Nursing (BSN)

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

Questions may be directed to [email protected].

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

Spring Year 1

*optional; fulfills LDR KSA

Fall Year 2

*NURS 295 includes 56 Laboratory Hours (NURS 295L).

Spring Year 2

*NURS 332 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 332L).

Fall Year 3

*NURS 335 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 335L).

*NURS 346 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 346L).

Spring Year 3

*Select 2 of the following 3 courses

*NURS 333 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 333L).

*NURS 334 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 334L).

Fall Year 4

*NURS 347 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 347L).

*NURS 336 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 336L).

Spring Year 4

*NURS 419 includes 168 Clinical Hours (NURS 419L).

*Students must successfully complete all preceding required nursing courses before enrolling in the NURS 417/NURS 418/NURS 419 capstone sequence.

Science Prerequisites

Students accepted into Nursing must complete the sequence below.

Science Prerequisite Sequence

BIOL 123N, CHEM 110, BIOL 231, and BIOL 232 each include a mandatory lab component. BIOL 232 may be taken concurrently with NURS 228 and NURS 295.

CHEM 111 or CHEM 112 is also acceptable in place of CHEM 110.

Sequence 2

 *Ideal for students keeping their options open for other science majors (i.e. Pre-Med)

BIOL 113, CHEM 112, BIOL 231, BIOL 232, and BIOL 221 each include a mandatory lab component. BIOL 232 may be taken concurrently with NURS 228 and NURS 295.

Other Requirements

• Students must pass the Math Competency Exam prior to taking NURS 295.
• Students must successfully complete PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science prior to entry into the Nursing program. PSYC 237N must be successfully completed prior to taking NURS 333, NURS 334, NURS 335.
• Students must successfully complete a 4-hour General Chemistry course with lab before beginning the sequence of NURS courses. CHEM 110 or CHEM 111 preferred.

8 Semester (Four Year) Nursing Sequence

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

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.

We also offer the Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program, which serves students from diverse backgrounds in the Simmons nursing programs through mentorship, tutoring, leadership training, volunteerism, and career counseling. 

Learn more about the Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program.

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.