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.
Embark on a rapid journey into nursing with our 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Gain the knowledge and skills to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and excel in your transition into a rewarding nursing career!
Our curriculum and clinical experiences prepare students for successful nursing careers. SMU is dedicated to transforming healthcare, prioritizing empathy, and serving underserved populations with over a century of experience in compassionate healthcare training.
Studying at SMU ensures a prosperous career in nursing. We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries, and The New York Times recognizes us as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
Applicants are considered for admission to the ABSN program based upon the following criteria:
Utilize the prerequisite course articulation tool to determine which program may fit your needs the best.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC., 20001.
Baccalaureate Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Samuel Merritt University’s College of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for candidates with higher degrees in other fields. The program recognizes individuals’ past experiences and academic achievements and builds upon these assets, providing a way for graduates with non-nursing degrees to change careers efficiently.
The curriculum is designed to be completed in 12 months, with three semesters of intensive study. While different from the traditional BSN program, the ABSN program shares the same goals, learning outcome objectives, and foundational concepts.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $60
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,885/unit
Program Units = 52 units
Total Cost Guarantee* = $98,000
*The total cost estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is a valuable investment in your future. Graduates have a low loan default rate, indicating successful employment in their chosen field.
To apply for financial aid at SMU, start by submitting your FAFSA. ABSN students are eligible for scholarships and student loans, but federal and state grants are not available for a second bachelor’s degree.
Scholarships for ABSN students include:
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
Your financial aid package at Samuel Merritt University is personalized to you. We develop your financial aid package using guidelines set by the Department of Education and the estimated costs of each program. Once you receive your financial aid package, check the budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to every prospective and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
Embark on a rapid journey into nursing with our 12-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Gain the knowledge and skills to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and excel in your transition into a rewarding nursing career!
Our curriculum and clinical experiences prepare students for successful nursing careers. SMU is dedicated to transforming healthcare, prioritizing empathy, and serving underserved populations with over a century of experience in compassionate healthcare training.
Studying at SMU ensures a prosperous career in nursing. We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries, and The New York Times recognizes us as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
Applicants are considered for admission to the ABSN program based upon the following criteria:
Utilize the prerequisite course articulation tool to determine which program may fit your needs the best.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC., 20001.
Baccalaureate Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2020
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2030
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Samuel Merritt University’s College of Nursing offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program for candidates with higher degrees in other fields. The program recognizes individuals’ past experiences and academic achievements and builds upon these assets, providing a way for graduates with non-nursing degrees to change careers efficiently.
The curriculum is designed to be completed in 12 months, with three semesters of intensive study. While different from the traditional BSN program, the ABSN program shares the same goals, learning outcome objectives, and foundational concepts.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $60
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,885/unit
Program Units = 52 units
Total Cost Guarantee* = $98,000
*The total cost estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is a valuable investment in your future. Graduates have a low loan default rate, indicating successful employment in their chosen field.
To apply for financial aid at SMU, start by submitting your FAFSA. ABSN students are eligible for scholarships and student loans, but federal and state grants are not available for a second bachelor’s degree.
Scholarships for ABSN students include:
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
Your financial aid package at Samuel Merritt University is personalized to you. We develop your financial aid package using guidelines set by the Department of Education and the estimated costs of each program. Once you receive your financial aid package, check the budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to every prospective and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
Licensure Exams, Graduation, and Employment Rates
Please refer to the University’s Student Success Measures webpage for licensure exam pass rates, graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators.
Official Transcripts for Courses in Progress
All admitted students are required to provide official, sealed transcripts for courses that were still in progress or planned at the time of application and were not updated in the Academic Update Process through the NursingCAS system.
Acceptance is contingent on meeting all course requirements. Official transcripts are needed from all colleges attended, and must be mailed directly to NursingCAS by the issuing institution’s registrar’s office:
NursingCAS
P.O. Box 9201
Watertown, MA 02471
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
To participate in clinical rotations, you must undergo a criminal background check and drug screening. To initiate your background check and drug screening, visit this website and complete the required process within 30 days. If you have questions about the process, please call CertifiedBackground.com customer service at 888.666.7788.
Health Insurance
All students are required to have medical insurance coverage by their program’s first day of orientation. You can choose SMU’s plan or use your own, but you need to enroll or wait for SMU insurance using the Student Health and Counseling Center's tool. If you have not received a confirmation email within five days, contact Trish Ivey at 888.978.8355.
CPR Certification
Certification must be from the American Heart Association and be the Basic Life Support (BLS) module (must include adult, infant, and children). You may go to any provider for these classes, but the University has a partnership with HeartStart CPR including discounted pricing.
Required Health Forms
All students must complete Student Health Forms, which list the health requirements for incoming students. Please visit the Student Health Portal to enter your health information and upload the required supporting documents. To prevent a registration hold, please submit all health requirements soon after acceptance into the program but no later than 30 days before the program start date. All health information must be submitted online; documents submitted by mail, fax, or email will not be accepted, and your documents will not be returned.
If you have a disability-related reason that prevents you from fulfilling any of these requirements, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu to schedule a private conversation.
Photo for ID Badge
Every student must submit a headshot photo for their ID badge. Instructions and specs for this photo will be provided after you receive your admitted student portal checklist/email.
Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of C or better by the terms listed in the table below. While having planned or in-progress courses at the time of application is acceptable, it's best for students to have as many courses completed as possible by then. Prerequisite courses cannot be taken concurrently with the ABSN program under any circumstances.
Prerequisite Requirement, Semester Units (except as otherwise specified)
Wondering if you took the right courses as a local CSU, UC, or community college student? Use our new Prerequisite Course Articulation Tool to see which courses meet the prerequisite requirements for ABSN, BSN, and ELMSN programs.
Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology Courses at SMU
Samuel Merritt University offers prerequisite coursework in Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Pharmacology, and Pathophysiology. The courses are taught in the fall, spring, and summer terms and are designed for prospective students. More information can be found on the Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses website.
AP exam scores of 3, 4, or 5 and IB exam scores of 5, 6, or 7 may be used to meet prerequisite requirements, but are only acceptable if the exam scores are clearly noted on an official university transcript.
Applicants must request that their official transcripts be sent directly to NursingCAS from their college or university’s registrar’s office. Applicants should follow the instructions provided in NursingCAS and may reference SMU’s Application Process for additional details.
Approved Pathophysiology Courses
These courses have been preapproved by the School of Nursing to meet the pathophysiology requirements. We strongly advise you to contact each school to find out about enrollment requirements and if courses are offered online, on-campus, telecourse, etc. You may take only the courses listed here. If you are considering taking a course that is not listed below, you must email the course syllabus to the Office of Admission at admission@samuelmerritt.edu and request that it be submitted for approval. For questions or concerns, please call the Office of Admission at 510.879.9200. Below is the name of the school, the course number, and the title of the course.
Approved Pharmacology Courses
These courses are ones that have been pre-approved, by the School of Nursing, to meet the pharmacology requirements. We strongly advise you to contact each school to find out about enrollment requirements and if courses are offered online, on-campus, telecourse, etc. You may ONLY take courses listed here. If you are considering taking a course that is not listed below, you must email the course syllabus to the Office of Admission at admission@samuelmerritt.edu and request that it be submitted for approval. For questions or concerns please call the Office of Admission at 510.879.9200. Below is the name of the school, the course number and the title of the course.
Note: Double asterisks ** indicate that the 2 unit course is approved by the faculty regardless of the number of units.
SMU has a reputation for developing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals.
