Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) for BSN Holders

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who wish to advance their careers. This 2-year program provides RNs with the opportunity to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs).

What is the Value of a Master's of Science in Nursing Degree?

The world needs advanced practice nursing professionals more than ever before. Nursing professionals are integral pieces of the healthcare system, and their work has an impact on the health of our country. 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.

Learning Outcomes for the MSN Degree

The Master's of Science in Nursing provides Registered Nurses (RNs) the opportunity to advance their careers and become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). Faculty in the MSN degree program are passionate educators, clinicians, and researchers. Boston-based students have access to more than 200 clinical training sites, including world-class institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Students in the online BSN to MSN degree program complete clinical training in their communities nationwide, with over 6,000 sites, led by a team of 20+ regional placement specialists.

What Can You Do with a Master's in Nursing?

The Master's of Science in Nursing program prepares students to become Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs). Students are educated to provide compassionate and evidence-based care, advocate for patients and communities, lead interprofessional teams, and advance research. Graduates of the MSN degree program work in every area of healthcare and are recognized for clinical excellence. Programs culminating in a master's in Nursing prepare graduates for a range of rewarding roles, including FNP, clinical researcher, and public health nurse.

Curriculum

The BSN to MSN degree program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats.

Full-Time Schedule

• Term 1: 8 credits
  • CHSO 404: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NURS 660: Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics (2 credits)
  • NURS 570: Health Promotion: A Global Perspective (2 credits)
  • NURS 402: Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (1 credit)
• Term 2: 9 credits
  • NURS 424: Advanced Pharmacology Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • NURS 530: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • IPE 450: Health Care System: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (3 credits)
• Term 3: 7 credits
  • NURS 562: FNP II: Women's Health in Primary Care (2 credits)
  • NURS 563: FNP III: Pediatrics in Primary Care (2 credits)
  • NURS 505: Family Theory: Health and Illness (2 credits)
  • NURS 534: Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course (1 credit)
• Term 4: 9 credits
  • NURS 564: FNP IV: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care II (2 credits)
  • NURS 565: FNP V: Behavioral Health in Primary Care (2 credits)
  • NURS 410: Research Methods (3 credits)
  • NURS 510: FNP Clinical Decision Making I* (2 credits)
• Term 5: 7 credits
  • NURS 511: FNP Clinical Decision Making II* (5 credits)
  • NURS 411: Scholarly Inquiry (2 credits)
• Term 6: 5 credits
  • NURS 512: FNP Clinical Decision Making III* (5 credits)
• Total Credits: 47

Part-Time Schedule

• Term 1: 6 credits
  • CHSO 404: Advanced Pathophysiology (3 credits)
  • NURS 660: Evidence-Based Practice: Informatics (2 credits)
  • NURS 402: Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse (1 credit)
• Term 2: 6 credits
  • NURS 424: Advanced Pharmacology Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • IPE 450: Healthcare Systems: an Interdisciplinary Perspective (3 credits)
• Term 3: 5 credits
  • NURS 530: Advanced Health Assessment Across the Life Span (3 credits)
  • NURS 570: Health Promotion: A Global Perspective (2 credits)
• Term 4: 6 credits
  • NURS 561: FNP I: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care I (2 credits)
  • NURS 562: FNP II: Women's Health in Primary Care (2 credits)
  • NURS 563: FNP III: Pediatrics in Primary Care (2 credits)
• Term 5: 7 credits
  • NURS 564: FNP IV: Adult Gerontology in Primary Care II (2 credits)
  • NURS 565: FNP V: Behavioral Health in Primary Care (2 credits)
  • NURS 505: Family Theory: Health and Illness (2 credits)
  • NURS 534: Immersion & Clinical Qualification Course (1 credit)
• Term 6: 5 credits
  • NURS 410: Research Methods (3 credits)
  • NURS 510: FNP Clinical Decision Making I* (2 credits)
• Term 7: 7 credits
  • NURS 511: FNP Clinical Decision Making II* (5 credits)
  • NURS 411: Scholarly Inquiry (2 credits)
• Term 8: 5 credits
  • NURS 512: FNP Clinical Decision Making III* (5 credits)
• Total Credits: 47

Offered As

• Masters

School/Department

• School of Nursing

Format

• On Campus

Faculty

• Patricia Rissmiller: Associate Professor
• Susan Duty: Emerita
• Sarah Volkman: Professor

Related Programs

• Undergraduate
  • Nursing (BSN)
  • Nursing + Nursing (4+1)
• Graduate
  • Nursing Practice: Online DNP Track Options
  • Nursing: Online - Family Nurse Practitioner

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.