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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

Writing

Psychiatric Mental Health - Doctor of Nursing Practice Online

Our nurses are educated to offer evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology—merging the roles of psychiatrist and psychologist—with patients’ best interest at heart.

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100%

Of faculty have doctorates

nursing student
MSN Nurse
12:1

Student teacher ratio

SMU students
student

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

Occupational Therapy students
100%

NBCOT exams pass rate

OT student working with a patient
Exercise

Bachelor of Science Kinesiology - Sports Medicine

Become an advocate for healthy bodies and healthy movement. Get started with a dream career as a physical, occupational, or recreational therapist; rehabilitation aid or personal trainer; physiologist; chiropractor; sports psychologist; and more.  

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MARC students
MARC students

Ideal for careers in sports medicine, personal training, fitness, athletic training, strength and conditioning coaching

MARC Students

Hands-on, experiential learning at state-of-the-art Motion Analysis Research Center

Teaching

Master of Science in Nursing - Clinical Leadership Education

Nurses specializing in Clinical Leadership Education are transforming nursing education through new and innovative approaches that merge technology with caring and compassion.

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91%

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

Student educators
MSN CLE students
Goggles
98%

Find a job within one year

CPM student

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.

Dr. Dutra and students doing gait analysis
$102,040

Median salary

msw

Master of Social Work

SMU’s Master of Social Work program prepares graduates to work as respected members of interdisciplinary teams that provide health services and social services that enhance people's quality of life.

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Created to meet the needs of healthcare providers looking for well-trained medical and behavioral health social work providers

MSW students

Prepared to effectively collaborate as part of integrated teams to advance health outcomes for the individuals, families, and communities

MSW students 02

Specialized practice in integrated health, behavioral health, and medical social work

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SMU Success

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

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

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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 Peninsula, Sacramento, and Central California by partnering with local nonprofits, schools, clinics, and faith-based organizations.

Our Community Connections
Students in white coats

Strength in Diversity

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

We Value Diversity

SMU Perspectives

No 1 Rank Zippia
Samuel Merritt University has been named the best college in California for getting a job by career research website Zippia.
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