Samuel Merritt University BSN Programs

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) has been the core of nursing education that prepares skilled healthcare professionals for over a century. This 114-year-old institution has become California’s standard-bearer for nursing education. SMU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs give you the practical skills and medical knowledge through hands-on experiences that encourage successful nursing careers.

The nursing profession grows steadily. The U.S. Department of Labor projects a 15% increase through 2026—a rate that substantially outpaces average occupational growth. This rising need makes SMU’s programs valuable, especially when you have aspirations for a stable, rewarding healthcare career.

SMU’s exceptional track record sets it apart. The institution ranks as California’s #1 university for post-graduation employment, and 86% of employers prefer SMU graduates. The New York Times recognizes it as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation, while Forbes ranks it #1 for early-career salaries.

SMU nursing graduates achieve remarkable employment success. They maintain a 100% employment rate within one year of graduation, and 86% secure positions within six months. Registered nurses from SMU programs earn impressive salaries, with a median annual income of $103,000.

SMU’s BSN programs provide excellent foundations for career growth. Graduates use their BSN credentials to pursue leadership roles, educational positions, or advanced practice nursing specialties. The university’s detailed education prepares students for immediate clinical practice and long-term career advancement.

SMU’s mission shapes all nursing programs. Graduates learn to promote health in a variety of populations, understand social determinants of health, and practice with compassion. The curriculum combines theory, research, and clinical practice that helps students make evidence-based decisions and work effectively on their own or in teams.

Starting your nursing experience or advancing your existing career becomes possible with SMU’s BSN programs. These programs offer a path to professional excellence backed by more than 100 years of educational expertise.

Types of Programs Offered

Samuel Merritt University gives you several ways to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree that match your background and career goals. Each program delivers excellence while meeting your specific needs.

The Traditional BSN Program is the core of Samuel Merritt University’s BSN programs. This two-year program prepares you to take on leadership roles and advanced nursing specialties if you’ve finished your general education and prerequisites at another school. Your clinical courses put you right in hospital and community settings where you can use what you’ve learned. You’ll gain medical knowledge and learn leadership, communication, and teamwork skills you need to thrive in healthcare teams.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) gives career changers a quick path to nursing. This program works great for people who already have bachelor’s degrees in other fields, building on what you already know. You can finish the program in about 12 months over three packed semesters. While it moves faster, you’ll learn similar core concepts and reach the same goals as students in the traditional program.

Working nurses can earn their BSN online through the RN to BSN Program. You can complete your degree in as little as 12 months while you keep working. The program helps you master evidence-based care, understand public health better, build team skills, and take better care of yourself. Classes work around your schedule with both recorded lectures and chances to connect with faculty live.

These BSN programs also help you take the next step in your education. Many students go on to get their Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees. Program costs vary – the Traditional BSN costs $126,563, the Accelerated BSN runs $98,020, and the RN to BSN is $22,500.

Whatever program you pick, Samuel Merritt University’s nursing programs give you hands-on experience, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills that ended up preparing you for a successful nursing career in healthcare settings of all types.

Online and Hybrid Options

Samuel Merritt University puts flexible learning at the core of its nursing education philosophy. Licensed nurses can advance their credentials through the online RN to BSN program without putting their careers on hold.

Working nurses can earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as 12 months through this fully online RN to BSN program. The accelerated format creates an affordable path to career growth that fits around your work schedule. Students can complete their coursework whenever it suits them, thanks to the program’s asynchronous format. Faculty members are also available for live sessions when you need extra help.

Right now, the online RN to BSN program is approved for nurses licensed and residing in twelve states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Nevada
• Ohio
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Vermont

Samuel Merritt University also offers evening and weekend courses in programs of all types to help working students succeed. This schedule flexibility makes a huge difference for professionals who work full-time while studying.

The university’s graduate-level nursing programs include several hybrid learning options. To name just one example, the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certificate program blends online learning with campus-based sessions. Students learn all-encompassing care, prevention strategies, and advanced clinical practice they can use throughout a patient’s life. This format works perfectly for busy registered nurses who want educational excellence while keeping their work flexibility.

Samuel Merritt University runs three physical campuses in Northern California alongside its digital platforms. The combination of multiple campuses and online options makes education accessible to students whatever their location or schedule demands.

Samuel Merritt University creates educational paths that work with professional life while upholding the high standards that have made it a 3-year old leader in nursing education.

Admission Requirements

Samuel Merritt University’s BSN programs have a competitive admission process that requires you to meet several important criteria. You must complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units of transferable coursework. All prerequisites need a grade of “C” or better before the program starts.

The university wants you to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite coursework, especially in the four science prerequisite courses. You should also complete at least one term with nine semester or 14 quarter units of academic courses in the last two years.

Your application needs two letters of reference. One should come from a faculty member (ideally a math or science instructor) and another from a healthcare professional. The university doesn’t accept references from family and friends. Short answer responses must be part of your application.

The prerequisite requirements include:

• Science courses: Human Anatomy with Lab, Human Physiology with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, and Chemistry with Lab
• English and Communication: English Composition, English Literature/Critical Thinking, and Communication/Speech
• Social Sciences: General Psychology, Lifespan Developmental Psychology, General Sociology or Cultural Anthropology
• Other requirements: Statistics, Nutrition, Fine Arts Theory, Philosophy/Ethics, U.S. History, Diversity studies, and Humanities

Recent statistics show how selective the traditional BSN program is. In 2020, the program received 570 applications and accepted only 147 applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students showed excellent academic results. Their prerequisite GPA ranged from 3.32-3.86, while their science prerequisite GPA fell between 3.00-3.81.

After acceptance, you’ll need to complete a criminal background check and drug screening. You must also get American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider CPR certification.

Students who previously attended another nursing program need to explain their transfer reasons. They must also provide their current program dean’s letter confirming good standing.

What’s Different about the BSN Programs at Samuel Merritt University

Samuel Merritt University’s BSN programs stand out because of their exceptional outcomes and distinctive teaching methods. The university shows remarkable results with NCLEX pass rates consistently above 90%. These rates exceed both state and national averages and showcase the program’s quality of instruction and curriculum design.

Clinical experiences form the core of Samuel Merritt’s nursing education model. The university has built mutually beneficial alliances with over 400 healthcare facilities across Northern California. Students gain unmatched exposure to a variety of clinical settings. They learn hands-on skills in specialty areas ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics, mental health to critical care.

The university’s nursing programs benefit from highly qualified faculty members. These instructors combine academic knowledge with years of clinical practice. They create an environment where theory connects smoothly with real-life application. Small student-to-faculty ratios allow tailored instruction and mentorship throughout the program.

Modern simulation centers on SMU campuses give students safe spaces to practice complex nursing skills. High-fidelity mannequins in these facilities react like real patients. Students can prepare for clinical challenges they will encounter in actual healthcare settings.

Samuel Merritt University takes an integrated approach to patient care in its curriculum. Students learn cultural competence, ethical decision-making, and patient advocacy through their coursework and clinical experiences. This complete approach creates graduates ready to meet the complex needs of patients from all backgrounds.

The program’s focus on interprofessional education adds another unique element. Students cooperate with peers from other healthcare disciplines. This mirrors the team-based approach used in today’s healthcare settings.

Healthcare facilities actively seek SMU graduates for their clinical readiness, critical thinking abilities, and professional conduct. These qualities lead directly to successful nursing careers and better patient outcomes.