97.8% of Simmons University graduates passed their ANCC boards in 20201
Empowering and educating nurses since 1902, Simmons University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program that extends our esteemed Boston-based FNP program to students across the country through a dynamic, online learning platform.
Nursing@Simmons’ innovative, online FNP program is designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs) who hold a bachelor’s degree.
The baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs at Simmons are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
In 2020, we reduced tuition by 14% — amounting to a savings of $9,600 — to make our program accessible to more aspiring FNPs. Additionally, Nursing@Simmons awarded more than 450 scholarships for the 2020-2021 academic year.2
Apply for our next cohort today — all applicants are considered for a scholarship.
The Nursing@Simmons online FNP program is designed to help nurses earn their MSN while continuing to provide care and help patients in their communities — we offer full-time, part-time, and extended program options, and consistent support from faculty and staff.
To help working nurses successfully complete their degrees, the program incorporates a number of features which were implemented based on student feedback:
Predictable, standardized course schedules – Live courses are held on the same designated days of the week throughout the program for predictable scheduling that allows students to plan around work and life.
Clinical placement team –Students partner with a dedicated clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors for rotations in or near their communities.
Course delivery that prioritizes RN lifestyles and learning outcomes – Courses are designed to help students learn in the way that works best for them, and are structured with our students’ busy schedules in mind. Many courses offer “flex scheduling,” with lectures hosted multiple times per week so students can choose the lecture session that fits their schedule. All live sessions are also recorded and accessible to students.
Support and coaching – In addition to our knowledgeable and accessible faculty, students have a dedicated academic advisor and student success specialist for help and guidance outside the classroom. In most courses, students can also benefit from an academic coach — an experienced APRN and educator who is available outside of live sessions to answer questions, offer feedback, and provide judgement-free advice.
“In clinicals, multiple preceptors have commented that I am well prepared and far ahead of students from other universities.”
We offer five start dates throughout the year: in January, March, May, September, and November. Admission is conducted on a rolling basis. Review our application requirements and request information to learn more. An admission counselor will be available to help guide you through the application process and answer your questions about the program.
Priority Deadline: November 5, 2021
Final Application Deadline: December 2, 2021
During these unsettling times, Simmons remains dedicated to supporting student success. In line with our historic commitment to progress and educational access, we believe that knowledge drives the innovations of tomorrow. Our online programs remain open to continue to prepare future leaders who will make a difference in their fields and communities.
In light of the unprecedented challenges we are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering increased flexibility to aid applicants.
Transcripts: The admission committee accepts unofficial transcripts for application review if official transcripts cannot be obtained. Upon enrolling, please request to have all official transcripts submitted by the start of classes so that your time in the program is not disrupted.
Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations are important to our application review process. Should you be unable to provide letters of recommendation from the required sources, reach out to your admission counselor to discuss potential alternatives.
Test Scores: If testing sites are closed and you are unable to take a test needed for admission, we will evaluate alternatives on a case-by-case basis. In lieu of the TOEFL, we will accept Duolingo scores.
We are dedicated to preparing future leaders to make a difference in their communities. If you encounter any other difficulties while completing your application, our admission team is here for you. Do not hesitate to reach out to your admission counselor at any time.
Nursing@Simmons prepares nurses with the solid knowledge base, comprehension, and clinical expertise required to practice as FNPs. Our program helps students broaden their scope of practice, provide holistic care to patients across the life span, and work in diverse clinical environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community health centers.
As family nurse practitioners, graduates will be prepared to:
By becoming an FNP, nurses may increase their earning potential in a field that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected to grow 52.4% between 2019 and 2029.3 Nurses can also gain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction by expanding their scope of practice in a role that is consistently ranked one of the best jobs in health care.4
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If you are a licensed RN and do not have your bachelor’s degree, or you are already an APRN with an MSN, another track may be a better fit.
1The Simmons graduate ANCC pass rate statistic includes both on-campus and online students who took the exam in 2020. Simmons graduates, both on-campus and online students, had a 97.8% ANCC pass rate.
²This data is self-reported by Nursing@Simmons based on the number of scholarships awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year.
3Employment Projections — 2019 – 2029 (2020). Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 11, 2021 from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf
4Nurse Practitioner Overview (2021). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved May 11, 2021, from http://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/nurse-practitioner
