Reach Your Goals with a Nursing Degree from Simmons
Simmons School of Nursing, one of the nation's first university-based nursing programs, has been leading the way in clinical excellence and innovation since 1902. Today, Simmons offers multiple campus and hybrid options for those with or without a nursing background:
Simmons is committed to providing career-enhancing degree programs for nurses at every level. Whatever your experience level, we have the curriculum and resources to support your continued success.
Direct Entry for those without a nursing degree
- 16-Month MSN: Registered Nurse
- MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate: Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP: Family Nurse Practitioner
- DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- 2-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing for students without a bachelor's degree
MSN Degrees for those with a BSN
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Online only
Simmons at a Glance
1st
Formal Nursing Program in New England
Since 1902, the 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.
850+
Clinical Training Sites
Boston-based students have access to more than 850 clinical training sites, including world-class hospitals like Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
95%
AANP FNP Certification Exam Score
Simmons Direct Entry MSN graduates scored an impressive 95% on the AANP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exam — 12 points above the 83% national average in 2024.
$145,140
Average Wage for Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for nurse practitioners in Massachusetts in May 2024 was $145,140.
On-campus Nursing Programs
Direct Entry for those without a nursing degree
16-Month Direct Entry Master of Nursing - Registered Nurse
This program replaces our accelerated BSN. Earn an MSN in just 16 months, prepare for the NCLEX and begin your career as a registered nurse.
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
A three-year program for non-nurses to become a Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Start with RN licensure (NCLEX) preparation and earn your MSN, and then advance to the post-licensure phase and finish with your post-graduate certificate in the practice area of your choice.
Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
This program is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree who wish to earn an MSN and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. You'll earn your MSN in 1.5 years and then take the NCLEX to become an RN. After earning your DNP degree, you can take the boards to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).
Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Similar to our other DNP degree, students in this program will earn both their MSN and DNP, becoming a registered nurse. After earning your DNP degree, you can take the boards to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Two-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Designed for students without an RN, this two-year program is open to those from non-nursing majors with undergraduate credits, but who don’t hold a bachelor’s degree.
For those with a BSN
Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN degree)
This two-year program is designed for RNs who are looking to expand the scope of their practice and have already earned their BSN. While our alumni go on to work in a variety of healthcare settings, you’ll graduate ready to pursue your FNP or PMHNP Certification.
Put Your Knowledge into Practice
We want you to graduate confident in your abilities—that’s why our education goes beyond the classroom and into our state-of-the-art, 11,000 square foot Nursing Simulation Center and nearby healthcare facilities. Our Simulation Center features a variety of simulation rooms and labs that replicate real-world settings and help you gain confidence in your skills in a controlled environment. Simmons students have access to more than 850 clinical training sites, and our team of placement specialists help our students find sites to prepare them for their professional nursing careers.
One of my favorite parts of being a Simmons nursing student is that clinical placements are close by, in a variety of leading Boston hospitals. I have enjoyed patient-care experiences at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center, and more.
Brooke Catalano ’22
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