• OVERVIEW
  • ADMISSION
  • ACCREDITATION
  • CURRICULUM
  • TUITION
  • FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
  • Advance Your Nursing Career

    About the Program
    About the Program

    This program allows working RNs to earn a BSN online in 20 months. It focuses on advanced skills and knowledge, allowing graduates to increase their earning potential, enhance their career prospects, and grow their leadership opportunities. 

    working nurses
    Made for Working Nurses

    Designed for the busy professional, this 20-month part-time program offers a seamless balance between work and education. You’ll explore evidence-based care, public health, teamwork, and self-care while expanding your professional network. 

    SMU Best Career Prospects
    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. Our programs are designed to maximize your professional potential.

    Applicants are considered for admission to the RN to BSN program based upon the following criteria:

    • An associate’s degree in nursing or enrollment in an associate’s degree in nursing program
    • Current, unencumbered RN license
    • 70 transferable semester credits—all credits counting toward the associate’s degree in nursing are transferable
    • Minimum recommended GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale)
    • Two letters of recommendation (references from family and friends will not be considered)

    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, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001,  202-887-6791. 

    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

    Program Length and Class Structure

    • Virtual classes bi-weekly - Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday options

    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                =          $750/unit 

                Program Units               =          30 units 

                Total Tuition Estimate*   =          $22,500 

    *The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.

    Samuel Merritt University, through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, is pleased to be able to offer scholarships to assist nurses in covering the costs of the RN to BSN program. Scholarships are available first-come, first-served. Through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, we are pleased to offer a scholarship covering 75% of the tuition to nurses currently working for Kaiser Permanente public hospitals and clinics, federally qualified health centers, and public health departments. If you work at a safety net hospital, please inquire about scholarship opportunities. Student Body, health insurance, books, transportation, and other fees are not included. Scholarships are renewable each term based upon satisfactory academic performance and continued progress toward the degree. 

    Scholarships are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to change.

     

    Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.

    Financial aid info   

    Types of Aid

    Scholarships and Grants: These are “gift aid” and do not need to be repaid. These can come from the government, private groups, and directly from Samuel Merritt University.

    Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for students accepted into the RN to BSN program. Scholarships will be awarded based on the content of the student’s application to Samuel Merritt University. All students are considered for this scholarship. 

    Federal Grants: Up to $5,775 in Pell Grant and up to $1,000 in Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). These are need-based awards and will not be repaid. 

    Students in the RN to BSN program are also eligible for federal student loans.

    Advance Your Nursing Career

    About the Program
    About the Program

    This program allows working RNs to earn a BSN online in 20 months. It focuses on advanced skills and knowledge, allowing graduates to increase their earning potential, enhance their career prospects, and grow their leadership opportunities. 

    working nurses
    Made for Working Nurses

    Designed for the busy professional, this 20-month part-time program offers a seamless balance between work and education. You’ll explore evidence-based care, public health, teamwork, and self-care while expanding your professional network. 

    SMU Best Career Prospects
    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. Our programs are designed to maximize your professional potential.

    Applicants are considered for admission to the RN to BSN program based upon the following criteria:

    • An associate’s degree in nursing or enrollment in an associate’s degree in nursing program
    • Current, unencumbered RN license
    • 70 transferable semester credits—all credits counting toward the associate’s degree in nursing are transferable
    • Minimum recommended GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale)
    • Two letters of recommendation (references from family and friends will not be considered)

    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, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001,  202-887-6791. 

    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

    Program Length and Class Structure

    • Virtual classes bi-weekly - Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday options

    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                =          $750/unit 

                Program Units               =          30 units 

                Total Tuition Estimate*   =          $22,500 

    *The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.

    Samuel Merritt University, through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, is pleased to be able to offer scholarships to assist nurses in covering the costs of the RN to BSN program. Scholarships are available first-come, first-served. Through a partnership with Kaiser Permanente, we are pleased to offer a scholarship covering 75% of the tuition to nurses currently working for Kaiser Permanente public hospitals and clinics, federally qualified health centers, and public health departments. If you work at a safety net hospital, please inquire about scholarship opportunities. Student Body, health insurance, books, transportation, and other fees are not included. Scholarships are renewable each term based upon satisfactory academic performance and continued progress toward the degree. 

    Scholarships are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to change.

     

    Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.

    Financial aid info   

    Types of Aid

    Scholarships and Grants: These are “gift aid” and do not need to be repaid. These can come from the government, private groups, and directly from Samuel Merritt University.

    Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for students accepted into the RN to BSN program. Scholarships will be awarded based on the content of the student’s application to Samuel Merritt University. All students are considered for this scholarship. 

    Federal Grants: Up to $5,775 in Pell Grant and up to $1,000 in Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). These are need-based awards and will not be repaid. 

    Students in the RN to BSN program are also eligible for federal student loans.

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    Additional Information

    RN to BSN Program Technical Standards

    The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals. 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 across 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 any of the prelicensure programs as well as current students who are candidates for retention, progression, 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 baccalaureate-level education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare 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 any prelicensure nursing program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.

    Technical Standards

    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 biopsychosocial assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses in all clinical settings. 

    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 healthcare team, patients and their families, faculty, and staff. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately communicate verbal and written information and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication in a timely manner.

    Patient Care Skills 

    Candidates must be able to perform health assessment and physical examination skills. A candidate should be able to perform or direct basic laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (e.g., venipuncture, placement of urinary catheters, electrocardiogram), and interpret findings.  A candidate must be able to provide or direct general and emergency treatment for patients, and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner (e.g., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medications, application of pressure to arrest bleeding). Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow universal precaution procedures.

    Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills

    Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: lecture; group or team and collaborative activities; simulation; individual study; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the prelicensure program’s curriculum. The candidate must be able to synthesize information both in person and via technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a plan of care; investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate practice decisions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and possess the ability to be a lifelong 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, faculty, and fellow students in the learning community. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in clinical practice and academia. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, to respect boundaries, and to 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 the nursing practice, including patient advocacy, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a nurse and a Samuel Merritt University student in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational process are expected of all candidates.

    RN to BSN at SMU

    We offer a friendly, flexibly program for working professionals.

    4/5

    Student Satisfaction with Academic Experience

    My program is preparing me to succeed in my profession.

    smu crest

    Higher Earning Potential

    RNs with a bachelor’s degree out-earn their counterparts with an associate’s degree.

    90%

    Met or Exceeded

    Number of alumni who report their program met or exceeded their expectations.

    Faculty

    richard-macintyre

    Richard MacIntyre

    PhD, RN Professor
    marcus-penn

    Marcus L. Penn

    MD Adjunct Assistant Professor
    uzo-nwankpa

    Uzo Nwankpa

    MSN, RN Instructor
    alice-vestergaard

    Alice Jacobs Vestergaard

    EdD Instructor

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