Simmons Direct Entry 2019

I was also accepted at Simmons and BC, as well as Regis and UMass Med. My top two choices are UMass Med and Simmons over BC because of the same reason as @irunoncaffeine715 stated above. UMass and Simmons both encourage you gaining RN experience as you work through the NP portion. UMass actually requires you to work 1,000 hrs as an RN in order to graduate from its direct-entry DNP program. All of the NPs and hiring nursing leaders I have spoken to in the field I want to go into have unanimously said they will not hire a new NP without any RN experience. So for me, a program that allows me to work as an RN before graduating as an NP is the best fit. So I will be going to UMass (Simmons was my other top choice, but it is much pricier even with the scholarship).

Thanks for your input irunoncaffeine and meilia.

So, BC would probably end up being at least 3 years for me because anyone accepted for this fall's cohort will be able to transition into their new direct entry DNP program. I'm not positive if they require RN experience for the DNP option that's just starting though.

Simmons and UMASS do both appeal to me because of the RN experience. The thing is though that Simmons is only FNP, and I really don't have an interest in working with kids, just adults, especially women. I had an interview with UMass which I think went well-if I get in, I'd love to go, but Worcester is a bit farther out than I would have wanted.

21 minutes ago, daisychains11 said:

Thanks for your input irunoncaffeine and meilia.

So, BC would probably end up being at least 3 years for me because anyone accepted for this fall's cohort will be able to transition into their new direct entry DNP program. I'm not positive if they require RN experience for the DNP option that's just starting though.

Simmons and UMASS do both appeal to me because of the RN experience. The thing is though that Simmons is only FNP, and I really don't have an interest in working with kids, just adults, especially women. I had an interview with UMass which I think went well-if I get in, I'd love to go, but Worcester is a bit farther out than I would have wanted.

I'm more interested in the acute care track, which isn't offer by BC or Simmons. Also, UMass has the cancer care and palliative care subspecialties students can opt to do, which are the areas I plan to work in after graduating.

I am interested in this program, what was everyones background before this program? what did you have to complete to apply? Im looking into direct entry programs as well as ABSN programs in MA

On 2/19/2019 at 1:10 PM, Cecelia12 said:

I am interested in this program, what was everyones background before this program? what did you have to complete to apply? Im looking into direct entry programs as well as ABSN programs in MA

@cecilia12 I majored in psychology as an undergrad student, minored in biology and chemistry. I was torn between PA, NP, and MD school. I took almost every prerequisite imaginable - both gen chems, both organic chems, both physics, and too many biology classes to count. I knew I wanted to be in the provider role rather than bedside. ABSN and NP are completely different roles. If you are interested in having the autonomy to diagnose patients and provide primary care, you will not be happy as an RN. On the contrary, if you are interested in bedside nursing and a more caretaking role in a hospital setting, NP probably isn’t for you. Simmons in particular is family nurse practitioner ONLY. So if you want to work as a hospitalist, you need to look at schools that have the acute track. Also, bear in mind, federal loans have a cap for undergraduate degrees. I had already met that cap with my first bachelors so any programs issuing a second bachelors (including NP programs like northeastern where you receive both a bachelors AND masters in nursing) were not feasible options for me because I would not qualify for federal loans (cap is 30k). These are all things to consider.

I'm trying to get into Nursing@Simmons. I called my advisor today and asked for an update. She said she didn't know yet BUTTT she asked me that if I got accepted would I have the $650 ready. I of course stated yes. Hopefully that's a good sign!

@Goldenrod are you on the waitlist, and which advisor did you call? I'm on the waitlist so Hopefully I can get in at some point.

1 hour ago, GigiFNP said:

@Goldenrod are you on the waitlist, and which advisor did you call? I'm on the waitlist so Hopefully I can get in at some point.

Well this isn't direct entry. It's the RN-MSN online FNP program.

I will be declining my offer to Simmons. Good luck to all those on the waitlist.

Has anyone else received their complete financial aid package? I received a scholarship letter but nothing since then

I just officially gave up my spot and scholarship today - hopefully this can help someone on the waitlist! Good luck!

I got accepted but live in California. I’m torn between doing an ABSN or doing the Direct Entry. I feel like everyone’s declining their admission and I haven’t read too many good reviews about Simmons. I wonder how many people applied. So financial aid won’t cover this program since it’s a BSN and Master’s combined, even though it is ultimately a Graduate degree that we’re earning. Decisions decisions...