At Samuel Merritt University, we believe in the transformative power of excellence. For more than a century, we have been dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare professionals. From our esteemed faculty to our dedicated students and sought-after graduates, we embody excellence, innovation, and success in all that we do.
Samuel Merritt University is a private university in California focused on health sciences and healthcare education. Founded in 1909, SMU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine, and health sciences across multiple Northern California campuses. Known for hands-on learning and strong clinical partnerships, it prepares compassionate professionals to meet evolving healthcare needs in diverse communities.
Our alumni are in high demand in our local community and beyond.
Our programs emphasize experiential learning, allowing you to put theory into practice in real and simulated situations.
Choosing Samuel Merritt University means joining one of the most respected accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing in California. Designed for motivated, career-changing students, our accelerated nursing program blends intensive academics with real clinical experience, preparing graduates for fast entry into the nursing workforce. SMU’s supportive faculty, advanced simulation centers, and strong hospital partnerships help students build confidence from day one and achieve exceptional NCLEX pass rates.
Why Students Prefer SMU’s ABSN Program:
We believe one of the best ways to build your confidence as a care provider is to prepare you with plenty of practical experience. At Samuel Merritt University, you gain practical experience from day one through immersive labs, simulations, and real clinical environments. Build confidence, master essential skills, and step into your career ready to lead with competence and compassion.
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SMU is deeply committed to strengthening the communities we serve across Oakland, the San Francisco Peninsula, Sacramento, and Central California. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, schools, clinics, and faith-based organizations, we work to expand access, improve health outcomes, and support community well-being. Join us in creating meaningful impact through service and collaboration.
Our Community Engagement
We believe that when healthcare providers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, they are better equipped to address healthcare inequities. At Samuel Merritt University, students engage with one of the most diverse patient populations in the nation. They learn from a faculty and peer community that represents a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This environment prepares graduates to deliver culturally responsive, empathetic, and equitable care.
We Value DiversitySMU in California offers fully accredited academic programs designed to advance your professional growth and readiness for today’s healthcare landscape. As a leading institution recognized for rigorous standards, SMU upholds the highest accreditation of universities in California.
Discover a vibrant university campus location in California designed to support immersive learning, clinical training, and student well-being. Samuel Merritt University offers modern facilities, connected communities, and access to leading healthcare partners, creating an ideal environment for academic and professional growth.
"I am so grateful we were blessed with iPads for our nursing school journey. It's the exact tool I didn't know I needed. I use it daily for note taking, studying, and communicating with my cohort. As a SMU nursing student and a mother of two little ones, funds can get tight, purchasing an iPad was not in my budget. I am proud to be an SMU student knowing that they are actively trying to achieve digital equality among their students, to help give us all the tools we need to be successful."
