Simmons University

What you'll study

The programme builds advanced nursing knowledge across core graduate-level subjects and offers focused pathways in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Core modules typically cover advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology, evidence-based practice, health systems and policy, research methods, and leadership and organisational behaviour in healthcare.

Students then follow a concentration-specific curriculum. In the Nursing Administration track, expect modules in healthcare finance and budgeting, quality improvement and patient safety, strategic management, workforce planning and human resources, and applied leadership practicum. The Nursing Research pathway emphasises research design, biostatistics, qualitative methods, grant writing, and a research practicum or thesis project that applies methods to a clinical or systems question. The Clinical Nursing route focuses on advanced assessment and diagnostic reasoning, care coordination, speciality practicum placements, clinical decision-making and integration of evidence into complex patient care.

The programme combines seminars, case-based learning and simulation with supervised clinical placements in partner hospitals and community settings. Students complete a culminating scholarly project or capstone that integrates practice, administration or research learning, and many programmes provide a choice between a practice-focused capstone and a research thesis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent degree and hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the United States. Candidates without a BSN may be considered if they hold an accredited nursing diploma plus significant professional experience and meet any bridge or prerequisite coursework requirements.

Typical application materials include an official transcript, current RN licence documentation, a résumé or CV demonstrating clinical experience, a personal statement outlining professional goals and chosen concentration, academic or professional references, and evidence of practicum readiness (immunisations, background check and any required health documentation). Some concentrations may recommend or require a minimum level of clinical experience in the specialty area. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and have their credentials evaluated according to university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of advanced roles across healthcare settings. Common career pathways include:

• Nursing Administration: nurse manager, director of nursing, quality improvement leader, clinical operations manager or senior administrator within hospitals, community health organisations or long-term care.
• Nursing Research: research coordinator, clinical trials manager, research nurse, or roles in academic research centres and health services research organisations, often progressing to doctoral study.
• Clinical Nursing: advanced practice positions in specialty areas, clinical nurse specialist roles, care-coordination lead, and advanced clinician roles in acute, ambulatory or community settings.

Across tracks, the degree supports roles that require advanced critical thinking, policy engagement, interprofessional leadership and the ability to implement evidence-based improvements to patient care and service delivery.

Why study at Simmons University

Simmons University’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences is located in Boston, a major centre for healthcare, research and clinical partnerships. Students benefit from close links with hospitals, community health providers and research centres in the region, which support practicum placements and applied projects.

The school emphasises personalised learning with relatively small cohort sizes, access to clinical simulation facilities and interprofessional education with related health programmes. Faculty combine clinical experience and research expertise, supporting students in translating evidence into practice. The programme also offers flexible delivery options where available, including part-time and blended learning pathways, to accommodate practicing nurses balancing work and study.