Earn Your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree from Simmons University

The student who has been accepted into the major of nursing must fulfill the all-University requirements. A student accepted into the nursing major must achieve an acceptable level of academic performance, including a minimum grade of C+ in all science course prerequisites, prior to beginning the nursing course sequence, as well as maintain an acceptable level of clinical and academic performance to progress to the next nursing course. Progression is also affected by professional behavior. Those students achieving outstanding academic records may be initiated into the Academy and/or the Simmons chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, Theta -at-Large, the International Nursing Honor Society. Criteria regarding academic performance, professional behavior, and health requirements are available upon entrance into the nursing major. Nursing students are required to show documentation of appropriate immunization and health clearance for clinical coursework. Please see the Nursing Student Handbook for specific requirements. All students will undergo a criminal record check each year (CORI) required for nursing practice in state and private agencies and by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Traditional 8-Term BSN Course Sequence

Questions may be directed to [email protected].

The sequence below includes only nursing courses required by the School of Nursing. Science prerequisites and University-level required courses are not included.

Spring Year 1

Fall Year 2

*NURS 295 includes 56 Laboratory Hours (NURS 295L).

Spring Year 2

*NURS 332 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 332L).

Fall Year 3

*NURS 335 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 335L).

*NURS 346 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 346L).

Spring Year 3

*Select 2 of the following 3 courses

*NURS 333 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 333L).

*NURS 334 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 334L).

Fall Year 4

*NURS 347 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 347L).

*NURS 336 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 336L).

Spring Year 4

*NURS 419 includes 168 Clinical Hours (NURS 419L).

*Students must successfully complete all preceding required nursing courses before enrolling in the NURS 417/NURS 418/NURS 419 capstone sequence.

Accelerated BSN (16-Month) Course Sequence

The sequence below includes only nursing courses required by the School of Nursing. Science prerequisites and University-level required courses are not included.

Fall Year 1

*NURS 295 includes 56 Laboratory Hours (NURS 295L).

*NURS 332 includes 84 Clinical Hours (NURS 332L).

Spring Year 1

*NURS 335 and NURS 348 each include 84 clinical hours.

Summer Year 1

*NURS 333, NURS 334, and NURS 387 each include 84 clinical hours.

Fall Year 2

*NURS 419 includes 168 Clinical Hours (NURS 419L).

*Students must successfully complete all preceding required nursing courses before enrolling in the NURS 417/NURS 455/NURS 419 capstone sequence.

Science Prerequisites

Students accepted into Nursing must complete the sequence below.

Science Prerequisite Sequence

BIOL 123N, CHEM 110, BIOL 231, and BIOL 232 each include a mandatory lab component. BIOL 232 may be taken concurrently with NURS 228 and NURS 295.

CHEM 111 or CHEM 112 is also acceptable in place of CHEM 110.

Sequence 2

 *Ideal for students keeping their options open for other science majors (i.e. Pre-Med)

BIOL 113, CHEM 112, BIOL 231, BIOL 232, and BIOL 221 each include a mandatory lab component. BIOL 232 may be taken concurrently with NURS 228 and NURS 295.

Other Requirements

• Students must pass the Math Competency Exam prior to taking NURS 295.
• Students must successfully complete PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science prior to entry into the Nursing program. PSYC 237N must be successfully completed prior to taking NURS 333, NURS 334, NURS 335.
• Students must successfully complete a 4-hour General Chemistry course with lab before beginning the sequence of NURS courses. CHEM 110 or CHEM 111 preferred.

There are two sequences to complete your nursing degree, both leading to a BSN degree. Students will learn in their admission letter which of these nursing sequences they have been admitted to.

8 Semester (Four Year) Nursing Sequence

Students in this program will complete their degree in 8 semesters, and will begin nursing classes the fall of their sophomore year. To enroll in these classes, they will be required to have earned a C+ or better in each of their prerequisite courses, with no more than one retake.

8 Semester Nursing Sequence

Simmons offers a 2-year nursing sequence for transfer students which includes required summer coursework. Students may transfer with 2 years of college credit, including prerequisites, and complete their BSN in just 2 years. Those with fewer than 2 years of credit or who have not yet completed their prerequisites can be admitted to complete their prerequisites and other coursework at Simmons, and then complete the 2-year transfer nursing sequence after.

Students with 17 or fewer credits must apply to Simmons as a first year student. Those students with a prior Bachelor's degree or who are 24 or older must apply through the Dix Scholars program.

The Dorothea Lynde Dix Scholars program, designed for students who are 24 years or older, provides adults with the opportunity to benefit from the unique combination of liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional study that Simmons undergraduate programs offer.

Our Nursing Dix Scholars programs: a 16 month program for individuals with a previous BA/BS who wish to accelerate; a 2 year option for those without a baccalaureate degree or those desiring a part-time program.

We also offer the Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program. The overarching purpose of the program is to enhance the educational experience and success of African American, Latina, Asian, and Native American (ALANA) students enrolled in the nursing program by providing academic, clinical, professional and personal support.

The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program is the shared vision of Dr. Judy Beal, Director of the School of Nursing and the Dotson Family. Phyllis Nickerson Dotson '62 is an alumna of the Nursing Department at Simmons University. She and her husband George S. Dotson made the program possible through a generous gift.

Learn more about the Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program.

Online RN to BSN Program

Simmons also offers licensed RNs with an associate degree the opportunity to earn their BSN in our fully online RN to BSN program. Join our digital Simmons campus to grow your career as an effective and empathetic nursing leader — from anywhere in the U.S.

• Learn more
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Clinical and research experience are essential to nursing students. You'll have opportunities to explore your interests, build your skills and develop mentoring relationships with leaders in the field.

Our students put their knowledge into practice in many ways, including:

• Studying abroad to gain a global perspective on this universally-important major.
• Six group clinical rotations starting in the second year and ending with a final-semester preceptorship
• Approximately 600 clinical hours by the end of the program at hospitals, schools, clinics, and community-based health centers.
• Students are encouraged to work with faculty on faculty-led research projects.