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College of Health Sciences

Science, research, and hands-on clinical training are at the core of our educational experience. Asking questions about community input, social determinants of health, and healthcare inequities are central to our values as well as the compassionate care our graduates strive to provide.

We Believe That Caring for Humankind Isn’t Just a Career it’s a Calling

At Samuel Merritt University, we’re committed to training a new generation of highly skilled and deeply compassionate health sciences students. Our mission is to improve access to healthcare for everyone by providing a rigorous education, hands-on learning experiences, and a values-based credo of care that prepares our graduates to partner with underserved communities and address health disparities.

By joining the College of Health Sciences, you’ll be part of a long history of innovation and success.  From Samuel Merritt’s founding more than 100 years ago to becoming the first nursing certificate program to offer nursing degrees in 1984, the University has grown into one of Northern California’s preeminent providers of health sciences professionals. 

The College of Health Sciences includes the Bachelor of Science in KinesiologyMaster of Physician AssistantDoctor and Master of Occupational Therapy, and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. It also includes the Basic Sciences Department and Motion Analysis Research Center

Why choose SMU?

  • Small size classes taught by highly trained and qualified clinicians and researchers
  • High employment rate after graduation
  • Diverse faculty who are committed to healthcare training and student success

Degree Programs & Certificates

Explore and compare our health sciences programs to determine the best path for your career goals.

Program
Degree
Campus Locations
Online

SMU Success

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

97%

Licensure Pass Rate

First-time pass rate

We Embrace Diversity

73% of SMU students come from diverse backgrounds.

94%

Graduation Rate

Average for the past four years

Faculty

Beth Ching

Elizabeth Ching

OTD, OTR/L Associate Professor
heidi-mcgregor-garske

Heidi M. Garske

DPT, PT Assistant Professor Director of Clinical Education
benjamin-boyd

Benjamin Boyd

PT, DPTSc Adjunct Associate Professor
tana-summers

Tana Summers

MS, PA-C Assistant Professor Interim Department Chair
Motion Analysis Research Lab Treadmill

Motion Analysis Research Center

Part of the College of Health Sciences, the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC) welcomes researchers studying biomechanics, gait, upper and lower body movement, and the effect of treatment methods and assistive devices to improve patient care. 

See Research
Students in Basic Science anatomy lab

Basic Sciences Department

Basic Sciences works collaboratively across programs and departments to educate students in gross anatomy, physiology, and functional neurosciences. It also offers undergraduate pre-requisite courses.

Learn More

SMU Perspectives

College of Health Sciences News