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
zmansc, ASN, RN
867 Posts
I'd start networking then. Your app will be better if you have NPs write your recommendations, but in addition to that you will need NPs for your clinicals, so you might as well start building that network of NPs that know you and are willing to help you now.