ELMS FNP students learning

Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Family nurse practitioners care for patients over their lifespans and in just about every care setting. Samuel Merritt's ELMSN-FNP program trains nurses to be primary care providers in primarily outpatient settings.  

Campus Location

Format

  • On Campus

Program Duration

  • 39 Months (10 Semesters)

Upcoming Deadlines

Care for Families

The ELMSN program is designed for those who have already earned a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and seek to shift careers or pursue a new academic goal. Currently, SMU offers two career training paths for ELMSN students: Family Nurse Practitioner and Case Management. Family nurse practitioners provide primary care across a patient's life span, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, and management of health problems. Nurse practitioners work in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient clinics, ambulatory care settings, emergency departments, inpatient care units, community health agencies, and private practice settings as co-owners and operators with other nurse practitioners, physicians, and health care providers.

The program requires three calendar years plus one semester (10 semesters, including summer terms) to complete, for a total of 109-semester units. Students must enroll in the first four semesters full-time. 

This program is offered in Oakland and Sacramento. Admission is for the fall semester in Oakland and for the spring semester in Sacramento.

What We Look For

  • Admission to the ELMSN program is competitive. Applicants are considered based upon the criteria outlined in the Admission requirements. The ELMSN FNP program uses a Holistic admissions approach.

Featured Events

Requirements & Program Info

  • Baccalaureate from a regionally accredited institution AND all prerequisites completed before beginning the program. See table below for a list of prerequisites, which must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
  • A recommended minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 semester/90 quarter units of coursework.
  • A recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in the four science pre-requisite courses.
  • Acceptable scores on HESI A2 or TEAS. See “Test Scores” below for more information. (not required for prospective students applying to fall 2023 and beyond)
  • Two letters of reference. One letter should be from an academic source addressing your academic preparedness for graduate study. The second should be from a healthcare professional addressing your clinical expertise preferably from an NP, RN, or a volunteer coordinator from a healthcare setting. References from family and friends will not be considered.
  • For those applying to the FNP track, conversational skill in a second language is highly desirable.
  • Students who have attended a nursing program at another college/university will need to submit a statement supported by a letter from the dean of your current nursing program explaining the reasons for the transfer. Students must be in good standing and eligible for continued enrollment in the current program.
  • Short answer responses submitted with the application.
  • Results of in-person or telephone interview as described below. 

Learn more about international applications.

2020 ELMSN Admitted Student Profile
 CMFNP
Applications Submitted95305
Accepted Applicants6754
HESI Math Range
(range for middle 50% of admitted students)
88-9688-96
HESI Reading Range
(range for middle 50% of admitted students)
86-9286-92
HESI A&P Range
(range for middle 50% of admitted students)
80-9280-92
Last 60 unit GPA Range
(range for middle 50% of admitted students)
3.12-3.673.35-3.78
Science Prerequisite GPA Range
(range for middle 50% of admitted students)
2.74-3.322.77-3.52

All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better by the start of the program. Although it is acceptable to have courses planned or in progress, it is in the students best interest to have as many courses completed as possible at the time of application. It is not possible to complete any prerequisites concurrently with the ELMSN program.

Prerequisite Course Articulation Tool

Wondering if you took the right courses as a local CSU, UC or community college? Use our Prerequisite Course Articulation Tool to see which courses meet the prerequisite requirements for ABSN, BSN and ELMSN programs. 

Required Courses, Semester Units (except as otherwise specified)

  • English Composition, 3.0
  • English Literature/Critical Thinking (courses in philosophy are not acceptable), 3.0
  • Communication or Speech Elective (any communication or speech course is acceptable), 3.0
  • Introduction to Sociology or Cultural Anthropology (biological anthropology is not acceptable), 3.0
  • Social Science Elective (anthropology, sociology, psychology, economics, ethnic studies, political science, history, etc.), 3.0 
  • Lifespan Developmental Psychology (content must cover birth to death), 3.0
  • Nutrition, 3.0
  • Statistics (research methods courses are unacceptable, 3.0
  • Human Anatomy with Lab  [A combined course in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) can be used to meet the requirement only if two combined A&P courses are completed, e.g. A&P I and A&P II], 4.0
  • Human Physiology with Lab,  [A combined course in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) can be used to meet the requirement only if two combined A&P courses are completed, e.g. A&P I and A&P II], 4.0
  • Chemistry with Lab, 4.0 semester or 6.0 quarter units
  • Microbiology with Lab, 4.0

Anatomy & Physiology Courses

SMU offers prerequisite coursework in Human Anatomy & Human Physiology. The courses are taught in the fall, spring, and summer terms and are designed for prospective students. More information can be found on the Undergraduate Prerequisite Courses website.

AP and IB Credit

AP exam scores of 3, 4 or 5 and IB exam scores of 5, 6 or 7 may be used to meet prerequisite requirements, but are only acceptable if the exams scores are clearly noted on official university transcript. 

HESI A2 Test Scores

Note: The HESI A2 and TEAS exams are optional for applicants who apply to the fall 2023 cohorts and beyond.

HESI A2 scores must be available at the time you submit your application for admission. You will be asked to self-report your HESI A2 scores and upload a copy of the score report in the application.

Priority consideration is given to applicants with scores above 80 percent on each of the following exams: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, Math, and Anatomy & Physiology. Additionally, applicants must take the Learning Style and Personality Profile assessments.

Click here for more information about taking the HESI A2.

TEAS option

Note: The HESI A2 and TEAS exams are not required for applicants who apply to the fall 2023 cohorts and beyond.

Samuel Merritt University's prelicensure nursing programs are now accepting the TEAS as an alternative to the HESI A2 to fulfill the entrance exam requirement. Applicants should note that the University will not be administering or hosting the TEAS exam on any of its campuses.

When registering for the TEAS, applicants should select the TEAS at ATI (online remote proctored by ATI) option. Register for the TEAS at http://www.atitesting.com/teas/register.

The minimum recommended exam score for competitive applicants is 80 percent for each individual section and overall. For registration or technical assistance with the TEAS, click here.

Official Transcripts

Applicants must request that their official transcripts be sent directly to NursingCAS from their college or university's registrar's office. Applicants should follow instructions provided in NursingCAS, and may reference SMU's Application Process for additional details. 

Interviews

Students are selected for an interview based upon the content of the application they submit to NursingCAS. Not all candidates who meet minimum qualifications will be granted an interview. An in-person or phone interview is required to be selected for admission, depending on the program.

Students who need disability accommodations may request them by emailing Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu. Please give as much notice as you can to allow time to set them up.

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.

Tuition Calculator

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.

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

Sequential Course Curriculum     Course Descriptions

Upon completion of the first four semesters, students are eligible to take the RN licensure examination (NCLEX).

Upon completion of the fifth semester and after all final grades have been submitted, students may opt to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Equivalency letter from the Office of the Registrar, upon request. Students will not receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the conclusion of the pre-licensure coursework. Students will be awarded a Master of Science in Nursing degree upon completion of all required Entry Level Masters in Nursing coursework.

This section has been created to assist applicants who have been invited to interview for the ELMSN program.

Congratulations on your interview for the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program at Samuel Merritt University. The interview is required for both Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Case Management (CM) applicants.

Here are some tips/hints to help you make the most of the interview experience:

One week prior to the scheduled interview:

  • Please make sure you have clear information on:
  1. Date/time.
  2. Link for the interview; the interview links are sent out directly from the School of Nursing, please check your trash/spam if you think you have not received the link.  If you cannot find the interview link, please contact the School of Nursing at least 48 hours before your interview date/time. 
  3. Have an email contact for a SMU person in case you have an emergency the day of the interview (generally this will be an Administrative Assistant in the School of Nursing).

Before the interview:

  • Review the SMU website for mission/vision/values and reflect on their personal resonance with you.
  • Reflect and practice articulating your interest in the advance practice role of FNP or CM.
  • Reflect and practice articulating the difference in professional roles between a RN and a FNP or a RN and a CM.
  • Reflect and practice articulating 1-2 examples of what you might hope to contribute to these particular roles.
  • Prepare 1-2 questions that you might wish to ask of the interviewers.
  • Review the Webex instructions in the link below and download the app as needed. Allow sufficient time to familiarize yourself with the meeting buttons and functions before the day of the interview.
    https://help.webex.com/en-us/nrbgeodb/Join-a-Webex-Meeting#id_135069

Day of the interview:

  • Plan your time accordingly; be ready to enter the interview room about 5 minutes prior to the interview time.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Bring a pen.
  • Have an email contact for a SMU person in case you have an emergency the day of the interview (generally this will be an Administrative Assistant in the School of Nursing).
  • Bring your confidence and positive thinking!

Case Management Interviews:

  • 1 on 1 (individual interview with a faculty member)
  • Approximately 1-2 hours total time

Family Nurse Practitioner interviews:

  • Small group interview format with approximately 10-12 applicants and 4-5 faculty members.
  • Be prepared for small group interaction/work.
  • Approximately 1-2 hours total time.

After the interviews:

  • Hurray!  Well done.
  • It is appropriate, if you desire, to send a follow up email to the lead faculty on the interview, but you will need to ask for his/her contact information during the interview.
  • Generally it will take about a week after the conclusion of all interviews for admission decisions to be ready; all admission decisions are made by email including accepted, denied, and waitlist.
  • If accepted, students will be asked to make a non-refundable tuition deposit to hold the space in the program.
  • If waitlisted, students will be given their specific waitlist number.
  • If denied, the faculty do not provide individual feedback on the application, so there is little follow up information for the admission office to share with you.

Interview information is subject to change
03/05/2024

Official Transcripts for Courses in Progress

All admitted students are required to provide official, sealed transcripts for courses that were still in progress or planned at time of application and were not updated in the Academic Update Process through the CAS system.

Acceptance is contingent on meeting all course requirements. Official transcripts are needed for all colleges attended. They must be mailed directly to NursingCAS by the issuing institution’s registrar’s office:

NursingCAS
P.O. Box 9201
Watertown, MA 02471

Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen

A criminal background check and drug screening is required to participate in clinical rotations. To initiate your background check and drug screening, visit this website and complete the process as required within 30 days. If you have questions about the process, please call CertifiedBackground.com customer service at (888) 666-7788.

Health Insurance

All students are required to have medical insurance coverage in effect by their program’s first day of orientation. You can either enroll in one of Samuel Merritt University’s (SMU) plans or waive SMU insurance if you have a plan of your own.  Enroll or register a waiver through the tool provided by the Student Health and Counseling Center.  If you have not received a confirmation email within five days of your submission, please contact our insurance consultant, Trish Ivey at (888) 978-8355.

CPR Certification

Certification must be from the American Heart Association and be the Basic Life Support BLS module (must include adult, infant and children). You may go to any provider for these classes but the University has a partnership with HeartStart CPR including discounted pricing.

Required Health Forms

Every student must complete the Student Health Forms, which list the health requirements for incoming students. Please visit the Student Health Portal to enter your health information, as well as upload all the required supporting documents. In order to avoid a registration hold, please submit all your health requirements as soon as possible after being accepted into the program, but no later than 30 days before your program start date. All health information must be submitted online.  Documents submitted by mail, fax, or email will not be accepted and your documents will not be returned.

If you have a disability-related reason that prevents you from fulfilling any of these requirements, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu to schedule a private conversation. 

Photo for ID Badge

Every student must submit a head-shot photo for their ID badge. Instructions and specs for this photo will be provided after you receive your admitted student portal checklist/email.

Licensure Exams, Graduation, and Employment Rates

Please refer to the university's Student Success Measures webpage for licensure exam pass rates, graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators. 

Underrepresented students (low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students) who are interested in Samuel Merritt University's BSN, ABSN, and ELMSN programs are encouraged to attend our three-day Nursing Success! Seminar. Students learn about the admissions process; meet current students, faculty, and staff; and tour the Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) during this semi-annual event.

Applications are now open for the January 18-20, 2023 Nursing Success! Seminar. This event will be hosted virtually. Visit our Nursing Success! webpage to apply.

Visit our Admission Events page for Nursing Success! FAQs

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.

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

Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner Program Technical Standards

There are two sets of technical standards for this program: one for the Prelicensure year and one for the Master's program.

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 Nursing Programs 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 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 any Nursing Program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.

Prelicensure 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 bio-psycho-social 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 health care team, patients, 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 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, 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, to display flexibility, and to 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 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 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.

Masters Level 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 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 caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively 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 in English and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.

Patient Care Skills

Candidates must perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to perform or direct basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, wet mount, etc), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (venipuncture, placement of catheters and tubes, lumbar puncture, suturing, etc), and interpret electrocardiograms and imaging studies.  A candidate must be able to provide or direct general care and emergency treatment for patients, and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner; examples of emergency treatments reasonably required of a family nurse practitioner include, but are not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medications, application of pressure to arrest bleeding, opening obstructed airways, and performance of obstetrical maneuvers.  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, classroom instruction; laboratory; 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 curriculum including, but not limited to, the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; 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 diagnosis and 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 the practice of medicine, 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.