Nursing (MSN) For BSN Holders
Faculty
Patricia Rissmiller- Associate Professor and Graduate Chair
Charlene Berube- Associate Professor of Practice and Chair of Undergrad Nursing
Jean Christoffersen- Associate Professor of Practice
Margaret Costello- Assistant Professor
Sarah Desmond- Associate Professor of Practice
Susan Duty- Associate Professor
Donna Glynn- Assistant Professor
Rebecca Koeniger-Donohue- Professor of Practice
Karen Telley- Professor of Practice and Director of RN to BSN Program
Sarah Volkman- Professor
Patricia White- Professor of Practice and Director of DNP program
Description
Our program is designed for registered nurses — with degrees in nursing or a related field — who wish to advance their careers with a graduate degree in nursing.
Our program consists of three components – foundational courses, primary care and research. We prepare students to deliver primary health care to diverse populations across the lifespan. You’ll focus on health promotion and education, disease prevention and learn to assess and manage patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
Simmons is surrounded by world-renowned teaching hospitals and research facilities — like Brigham and Women's Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Our students expand their knowledge by completing clinical practicums, attending lectures and taking advantage of research opportunities.
Graduates of this program are prepared to take the family nurse practitioner certification exam, and find find success in positions in primary health care and community care settings, private practice, and in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.
Learning Outcomes
Outcome Objectives for the Master’s in Nursing Curriculum
- Critique, evaluate, synthesize and utilize theoretical, scientific and clinical knowledge as applied to the assessment and management of both primary and acute health and illness states.
- Demonstrate a personal, collegial, and collaborative approach as an advanced practice Nurse while emphasizing health promotion, disease prevention and identification of environmental factors that impact health status across the lifespan.
- Develop an understanding and appreciation of human diversity as an advanced practice professional to assure the delivery of appropriate and individualized health care across the curriculum.
- Demonstrate sound critical thinking and clinical decision making reflected in effective written and verbal communications skills, utilized by the advanced practice Nurse in a complex delivery system.
- Demonstrate personal qualities and professional behaviors which are assertive and engage in advanced practice activities that advocate for on-going change and leadership within Nursing and in the health care system.
- Apply critical thinking skills within a multidisciplinary approach to care which fosters strategies and assembles multifaceted resources to empower patients, families and communities to attain and maintain maximal functional wellness.
- Demonstrate Nursing judgments and interventions which provide culturally sensitive care for diverse populations.
- Demonstrate Nursing practices which address human differences.
- Design and implement evidence-based primary health care practices in varied health care systems
- Assume a leadership role in the management of patients, communities and larger systems.
- Initiate changes in patient care and in the health care system through negotiations with other health care professionals.
- Evaluate the efficacy of health promotion, health protection, disease prevention, and treatment interventions through the application of knowledge of health care systems, economics, policy, ethics and polities.
- Conduct clinical Nursing research designed to advance the science of Nursing.
- Advance professional growth through continued acquisition of theoretical knowledge and clinical experience, and through participation and/or leadership in professional and community
Requirements for entry into program
Applicants to the BSN-MSN program must have a current United States RN License and a BSN or BS/BA in a related field from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. An overall GPA of 3.0 as well as a 3.0 GPA in nursing courses is required.
Costs
Including financing and fellowships / assistantships
$1,315 per credit hour
Activity Fee: $105 per semester
Delivery Mode or Modes Available (full-time, part-time, locations, technologies, etc.)
The Family Nurse Practitioner MSN degree is offered at Simmons Boston campus in the following pathways: BN to MSN, RN to MSN, and Direct Entry for BA/BS holders. The Nursing@Simmons online Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program is designed for RNs who have earned a bachelor’s degree.
Degree requirements
48 Credits
Health Assessment Across the Lifespan Workshop: on campus during January intercession
Capstone, placement, internship, practicum, etc.
Advanced Practice Clinical Preparation
- Over four semesters you’ll complete 770 clinical hours.
- Before starting the first clinical experience in the community, students will have a chance to complete a full semester performing physicals and health assessment on paid patients. This experience takes place on campus, in nursing labs. Students are supervised by Nurse Practitioner faculty.
- Clinical focuses on the primacy care setting across the lifespan, including pediatrics, women’s health, adult and geriatric care.
- We provide students with personalized placements based on their professional goals and learning needs.
Concentrations, specializations, etc.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Licensure, certification, etc.
Upon completion of the FNP program, you will be eligible to sit for the national board-certifying exam.
Dual (and other) degree options (With what other degree programs may this program be combined?)
Other program information
Please consult the Nursing Student Handbook for additional information about Health Clearance, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Mandatory Clinical Orientation, Agency-Specific Requirements, Criminal Offender Record Inquiry, and other related policies.