Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree from Simmons University

Simmons University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for aspiring nurses.

Nursing students examining a mock patient

Why become a Nursing major?

Nurses are always in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Furthermore, the need for trained nurses will never disappear.

Trained nurses with a BSN degree from Simmons University have the ability to work anywhere around the country—or even internationally. No matter where you end up, no two days will be the same in your nursing career. The constant changes and challenges of the healthcare field are undoubtedly demanding, but, more importantly, incredibly rewarding.

Nursing majors at Simmons graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, prepared for the registered nurse licensure (NCLEX) exam, graduate school, and entry-level nursing positions in offices, homes, hospitals, and schools.

Simmons also features the Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars Program, a unique opportunity for adult learners to complete their BSN in 16 months or 2 years, as well as our accelerated five-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, our Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN) degree program, and our fully online RN to BSN program for adult learners. 

The School of Nursing at Simmons has many program and leadership opportunities as well, including the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program for women of color.

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing admission requirements

Applying to Simmons’ BSN degree program is free when using either the Simmons application or the Common Application. The Simmons admission committee will review your application holistically to learn not only what you have accomplished, but who you are, including your participation in leadership and co-curricular activities.

Learn more about what our admission committee considers when admitting BSN degree students and BSN degree requirements.

What will you learn in our BSN Nursing Program?

Students in our Bachelor of Science in Nursing program participate in classes brought to life by dedicated professors who also practice as nurses and pride themselves on being personal mentors. With our carefully designed acute care curriculum, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical education program, our BSN students graduate ready to administer skillful and compassionate care.

Simmons has close relationships with world-renowned teaching hospitals and research facilities like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital Boston, and Massachusetts General Hospital. BSN Nursing students participate in clinical rotations, attend talks, and pursue research and employment opportunities with leading experts in the industry.

What can you do with a BSN degree?

At Simmons, Nursing majors cultivate the practices and procedures required to care for others and save lives. In addition to being highly skilled, Simmons BSN graduates are compassionate and socially responsive, with the capability to provide customized care to each unique patient.

Nurses are at the heart of health care. Simmons Nursing majors have a reputation for being the best and brightest in their field. BSN holders are prepared to go on to graduate school or entry-level nursing positions in acute inpatient units, community health centers, offices, homes, hospitals, and schools.

Possible career paths for BSN holders include:

  • Hospital Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse
  • Clinical Research Nurse
  • Case Management Nurse
  • Nurse Manager
  • School Nurse

Find out more about our Nursing BSN!

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Simmons University and get started on the path to a fulfilling career. You can request more information, schedule a campus tour, or find out how to apply today!

The student who has been accepted into the major of nursing must fulfill the all-University requirements. A student accepted into the nursing major must achieve an acceptable level of academic performance, including a minimum grade of C+ in all science course prerequisites, prior to beginning the nursing course sequence, as well as maintain an acceptable level of clinical and academic performance to progress to the next nursing course. Progression is also affected by professional behavior. Those students achieving outstanding academic records may be initiated into the Academy and/or the Simmons chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Theta -at-Large, the International Nursing Honor Society. Criteria regarding academic performance, professional behavior, and health requirements are available upon entrance into the nursing major. Nursing students are required to show documentation of appropriate immunization and health clearance for clinical coursework. Please see the Nursing Student Handbook for specific requirements. All students will undergo a criminal record check each year (CORI) required for nursing practice in state and private agencies and by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Traditional 8-Term BSN Course Sequence

The sequence below includes only nursing courses required by the Nursing Department. Science prerequisites and University-level required courses are not included.

Fall Year 2

NURS 228 Nursing Theory & Evidence Based Practice 4
NURS 295 Fundamental Skills and Health Assessment 4
*NURS 295 includes 56 Laboratory Hours.

Spring Year 2

NURS 229 Nursing Health Promotion 4
NURS 331 Pharmacology 4
NURS 332 Medical Surgical Nursing 1 4
*NURS 332 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Fall Year 3

NURS 335 Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing 4
NURS 346 Medical Surgical Nursing 2 4

*NURS 335 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 346 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Spring Year 3

*Select 2 of the following 3 courses
NURS 333 Maternity Nursing 4
NURS 334 Pediatric Nursing 4
NURS 336 Health Care Policy 4

*NURS 333 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 334 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 336 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Fall Year 4

*Select 1 of 3 courses: NURS 333, NURS 334, NURS 336.
NURS 347 Complex Nursing Care Management across the Continuum 4
NURS 333 Maternity Nursing 4
OR
NURS 334 Pediatric Nursing 4
OR
NURS 336 Health Care Policy 4

*NURS 347 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 333 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 334 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 336 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Spring Year 4

NURS 417 Leadership and Management 3
NURS 418 Synthesis & Clinical Decision Making 3
NURS 419 Clinical Capstone Practicum 2
*NURS 419 includes 168 Clinical Hours.

Extended 10-Term BSN Course Sequence

The sequence below includes only nursing courses required by the Nursing Department. Science prerequisites and University-level required courses are not included.

Spring Year 2

NURS 229 Nursing Health Promotion 4

Fall Year 3

NURS 228 Nursing Theory & Evidence Based Practice 4
NURS 295 Fundamental Skills and Health Assessment 4

Spring Year 3

NURS 331 Pharmacology 4
NURS 332 Medical Surgical Nursing 1 4
*NURS 332 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Summer Year 3

NURS 335 Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing 4
NURS 346 Medical Surgical Nursing 2 4

*NURS 335 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 346 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Fall Year 4

NURS 333 Maternity Nursing 4
NURS 334 Pediatric Nursing 4

*NURS 333 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 334 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Spring Year 4

NURS 336 Health Care Policy 4
NURS 347 Complex Nursing Care Management across the Continuum 4

*NURS 336 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 347 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Summer Year 4

NURS 417 Leadership and Management 3
NURS 418 Synthesis & Clinical Decision Making 3
NURS 419 Clinical Capstone Practicum 2
*NURS 419 includes 168 Clinical Hours.

Accelerated BSN (16-Month) Course Sequence

The sequence below includes only nursing courses required by the Nursing Department. Science prerequisites and University-level required courses are not included.

Fall Year 1

NURS 295 Fundamental Skills and Health Assessment 4
NURS 331 Pharmacology 4
NURS 332 Medical Surgical Nursing 1 4

*NURS 295 includes 56 Laboratory Hours.

*NURS 332 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Spring Year 1

NURS 335 Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing 4
NURS 348 Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing 6
SNHS 410 Research Methods 3

*NURS 335 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 346 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Summer Year 1

NURS 333 Maternity Nursing 4
NURS 334 Pediatric Nursing 4
NURS 387 Nursing Care of Individuals, Families, and Communities 4

*NURS 333 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 334  includes 84 Clinical Hours.

*NURS 387 includes 84 Clinical Hours.

Fall Year 2

NURS 417 Leadership and Management 3
NURS 419 Clinical Capstone Practicum 2
NURS 455 Clinical Decision Making & Complex Care 4

*NURS 419 includes 168 Clinical Hours.

Science Prerequisites

Students accepted into Nursing must complete one of the following two sequences.

Sequence 1

BIOL 123N Principles of Microbiology 4
CHEM 110 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry 4
BIOL 231 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL 232 Anatomy and Physiology II 4

BIOL 232: May be taken concurrent with NURS 225.

BIOL 123N, CHEM 110, BIOL 231, BIOL 232: Includes a lab.

Sequence 2

 *Chosen by students to keep options open to other science majors (ie: Pre-Med)
BIOL 113 General Biology 4
CHEM 111 Principles of General Chemistry 4
CHEM 112 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
BIOL 231 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIOL 232 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
BIOL 221 Microbiology 4

BIOL 221: May be taken concurrent with NURS 235

BIOL 113, CHEM 112, BIOL 231, BIOL 232, BIOL 221: Includes a lab.

Other Requirements:

Students must pass the Math Competency Exam prior to taking NURS 295.

Students must complete PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science and PSYC 237N or PSYC 235 prior to taking NURS 333, NURS 334, NURS 335.

There are two sequences to complete your nursing degree, both leading to a BSN degree. Students will learn in their admission letter which of these nursing sequences they have been admitted to.

8 Semester (Four Year) Nursing Sequence

Students in this program will complete their degree in 8 semesters, and will begin nursing classes the fall of their sophomore year. To enroll in these classes, they will be required to have earned a C+ or better in each of their prerequisite courses, with no more than one retake.

8 Semester Nursing Sequence

Simmons offers a 2-year nursing sequence for transfer students which includes required summer coursework. Students may transfer with 2 years of college credit, including prerequisites, and complete their BSN in just 2 years. Those with fewer than 2 years of credit or who have not yet completed their prerequisites can be admitted to complete their prerequisites and other coursework at Simmons, and then complete the 2-year transfer nursing sequence after.

Students with 17 or fewer credits must apply to Simmons as a first year student. Those students with a prior Bachelor's degree or who are 24 or older must apply through the Dix Scholars program.

The Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars program, designed for students who are 24 years or older, provides adults with the opportunity to benefit from the unique combination of liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional study that Simmons undergraduate programs offer.

Our Nursing Dix Scholars programs: a 16 month program for individuals with a previous BA/BS who wish to accelerate; a 2 year option for those without a baccalaureate degree or those desiring a part-time program.

We also offer the Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program. The overarching purpose of the program is to enhance the educational experience and success of African American, Latina, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) students enrolled in the nursing program by providing academic, clinical, professional and personal support.

The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program is the shared vision of Dr. Judy Beal, Director of the School of Nursing and the Dotson Family. Phyllis Nickerson Dotson '62 is an alumna of the Nursing Department at Simmons University. She and her husband George S. Dotson made the program possible through a generous gift.

Learn more about the Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program.

Online RN to BSN Program

Simmons also offers licensed RNs with an associate degree the opportunity to earn their BSN in our fully online RN to BSN program. Join our digital Simmons campus to grow your career as an effective and empathetic nursing leader — from anywhere in the U.S.

Clinical and research experience are essential to nursing students. 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:

  • Studying abroad to gain a global perspective on this universally-important major.
  • Six group clinical rotations starting in the second year and ending with a final-semester preceptorship
  • Approximately 600 clinical hours by the end of the program at hospitals, schools, clinics, and community-based health centers.
  • Students are encouraged to work with faculty on faculty-led research projects.

Apply to Simmons’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.

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Our Faculty

Photo of LaDonna Christian

LaDonna Christian

  • Associate Professor of Practice and Director of the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program