University Programs

The university offers a variety of programs, including:

• Online Bachelor's Degrees
  • Admission
    • Application Requirements
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Transfer Credits
    • Financial Aid FAQ
  • Experience
  • Applied Psychology (BA)
    • Curriculum
  • Business and Management (BSBA)
    • Curriculum
  • Computer Science (BS)
    • Curriculum
    • What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?
  • General Studies (BA)
    • Curriculum
  • Health Care Policy and Management (BS)
    • Curriculum
  • Human Services (BS)
    • Curriculum
  • Public Health (BS)
    • Curriculum
  • Social Work (BSW)
    • Curriculum
• Online Master's Degrees
  • Behavior Analysis (MS)
    • Admission
    • Curriculum Degree Requirements
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Leadership & Faculty
    • Career Services
    • What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?
  • Library and Information Science (MS)
  • Nursing (MSN-FNP)
    • Admission
    • Curriculum & In-Person Experiences
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Leadership & Faculty
    • What is an FNP?
  • Nursing (MSN – PMHNP)
    • Admission
    • Events
    • Tuition and Financial Aid
    • Leadership & Faculty
    • Course Sequence Page
    • Course Description
    • Curriculum & In-Person Experiences
  • Leadership (MSN)
    • Admissions
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Nutrition and Health Promotion (MS)
  • Public Health (MPH)
  • Social Work (MSW)
    • Admission
    • Curriculum & In-Person Experiences
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Leadership & Faculty
    • Careers
• Online Doctorate Degrees
  • Behavior Analysis (PhD)
  • Nursing (BSN to DNP) (MSN to DNP)
    • Admission
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Leadership & Faculty
  • Social Work (DSW)
    • Admission
    • Curriculum
    • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Leadership & Faculty

Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program

Prepare to advance as a practitioner and grow as a nurse leader with Simmons University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program.

Quality Accreditation

• A coeducational, CCNE-accredited Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program for RNs with a bachelor's degree.
• Flexible scheduling — This program is available on a full-time track (6 terms) or part-time track (8 terms).
• Clinical placements — Students partner with a clinical placement specialist to find clinical sites and preceptors near their communities for rotations.

Earn Your MSN Online and Become an FNP

Empowering and educating nurses since 1902, Simmons University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program that extends our esteemed Boston-based FNP program to students across the country through a dynamic, online learning platform.

Nursing Expertise

Nursing@Simmons prepares nurses with the solid knowledge base, comprehension, and clinical expertise required to practice as FNPs. Our program helps students broaden their scope of practice, provide holistic care to patients across the life span, and work in diverse clinical environments such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community health centers.

Advanced Practice

As family nurse practitioners, graduates will be prepared to:

• Initiate and manage patients' treatment plans.
• Provide diagnoses and prescribe medication.
• Focus on disease prevention and health management.
• Improve the lives of patients and communities through health promotion.

Demand for FNPs

By becoming an FNP, nurses may increase their earning potential in a field that the Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected to grow 45% between 2022 and 2032. Nurses can also gain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction by expanding their scope of practice in a role that is consistently ranked as the best job in healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Is FNP-BC?
  • FNP-BC is a credential awarded to FNPs when they earn board certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) — BC stands for "board certified." To become a certified FNP, candidates have to hold an RN license, an MSN degree, and must pass a computer-based board certification exam. The FNP certification lasts for five years.
• How Do You Become a Family Nurse Practitioner?
  • To become an FNP, you need specialized graduate-level education and training, and post-graduation board certification. To apply to Simmons' MSN – FNP program, you will need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, and a U.S. registered nurse (RN) license. View the complete list of application requirements for our MSN – FNP program.
• What Is an FNP?
  • A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who provides care to families across the lifespan — from infants to adults.
• What Do Family Nurse Practitioners Do?
  • Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide care to patients across the life span and work in diverse settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, or community health centers. They are responsible for managing patients' treatment plans, providing diagnoses and prescribing medications, and focusing on disease prevention and health management.
• Is FNP Better Than NP?
  • This depends on the population you want to serve. A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who works within a specific specialty in the medical field, such as pediatrics, geriatrics, or women's health. A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a type of NP who specializes in family medicine and provides care for patients of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
• Which Is Better: FNP or PNP?
  • Both FNPs and PNPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who hold board-certified specializations. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) provide care to families across the life span — from infants to adults. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) provide care to newborns, adolescents, and young adults.
• Are FNPs in Demand?
  • Yes, FNPs are in demand. They can help meet the health needs of patients across the life span. In August 2024, the U.S. News & World Report named nurse practitioner the nation's No. 1 best job. Plus, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45% between 2022 and 2032.
• How Competitive Is the FNP Salary?
  • FNPs hold an advanced level of clinical knowledge and expertise, with earning potential to match. The median salary of an NP is US$128,490. You can meet the critical needs of all patient populations and advance in your career by earning an MSN from Simmons to become an FNP.

Simmons University

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Overview:

Simmons University is a private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on women's leadership and its commitment to social justice. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including online options, and is recognized for its real-world learning opportunities and integrated career advising.

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Services Offered:

Simmons University provides a variety of services to its students, including:

Academic Advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Campus Dining:

A variety of dining options on campus.

Community Engagement:

Opportunities for students to engage in social justice initiatives and community service.

Student Support & Resources:

A range of resources to support student success, including academic support, counseling, and health services.

Library:

Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources.

Athletics:

A variety of athletic programs and opportunities for students to participate in sports.

Events:

A calendar of events and activities for students to participate in.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Simmons University offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can expect:

A small college feel:

A close-knit campus community with a focus on student support and engagement.

A dynamic city location:

Located in the heart of Boston, students have access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Real-world learning opportunities:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

A commitment to inclusivity:

A welcoming and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Real-world learning:

Students gain practical experience through internships, research, and creative projects.

Integrated career advising:

Customized support throughout the academic journey, from first-year advising to career guidance.

Accelerated graduate programs:

Shorten the time to a graduate degree with accelerated undergraduate to graduate programs.

Location in Boston:

Access to a wealth of cultural, historical, and professional opportunities.

Commitment to social justice:

A focus on women's leadership and social justice initiatives.

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Academic Programs:

Simmons University offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate programs:

A variety of majors and minors in fields such as business, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Graduate programs:

Master's and doctoral programs in fields such as business, education, health sciences, law, and social work.

Online programs:

A range of online undergraduate and graduate programs for adult learners.

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Other:

Simmons University has been recognized with the 2024 Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, which acknowledges its commitment to leadership and the collective public good. The university also has a strong alumni network and offers a variety of resources for alumni to stay connected.