Doctoral
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Samuel Merritt University's DNAP combines rigorous doctoral education with extensive clinical experience to prepare critical care nurses for advanced practice as CRNAs.
Lead the Future of Nursing
Samuel Merritt University's College of Nursing prepares nurses, advanced practitioners, and healthcare leaders through immersive clinical education and close faculty mentorship. With programs ranging from bachelor's degrees to doctoral study, students graduate ready to serve patients and communities across California and beyond from day one.
ABOUT THE COLLEGE
A Leader in Nursing Education for More Than a Century.
Samuel Merritt University's College of Nursing has helped shape the healthcare workforce across California for generations. Today, it remains one of the state's largest educators of nurses and advanced practice providers, combining rigorous academics with extensive clinical training that prepares graduates for the realities of modern healthcare.
Students learn in classrooms, simulation environments, and clinical settings while working alongside experienced faculty and healthcare professionals.
PROGRAMS
Explore Our Nursing Programs
From entry-level preparation through advanced practice and leadership, our nursing programs support students at every stage of their professional journey.
Doctoral
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
SMU's DNP-FNP prepares nurses for advanced primary care practice while developing the expertise to improve healthcare delivery.
Doctoral
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Post-Master's
Samuel Merritt University's Post-Master's DNP offers flexible online doctoral education that prepares experienced nurses to lead healthcare improvement and advance evidence-based practice.
#1
Provider of Registered Nurses in Northern California
10:1
Average student-to-faculty ratio
100+
Clinical Experiences Across California
WHY SMU NURSING
Preparing Compassionate Clinicians and Future Nurse Leaders.
At Samuel Merritt University, nursing students spend less time learning about patient care in theory and more time experiencing it firsthand. Clinical placements and simulation-based learning are woven throughout the curriculum, giving students opportunities to build confidence before they enter professional practice.
Along the way, students learn from faculty who have spent their careers in healthcare. They graduate ready for the realities of nursing and prepared to take the next step in their careers.
Leadership & Featured Faculty
As the largest educator of nurses in Northern California, the College of Nursing brings together faculty with extensive clinical, academic, and leadership experience. Their mentorship helps students connect classroom learning to patient care while preparing them for careers in nursing and healthcare leadership.
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Learn by Doing.
Hands-on learning is central to an SMU education. Students gain experience in real-world healthcare settings throughout their programs, while SMU’s Health Sciences Simulation Center gives them a place to practice before entering patient care. One of the West’s most advanced healthcare simulation facilities, the HSSC helps students build their skills and clinical judgment in realistic healthcare environments.
CONTACT
Need More Assistance?
Development
Lindsey McClenahan
- Oakland
- lmcclenahan@samuelmerritt.edu
RN To BSN
Paulina Van
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Oakland
- 510.879.9253
- pvan@samuelmerritt.edu
