College of Nursing
Samuel Merritt University has been preparing nurses for more than a century. Today, we offer undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at four campuses and online.
Master of Science in Computer Science
This is the content of MSc Program.
Master of Business Administration
This is the content of MBA Program.
Master of Engineering
This is the content of MEng Program.
Demo text
Demo text
Demo text
Certificates
This is the content of CERTIFICATES.
Contact Information
Admission
Related Links
Additional Resources
Life after SMU
Preparing Compassionate and Skilled Clinicians and Nurse Leaders
SMU’s College of Nursing is proud to be a top provider of registered nurses in Northern California and the Central Valley. We prepare you for careers in all levels of the field, from entry-level clinical positions to advanced careers in primary care and nursing leadership.
In line with SMU’s mission, our programs prepare nurses to promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect. Our curriculum blends theory, research, and practice and prepares you to make evidence-based decisions and work independently or in tandem with other caregivers.
Mission
The College of Nursing prepares highly skilled nurse clinicians and nurse leaders who promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect.
Vision
Through innovations in nursing education, we prepare nurses who will improve the health and well-being of the people and communities we serve and transform their healthcare experience through:
- Novel partnerships and collaborations
- Robust interdisciplinary training
- Conscientious and explicit use of research and evidence
- Pioneering innovations in nursing education
Values
- Social justice
- Diversity
- Lifelong learning
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Scholarship
The ABSN program is for students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to pursue nursing. It’s a fast-track program that takes about 12 months to complete and combines theory with clinical education to prepare students for a nursing career.
1 Year (3 Semesters)
On Campus
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
A program that provides practical skills and medical knowledge through hands-on experiences, preparing students for successful nursing careers.
2 Years (4 Semesters)
On Campus
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Our RN to BSN program allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree while working in the field, enhancing your academic and professional experiences as you advance your education.
12 Months
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Enhance patient care with our ELMSN-CM program, emphasizing problem-solving and decision-making skills for effective resource coordination, patient assessment, and care delivery.
27 Months (7 Semesters)
On Campus
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Curriculum
Our ELMSN-FNP program is tailored for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders seeking to specialize in family-centered care as advanced practice nurses.
39 Months (10 Semesters total; 4 semesters prelicensure and 6 graduate FNP)
On Campus
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Guide patients and families to access optimal treatment plans, educate them about conditions, and advocate within diverse healthcare settings.
15 Months (4 Semesters)
On Campus
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Our MSN-EL program prepares nurses to be leaders of change and be at the top of their profession. To pursue advanced roles in healthcare systems, emphasizing financial and strategic management, innovation, and quality improvement.
Full-time: 12 months (3 semesters) Part-time: 24 months (6 semesters)
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Our MSN-FNP program emphasizes holistic care, preventive strategies, and advanced clinical practice to address healthcare needs across the lifespan.
Full-time: 5 semesters (20 months) Part-time: 6 semesters (24 months)
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
SMU empowers mental health workers to be #1 in their field. Our MSN-PMHNP program emphasizes holistic mental health care, advanced psychiatric practice, and the integration of behavioral sciences across diverse populations
Full-time: 18 months (5 semesters) Part-time: 24 months (7 semesters)
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
48 units
Nurses are prepared to be change agents within healthcare and deliver holistic primary care across the life span, emphasizing prevention, health promotion, and advanced clinical practice.
Full-time: 8 semesters (32 months) Part-time: 10 semesters (39 months)
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Tailored for various master’s-prepared and advanced practice roles, this program equips nursing leaders with skills to enhance healthcare and implement evidence-based research.
Full-time: 20 Months (5 Semesters); Part-time: 40 Months (10 Semesters)
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Our program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive mental health care, addressing the complex needs of people with psychiatric disorders.
Full-time: 8 Semesters; Part-time: 10 Semesters
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
SMU’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program offers advanced anesthesia training, diverse clinical experiences, and preparation for leadership roles in healthcare, ensuring high-quality patient care.
36 Months
Hybrid
WSCUC and COA
Sequential Course Curriculum
Our FNP Certificate program equips MSN-prepared RNs with a blend of online and on-campus learning, focusing on holistic care, prevention, and advanced clinical practice across the patient's life span. The program’s modality is ideal for busy RNs seeking excellence with flexibility.
4 Semesters
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Make an impact in one of the most critical areas of healthcare and help patients thrive.
5 Semesters
Online
WSCUC, CCNE
Sequential Course Curriculum
Bachelor's
Oakland
Sacramento
San Francisco Peninsula
Fresno
Bachelor's
This program is available online
Master's
Oakland
Sacramento
Master's
Oakland
Sacramento
Master's
Oakland
Sacramento
Master's
This program is available online
Master's
Oakland
This program is available online
Master's
This program is available online
Doctoral
This program is available online
Doctoral
This program is available online
Doctoral
This program is available online
Certificates
This program is available online
Certificates
This program is available online
Faculty
Our nursing faculty prepare more nurses in Northern California than anyone. Their expertise in best practices, outcomes-based healthcare, and interprofessional simulation is unrivaled. They prepare nurses for careers in all levels of the field, from entry-level clinical positions to advanced careers in primary care and nursing leadership.
Hands-on Learning
Our nursing programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing you to put theory into practice in real and simulated situations.
Learn MoreSMU Perspectives
Bradley Burch
CRNA ’11
