Simmons College

Nursing Programs Offered

Accelerated BSN Programs
Accelerated MSN Programs
BSN Programs
DNP Programs (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
MSN Programs
RN Programs
RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs

RN to BSN Program Details

This program is for the student who has graduated from an accredited nursing program, is a registered nurse, and has a diploma in nursing or an associate degree in nursing.

The College offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree on a part- or full-time basis. This program's requirements are the same as those for the regular undergraduate nursing program with the exception of the language requirement, from which RNs are exempt. The methods by which course objectives are to be met by RN students are geared toward adult learners. RN students must complete 128 hours of credit and fulfill the Simmons modes of inquiry and competency requirements. While at least 48 semester hours of credit must be earned at Simmons, transfer credit, credit for prior learning, and advanced placement in nursing credit are also granted when certain specifications are met.

BSN Program Details

The Simmons College undergraduate Nursing Program is dedicated to preparing graduates to meet the diverse health needs of clients in a variety of settings, as well as to coordinate health services, deliver humanistic nursing care, and engage in health assessment and health maintenance.

The Simmons College Graduate Program in Primary Health Care Nursing has provided specialized nurse practitioner education since 1978. The curriculum offers the theoretical foundation and clinical practicum essential for delivering primary health care to individuals and populations within a variety of settings. Since 1989, the Graduate Program in Nursing has been supported by the organizational structure of the School for Health Studies, an interdisciplinary school that has brought together graduate programs in health care administration, physical therapy, nutrition, and nursing. The school's goal is to prepare individuals for clinical and administrative leadership positions in a rapidly changing health care delivery system.

In 1999, the undergraduate Department of Nursing and the Graduate Program in Primary Health Care Nursing merged as one. The Nursing Programs at Simmons are now consolidated as one faculty and student body with a Chairperson of Nursing and Associate Dean for School of Health Studies as its leader. The Nursing Programs at Simmons educate nurses in several pathways:

The traditional 4 year BS program
A 5 year BS-MS program
An 18-month Dix Scholars Program
A 2-year Dix Scholars Program
A 3-year Dix Scholars Program
An RN to BS Program
An RN to MS Program
A Direct Entry Program in Advanced Practice Nursing
Graduate Program Primary Health Care Nursing: traditional MS, RN-MS, NP certificate for MS prepared nurses, MS Completion for Practicing NPs

Simmons College Nursing Programs have a rich tradition:

The first New England NP Program
Highly respected in the community
Interdisciplinary health education
Expert practitioner faculty
Experience — Theory — Practice
Community Focus
Flexible Learning options
Supportive Faculty
Small Classes

The Nursing Programs have:

A newly revised and approved curriculum
An increased community focus
Increased clinical experience, and
Increased flexibility for career mobility

MSN Program Details

The Family Health Primary Care concentration prepares family nurse practitioners as health care providers uniquely positioned to address the health care needs of the family in a comprehensive, holistic manner. When caring for the individual of any age, the family nurse practitioner views the encounter in the context of its effect on the person's position, roles and responsibilities within the family. The term family is used inclusively, recognizing that families come in many forms. The program is 59 credits and can be completed in three years of full-time study. A part-time program over four to five years is available.

In addition, a unique program of study allows the masters-prepared practicing nurse practitioner to complete a course of part-time study to qualify for the American Nurses Association family nurse practitioner exam. For certified adult nurse practitioners, the curriculum includes the primary health care of the parent-child health sequence, the family health courses and clinical practice. For certified pediatric nurse practitioners, the curriculum includes the primary health care of the adult sequence, the family health courses and clinical practice.

Accelerated MSN Program Details

The Direct Entry Program in Advanced Nursing Practice is designed to prepare individuals with a baccalaureate degree but without nursing backgrounds for the advanced practice nursing role,with the focus on family nurse practitioner.(FNP).The program is a three-year, full-time program beginning each year in late June/early July that incorporates an innovative curriculum with substantial clinical experience especially designed for this group of students.

Students are eligible to take the nursing licensure examination(NCLEX) at the end of the second fall semester. They must pass the exam before beginning the graduate primary care clinical sequence. The curriculum of the second portion of the program is the same FNP curriculum as for people with R.N.s (Registered Nurses).

Upon successful completion of the 3 year program, students will be awarded the M.S. degree but not a B.S.N. degree.
Students will be eligible to sit for the licensure exam after the second September semester, and upon successful completion will give them the designation of R.N. (registered nurse). In addition to taking graduate courses during the following two semesters, students will have full-time clinical internships in surrounding acute care institutions. This experience will provide them with the experience they need before beginning the primary care sequence. Graduates of this program will be prepared to take the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam offered by the professional credentialing organization.

Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Details

The focus of the Simmons College Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program is Professional Practice Leadership. The program will develop nursing leaders who will improve health care outcomes in clinical practice,research and management. Graduates will have the clinical, organizational and leadership skills to meet the changing demands of the present and future health care system. The DNP is a practice-focused degree analogous to professional doctoral degrees in other disciplines, including Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Medicine, Dentistry and Clinical Psychology. The DNP differs from the PhD in its emphasis on practice and practice-related research.

The Simmons DNP was developed in full compliance with professional standards for the practice doctorate ("Doctoral Essentials") developed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

The Simmons DNP is designed for

1) Experienced advanced practice nurses (Nurse Practitioners, Certified Nurse Midwives, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) who have had at least two years (approximately 5000 hours) of advanced practice experience (Advanced Standing/Bridge Program);

2) Experienced Nurse Managers who have had a minimum of 2 years (approximately 5000 hours) in a managerial or executive role (Advanced Standing/Bridge Program); and

3) Master's-prepared nurses who are not advanced practice nurses who desire a nurse practitioner specialty in addition to the DNP (Standard Program).

The DNP program is offered in a "blended" format. Classes are taught online and students are required to attend two on-campus residencies per semester. Courses are designed to expand practice and to prepare students as leaders in nursing and the health care system. Students are required to complete a practice-based Capstone Project over four semesters, as well as document DNP-related practice and policy experience in a comprehensive DNP portfolio.