Federal Grants to Provide up to $6.5 Million in Support for Nursing and Physical Therapy Students

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) received two federal grants in September to help prepare future nurses and physical therapists to serve in primary care and medically vulnerable communities. The grants will primarily fund scholarships that reduce barriers to completing these degrees, advancing SMU’s mission of preparing healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes in these communities.

Awarded through the Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) Program, the grants represent anticipated funding of $6.5 million over five years for projects serving students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree at SMU. 
 
The BSN and DPT projects aim to assist dozens of SMU students with scholarships covering at least 50% of their annual tuition. Each project is eligible to receive up to $650,000 annually, or $3.25 million over the full five-year grant period. Under the grant terms, funding for subsequent years depends on available federal funds and the number and amount of scholarships awarded.  Actual expenditures may be less than the full award.

Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the SDS Program is designed to help disadvantaged students enroll and stay in school while strengthening the healthcare workforce in primary care and rural, Tribal, and other medically vulnerable communities. Eligible scholarship recipients must have financial need and come from an economically, educationally, or geographically disadvantaged background, according to HRSA guidelines.

Expanding Access to BSN Education

The College of Nursing’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Readiness and Education in Accessible Community Health (REACH) project, led by Dr. Jimmy A. Reyes, associate dean of nursing programs, will combine scholarships and student support with focused recruitment, primary care and population health education, clinical training, and mentorship to improve workforce readiness.  

“We are delighted to bring the BSN Readiness and Education in Accessible Community Health (REACH) project to the Oakland community,” said Dr. Alexa Curtis, dean of the College of Nursing. “This project represents a significant investment in expanding access to nursing education and preparing graduates to deliver high-quality nursing care for medically vulnerable communities.” 

Opening Doors for Future Physical Therapists

Led by Dr. Angela Rusher, DPT program director, the DPT project will offer scholarship support to qualifying students.  
 
“These HRSA scholarships will ease a significant financial burden, allowing students to focus on becoming exceptional physical therapists,” said Dr. Sathees Chandra, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “Most importantly, they create opportunities for talented students who might otherwise see the cost of a DPT education as out of reach.”

“My hope is that this investment stays with our students long after they graduate,” Chandra added. “By reducing their financial burden, we give them greater freedom to build meaningful careers and serve where they are needed most.”