• Bachelor's PROGRAMS
  • Master's PROGRAMS
  • Doctoral PROGRAMS
  • Certificates
    • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    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.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 1 Year (3 Semesters)
    Format On Campus
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, Fresno
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Summer Fresno Application
    : Fall Application

    Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    A program that provides practical skills and medical knowledge through hands-on experiences, preparing students for successful nursing careers. EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 2 Years (4 Semesters)
    Format On Campus
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Oakland
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Fall Application (2025 start)
    : Spring Application (2026 start)

    Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    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. EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 12 Months
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
    • Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management
    • Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management
    • Master of Science in Nursing – Executive Leadership
    • Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Online
    • Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management

    Enhance patient care with our ELMSN-CM program, emphasizing problem-solving and decision-making skills for effective resource coordination, patient assessment, and care delivery. EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 27 Months (7 Semesters)
    Format On Campus
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Curriculum
    Campus Locations Oakland, Sacramento
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
    : Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline

    Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner

    Our ELMSN-FNP program is tailored for non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders seeking to specialize in family-centered care as advanced practice nurses.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 39 Months (10 Semesters total; 4 semesters prelicensure and 6 graduate FNP)
    Format On Campus
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Oakland, Sacramento
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
    : Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline

    Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management

    Guide patients and families to access optimal treatment plans, educate them about conditions, and advocate within diverse healthcare settings. EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 15 Months (4 Semesters)
    Format On Campus
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Oakland, Sacramento
    Upcoming Deadlines

    Master of Science in Nursing – Executive Leadership

    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.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration Full-time: 12 months (3 semesters) Part-time: 24 months (6 semesters)
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline

    Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Online

    Our MSN-FNP program emphasizes holistic care, preventive strategies, and advanced clinical practice to address healthcare needs across the lifespan.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration Full-time: 5 semesters (20 months) Part-time: 6 semesters (24 months)
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Online with two 3-day on-campus residencies
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Rolling Admission, Summer 2025 Application Deadline
    : Rolling Admission, Fall 2025 Application Deadline
    : Rolling Admission, Spring 2026 Application Deadline

    Master of Science in Nursing – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    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 EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration Full-time: 18 months (5 semesters) Part-time: 24 months (7 semesters)
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum 48 units
    Campus Locations Online with two on-campus intensives
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Family Nurse Practitioner
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Post-Master’s
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesia

    Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Family Nurse Practitioner

    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.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration Full-time: 8 semesters (32 months) Part-time: 10 semesters (39 months)
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Online
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline

    Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Post-Master’s

    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.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration Full-time: 20 Months (5 Semesters); Part-time: 40 Months (10 Semesters)
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline

    Doctor of Nursing Practice Online – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Our program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive mental health care, addressing the complex needs of people with psychiatric disorders.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration Full-time: 8 Semesters; Part-time: 10 Semesters
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Online
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application
    : Summer Application
    : Fall Application

    Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesia

    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.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 36 Months
    Format Hybrid
    Accreditation WSCUC and COA
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Oakland
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Application period opens (for fall 2026)
    : Application submission deadline (for fall 2026)
    • Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
    • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    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.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 4 Semesters
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Campus Locations Online
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline

    Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate

    Make an impact in one of the most critical areas of healthcare and help patients thrive.  EXPLORE MORE >>

    Program Duration 5 Semesters
    Format Online
    Accreditation WSCUC, CCNE
    Curriculum Sequential Course Curriculum
    Upcoming Deadlines
    : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
    : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline

      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
      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
      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
      Values
      • Social justice
      • Diversity
      • Lifelong learning
      • Teamwork
      • Integrity
      • Scholarship
      1:1

      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. 

      : Summer Fresno Application
      : Fall Application
      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.

      : Fall Application (2025 start)
      : Spring Application (2026 start)
      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.

      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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.

      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      : Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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. 

      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      : Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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. 

      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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. 

      : Rolling Admission, Summer 2025 Application Deadline
      : Rolling Admission, Fall 2025 Application Deadline
      : Rolling Admission, Spring 2026 Application Deadline
      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

      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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. 

      : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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. 

      : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      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. 

      : Spring 2026 Priority Application
      : Summer Application
      : Fall Application
      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. 

      : Application period opens (for fall 2026)
      : Application submission deadline (for fall 2026)
      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. 

      : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      4 Semesters
      Online
      WSCUC, CCNE
      Sequential Course Curriculum

      Make an impact in one of the most critical areas of healthcare and help patients thrive. 

      : Summer 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Fall 2025 Priority Application Deadline
      : Spring 2026 Priority Application Deadline
      5 Semesters
      Online
      WSCUC, CCNE
      Sequential Course Curriculum

      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.

      j santos headshot

      Jerome Santos

      DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, JDc Assistant Professor
      Gigi Guan

      Gigi Guan

      BSN, RN Adjunct Assistant Instructor
      Nikki Love

      Nikki Love

      DNP, FNP-BC Assistant Director
      evelyn-myrick

      Evelyn Myrick

      MSN, FNP Adjunct Assistant Instructor
      Nurse practicing on a fake arm drawing blood

      Hands-on Learning

      Our nursing programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing you to put theory into practice in real and simulated situations.

      Learn More

      SMU Perspectives

      Students talking and standing near Oakland estuary
      Simulation is a necessity. I am certain that it does one of two things: assist you in becoming a competent, safe anesthesia practitioner or reinforce that you are a competent, safe anesthesia provider.

      Bradley Burch CRNA ’11

      College of Nursing News