Samuel Merritt College offers an nursing educational program designed specifically for baccalaureate prepared advanced practice nurses to earn an MSN degree.

When planning the program, we thought of the many CRNAs, Midwives, Certified Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners around the country engaged in clinical practice that graduated from their respective specialty programs before the days of regulatory and professional mandates that Advanced Practice Nurses (APN's) obtain masters credentials at graduation. That left many of you behind, and the fact is that more and more state regulatory agencies are requiring graduate degrees, even for those of you who have been in practice for years.

If that fits your profile, this program is for you!

Why choose the MSN Online Program?
Many things will make this program attractive for busy clinicians. First, it's all Internet-based which means you can continue your full-time work, and not worry about coming to our California campus for classes. Most importantly, however, is that this program is designed for maximal learning and time efficiency. You can do class work anytime, day or night, and we require ONLY the class work needed for the degree!

You will not need to repeat your clinical work. We count on your respective certification agency to confirm your qualifications. We are only interested in providing you with the MSN core course requirements needed for you to receive your master's degree. Finally, this opportunity allows us all a chance to learn about colleagues in advanced practice nursing. Too many of us are isolated in operating rooms, delivery rooms, physician offices and do not have an opportunity to learn about the important work in anesthesia, midwifery or nurse practitioner fields.

You will be amazed how fundamental our collective clinical practices are to maintaining the health of our nation!

What About Our Philosophy of Education?

Requirements for this degree are the same as for graduate nurses that attend our on-campus programs. You will be exposed to the same curriculum and faculty. nursing Subsequently, our teaching mission and philosophy are the same:

"To educate students for a life of highly skilled and compassionate service in health care."

This has been our credo since 1909 when Samuel Merritt College began educating health care professionals.

The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges as well as the Collegiate Council for Nursing Education of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Since our College maintains entry-level advanced practice nursing programs in nurse anesthesia, case management and family nurse practitioner, we have an outstanding faculty at your disposal.

Application Deadline:

Samuel Merritt College accepts applications for the MSN Online Program three times yearly. Please see the Admission Requirements Page [1] for more specific details.

Student Testimonial:

The MSN Online program will fit your educational needs, but don;t take our word for it, listen to what one student has to say [2].

Contact Information:

For questions about online learning, and the MSN Online Program please contact Vicki Davis, Director of Academic and Instructional Innovation. 

For questions about the MSN Online Program, acceptance criteria, or curriculum, please contact Dr. Fusae Abbott, the Director of the MSN Online Program.  1-800-709-7110

For questions about the application process, you can contact Pam Harrision in the Admission Department.  Phone Number : 1-800-607-6377