Students walking along 30th Street
Jump to Program GridJump to Program Grid

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.

Request Information

Our Programs

Nursing student

Nursing

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

Learn More
91%

RN First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate

Students outside of Peralta Pavilion
Nursing students in class
86%

Nursing alumni employed within six months

nursing student
student

Occupational Therapy

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

Learn More
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
student

Physical Therapy

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

Learn More
PT student in classroom
91%

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

PT
98%

Find a job within one year

student
PA Student

Physician Assistant

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

Learn More
#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
CPM student

Podiatric Medicine

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

Learn More
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

Students studying

Online

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

Learn More
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

Graphic MaskGraphic Mask

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

Featured Events

View all events
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.

Explore
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.
Zippia Career research site Read my Story

Recent News

View All News

Get Started