Nursing + Nursing (4+2)
Earn your BSN, MSN, and DNP in just 6 years
Simmons University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice six-year program helps you earn a terminal degree faster and begin making an impact on healthcare in your community sooner.
Current Simmons undergraduate nursing students can apply for the 4+2 accelerated BSN, MSN, and DNP program during their sophomore year. If you are not yet a Simmons student, you will need to apply to the BSN program first.
Unsure which nursing program to follow? Compare them all and discover which one is right for you.
Why pursue an accelerated DNP?
If you want to deepen your advanced practice nursing expertise and strengthen your leadership skills, the 4+2 program is a strong fit. In this program, you’ll:
- Build advanced nursing and leadership skills with guidance from expert faculty
- Learn evidence-based practice to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals, families, and communities
- Join a strong nursing legacy as you earn your terminal degree through a 4+2 pathway
- Gain real-world experience in our Nursing Simulation Center: Simmons’ 11,000-square-foot center features simulation spaces, including lab beds, health assessment beds, and high-fidelity suites
- Gain clinical experience at Boston institutions like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Expand your skills through clinical rotations, practicums, research opportunities, lectures, and professional networking
What will you learn in the 4+2 DNP program?
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing): After acceptance, you will enter an accelerated BSN program designed to prepare you for the NCLEX exam, which is taken after Term 8. Upon passing the NCLEX, you become eligible to transition directly into the MSN portion of the program.
MSN (Master of Science in Nursing): You will complete core leadership and foundational courses essential for advanced nursing practice. Coursework and clinical experiences align with the American Organization for Nursing Leadership Nurse Leader Core Competencies, which encompass professionalism, communication and relationship management, knowledge of the healthcare environment, and business principles. You will receive your MSN after Term 12.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): You will complete courses to prepare for practice as a doctoral-level nurse practitioner, with the option to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The curriculum includes advanced diagnosis and management, extensive clinical experience across the lifespan, and completion of a DNP project under the guidance of a faculty chair and community mentor. After Term 16, you will be awarded your DNP and become eligible for national certification.
What can you do with a Doctor of Nursing Practice?
Employers recognize Simmons nursing students as among the best in the field. With a terminal degree, nurse practitioner credentials, and leadership experience, you’ll have many career opportunities, such as:
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Chief Nursing Officer/Nurse Executive
- Nursing Academia
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to take either the family nurse practitioner (FNP) certification exam or the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) certification exam.
Highlights of Simmons Nursing Program
Nursing Simulation Center
Our 11,000 square foot Nursing Simulation Center will help you gain real-world experience in a controlled clinical setting, allowing you the opportunity to get comfortable with your nursing skills before being expected to perform them off-site.
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.
94%
AACC certification exam
On the ANCC certification exam, Family Nurse Practitioner graduates scored 94%, 13 points above the 81% national average in 2025.
93%
AANP FNP Certification Exam Score
Simmons graduates scored an impressive 93% on the AANP Family Nurse Practitioner Certification exam — 12 points above the 81% national average in 2025.
100%
ANCC certification exam
On the ANCC certification exam, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner graduates scored 100%, 18 points above the 82% national average in 2025.
$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.
Nursing Program Accreditation
Simmons University’s baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program are all accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education located at 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001 and 202-887-6791.
Spotlight on Nursing Students and Alums
Bringing Cancer Education to Underserved Communities
Nursing student Claire Tuquero ’26 reflects on her involvement with the Passionate Leaders Project and the clinical training she was able to achieve at several Boston hospitals.
Meaningful Mentorship, Received and Given
Nursing major Lisa Aboagye-Kodjoe ’26 reflects on her time at Simmons and her involvement with the Dotson Bridge and Mentorship program, the Honors Program, and Girls, Inc.
SON Alumna Makes Impact in Pediatric Neurology
Beverly Byron ’75, is currently the co-chair of the Montgomery County (Maryland) Department of Health and Human Services’ Child Fatality Review Team. She is a longtime nurse educator and legal nurse consultant who double majored in nursing and sociology at Simmons.
Meet Our 2025–26 Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. This academic year, Simmons announced a new cohort of Bonner Leaders including Ammy A. Cardenes Santana ’29, Gulsah Cayan ’29, Lily-Rose O’Brien ’29, and Mackenzie Oprea ’29.
Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars
Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.
Thriving through Diversity: A Nursing Success Story
The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program pairs first-generation and other underrepresented nursing student mentees — called Scholars — with experienced Mentors (typically School of Nursing alumnae/i). Sasha DuBois ’08BSN has served as a mentor since the program began in 2009. LaDonna Christian ’16PhD became director of the program in 2010.
Nursing Alumna Brings Compassionate Care to Baltimore
Registered Nurse and Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program Mentor Amanda Lee Davis ’15 recently relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where she has already made a significant impression on the city’s healthcare community. She is also pursuing a doctoral degree at Johns Hopkins University.
Simmons Welcomes New Cohort of Bonner Community Leaders
The Bonner Community Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for students who want to combine a strong commitment to service with personal growth, teamwork, leadership development, and scholarship. We spoke with Ellie Foss ’28, Jocelyn Miranda Landaverde ’28, Bridget Swezey ’28, and Soraya Timas ’28 about what drew them to the program.