Simmons College vs Regis College Nurse Practitioner Program- BSN vs. no BSN

U.S.A. Massachusetts

Published

  1. NP Program Pick

    • 1
      Simmons College
    • 1
      Regis College

2 members have participated

Hello all!

I am contemplating between Regis and Simmons college for their respective NP programs. Both have their pros and cons and what is really worrying me is the fact that Simmons does not offter the BSN after completing that part of the curriculum (however Simmons is right in the city, very convenient, and with great resources); whereas Regis offers the BSN and more flexibility in their program (however Regis has had bad reviews regarding their faculty and the resources they have in the school). I'm hearing various comments about how complicated it may be to get an NP job without a BSN. Is this true? Would I be able to find an RN job during the NP portion of my studies without a BSN? Is there anyone that is a current Simmons nursing student that has seen a fellow peer get a job in the city working as an RN without a BSN? Anyone see an "X-factor" between the two programs that would make me choose Simmons over Regis (or vice versa)?

I'm still very indecisive on both of these programs but the main issue is that I am worrying about is the BSN predicament for furture nursing endeavors.

I would greatly appreciate the help with this decision!!

You can email me at [email protected] or leave a comment!

gregm890

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Fundamentals - I think this is a challenging class, especially if you have no prior medical experience as you need to learn terminology, the nursing role, skills and techniques, and basic patho. When I took it, they were trying a hybrid style course and from my perspective it just didn't work. They have since gone back to a regular classroom-based course and I haven't heard of similar problems since. Do the readings and ask questions if you don't understand; much of the NCLEX, as well as your future learning, comes right from Fundamentals.

Being a guy - I have had nothing but positive experiences from being male, both academically and clinically. I will say one thing: as a guy in nursing you have a little more control over your own destiny because you stick out of the pack. This can be an asset or a drawback depending on what you make of it. Faculty will know your name first and call on you in class, know your stuff and you are off to a great start, or stumble out of the blocks if you don't. Basically if you stick out and you are a good representation you are golden, if you stick out and are a poor representation then you have a uphill battle ahead. Overall,for me, being a guy at Simmons (and in nursing) has been a great thing.

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Hardest part - I can't really say any one semester was particularly bad, although like most things, it's all about managing expectations. The second summer semester was community, pedi, and maternity and I was expecting an easy summer for some reason and was drastically mistaken. That was a tough semester. Work really ramps up in your late second year as you move into grad work.

Clinical - I was very fortunate to have all excellent clinical instructors and placements. There are a few instructors that make lives difficult, especially in MS1 and MS2. Otherwise, clinic is a great place to learn and apply what you learn. Most staff nurses have welcomed Simmons students with open arms as Simmons has a great reputation for having prepared and engaged student s.

Hello de2013!

I have one question regarding any cases where you have seen people drop out of the direct entry program. Is there a huge percentage of people who decide to leave because of certain personal reasons or the "overwhelming academics"? Would you know of the percentage of the people in your cohort who decided to leave the program?

Thanks for your time,

Greg

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Sending you a private message.

shane,

the system will not let me send a private message!

no concerns just all out of curiosity! just seeing if stresses can compromise the work ethic involved during this track. i don't want to see myself falling back because of stress. i also wanted to see if there was even "slackers" in such an intensive grad program. now finishing college, i have noticed that it is "hard to fail" and yet "hard to get an a" if you put in the work ethic involved especially with schools known for grade deflation. personally, (if i may ask) do you find it "hard to fail" and "hard to an an a" in class? are there times where you put in so much work and ending up getting a disappointing grade? it has happened to me just a few times in college, and i was wondering if this is typical in this grad program.

thanks so much!

greg

From de 2013 to BostonFNP, I see! Congrats with how far you have made it thus far!

Like what you mentioned, this past year and a half have been much work, but I am grateful with the experiences I have had and glad that I have most of my pre-RN material under my belt. Taking the boards in January!

How has things been with you post-NP school? Have you found a job suitable to what you wanted to focus on? Hope things are great post-NP school! Hard work pays off!

Greg

I don't understand. You can start the Simmons np program with an rn associate degree this means? Someone please explain. Also how long does the program take?

@Bronze 2. Simmons now offers a online or on campus ADN to FNP. This program is brand new and they are now accepting applications for both. The online program is 2.5 years at fulltime, and the part time program is 9 month longer. you do not need a previous BSN degree in nursing or any other study to apply. only the ADN.

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