Doctor of Nursing Practice Online Program – Family Nurse Practitioner
Samuel Merritt University is offering $10,000 scholarships to all first-time, full-time DNP-FNP applicants. See Scholarships expandable below for eligibility and details.
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Upcoming Deadlines
A New Level of Care
In an era where the landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, the role of DNP-FNPs has never been more crucial. As healthcare systems grapple with complex challenges such as an aging population, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and a pressing need for accessible, quality care, DNP-FNPs stand at the forefront of this transformation. Their advanced training not only prepares them to meet these challenges head-on but also positions them as key players in shaping the future of healthcare. By integrating clinical excellence with understanding of patient and healthcare system needs, DNP-FNPs are uniquely equipped to create and lead innovative care models and deliver patient-centered solutions that are vital in today's dynamic health environment. At Samuel Merritt University, our DNP-FNP program is designed to empower nurses to excel in this changing landscape, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and perspective to make a significant impact in the lives of patients and the broader healthcare community.
What We Look For
- Bachelors-level nursing professionals seeking to advance in their career in an advanced practice specialty area
- A commitment to improving health care outcomes via practice, policy change, and leadership
Contact Information
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Program Requirements & Info
Applications for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program are accepted using theCentral Application Service for Nursing Schools (NursingCAS). Students are admitted to this program for summer and fall terms.
The admission review process is fairly quick once all documents have been received and your application has been verified by NursingCAS. In general, once a complete application is verified by NursingCAS, you will be contacted for a phone interview. Upon successful completion of the interview, your admission will be processed and you will be notified within a week.
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2023-2024. If you have questions regarding this application contact Rudy Torres, Assistant Dean of Admissions, rtorres@samuelmerritt.edu.
If you don't have an active SMU Email Account, please complete the PDF form with attachments and send directly to rtorres1@samuelmerritt.edu.
Interviews
- An in-person or virtual interview is required to be selected for admission. The Format of interview is at the discretion of the program’s admissions committee.
- The selection of candidates for interviews is competitive and will be based on the following:
- A holistic application review of the content submitted to NursingCAS
- Professional behavior and communication throughout the admission process.
- An informed understanding of the role of an FNP for the programs offered.
- Not all qualified candidates may be interviewed
- Not all interviewed candidates will be accepted.
- The program’s admissions committee reserves the right to interview and accept qualified students at any time after the application deadline.
Take Advantage of our Advance Your Practice $10,000 Scholarship
Enroll in Fall 2023 and receive $10,000 toward your Online MSN FNP or DNP FNP degree.
This scholarship was created to help support nurses that are interested in advancing their practice and careers. Students who enroll in the Fall 2023 Online MSN FNP or DNP FNP program will be awarded this $10,000 scholarship.
The Advance Your Practice Scholarship is available to full-time students in the Online MSN-FNP and DNP-FNP programs. The scholarship is awarded evenly across each term of the program rather than as a lump sum.
Prerequisites
The DNP-FNP program is designed for nurses who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be an unencumbered RN (registered nurse) with a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) in an SMU approved state.
RNs who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing may still apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in BSN and/or Bachelor coursework is recommended, but not required. A GPA less than 3.0 will require a letter of explanation.
Prior RN experience is preferred, but not required.
Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is mandatory for success in the program
If you are an international student, you may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination. You must achieve a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL.
Students Educated Outside of the United States
TOEFL
The need for the TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by the applicant on the application for admission. If the TOEFL is required, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 100 (Internet Based Test). Scores must be submitted during the application process.
International Transcript Evaluation Agencies
Students who have completed their degrees outside of the United States will have to have their degrees evaluated for United States baccalaureate equivalency, also known as a course-by-course/comprehensive evaluation. Please click here for more information related to international applicants.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
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 Calculator
There is a tuition calculator that provides a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in health care, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than one percent. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education including scholarships, work study and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for Nurses include:
- Sharon Clark Diaz
- Employee Campaign
- Marshall Steele, Jr.
- Hitchcock Heydman
- Henry & Bernice Bigge
- Faculty Scholarship
- Alumni Scholarship
- Elks of the Year
- William Breslin
In addition to the cost of tuition, books and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, so the total cost of attendance includes:
- Books and Supplies
- Room and Board
- Transportation
- Personal Expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this 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 are available on the webpage.
https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/admissions/affording-smu/financial-aid-and-scholarships
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 each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via phone or email.
finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510-879-9200
Graduation and Employment Rates
Please refer to the university's Student Success Measures webpage for graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators.
These frequently asked questions are general to the degree options to become an FNP, not specific to Samuel Merritt University.
How does the DNP curriculum differ from the MSN curriculum to prepare me for practice as an FNP?
The curriculum for a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in FNP differ in their focus and depth of study.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: This program is centered around developing the necessary nursing skills to become a nurse practitioner. It covers essential patient care topics like physical assessments, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and care of acute and chronic conditions, emphasizing the enhancement of clinical skills for advanced practice roles.
DNP-FNP Curriculum: The DNP-FNP goes beyond the clinical skillset. It incorporates elements of policy, leadership, and pragmatic healthcare change, focusing on the broader healthcare system and the integration of technological innovations. This approach is designed to prepare graduates for roles that involve not just clinical expertise but also administrative and leadership responsibilities within the healthcare sector.
Essentially, while both MSN and DNP prepare students for FNP roles, the DNP offers a more expansive education, equipping graduates for higher-level positions that include aspects of healthcare management, policy, and education, in addition to clinical practice.
What are my options to become an FNP if I already have my MSN?
Currently, an RN with an MSN degree can choose a DNP program to become an FNP, enter an MSN program as a certificate (non-degree) student, or obtain a second MSN degree in an FNP program. In contrast to the MSN degree to become an RN, the MSN FNP degree curriculum builds on the professional role, health policy role, and research role of the FNP. Therefore, the MSN FNP has a broader foundation in how an FNP can be relevant in FNP practice.
What are my options to become an FNP if I am an RN with a BSN degree?
As an RN with a BSN degree, you can choose an MSN or a DNP degree path to become an FNP.
What are my options to become an FNP if I am an RN with an Associate degree?
You can complete an RN-to-BSN program (SMU RN to BSN Program) and then enter either an MSN or DNP program to become an FNP. If you are an ADN with a non-nursing undergraduate degree and many years of practice you may be able to provide evidence of how you meet the AACN BSN Essentials through your work, scholarship, community service, and approach to care of the patient in all settings. This approval is based on specific requirements of each university’s School of Nursing.
Are there any differences in practice opportunities or scope of practice for an MSN-prepared FNP compared with a DNP-prepared FNP? Are there changes known or under consideration in the future?
The AANP identified eight issues that need to be addressed for a smooth transition to the DNP for nurse practitioners. Included was, “Issues related to parity must be addressed to include providing reasonable methods for currently prepared NPs to obtain the DNP, if desired, and to prevent discrimination in reimbursement.” (From: AANP Position Statement, 2013; https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/discussion-paper-doctor-of-nursing-practice
Are salaries different for FNPs based on the degree?
This depends on the employer. For example, if you are an RN seeking advancement in your position to expand your professional capabilities, your employer will recognize your advanced degree as preferential thus an increase in income. If a DNP FNP and a MSN FNP are new graduates from programs they most likely will be paid the same.
Does payment from Medicare, Medicaid/Medi-Cal, or private insurers differ based on the degree?
Not at this time.
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 doctor of nursing practice program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001.
DNP Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: September 24, 2012
Most Recent Accreditation Date: September 25, 2017
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2028
Last On-Site Evaluation: September 2017
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2027
Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner Program Technical Standards
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNP). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions cross a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP Program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives which contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse health care workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP Program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective care and collaboration for patients, including the ability to communicate effectively in English with all members of a multidisciplinary health care team, patients and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform bio-psycho-social patient assessments. A candidate must be able to perform patient education related to the care coordination/discharge plan to enable a safe, effective, and patient centered transition. A candidate must be able to provide general care and emergency treatment required of a family nurse practitioner. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow standard precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to, classroom instruction; laboratory, including small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP Program curriculum including, but not limited to, the ability to comprehend and effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in the classroom, clinical and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis, investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a life-long learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills including the ability to accept and apply feedback and to respect boundaries and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of FNP practice, including patient advocacy, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
