Master of Science in Nursing – Clinical Leadership Education
Our MSN-CLE program equips practicing nurses with advanced clinical leadership and informatics knowledge, laying the groundwork for effective teaching in nursing education.
Elevate Nursing through Transformative Education
About the Program
Our MSN-CLE program prepares nurses for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. You’ll learn skills to drive change in nursing education, gain virtual reality experience, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing.
Tailored for You
This program is designed for BSN-prepared RNs in California. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, flexible schedule, and requires no GRE, essays, or recommendations. Just two on-site retreats per term.
Best Career Prospects
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.
The program offers a no-barriers approach to earning your graduate degree:
- No GRE, personal statements/essays, or letters of recommendation required
- Must be a licensed RN and hold a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school in the United States
- Must be a resident of California
*If your BSN is not from an accredited school in the United States and/or if you have not yet passed the NCLEX exam, eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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 master’s degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Master’s 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
Term One: •Self-Awareness and Wellness for Nurse Leaders •Introduction for Nursing Informatics •Foundations of Nursing Education |
Term Two: •Evidence-Based Practice for the Emerging Healthcare Leader •Defining the Role of the Caring Nurse Leader •Thriving in the Role of the Academic Nurse Educator |
Term Three: •Social Justice and Communication for Nurse Leaders •Concept-Based Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology I •Exploring the Science of Teaching |
Term Four: •Policy Driven Population Health •Concept-Based Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology II •Using Caring Science to Assess Learning and Design Curriculum |
Term Five: •Advanced Topics for Nursing Leaders •Exploring Best Practices in Simulation and Clinical Nursing Education •Clinical Leadership Education Practicum |
Two mandatory in-person retreats per term |
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 = $80
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
For a detailed summary of annual tuition and all fees for the program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,989/unit
Program Units = 45 units
Total Tuition Guarantee* = $89,500
*The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
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 healthcare, 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 and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including the following:
- 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 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 each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510-879-9200.
Post-Admission Reqs: Completion of Power and Success Free Online Course prior to Orientation
Technical Standards: Students will be provided an iPad to ensure all students meet the technological standards. Wi-Fi is necessary for this program.
Elevate Nursing through Transformative Education
About the Program
Our MSN-CLE program prepares nurses for leadership roles in diverse healthcare settings. You’ll learn skills to drive change in nursing education, gain virtual reality experience, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing.
Tailored for You
This program is designed for BSN-prepared RNs in California. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, flexible schedule, and requires no GRE, essays, or recommendations. Just two on-site retreats per term.
Best Career Prospects
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.
The program offers a no-barriers approach to earning your graduate degree:
- No GRE, personal statements/essays, or letters of recommendation required
- Must be a licensed RN and hold a BSN degree from an accredited nursing school in the United States
- Must be a resident of California
*If your BSN is not from an accredited school in the United States and/or if you have not yet passed the NCLEX exam, eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
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 master’s degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Master’s 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
Term One: •Self-Awareness and Wellness for Nurse Leaders •Introduction for Nursing Informatics •Foundations of Nursing Education |
Term Two: •Evidence-Based Practice for the Emerging Healthcare Leader •Defining the Role of the Caring Nurse Leader •Thriving in the Role of the Academic Nurse Educator |
Term Three: •Social Justice and Communication for Nurse Leaders •Concept-Based Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology I •Exploring the Science of Teaching |
Term Four: •Policy Driven Population Health •Concept-Based Assessment, Pathophysiology, and Pharmacology II •Using Caring Science to Assess Learning and Design Curriculum |
Term Five: •Advanced Topics for Nursing Leaders •Exploring Best Practices in Simulation and Clinical Nursing Education •Clinical Leadership Education Practicum |
Two mandatory in-person retreats per term |
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 = $80
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
For a detailed summary of annual tuition and all fees for the program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,989/unit
Program Units = 45 units
Total Tuition Guarantee* = $89,500
*The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
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 healthcare, 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 and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including the following:
- 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 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 each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510-879-9200.
Post-Admission Reqs: Completion of Power and Success Free Online Course prior to Orientation
Technical Standards: Students will be provided an iPad to ensure all students meet the technological standards. Wi-Fi is necessary for this program.
Additional Information
The MSN-CLE program is designed for nurses who already have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Applicants are considered for admission based upon the following:
Baccalaureate in nursing from a regionally accredited college or university
Current unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in state of residence
*If you do not hold a BSN or RN license, eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Students who need disability accommodations may request them by emailing atdrc@samuelmerritt.edu. Please give as much notice as you can to allow time to set them up. Further information about the Disability Resource Center can be found here.
Integrate nursing theory, clinical judgment, and research to improve care of self, patients, families, communities, and systems
Incorporate interpersonal communication skills and team-building strategies to enhance interprofessional collaboration and improve healthcare outcomes
Provide compassionate and effective care directed toward self, patients, families, communities, and systems
Demonstrate respect, compassion, and caring for diverse individuals and groups as defined by the ANA code of conduct
Apply the ANA standards of practice to guide ethical decision-making and professional practice
Implement evidence-based practice to promote improved outcomes for self, patients, families, communities, and systems
Analyze and apply healthcare policy to support equitable and inclusive healthcare
Develop interventions that address social determinants of health to improve clinical and population health outcomes
Apply leadership principles in varied healthcare and educational settings
Utilize emerging technology to collect, analyze, and disseminate information to support improved health outcomes
Engage in self-care practices for personal health and wellness
Develop innovative, technology-infused curriculum, assessments, and teaching practices to design, deliver, and evaluate evidence-based education
Post-Admission Reqs: Completion of Power and Success Free Online Course prior to Orientation
Technical Standards: Students will be provided an iPad to ensure all students meet the technological standards. Wi-Fi is necessary for this program.
Faculty
