Simmons University School of Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Private university on 300 The Fenway in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area with a historic School of Nursing (since 1902): Traditional BSN, combined BSN+MSN/DNP, Direct Entry MSN and DNP pathways, and Nursing@Simmons online MSN/DNP. This guide uses Simmons’ Accreditation & Licensure NCLEX tables, 2026–2027 Tuition & Fees, and official program pages—confirm enrollment (including RN-to-BSN status) with Simmons and program statistics with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Simmons’ School of Nursing pairs a 11,000 sq. ft. Nursing Simulation Center with a dense Boston / Longwood clinical footprint—Simmons cites 850+ local training sites and publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate tables on its Accreditation & Licensure page. Budget using Simmons’ 2026–2027 undergraduate and graduate Tuition & Fees nursing bands, and confirm whether online RN-to-BSN has reopened (the RN-BSN page has stated enrollment is paused).
Overview & Why Students Choose Simmons University School of Nursing
Simmons University is a private institution at 300 The Fenway, Boston, adjacent to the Longwood Medical Area. The School of Nursing dates to 1902 and today spans pre-licensure BSN, second-degree Direct Entry pathways, and Nursing@Simmons online graduate programs with national clinical placement support. Simmons emphasizes simulation (including VR), interprofessional practice, and social-justice–aligned professional values across its nursing curricula.
Pre-licensure students may enter as first-year or transfer students (Simmons publishes a transfer nursing sequence); second-degree learners often pursue Direct Entry MSN or Direct Entry DNP tracks that integrate RN licensure preparation with advanced-practice graduate study. Use the official School of Nursing programs hub to compare pathways.
Simmons’ Accreditation and Licensure page publishes annual first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for BSN and Direct Entry MSN candidates alongside NCSBN national and MA & jurisdiction averages. Confirm the latest cohort year and compare with Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing program reports.
Reasons students choose Simmons
CCNE-accredited scope
Simmons states that its baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate FNP & PMHNP certificate nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and that pre-licensure BSN and Direct Entry programs hold Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing approval—verify renewal dates on CCNE and Board sites.
Longwood clinical ecosystem
Simmons markets 850+ Boston-area clinical sites and names flagship partners such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, VA Boston Healthcare System, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute—confirm semester assignments with the clinical team.
Simulation & technology-forward labs
The Nursing Simulation Center (~11,000 sq. ft.) includes high-fidelity suites, home health/hospice simulation, advanced assessment labs, HoloAnatomy AR, and UbiSim VR scenarios referenced on Simmons nursing pages.
Dotson Bridge & Mentoring Program
Simmons runs the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program to support nursing students through mentorship, leadership training, and career counseling—particularly focused on expanding diversity in the nursing workforce.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program names below match Simmons’ public School of Nursing — Programs listing and linked academic program pages. Simmons separates pre-licensure (BSN, Direct Entry pre-RN phases), post-licensure completion (RN-to-BSN—check enrollment status), and graduate (MSN, DNP, certificates).
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN pathway)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Traditional BSN)
Four-year pre-licensure BSN with sequenced sciences and nursing courses; Simmons publishes a Fall 2025 sample sequence for new admits. Clinical experiences include Boston-area hospitals named on the Nursing (BSN) page (for example Brigham and Women’s, Beth Israel Deaconess, Boston Children’s, Massachusetts General). Transfer applicants may pursue a published 24-month nursing sequence when space is available.
Nursing + Nursing (4+1) and (4+2)
Combined pathways stacking BSN with MSN (4+1) or BSN with MSN and DNP (4+2) per Simmons program listings—intended for students planning graduate nursing study within Simmons’ structured dual-degree models.
Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (RN)
Graduate-level entry program for career changers culminating in RN licensure and MSN—Simmons notes full approval by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for the pre-licensure Direct Entry program on its Accreditation & Licensure page.
Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN + DNP)
Direct Entry DNP — FNP or PMHNP
Simmons lists Direct Entry DNP–FNP and Direct Entry DNP–PMHNP programs for students seeking the DNP with a defined NP population focus.
Direct Entry MSN with Post-Graduate Certificate (FNP or PMHNP)
Simmons offers paired MSN + post-graduate certificate tracks for Family NP and PMHNP—see program pages for scope and progression.
Post-licensure & graduate (RN or BSN required)
RN to BSN (Online)
As of this review, Simmons’ Nursing (RN to BSN): Online page states the program is not accepting students at this time—contact the School of Nursing for reopening or alternative pathways.
MSN for BSN holders (FNP) & Nursing@Simmons online MSN/DNP
On-campus/hybrid MSN–FNP for BSN-prepared RNs and Nursing@Simmons online programs including FNP, PMHNP, Leadership MSN, and online DNP—see Nursing@Simmons hubs for delivery, immersions, and start dates.
Always confirm active admission, pathway names, and prerequisite rules in the current Simmons catalog and program director communications—especially for combined degrees, Direct Entry sequencing, and online state authorization.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
According to Simmons University’s Accreditation and Licensure page, the school publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) candidates and for Direct Entry MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner) pre-licensure cohorts, alongside NCSBN national and NCLEX MA & jurisdiction average columns for the same calendar years.
Examples from the Simmons table (first-time test takers only): BSN pass rates of 90.15% (2022), 90.68% (2023), and 92.97% (2024); Direct Entry MSN (FNP) pass rates of 100.00% (2022), 86.67% (2023), and 96.88% (2024). The School of Nursing highlights page rounds the 2024 BSN outcome to 93% for marketing—both derive from the same Simmons reporting. Confirm the latest cohort with Simmons and the Board.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate — BSN | 92.97% (2024; first-time test takers only, per Simmons Accreditation & Licensure table) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate — Direct Entry MSN (FNP track, pre-RN phase) | 96.88% (2024; first-time test takers only, per same Simmons table) |
| Source (primary on this page) | Simmons University — Accreditation and Licensure (NCLEX-RN Licensure Exam tables) |
| Source (Board verification) | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing — compare Board-published program statistics when available. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing and Simmons University School of Nursing.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Simmons publishes international applicant guidance through its Undergraduate Admission & Financial Aid and Graduate hubs; Nursing@Simmons programs have additional documentation for online students. Internationally educated nurses must also meet Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing requirements for licensure by examination or endorsement. This checklist is guidance only—confirm details with Simmons and the Board.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo thresholds for degree admission.
- Transcript evaluation: WES or other evaluators as required for admissions and licensure.
- Massachusetts Board of Nursing: CGFNS, visa screening, or other steps for foreign-educated nurses.
- Clinical placement & visas: F-1 students must confirm clinical sequencing; online programs require review of state authorization lists.
Policies change frequently. This section is not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Pre-licensure BSN (first-year): Simmons uses a holistic review via the Common Application for first-year nursing applicants; see First-Year Applicants for materials and deadlines.
Transfer nursing: Simmons Nursing Program for Transfer Students describes a 24-month sequence for students with at least 53 transfer credits, space-available admission, and prerequisite science expectations (often >3.0 college/science GPA with prerequisites C+ or better—see page for details). Simmons is test optional; if you submit TEAS, competitive applicants often show ≥80% on each section.
Direct Entry & graduate nursing: Apply through Graduate Admission or Nursing@Simmons portals; online MSN programs use rolling admission with multiple start dates per program pages.
Application deadlines
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing | Use Simmons Application Deadlines — Undergraduate Students for first-year and transfer nursing deadlines. |
| Nursing@Simmons (example) | Online FNP page listed March 24, 2026 as final deadline for the May 2026 cohort—confirm current cohort deadlines on the program you choose. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed |
| TEAS / HESI | Test optional; TEAS optional with typical ≥80% per section if submitted (transfer nursing criteria page) |
| Typical GPA (transfer nursing) | Simmons cites admitted transfer students often exceeding 3.0 college/science GPA with prerequisite GPA >3.3 (see transfer nursing page) |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Simmons publishes Undergraduate Tuition & Fees with separate tables for non-nursing and nursing majors, including sample totals with housing and fees. Graduate nursing per-credit rates appear under Graduate Tuition & Fees — Nursing. Budget separately for clinical supplies, uniforms, background checks, and travel to clinical sites.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate nursing tuition (2026–2027) | $52,930 total for Fall 2026 + Spring 2027 ($26,465 per semester flat rate for 12–18 credits) per Simmons Tuition & Fees (Nursing) |
| Sample total expenses (on-campus nursing, 2026–2027) | Simmons lists an $78,181 estimated total line-item budget including tuition, housing/meal plan, activity fee, health & wellness fee, and health insurance in the same nursing table—review live figures for your scenario. |
| Graduate nursing (2026–2027) | Direct Entry programs: $1,415/credit; MSN–FNP (BSN holders): $1,288/credit; online MSN PMHNP, DNP, PGC: $1,288/credit; student fees $135–$185/semester depending on online vs on-campus (per Graduate Tuition & Fees — Nursing) |
| Source | Simmons — Undergraduate Tuition & Fees; Simmons — Graduate Tuition & Fees |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
NCLEX-RN: See the NCLEX section for Simmons-published 2024 first-time pass rates (BSN 92.97%; Direct Entry MSN–FNP pre-RN phase 96.88%). Confirm newer cohorts on the Accreditation & Licensure page and with the Massachusetts Board.
FNP board exams: Simmons’ School of Nursing highlights a 95% DE FNP national board pass rate figure on its main nursing page (marketing highlight—confirm methodology and year with the school). Nursing@Simmons FNP marketing cites 2023 first-time ANCC/AANP pass rates for combined on-campus and online graduates—see online FNP footnotes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate — BSN (Simmons table) | 92.97% (2024) |
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate — DE MSN FNP (Simmons table) | 96.88% (2024) |
| Sources | Simmons — Accreditation & Licensure; Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing |
Is Simmons University the Right Fit for You?
Simmons fits students seeking a private Boston nursing school with Longwood hospital access, CCNE-accredited breadth from BSN through DNP, and optional Nursing@Simmons online graduate tracks. Candidates should be comfortable with private tuition and, for pre-licensure paths, intensive clinical scheduling.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want flagship Boston hospitals and a large cited clinical site network for pre-licensure rotations.
- Plan a second-degree or Direct Entry pathway into nursing or advanced practice with structured Simmons sequencing.
- Need online MSN/DNP options with clinical placement support (Nursing@Simmons) while working as an RN.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require an active online RN-to-BSN program right now—Simmons has stated RN-BSN enrollment is paused (verify reopening).
- Need the lowest public in-state tuition—compare UMass and community college pathways after aid.
- Cannot attend weekday daytime courses for the campus BSN—Simmons notes nursing is primarily a daytime program.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Boston and the Longwood Medical Area host Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals, specialty cancer and pediatric centers, and community safety-net hospitals. Simmons explicitly ties its brand to proximity to Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, VA Boston, and Dana-Farber, among others.
Regional demand for RNs and advanced practice nurses remains strong, but hiring depends on specialty, experience, and market cycles—use Simmons Career Services and alumni networks for current insight.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts General Hospital · Brigham & Women’s Hospital | Named examples on Simmons School of Nursing clinical materials |
| Boston Children’s Hospital · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | Pediatric and oncology exposure cited by Simmons for clinical training |
| VA Boston Healthcare System | Highlighted among Simmons Boston-area training partners |
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Listed on Simmons BSN program page among clinical relationship examples |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Simmons’ Fenway campus connects students to Longwood institutions on foot or by transit. Nursing students use the Nursing Simulation Center (high-fidelity suites, VR, HoloAnatomy) before inpatient rotations. Student life includes NCAA Division III athletics, student organizations, and the Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program for nursing mentorship and leadership development.
Sigma Theta Tau and other professional activities are available for eligible nursing students—confirm chapter status and induction criteria in the nursing handbook.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus
- Boston, MA
- Address
- 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115, US
- Main telephone
- (617) 521-2000
- Undergraduate admission
- (617) 521-2051
- Graduate admission
- (617) 521-2915
- School of Nursing email
- son@simmons.edu
- Website
- simmons.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Save Simmons’ School of Nursing programs page and the Accreditation & Licensure NCLEX tables.
- Choose your pathway (first-year BSN, transfer, Direct Entry, or Nursing@Simmons) and open the matching How to Apply or Graduate How to Apply instructions.
- Build a budget from the 2026–2027 undergraduate and graduate tuition pages.
- If applying transfer nursing, map prerequisites to Simmons’ transfer nursing checklist.
- Email son@simmons.edu or attend a Simmons nursing event to confirm RN-to-BSN reopening if that pathway matters to you.
- Review Massachusetts Board resources for RN licensure steps after you choose a pre-licensure program.
- Compare Simmons’ published NCLEX table to any newer Board data before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing degrees does Simmons University School of Nursing offer?
Simmons lists Traditional BSN, combined BSN+MSN or BSN+MSN+DNP, Direct Entry MSN (RN), Direct Entry DNP (FNP or PMHNP), MSN for BSN holders, Nursing@Simmons online FNP, PMHNP, Leadership MSN, online DNP, and post-graduate certificates. The RN-to-BSN page has stated enrollment is not open—verify with the School of Nursing.
What are Simmons’ published first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates?
Simmons’ Accreditation & Licensure table shows 92.97% first-time pass for BSN candidates in 2024 and 96.88% for Direct Entry MSN (FNP) pre-licensure testers in 2024 (first-time testers only). Confirm newer years on the same page and with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
How much is Simmons nursing tuition in 2026–2027?
Undergraduate Nursing Tuition & Fees lists $52,930 total academic-year nursing tuition for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 and an $78,181 sample resident total including housing and fees. Graduate nursing lists $1,415/credit for Direct Entry programs and $1,288/credit for most MSN/DNP online tracks for 2026–2027—see Graduate Tuition & Fees.
Does Simmons require TEAS scores for nursing?
Simmons is test optional. The transfer nursing page states applicants who submit TEAS should typically have ≥80% on each section. Confirm whether you should submit scores for your applicant type.
Does Simmons accept transfer students into nursing?
Yes. Simmons publishes a transfer nursing pathway with prerequisites, GPA guidance, and a 24-month sequence—distinct from colleges that admit pre-licensure nursing only as first-year students.
Where do Simmons BSN students complete clinicals?
Simmons cites 850+ Boston-area sites and names hospitals such as Massachusetts General, Brigham and Women’s, Boston Children’s, VA Boston, and Dana-Farber. Assignments vary by term.
Is Simmons nursing CCNE-accredited?
Simmons states CCNE accreditation for its baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate FNP & PMHNP certificate programs, and Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing approval for the BSN and pre-licensure Direct Entry program.
Is Simmons’ online RN-to-BSN program open?
Simmons’ Nursing (RN to BSN): Online program page states the program is not accepting students at this time. Check with son@simmons.edu for updates.
Who do I contact at Simmons about nursing?
School of Nursing: son@simmons.edu · Main (617) 521-2000 · Undergraduate admission (617) 521-2051 · Graduate admission (617) 521-2915.
References
- Simmons University — School of Nursing (programs hub)simmons.edu/…/nursing-programs
- Simmons University — Accreditation and Licensure (NCLEX tables)simmons.edu/…/accreditation-and-licensure
- Simmons University — Nursing (BSN)simmons.edu/academics/programs/nursing-bsn
- Simmons University — Nursing Program for Transfer Studentssimmons.edu/…/nursing-program-transfer
- Simmons University — Nursing (RN to BSN): Online (enrollment status)simmons.edu/…/nursing-rn-bsn-online
- Simmons University — Undergraduate Tuition & Feessimmons.edu/…/tuition-and-fees
- Simmons University — Graduate Tuition & Fees (Nursing)simmons.edu/graduate/…/tuition-and-fees
- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursingmass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing
- Mass.gov — Nursing education programs (compliance & reports)mass.gov/guides/nursing-education-programs-compliance
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment with Simmons University School of Nursing program pages, the March 2026 undergraduate and graduate Tuition & Fees tables, the Accreditation & Licensure NCLEX data tables, CCNE accreditation statements, and Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing resources.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Published: March 24, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 24, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy