Simmons vs Northeastern vs MGH direct-entry nursing fall 2015 start

BlackSkimmer · Dec 31, 2014

I've applied to BC, Simmons, and MGH. At first, BC was my first choice because it's shorter (2 years as opposed to 3). Then, I liked Simmons best because I heard great things about how competent students are in clinicals and because I decided 3 years with some time off now and then sounded better than 2 insane years of total intensity. Then, I got excited about MGH because they seem to be doing the most work around cultural competence and meeting the healthcare needs of underserved populations, which is my passion. So, now it's a draw. BC and Simmons still edge out MGH, but not by much. I suppose I should visit and use my gut. My choice will also be influenced by whether I hear from BC first--they tend to require a decision before you've heard back from other schools, according to what I've read on other threads. Tough choices!

DYS NP · Jan 1, 2015

I applied to Simmons and NE, and will apply to Regis this month (my 3rd choice mainly because of the hassle of arranging my own clinicals). I was planning to apply to MGH and went to an information session, but left un-wowed. It's been a separate entity from MGH since 1985. An admissions rep spent the first 20 minutes pushing their [expensive] online prereqs. I just kept hearing cash registers in the background during the entire session. Its NCLEX pass rate is slightly below the national average. Conversely, Simmons has a 95% pass rate for first-time takers and 100% for accelerated program students. I like that Northeastern awards a BSN, so I can apply for undergraduate financial aid for the first 16 months of the program. Simmons is my hands-down favorite after visiting, but I'm not sure I can afford it.

Does anyone know when Simmons or NE let applicants know whether they've been accepted? The deadline was 12/1 for both.

lavender19 · Jan 5, 2015

Hi Ashley,

I am currently a direct entry student at Simmons. It looks like everything you wrote seems good, just make sure you have a strong personal statement. Simmons does not look at the GRE. I'll tell you my experience from the program so far. Personally, I'm glad I chose Simmons. But, every school has its pros/cons. Clinical placements are good (but make sure you turn in your clinical preferences early, as it's first come first serve regarding location). I feel that the labs at Simmons and professors really try to prepare you in the clinical setting. I had no patient contact experience and now I feel a lot more competent. If you choose Simmons, I advise you to get Pearson study guides and an NCLEX books from Saunders (you will find these books very helpful because they teach you how to take NCLEX style exams). The text books did not help me much, but I would use them occasionally. The tests are all NCLEX style. Simmons is known for a high NCLEX pass rate and at the end of your first year you get a two week prep course to prepare for the NCLEX. While the professors did a good job for the most part, I did have to teach myself a lot as well. Simmons does not spoon feed you the material. You have to work hard to do well. Lectures are mostly powerpoints. It's also very expensive, but I think well worth it in the long run. Also, I would shadow a Nurse Practitioner (an FNP if you can, since that's the only specialty at Simmons). I also shadowed a PA, but never mentioned that in my application. The NP role is different and shadowing one clearly indicates that you are interested in nursing, not PA school. I also advise you not to work, unless you're very good with time management. If you have to work, try to find a job where you can work and study at the same time. The program is very demanding. Anyhow, best of luck and I hope that you find this information helpful :)

bostonnrshpfl · Jan 6, 2015

Hi @Ashley313! I looked at all of those schools too when applying. Of the 3 I would say Simmons was my favorite because they have a solid program that has been around for a long time (they told me >100 years at the info session!) and good clinical placements. My second choice of the three would be MGH, and then Northeastern. I read a lot on here about the drawbacks of the online classes at Northeastern- plus if you're doing NP you're only guaranteed the NP in management track (for the hybrid program anyway).

Sounds like you have a very solid background, good luck!

mac345 · Jan 6, 2015

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to give a little info on Northeastern. As a warning, there are some positives but the program is extremely disorganized - to the point where you will be more stressed out regarding the actual administrative problems than the work itself. Considering the amount of money the program costs you are better off going somewhere else. Plus â€“ as far as the NP part, there are no guarantees that you will be let in, even though they will tell you otherwise in order to get your business.

DYS NP · Jan 7, 2015

Hi mac,

I'm a little confused by your post; were you accepted into the Northeastern direct-entry NP program and had the acceptance withdrawn, or are you currently in the program and find it disorganized?

mac345 · Jan 7, 2015

I'm currently in the program. I know that no program is perfect, but it has been very stressful. I can't speak for everyone but a large amount of students are very disappointed with the way the program is currently run. Maybe they will figure things out and the cohorts going forward will have better experiences, but I feel as though people should be a lot more careful when looking into the program and ask a lot of questions!!!

DYS NP · Jan 7, 2015

Hi Mac, are you refering to the hybrid program (looking at your 2014 post)? I'm wondering if they're still working the kinks out as the program's fairly new? It would be very convenient to me since I live near Burlington and have 3 kids, and the online portion would be, in some ways, less stressful. Sounds like no, though? : (

I applied to the regular program but would consider the hybrid if not accepted. Also applied to Simmons and will apply to Regis for Feb 1. I wish the student feedback on all 3 were consistent--this is so hard! Thanks for the insight.

DYS NP · Jan 7, 2015

By "regular" I mean Northeastern's traditional Boston campus direct-entry NP program.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2015

I think the OP is referring to the undergraduate, entry-level nursing programs.

All three are excellent, all will give you opportunities for good cultural nursing content, all three will give you good background / creds for grad school application. All three are easily accessible on public transportation and in the heart of the city; all three have access to some awesome clinical placement opportunities. When I was an undergrad in Boston we also had Boston University, but they're gone now . BU had the best caps :), not that it's a deal breaker since nobody wears caps anymore.

I'd see where you get in and then look at the money-- grants, aid, loans, work-study. If that's not an issue for you, well, hooray!

Welcome to Boston!

Niandra · Jan 7, 2015

The main thing that irks me about Simmons is that they don't give a BSN in addition to the MSN.

That said, my friend who is in the Simmons direct entry MSN program has really liked it for the most part. Her clinical rotations have been really great (Children's Hospital, BMC, etc). It's been a lot of work though! They also have some annoying course aspects like having to practice on this robot doll things that simulate actual bedside experience (eg: baby dolls that turn blue if they're not getting enough Oxygen and you have to figure out why).

Northeastern sounded like a mess. I don't have any direct experience with them. I've also heard MGH isn't that great. Nurses I worked with when I was a CNA recommended UMass schools over MGH.