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Prepare to raise the standard of patient care with the Simmons School of Nursing’s online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs — designed for licensed registered nurses (RNs). Become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and make a lasting, positive impact on patients across their lifespan.
40%
Employment growth rate for nurse practitioners from 2020 to 2030Footnote 1
450+
Nursing@Simmons scholarships awarded in the 2020–21 academic year
24
Months to earn your MSN on a full-time track
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Receive ongoing guidance and advice from expert Simmons faculty, academic advisers, and student success specialists.
Graduate ready and eligible to sit for the national board certifying exam for FNPs or PMHNPs.
Simmons School of Nursing was founded in 1902 to help learners turn their passion for helping and healing into their life’s work. Today, this legacy extends to learners across the country through Nursing@Simmons’ online Master of Science in Nursing programs. Guided by values of social justice and excellence, the online MSN–FNP and MSN–PMHNP programs explore systemic issues in health care, preparing learners to elevate patient care as compassionate, socially responsive nursing leaders.
The baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs at Simmons are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).Footnote 2
Tuition costs$59,280 (FNP) $58,045 (PMNHP)Tuition and fees for the MSN-FNP and tuition and fees for the MSN-PMHNP are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include student fees, technology platform licensing, or support services. Learners are also responsible for travel and accommodation costs related to any in-person immersions or residentials.
Technology and services powered by 2U, Inc., the parent company of edX.
No matter which online MSN program you choose, you will benefit from a dynamic blend of live, online courses with expert faculty; interactive, self-paced coursework; and hands-on clinical experiences. Learn more about the two online MSN programs:
This program was designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The 48-credit curriculum prepares learners to initiate and manage patients’ treatment plans; provide diagnoses and prescribe medication; focus on disease prevention and health management; and improve the lives of patients and communities through health promotion. After graduation, learners are eligible to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification exam to become an FNP. Upon certification, learners are eligible to pursue licensure in their state of choice.
This program was designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who wish to fill the substantial gap in access to mental health care brought on by the national mental health provider shortageFootnote 3. The 47-credit curriculum explores psychiatric issues from a health-equity and social-justice lens, and trains learners to consider individual experiences, family dynamics, and community as important factors in mental health treatment. After graduation, learners are eligible to sit for the ANCC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner board certification exam to become PMHNP-BCs™. Upon certification, learners are eligible to pursue licensure in their state of choice.
Both online MSN programs require applicants to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and a current and unrestricted RN license. In addition to these items, you will need to submit:
Current résumé
Transcripts
Two short answer statements
An essay
Two letters of recommendation
TOEFL scores (if applicable)
All Nursing@Simmons learners complete a minimum of 672 clinical hours, during which they apply the skills learned in the classroom to provide acute and chronic care across diverse populations. Learners partner with a dedicated clinical placement specialist to find and vet clinical sites in or near their communities.
In addition to clinical hours, learners attend one in-person immersion at the Simmons School of Nursing campus in Boston. During this immersion experience, learners complete a physical assessment exam, participate in workshops, attend seminars, and form lasting bonds with classmates and faculty.