Skip to main contentSkip to Xpert Chatbot
SC_University_Horizontal_RGB_REV (1).svg

Simmons University Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs online

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), Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), or transformational nurse leader, and make a lasting, positive impact on patients across their lifespan.

Request more info

About the programs

  • Discover holistic health care: Explore systemic health care issues from a social-justice lens, so you can provide holistic care to underrepresented populations.
  • Gain wisdom from mentors: Receive ongoing guidance and advice from expert Simmons faculty, academic advisers, and student success specialists. 
  • Prepare for licensure: Graduate ready and eligible to sit for the national board certifying exam for FNPs or PMHNPs.

About Simmons School of Nursing 

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, MSN-PMHNP, and MSN, Leadership programs explore systemic issues in health care, preparing learners to elevate patient care as compassionate, socially responsive nursing leaders.

The master’s and doctoral nursing programs at Simmons are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).Footnote 2

Tuition and fees

Tuition and fees for the MSN-FNP , MSN-PMHNP , and MSN, Leadership programs 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.

MSN program options

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 three online MSN programs:

  • MSN-FNP: This program is 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.
  • MSN-PMHNP: This program is 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.
  • MSN, Leadership: This program is designed for RNs with a bachelor’s degree in nursing who aspire to fill a nursing leadership role and are looking for alternative options within the nursing field. The 34-credit curriculum applies leadership concepts through real-world settings and covers topics such as health care economics, quality improvement, and informatics. Learners gain advanced knowledge in nursing leadership theory, explore the evolution of nursing as a profession, and master essential management skills like planning, organizing, and directing. Upon graduation, learners will be prepared to address complex health care challenges, ensuring high-quality and equitable patient care while leveraging technology to improve outcomes.
Request more info

Admissions

All three online MSN programs require applicants to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or bachelor’s degree with a major in Nursing from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, with a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

In addition, applicants must have successfully completed (with a grade of C+ or better) a 3-credit course in statistics within the last seven years (If you do not meet this requirement, please contact an admission counselor to discuss other options for fulfilling this requirement). Applicants must also have a current unencumbered and unrestricted U.S. registered nurse (RN) license in an approved state.

 The following items must be submitted during the application process: 

  • Online application

  • Current résumé

  • Statement of purpose

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended, whether or not a degree was earned 

  • Two letters of recommendation

  • English language proficiency exam result (if your primary language is not English)


Experiential learning opportunities

Edx_SC-MSN_About_Page_Flex_339.jpg

MSN learners complete a minimum of 567 clinical hours for the Leadership track, and a minimum of 672 clinical hours for the FNP and PMHNP tracks. During clinical hours, learners 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.

Want to learn more?

Request more info