Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner
Family Nurse Practitioner Doctor of Nursing Practice for non-nurses
Our Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program offers you a dynamic pathway to advanced practice nursing — even if you don’t have a nursing degree.
At Simmons University School of Nursing, located in Boston, you’ll join a program committed to preparing nurses for clinical excellence, leadership, and transformative practice in a diverse, global community.
On your path to a nursing career, you will earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. After completing the pre-license curriculum and your first semester of the post-licensure curriculum, you may opt to transition to a hybrid format program or remain fully on campus as you continue with your FNP academic journey.
Why enroll in the DNP FNP Program?
Our doctoral degree Family Nurse Practitioner program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to excel in a career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse.
You will acquire a comprehensive understanding of nursing practice, advanced clinical skills, and health care leadership. The curriculum includes:
- Foundational Nursing Education: Begin by earning your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and become eligible for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), acquiring essential nursing skills and knowledge.
- Advanced Family Nurse Practitioner Education: Delve into cutting-edge courses that blend theory and practice, preparing you to excel as a primary care provider. With immersive clinical experiences and mentorship from seasoned practitioners, you'll be equipped to lead and innovate in the ever-evolving field of health care.
- Clinical Competency: Gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings, developing your clinical judgment and decision-making abilities.
- Leadership and Policy: Dive deep into leadership, health care policy, and ethics to equip yourself for influential roles that shape health care systems and elevate patient care outcomes. Our program prepares you to be a visionary leader in the field, driving advancements and innovations that make a meaningful impact on the health of communities.
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Engage in research activities and learn to apply evidence-based practices to enhance the quality of care.
What can you do as a family nurse practitioner (DNP)?
Upon completion of the Direct Entry DNP FNP program, you will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in a variety of health care settings. Career opportunities include:
- Family Nurse Practitioner: Provide comprehensive primary care to patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Your role includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, conducting physical exams, prescribing medications, and promoting preventive health measures. You will treat both acute and chronic health conditions. FNPs also focus on patient education, helping individuals manage chronic conditions and make informed health decisions. You will be equipped to deliver personalized, high-quality care in various health care settings, including clinics, hospitals, and private practices to name a few.
- Health Care Leadership: Take on leadership positions within healthcare organizations, shaping policies and practices to improve patient care.
- Educator: Teach and mentor the next generation of nurses and health care professionals in academic or clinical settings.
- Researcher: Contribute to the advancement of nursing practice and health care through research and evidence-based practice initiatives.
- Policy Advocate: Advocate for health care policies that promote patient-centered care and address public health challenges.
Make a significant impact on patient care and outcomes with the expertise and confidence you will gain at Simmons.
Nursing Program Highlights
90%
Simmons Graduates have a NCLEX Pass Rate Above 90%
A 90% pass rate is well above the national average for RN candidates, which is in the low 80% range.
850+
Clinical Training Sites
Boston-based students have access to more than 850 clinical training sites, including world-class hospitals like Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
7
Clinical Rotations
Through the pre-licensure program of study you will complete rotations in medical/surgical nursing, complex care, pediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatric nursing, and community health on your way to earning your MSN and becoming an RN.
>14K
Affiliated Placement Sites
Simmons has over 14,000 affiliated post-licensure clinical placement sites in 48 states.
1492
Clinical Hours
You will complete over 1492 total clinical hours over the course of the Direct Entry FNP and PMHNP program.
Nursing Faculty
The faculty at Simmons University School of Nursing are a dynamic blend of practicing nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse leaders, and nurse researchers, all committed to guiding you through the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare. Their real-world clinical experience, leadership expertise, and innovative research ensure that your education is both grounded in current practice and inspired by future possibilities.
Spotlight on Nursing Students and Alums
School of Nursing Students Train to Work with Children with Developmental Disorders
Simmons School of Nursing students Rachel Takes ’24MSN and Elizabeth Strager ’19 ’21MSN, FNP- C, ’25DNP were recruited into the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND Boston) at Boston Children's Hospital’s Institute for Community Inclusion.
Kimberly Noonan ’18DNP Selected as 2023 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing
On October 7, 2023, Kimberly Noonan ’18DNP was inducted as a Fellow within the American Academy of Nursing . A Chief Nurse Practitioner at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Dr. Noonan is committed to supporting Nurse Practitioners and advancing oncology...
Samantha Sochan ’19 Discovers New Career in Non-Traditional Nursing Jobs
Samantha Sochan '19 shares her journey from bedside nursing to nursing educator.