Samuel Merritt University Nursing Programs in Oakland (2026)
BSN, ABSN, and RN-to-BSN at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. NCLEX-RN pass rate, admissions requirements, and accelerated BSN for 2026.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SMU’s College of Nursing offers undergraduate through doctoral programs at four campuses (Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, Fresno) and online. The 12-month ABSN requires 75 transferable credits; the RN to BSN is 12 months online. For current tuition and NCLEX data, confirm with the university and the California BRN.
Overview & Why Students Choose Samuel Merritt
Samuel Merritt University, headquartered in Oakland, California, has been preparing nurses for more than a century. The College of Nursing is a top provider of registered nurses in Northern California and the Central Valley, with programs at four campuses—Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, and Fresno—plus online options for RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP.
Whether you are seeking a pre-licensure BSN or ABSN, an entry-level MSN, an advanced practice MSN or DNP, or the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (CRNA), SMU offers CCNE-accredited pathways. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, simulation, and preparation for careers from entry-level clinical positions to primary care and nursing leadership.
For the most current NCLEX-RN pass rate data, consult the official California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page. Confirm tuition and program details with SMU Admission.
Five reasons students choose Samuel Merritt
📈 Northern California leader
SMU prepares more nurses in Northern California than any other provider, with a century of history and strong clinical partnerships.
🏥 Four campuses + online
ABSN and BSN at Oakland, Sacramento, SF Peninsula, and/or Fresno; RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP options online for working nurses.
🩺 Hands-on and simulation
Experiential learning and simulation are central; curriculum blends theory, research, and practice for evidence-based care.
🎓 Full program ladder
From ABSN and BSN through ELMSN, MSN (FNP, PMHNP, Leadership), DNP, and CRNA; plus FNP and PMHNP certificates.
💻 Mission-driven
Focus on health and well-being across diverse populations, social determinants of health, and practice with compassion and respect.
Nursing Programs Offered
Samuel Merritt University’s College of Nursing offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and certificate programs. All nursing programs are accredited by CCNE (and the CRNA program by COA). Program locations and modalities vary.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
12 months (3 semesters), 75 transferable credits required. No bachelor’s degree required. Offered at Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, and Fresno. On campus.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
2 years (4 semesters), on-campus at Oakland. Prepares students for NCLEX-RN with hands-on and simulation experiences.
RN to BSN
12 months, fully online. For licensed RNs seeking a bachelor’s degree while working.
Entry-Level MSN — Case Management
27 months (7 semesters), Oakland and Sacramento. For non-nursing bachelor’s holders; emphasizes case management and care coordination.
Entry-Level MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner
39 months (4 semesters prelicensure + 6 FNP), Oakland and Sacramento. For non-nursing bachelor’s holders seeking FNP preparation.
MSN — FNP, PMHNP, Leadership
MSN-FNP and MSN-PMHNP (online); MSN-Leadership (online, Fall 2026). Various full-time and part-time options.
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (CRNA)
36 months, hybrid, Oakland. COA-accredited. Prepares certified registered nurse anesthetists.
DNP — FNP & Post-Master’s
DNP FNP and DNP Post-Master’s offered online; full-time and part-time tracks.
FNP & PMHNP Certificates
Post-MSN FNP and PMHNP certificate programs; online. For MSN-prepared RNs seeking NP certification.
Program start dates, tuition, and campus availability can change. See samuelmerritt.edu/nursing and contact admission@samuelmerritt.edu or 800.607.6377 for current information.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
NCLEX-RN pass rate data for Samuel Merritt University was not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide. Official pass rates by institution are published by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate (SMU) | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Official data | California BRN Pass Rates |
| School | Samuel Merritt College of Nursing |
Before relying on any single percentage, confirm the latest NCLEX statistics with the California Board of Registered Nursing and Samuel Merritt University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Samuel Merritt University admits international students, and California licenses internationally educated nurses; requirements vary by visa status, country of education, and whether you are applying as a student or for RN or APRN licensure. Use the points below as a checklist and always verify with the university and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: Confirm whether SMU requires TOEFL, IELTS, or another exam, and minimum scores for your program.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Whether foreign coursework must be evaluated (e.g. WES, CGFNS) and how to submit evaluations to SMU.
- California Board of Registered Nursing: For RN or APRN licensure, verify NCLEX eligibility, CGFNS or other reports, and document requirements with the California BRN.
- Immigration & visa: Which programs are approved for F-1 or other visa types, financial documentation, and how clinical placements align with your status.
Policies for international students and foreign‑educated nurses change frequently. Before you rely on any single blog, video, or forum post, cross‑check everything with Samuel Merritt’s Office of Admission and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Admission requirements and deadlines vary by program. Samuel Merritt’s ABSN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, ELMSN, MSN, DNP, and CRNA programs each have specific prerequisites, application windows, and selection criteria. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Review the program page for your intended track (ABSN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, CRNA) on samuelmerritt.edu/nursing
- Confirm prerequisite courses, GPA, and any standardized test (e.g. TEAS, GRE) requirements
- Submit application and supporting materials by the program deadline
- Contact the Office of Admission with questions: admission@samuelmerritt.edu or 800.607.6377
Application timeline
Deadlines are program-specific. Check the How to Apply page and the individual program pages for current cycles and dates.
Admissions competitiveness snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| GPA / prerequisites | Vary by program; see program page |
| TEAS / GRE | Confirm on program or admission page |
| ABSN | 75 transferable credits required; no bachelor’s required |
Request information or attend an info session to clarify requirements and deadlines. For ABSN, ensure you have (or will have) 75 transferable credits. For graduate programs, confirm whether GRE or TEAS is required and what GPA is expected. Reach out to current students or alumni for insight into the experience.
Advice by applicant type
🎓 Pre-licensure (ABSN or BSN)
ABSN is 12 months with 75 transferable credits; BSN is 2 years at Oakland. Complete prerequisites with strong grades and confirm test requirements. Choose the campus that fits your location (Oakland, Sacramento, SF Peninsula, Fresno for ABSN).
🔄 Second-degree / career-change
ABSN or ELMSN (Case Management or FNP) may fit. ELMSN options are for non-nursing bachelor’s holders. Highlight healthcare or related experience in your application.
🩺 RN seeking advancement
RN-to-BSN (12 months online), MSN (FNP, PMHNP, Leadership), DNP, and certificates are designed for working nurses. Emphasize clinical experience and career goals; confirm GPA and license requirements for your track.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Tuition and fees at Samuel Merritt University vary by program and enrollment. Specific figures were not provided in the sources reviewed for this guide.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuition (undergraduate / graduate) | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Fees, housing, books | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Financial aid | FAFSA; nursing scholarships available (see SMU website) |
| Scholarships | Nursing Scholarships (SMU) |
For current tuition, fees, and cost of attendance, visit the official Samuel Merritt University website or contact the Office of Admission (800.607.6377, admission@samuelmerritt.edu).
Complete the FAFSA for federal aid. SMU offers nursing scholarships; see the Nursing Scholarships page. The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program may be available to qualifying students.
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN pass rate | Not publicly disclosed in the provided inputs/sources |
| Job placement rate | Not publicly disclosed |
| Alumni employers | Not available in the provided inputs/sources |
SMU reports preparing more nurses in Northern California than any other provider. For outcomes and employment data, see the school’s College of Nursing and Life after SMU pages, and the California BRN pass rates.
Is Samuel Merritt the Right Fit for You?
Choosing a nursing school depends on your budget, location, career goals, and schedule. Here’s an honest look at who tends to thrive at Samuel Merritt and who might look elsewhere.
✅ Good fit for students who…
- Want a CCNE-accredited ladder from BSN through DNP and CRNA at a health-sciences-focused university
- Prefer Northern California (Oakland, Sacramento, SF Peninsula, Fresno) or online options for graduate study
- Are second-degree seekers with 75 transferable credits (ABSN) or non-nursing bachelor’s (ELMSN)
- Are working RNs seeking online RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP programs
- Value hands-on learning, simulation, and mission-driven preparation for diverse populations
⚠️ May not be ideal for students who…
- Need the lowest-cost option (SMU is private; tuition is typically higher than public programs)
- Want a PhD in Nursing (SMU offers DNP and CRNA, not PhD)
- Are outside California and prefer a local campus
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN (ABSN and BSN have on-campus components)
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Oakland and the broader San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and the Central Valley (Fresno) are major healthcare markets. Samuel Merritt’s four campuses place students in regions with dense hospital systems, community health organizations, and diverse patient populations. SMU emphasizes hands-on learning and simulation; clinical placements are across Northern California and the Central Valley.
SMU is a top provider of RNs in Northern California and the Central Valley. Demand for nurses in California remains strong. For program-specific placement information, see the hands-on learning page and contact the College of Nursing.
Student Experience & Campus Life
Samuel Merritt has four campuses: Oakland (main), Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, and Fresno. Nursing programs emphasize experiential learning and simulation; the university’s hands-on learning approach lets students put theory into practice in real and simulated settings.
The College of Nursing prepares nurses for careers from entry-level clinical positions to advanced practice and leadership. SMU’s Global Health Initiative and community engagement (e.g. Center for Community Engagement, Ethnic Health Institute) offer additional context for mission-driven education. For campus details and student life, see SMU campuses and hands-on learning.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Oakland, CA (main); also Sacramento, SF Peninsula, Fresno
- Address
- 3100 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609, US
- Telephone
- 800.607.6377
- Contact email
- admission@samuelmerritt.edu
- Website
- www.samuelmerritt.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Samuel Merritt College of Nursing page and identify your target program (ABSN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, CRNA).
- Review prerequisites and requirements for that program and compare them to your transcripts and experience.
- Confirm whether TEAS, GRE, or other exams are required for your program and register if needed.
- Request information or attend an admission event and draft questions for an admission counselor.
- Reach out to current SMU nursing students or alumni (e.g. LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement or application materials and gather required documents.
- Check the application deadline for your target program and set reminders; apply via How to Apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samuel Merritt University a good school for nursing?
Samuel Merritt’s College of Nursing is CCNE-accredited and has prepared nurses for over a century. SMU is a top provider of RNs in Northern California and the Central Valley and offers BSN, ABSN, MSN, DNP, and CRNA programs at four campuses and online.
What GPA do you need for Samuel Merritt nursing?
Requirements vary by program. Contact the Office of Admission (admission@samuelmerritt.edu or 800.607.6377) or review the program-specific admission pages on the SMU website for current GPA and prerequisite requirements.
Does Samuel Merritt require the TEAS exam?
TEAS or other standardized test requirements depend on the program. Confirm current requirements with the Office of Admission or the specific program page on samuelmerritt.edu.
How competitive is admission to Samuel Merritt’s nursing program?
Acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed. Admission is selective; applicants should review program-specific requirements and deadlines and contact admission for guidance.
Does Samuel Merritt offer an accelerated BSN?
Yes. SMU offers a 12-month Accelerated BSN (ABSN) at Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, and Fresno campuses for students with 75 transferable credits. No bachelor’s degree is required to apply.
What are the clinical placement sites for Samuel Merritt nursing students?
SMU emphasizes hands-on learning and simulation. Clinical placements are across Northern California and the Central Valley. For program-specific placement information, contact the College of Nursing or visit the hands-on learning page on the SMU website.
What is the NCLEX pass rate for Samuel Merritt?
For the most current NCLEX-RN pass rate data, consult the California Board of Registered Nursing pass rates page (rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml) or contact Samuel Merritt University.
References
- Samuel Merritt University College of Nursingsamuelmerritt.edu/nursing
- SMU Admission — Request Information, Apply, Eventssamuelmerritt.edu/admission
- California Board of Registered Nursing — NCLEX pass ratesrn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml
- SMU Nursing Scholarshipssamuelmerritt.edu (Nursing Scholarships)
- All other data as provided in inputs. Tuition and NCLEX data from official sources or marked not publicly disclosed.
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Sid Balal, RGN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with publicly available institutional and government data.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general reference and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice and does not guarantee admission, eligibility, or any particular outcome. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with Samuel Merritt University and the California Board of Registered Nursing before making decisions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 · Last reviewed: Mar 16, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy