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
1 Article; 1,715 Posts
I got a 3.03 for my AAS (although that's just on my transcript for EC and what they took as credit) I went to 4 different colleges over the years working towards my RN degree. My LPN transcrip (though doubt they really look was a 3.4), my sciences GPA if I counted it correctly was a 3.4, and my BSN right now is a 3.7. I'm not exactly sure how they do all that. I got all A's for BSN except for a B in profession transitions and a C in statistics. I've got an A right now in capstone with 6 wks left in the term, so that should bump me to a 3.8 for BSN *i think*. my exams were all B's and a few C's for my AAS because of the exams so I totally understand that.
I live in Jacksonville, FL now. Hubby is a medically retired Veteran, he was injured in Iraq 6 years ago. So we decided to come here since I was so sick of living up north in the cold! =) I've only done Case Management as an RN for the past 14mo, but have 6 yrs as an LPN where I've worked in primary care, TBI/Neurology, med-surg, home health and long term/rehab. I tried to do my video essay and goal statement highlighting all the different areas and how my nursing career has grown with me since I was 18 (worked as CNA, then LPN, then RN, etc) and how I really want to work with the Veteran population and/or active duty and their families the most as an FNP because continuity of care is so rare in the military.
The only thing I really worry the most about is no lab credits with A&P and Micro. I also took Patho exam and got a B. if that hurts me well then so be it. I already know if I do not get accepted into one of these three schools I"m most def. doing Western Governers University for education, especially since I can get student loans paid back in FL for teaching. I do not mind teaching at all, but my heart is set on being an FNP! =)