Samuel Merritt College, originally founded in 1909, is a fully accredited health sciences institution located in Oakland, California. Samuel Merritt offers degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physician assisant, and podiatric medicine. Samuel Merritt College is an affiliate of Sutter Health and Alta Bates-Summit Medical Center.
- In the past decade, Samuel Merritt College added five new programs.
- Student enrollment is nearly 1,200, with campuses in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo. Students represent all ages, ethnicities and geographical regions.
- Samuel Merritt has a strong reputation for personalized instruction because of its outstanding faculty, who bring impressive academic and clinical backgrounds to life-long learning, and a deep commitment to students and to the community.
- Samuel Merritt is the largest source of nurses and the only provider of physical and occupational therapists, physician assistants, and podiatrists in the greater East Bay.
- Because of Samuel Merritt's academic excellence, its graduates are heavily recruited, and have one of the highest rates of employment within one year of graduation.
- Samuel Merritt College graduates' passing scores on licensure and certification exams exceed national rates.
Samuel Merritt College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). WASC is located at 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; phone 510. 748.9001.
You can see more about the College's accreditation at our main Accreditation page.
Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
Samuel Merritt College educates students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities.
Vision
Samuel Merritt College will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The College will select and support students who will flourish in its rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certification examination on first attempt.
Values
At Samuel Merritt College we value . . .
• A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately.
• A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity.
• A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community.
• An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly.
• A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service.