admission will also need an unofficial grade report for these courses. Applicants should send a copy of their grade report as soon as it is available directly to the office via email. The grade report can be a screenshot of your student portal page that includes your name and institution attended.
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 or if the courses are specific to the program you are applying to are required. This requirement includes courses which appear on another transcript as transfer or study abroad credit. If you attended a study abroad program and the grades and credits appear on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit a separate transcript. Check with the Registrar's Office of your undergraduate institution to confirm this. If there are no grades listed on your home institution's transcript, and a separate transcript exists, we require an official copy.
Applicants who earned a degree abroad must submit an official (signed/sealed) transcript (marks sheet) in the original language and an official English translation. An evaluation by a foreign credential agency may be required but such interpretations do not replace official academic records. Grades (marks) for each year are required not just end of year exam results or a copy of the degree earned.
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 English language test scores taken within two years prior to the application deadline. These include the TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Pearson Test of English and IELTS. Other English proficiency exams can be considered on a case by case basis. This requirement is based on native language, not citizenship.
Additional details regarding this requirement are listed under the International Students section below.
Recommendations
Three recommendations, written within six months of the deadline, are required. At least one recommendation should be from a current or recent instructor and the others can be professional references. We do not accept recommendations from individuals with whom you have a non-professional relationship (family members, friends, religious personnel or politicians).
Admission Decisions
All admission decisions are made after the designated application deadline and decisions are sent by mail.
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 they 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 due on the date stated in the original letter of admission to ensure enrollment for the future. This fee is applied to the first term bill.
Reapplication Procedure
An applicant who wishes to re-apply must do so via NursingCAS. An updated resume, new recommendations and a statement about why you are re-applying must be included in your personal statement. Additionally, if courses were taken after the initial application, official transcripts must be submitted.
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.