Students in Health Sciences Simulation Center
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Transforming healthcare. Transforming communities.

Samuel Merritt University delivers a high-quality health sciences education with a focus on
compassion and community engagement. Our students become skilled and caring professionals
motivated to improve health outcomes and increase access to care.

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Our Programs

Nursing student in library

Nursing

We offer undergraduate and graduate nursing programs at three Northern California campuses and online.

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91%

RN First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate

Students outside of Peralta Pavilion
Nursing students in class
86%

Nursing alumni employed within six months

Celeyse Matthews ABSN 19
Occupational Therapy Students

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is an in-demand career. We prepare you with hands-on experience from day one.

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100%

Employment rate within one year of graduation

10:1

Student-to-teacher ratio

98%

NBCOT exams pass rate

Occupational Therapy students
OT student working with a patient
PT student

Physical Therapy

Our rigorous Doctor of Physical Therapy program prepares students to become skilled, competent practitioners in a rapidly growing profession.

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PT student in classroom
91%

First-time pass rate of graduates on the NPTE licensure exam

PT students in lab
98%

Find a job within one year

PT student in Motion Analysis Research Center
FNP student and patient

Physician Assistant

Our broad, immersive curriculum is designed to prepare you for the variety of options available in this well-paid field.

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#2

Best Healthcare Jobs—U.S. News & World Report

Stethoscope
FNP student working with a patient
95%

First-time National Certification Pass Rate. SMU students have a higher-than-average first-time pass rate

Students and faculty
CSPM student in MARC

Podiatric Medicine

Our comprehensive Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program prepares students to treat foot and ankle diseases, disorders, and injuries.

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98%

First-time pass rate of graduates on the NBPME licensure exam

CSPM student, 2019
97%

Three year average residency placement rate. Our doctor of podiatric medicine graduates find residencies all over the nation.

$102,040

Median salary

Dr. Dutra and students doing gait analysis
Students studying

Online

We offer flexible and convenient online programs designed for nursing professionals to advance their careers while working full- or part-time.

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26%

Expected job growth for family nurse practitioners through 2028—Bureau of Labor Statistics

Student working in clinic
100+ years

Length of time SMU has prepared nursing professionals

Student studying
$138,660

Median salary for nurse practitioners

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SMU Success

We have a rich tradition of educating skilled and compassionate health professionals.

98%

Graduates Who Find Work in Their Profession Within One Year

Our alumni are in high demand in our local community and beyond.

8:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Close connections to faculty and fellow students and a personalized approach to education are just some of the benefits.

86%

Students Who Receive Financial Aid

We’re committed to making your health care education affordable.

Life after SMU

Featured Events

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Students interacting with sim lab patient

Providing Hands-on Learning

We believe one of the best ways to build your confidence as a care provider is to prepare you with plenty of practical experience.

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Osmary Hernandez at La Clinica de la Raza

Dedicated to Community

SMU is committed to serving Oakland, the San Francisco Bay Area, and the greater Sacramento area by partnering with local non-profits, schools, clinics, and faith-based organizations.

Our Community Connections
Students in white coats

Strength in Diversity

We believe that the more health care providers reflect the diversity of our communities, the better prepared they'll be to address health care inequities. 

We Value Diversity

SMU Perspectives

Celeyse Matthews ABSN 19
I had always thought about a nursing career but didn’t feel ready for it when I was younger.
Celeyce Matthews ABSN '19

Recent News

Nursing students train in simulation lab. (File photo)Campus News

Nursing Ranks in Top 10

The Samuel Merritt University School of Nursing ranks in the top 10 among 220 nursing schools in California, according to Nursing Process, a nationwide organization that assesses nursing education...

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