Simmons University School of Nursing FNP online program

[TashaLPN2006RN2012]

Here is some information I found about Simmons from my research:

The only states not approved are North Carolina, Tennessee, New York, and Delaware - but they are actively working with these states to gain state board approval.

The campus-based program has a 100% pass rate on the certification exam, this year is the first year they have offered the online program so no pass rate from that yet given, although the courses are taught by some of the same professors who teach the in-person courses.

Set up is the same as Georgetown University (they utilize the same online program for their school with the weekly courses live online, and the pre-recorded lectures and videos to watch on your own time)

18 months full time, 14wk terms with 2-3 wk break between each term, ONE campus visit required for skills assessment. 24mo part time, everything else the same as full time.

Admission Requirements:

The Nursing@Simmons application requires applicants to have or submit the following:

Bachelor's degree from a U.S. Department of Education and NLNAC or CCNE- accredited institution.

Current U.S. Registered Nurse (R.N.) license, and have successfully completed (83 or better) a three-credit course in statistics and health assessment.

Current resume.

One- to two-page personal statement that describes your academic interests, your relevant clinical experience, and your reasons for pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing.

Transcript(s) of your academic record (see below).

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if your native language is not English. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences TOEFL code is 3761.

The General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but if you feel GRE scores will strengthen your application, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 855-461-SIMM (855-461-7466).

3 Letters of Recommendation From:

A clinical supervisor or nurse manager who has direct knowledge of your work in the clinical setting.

A professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can provide a meaningful assessment of your academic record.

A practicing clinical nursing professional who has served as a mentor.

Transcripts

Sealed official academic transcripts must be received by mail from all postsecondary institutions you have attended, even if a degree was not obtained, including community colleges.

Applicants who studied outside of the United States must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree. All coursework from non-U.S. institutions must be evaluated by World Education Services.

Please have official transcripts and other official application materials mailed to:

Application Processing Services
Nursing@Simmons Admissions
7900 Harkins Road, Suite 501
Lanham, MD 20706

Tuition

Nursing@Simmons tuition is $1,385 per credit hour for students starting in the 2018-2019 academic year. (Tuition increasing in 2020 to $1,410.) Students will complete a total of 48 credit hours. A moderate increase in tuition should be expected each academic year. Tuition includes simulations, assessments, technology platform licensing and support. Tuition does not include the cost of books and a $100 student fee per term.

Personal Notes

They have been the NICEST admissions reps, not overly pushy, and very thorough with helping me get all my information incorrectly. I applied to Georgetown first, and they too were nice, but since submitting my app, I can't seem to get anyone to reply to me and I still do not have a decision yet. The University of Cincinnati is not good about getting back to you via phone but do usually get a response within 2-3 days to my questions. Of the three I'm honestly now more impressed with Simmons than any of the others, so I'm hoping in the next couple of weeks to get an acceptance. I really wanted GU, but Simmons is almost $40K cheaper for the same type of set up.

Hope this helps some others with their lists of schools they want to go to! ?

More info

Simmons University School of Nursing | Accredited Nursing Universities

Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program | Simmons University

[TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN]

nursebunney said:

I'm in the process of applying to Simmons. Anyone able to give me some guidance as to what is to be stated in my statement paper? I know, that sounds funny. Honestly, I'm not a creative writer. I wrote paper after paper during my online BSN, but I didn't have to be creative and sell myself. What does admissions want ? Any ideas? I have worked in a physician's office for 19 years. I am an oncology nurse. I am very familiar with the OP setting, insurance, cpt codes, gosh....the whole thing.So my thought is to be able to show that although I've worked oncology I am knowledgeable about the office setting, insurance quidelines, flow, etc. Also, for those currently enrolled- I am a single mom and work FT M-F. I plan to attend PT. Are there papers due every week? They can be incredibly time consuming. If each class has one each week.....urgh! Thanks for any and all input ?

The statement is a reflection of your nursing career, why you would be a good canidate for Simmons FNP, and how you will make a good FNP...there are specific areas to cover in the personal statement (I think it's listed with the application what you are supposed to write about)...personally i do not think having insurance/cpt codes is what is going to make you a great FNP! ? You should focus on your accomplishments in nursing, skills, and why you desire to become an FNP. Also talk with the admission rep if you are having difficulty they are there to help you. I think you will do fine and all will be well. Just take the time to contemplate why this degree and career change is so important to you, your family and your future patients....

Example: Mine focused on my 8 yrs of nursing experience moving from state to state with my husband when he was in the Army...after he was injured during a deployment it was an NP that finally diagnosed him with PTSD/TBI after physicians brushed off his symptoms/complaints. This gave me a deep desire to work with wounded vets and/or their families upon graduation due to the severe lack of continuity of care in that patient population. I commented on the different settings throughout the years as an LPN, then RN, then BSN RN and how my desire for more knowledge has been evident over the past 8 yrs. I chose simmons because I wanted to be a proud graduate knowing i obtained a degree and skill set taught by such a prestigious college.

My paper was a little over 3 pages, but they accepted it. I found out I was accepted within 30 days of applying. Good luck!

[KylieARN]

I will be in the Jan'15 class too! I would love to get a Facebook group going for our group if anyone is interested!

[nursebunney, BSN, RN]

Hi Tasha,

I submitted my application to Simmons. I'm being optimistic about being accepted;however, I'm trying to tell myself if I dont get accepted there are other schools. My ADN grades (from 23 years ago) are not great although my BSN GPA is 3.85. In my Statement of Purpose I did address my getting myself pulled over the years.Too bad I didn't know what I know now, about the importance of maintaining good grades. Anyway, thank you for your input. My acceptance is in the hands of fate. BTW I assume you still are happy with your decision to attend Simmons? How much time per week do you spend on course work?

[phong.nguyen]

I am in the May 2014 FNP cohort, and all i can say is Simmons College has one of the best FNP programs out there. There are mandatory live sessions that you have to attend, and the technology platform is simply state-of-the-art. It allows you to see and to communicate with your classmates and instructor without you having to leave your home. I have Dr. Vecchio-Gilbert for my Advanced Health Assessment course, and she is simply amazing. The course work is very demanding and I generally spend around 30 hours/week to read. You need to stay pro-active otherwise you will fall behind easily.

I know many of you are concerned about the tuition cost and it is understandable. I was concerned as well but I do not regret my decision to attend Simmons, its worth every penny. But like other programs out there, ultimately its the student's responsibility to meet the rigorous standard the program demands.

[nursebunney, BSN, RN]

Hello Phong,

If you're spending 30/week on reading alone, how many additional school-related hours are you spending each week? 30 hours seems daunting.

[PA_RN87, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I'm in the process of applying to both Georgetown and Simmons. A few things worry me about my application:

1. I only have 1.5 years experience, and it's all in the hospital. The application has a whole section for clinic experience. Is that going to be a huge setback?

2. The CV. I work on a medical-oncology unit, and only have my BLS cert at this time. I don't have a lot of other extras. Is this going to be a huge setback?

3. I haven't shadowed any FNP, but I do have an MD from the hospital that is more than happy to write me a recommendation. Again, is this a huge setback?

[adventure780, BSN, MSN, RN, APN]

hospital experience is a plus and decent gpa and recommendations always help, just keep faith and try your best!

[phong.nguyen]

I enrolled full-time so I generally spend 30 hours/week reading and another 5-10 hours on doing research and group project. If you enroll part-time then it would take less time. For instance, Advanced Health Assessment generally requires 150-200 pages of reading per week, group project presentation every week, SOAP note every 2 weeks, quizzes and exams every 2 weeks. Its a demanding course, but it really prepares me for my clinical rotation starting in Jan 2015.

[nursebunney, BSN, RN]

So every week there is a group presentation? Instead of maybe a group paper? I had plenty of group papers during my online BSN program. I wasn't so fond of those because I found myself taking the lead too often and getting dumped on at the end. Are the quizzes difficult or do you feel prepared to take them as long as you've studied the required material? Wishing you luck during clinicals. :-)

[RN_Gabriella]

Just found out yesterday I was accepted to Simmons for the January 15' cohort, have to take a patho class first since I never have taken chemistry!!! Any one use an apple computer and is there any trouble with having everything work well? Thanks!!!!

[phong.nguyen]

Congratz RN_Garbiella! I do use IMac and I have no problem techonology difficulties at all. They did not require me to take Patho but I heard it was a good knowledge refresher.

[Oskeyt, BSN, RN]

I was just accepted to Simmons FNP program to start Jan '15. Everyone's comments have made me feel good about this school and the FNP program. I'll try not to stress about the tuition. I was hoping to hear from GU but I don't want to miss out on a great opportunity with a great school so i am going to accept the offer tomorrow.

Congratulations to everyone who got in!