Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Admission Requirements

Samuel Merritt University welcomes the opportunity to help you learn more about our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.   The ABSN program is offered on our campuses in Oakland (May), Sacramento (January), San Francisco (November and April) and San Mateo (January and June).  The ABSN program requires a previous baccalaureate in a non-nursing field.

Learn more about the ABSN program:

Virtual Drop-In Counseling
Virtual Drop Ins have been discontinued temporarily. We hope to have them up and running again by September 15th.

Drop-In Counseling (Oakland only)
If you have a quick question or just need to know one or two things, drop-in counseling may be perfect for your busy schedule. No appointment is needed. Drop-in counseling is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. These are brief visits designed to provide you with some quick information.  Drop-in counseling is not available during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's.

Counseling Appointments
Counseling appointments are regularly available on our campuses in Sacramento and Oakland and occasionally available in San Francisco and San Mateo.  Appointments are available weekdays, during regular business hours. Please call 510.869.6576 to schedule your counseling appointment.  These appointments are usually 30-45 minutes in length and the main purpose is to review your transcripts for required prerequisites.  Please bring unofficial or official transcripts with you to the appointment. 

Admission Overview Sessions, ABSN and ELMSN programs
We offer regular admission overview sessions that include information on admission requirements, prerequisites and the application process. You may bring copies of all college level transcripts with you to be left with an Admission Counselor who will check them for the required prerequisites and get back to you in 5-10 working days. For the schedule of sessions, please view our event listing.

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2010 ABSN Incoming Student Profile as of August 6,2010

Admission Application

IMPORTANT CHANGE : Effective spring 2011 admission cycle!  Samuel Merritt University participates in the Nursing Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) and all applications must be submitted through NursingCAS.  Please note that all supporting documentation (including non-refundable application fee, transcripts and letters of reference) are no longer sent to Samuel Merritt University, but are sent directly to NursingCAS.

For more information on applying for admission to SMU with the NursingCAS application: Applying through NursingCAS
For the NursingCAS application:  http://portal.nursingcas.org
For general information on NursingCAS: http://nursingcas.org      

Application Deadlines

*Please submit only ONE application for your first choice campus if applying for the spring or summer ABSN admission cycle.

** Prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application, but must be completed at the end of the specified semester as indicated above.  This applies to all courses, campus based, self-paced or independent study. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Completion of baccalaureate and all prerequisites by the designated prerequisite deadline for the term for which you are applying from a regionally accredited institution.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units
• Minimum science GPA (science prerequisites only) of 3.0 or higher
• Letters of reference - Two letters are required and should address academic preparedness for study in an intensive program and potential as a nurse. Suggested references are professors, supervisors, or health care professionals (strongly preferred) who know you well through volunteer or paid work experiences. All letters of reference are submitted through NursingCAS and must come directly from your reference.
• Writing Sample - please adhere to the guidelines set within the NursingCAS application.
• Basic computer word processing skills
• CPR - certification at the healthcare provider level, earned prior to the start of classes from the American Heart Association, www.americanheart.org.
• If you have attended a nursing program at another college or university, a statement explaining your reasons for seeking a transfer will be required. Additionally, a letter from the Dean or Director of your nursing program indicating that you are in good standing and eligible for continued enrollment in the nursing program will be required. This letter should be sent directly to Samuel Merritt and not to Nursing CAS. 
• TOEFL (U.S. citizens or international students) - The need for TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided on the application for admission; if required, a score of 100 must be achieved and official score results must be provided, www.toefl.org
• TEAS Exam (only version 4 is acceptable); Results must be available at the time of the application deadline. Applications without the TEAS or below the minimum will not be considered. If you took your TEAS exam at either the Oakland or Sacramento campuses of Samuel Merritt University, your scores will be sent to us  automatically. If you took your TEAS exam at another institution please request that your scores be sent to Samuel Merritt, Nursing CAS will not forward this information to us.

Please click here for a list of TEAS FAQs.
Please click here to register for the TEAS. <TEAS Exam>

Minimum required scores:

Program Prerequisites

• Prerequisites may not be completed concurrently with the program.
• Your classes do not expire. However if your science prerequisites were taken more than 5 years ago it is  recommended that you take a refresher course unless you are currently working within the healthcare field.  
• Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of "C-" or above.
• The prerequisites listed in the table below must be completed by the stated deadlines.

• Oakland / San Francisco Bay Area
• Sacramento Area
• San Mateo / San Jose Area
• Approved Pharmacology courses
• Approved Pathophysiology courses
• Challenge Exam and Online Course Resources

Grade Point Calculations and Course Repeat Policy

• GPAs are calculated using a 4.0 scale
• GPA's are calculated with the grades available at the time of application
• If a course has been repeated, only the most recent grade is included in the GPA
• Science GPA is calculated using the four prerequisite science lab courses:  Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology and Chemistry

International Students and Transcripts

Please note that international students can only be admitted to study on the Oakland campus. We are unable to administer student visas at our Sacramento, San Francisco and San Mateo campuses. If you have taken courses out of the country (including Canada) you will need to have that transcript reviewed by a one of the following agencies. International Academic Credential Evaluation Agencies

Frequently Asked Questions

For a list of FAQs, click here.

*These courses are often taught at Samuel Merritt University fall, spring and summer terms. They are designed for prospective students; you will find the information regarding the upcoming courses here: SMU Special Status Courses.