1. What is Nursing@Simmons? ↑

Nursing@Simmons delivers the renowned nursing degree programs of the Simmons School of Nursing in an innovative, online format. Featuring two degree programs, Nursing@Simmons uses cutting-edge technology and a state-of-the-art online learning platform to help nurses earn their degree without relocating to Simmons’s campus in Boston, MA.

Nursing@Simmons’s online program options include:

2. How is Nursing@Simmons similar to Simmons’s on-campus MSN or DNP programs ↑

Students are also required to meet the same rigorous admission and academic standards. Nursing@Simmons graduates receive a Simmons University Master of Science in Nursing degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and have the option to walk across stage to receive their degree during Simmons’s commencement in Boston, Mass.Nursing@Simmons maintains the same mission and core values as the on-campus graduate nursing programs. Through live face-to-face instruction with nationally recognized faculty, self-paced media-rich coursework, small classes, and clinical field placement within or near students’ own communities, Nursing@Simmons matches the academic rigor of the on-campus learning experience.

3. How is Nursing@Simmons different from other online programs? ↑

Nursing@Simmons offers students an enriching learning experience that is delivered on a state-of-the-art learning platform. Program benefits include:

4. Is Simmons accredited? ↑

The baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP programs at Simmons are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

5. How many credits do students take per term? ↑

For complete details on term schedules, refer to our program-specific Academic Calendars:

MSN Course Sequence
RN to MSN Course Sequence
Post-MSN to DNP Course Sequence

6. What is the schedule for Nursing@Simmons? ↑

Students can complete the Nursing@Simmons program on a part-time or full-time basis. Each program track has a unique course sequence, shown below.

RN to MSN students, review this course sequence.
MSN students, review this course sequence. 
Post-MSN to DNP students, review this course sequence.

7. How is online coursework delivered? ↑

8. How long does it take to complete the program? ↑

MSN students will complete 48 course credits and a minimum of 672 clinical hours. For students starting in March 2020 or earlier, full-time students complete the program over a period of five terms, while part-time students complete the program over a period of seven terms. For students starting in May 2020 and after, full-time students complete the program over a period of six terms, part-time students complete the program over a period of seven terms, and extended students complete the program over a period of eight terms. Each term last 14 weeks, and students complete the same courses. Learn more about the MSN Program Requirements.

RN to MSN students will complete 68 course credits and a minimum of 836 clinical hours. Full-time students complete the program over a period of eight terms, part-time students complete the program over a period of 10 terms, and extended students complete the program over a period of 11 terms. Learn more about the RN to MSN Program Requirements.

Post-MSN to DNP students will complete 30 course credits and a minimum of 1,000 clinical hours. Clinical hours completed during the student’s MSN degree program will count toward the total 1,000 clinical hour requirement. Part-time students complete the program over a period of 7 terms and each term lasts 14 weeks. Learn more about the Post-MSN to DNP program requirements. 

9. What do students study in the program? ↑ 

Students will participate in an academically rigorous curriculum with focus on research and theory. Coursework emphasizes the promotion of health and well-being, as well as assessing, preventing, and managing chronic illness and diseases. For more information of on courses, view the course descriptions.

10. Are there any required campus visits? ↑

Prior to beginning clinical hours, our MSN and RN to MSN students will travel once to the Simmons University campus in Boston, Mass., for an immersion weekend. During this immersion weekend, students will apply theory and practical skills in a controlled environment.

MSN full-time students in the March 2020 cohort will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 2 and 3. Full-time students in the May 2020 cohort and after will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 4 and 5.

MSN part-time students will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 5 and 6.

MSN extended students will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 6 and 7.

RN to MSN full-time students will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 6 and 7.

RN to MSN part-time students will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 8 and 9.

RN to MSN extended students will attend the immersion weekend between Terms 9 and 10.

Post-MSN to DNP students will travel once to Simmons University after their final term in the program for the DNP Symposium. 

11. Will my degree indicate that I took an online program? ↑

No. The Nursing@Simmons programs have the same admission and graduation requirements as the on-campus program, so there is no difference between the academic degrees earned. Your diploma will not denote that you earned your degree online.

12. What is the cost of attending the Nursing@Simmons program? ↑

Tuition includes simulations, assessments, technology platform licensing and support. Tuition does not include the cost of books and a $168 student fee per term. 

RN to MSN–FNP students, view tuition information.
MSN–FNP students, view tuition information.
DNP students, review tuition information.

13. Will tuition change each academic year? ↑

A moderate tuition increase can be expected each academic year.