Samuel Merritt University Nursing Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

Samuel Merritt University (SMU), located in Oakland, California, is a private university dedicated to health sciences. It has a rich history dating back to 1909 when it was founded as a hospital school of nursing. SMU is the largest source of nurses in the greater East Bay, making it a pivotal institution for nursing education in Northern California and the Central Valley. The university prepares students for various roles in the nursing field, ranging from entry-level clinical positions to advanced careers in primary care and nursing leadership.

Mission, Vision, and Values

SMU’s College of Nursing operates with a clear mission, vision, and set of values that guide its educational approach:

Mission: To prepare highly skilled nurse clinicians and nurse leaders who promote health and well-being across diverse populations and communities, recognize the importance of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect.
Vision: To improve the health and well-being of the people and communities served by preparing nurses through innovations in nursing education and transforming their healthcare experience through novel partnerships and collaborations, robust interdisciplinary training, conscientious and explicit use of research and evidence, and pioneering innovations in nursing education.
Values: Social justice, diversity, lifelong learning, teamwork, integrity, and scholarship.

Featured Faculty and Experiential Learning

The university's nursing faculty is known for preparing a significant number of nurses in Northern California. Their expertise lies in best practices, outcomes-based healthcare, and interprofessional simulation. SMU's nursing programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to apply theory in real and simulated situations. Simulation is considered essential, helping students become competent and safe anesthesia practitioners or reinforcing their existing competence.

Program Offerings

Samuel Merritt University offers a range of nursing programs, including:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): This program is designed for students who have completed general education courses and prerequisites. It is a two-year program that prepares students for leadership roles and advanced nursing specialties. Many alumni pursue higher degrees after completing the BSN program.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): The College also offers a Master of Science in Nursing three advanced nursing specialties: Case Management, Family nurse practitioner (FNP), and Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA).

BSN Program Details

The BSN program at SMU focuses on integrating theory and practice to prepare students for successful nursing careers. The curriculum and clinical experiences are designed to ensure students are well-prepared for their professional paths.

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Admission Criteria

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

A minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units of transferable coursework, including the completion of all prerequisites with a grade of C or better by the time of entry into the program.
A recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in all prerequisite coursework.
A recommended minimum 3.0 GPA in the four science prerequisite courses.
At least one term with a minimum of nine semester or 14 quarter units of academic courses completed in the past two years.
Two letters of reference: one from a faculty member, preferably a math or science instructor, and the other from a healthcare professional. References from family and friends will not be considered.
Short answer responses submitted with the application.
A written statement detailing reasons for transfer if you have attended a nursing program at another college/university. This statement will need to be supported by a letter from the dean of your current nursing program explaining that you are in good standing and eligible for continued enrollment in your current program.

Accreditation

Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

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

Application and Fees

The application fee for nursing programs is payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.

Application Fee = $60

Students offered admission are required to 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 and Financial Aid

Nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is considered a valuable investment in the future. Graduates have a loan default rate of less than one percent, indicating that they find employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.

SMU offers various ways to assist in funding education, including scholarships, work study, and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Scholarships and Grants

These are “gift aid” and do not need to be repaid. These funds may come from the government, private groups, and/or directly from Samuel Merritt University.

Scholarships for BSN students include:

Sharon Clark Diaz
Employee Campaign
Samuel Merritt College Scholarship
BrosiusKessler
Providence Alumni
Marshal Steele Scholarship
Hearst Scholarship

Federal Grants include:

Up to $6,195 in Pell Grant
Up to $1,000 in Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

These are need-based awards and will not be repaid.

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Student Loans - There are also a number of student loan options for BSN students.

Technical Standards

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. These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution.

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 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, 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.

Document Submission

To submit documents to Admissions and Records, applicants can send a high-quality scanned document or photo. Scanning can be done using apps like Microsoft Office Lens. It is important to ensure that all fields are completely filled out and captured in the photo. The scanned or photo document should be sent to the appropriate staff or to Admissions and Records.

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