• OVERVIEW
  • ADMISSION
  • ACCREDITATION
  • CURRICULUM
  • TUITION
  • FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
  • CAMPUS LOCATION
  • Samuel Merritt University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing in California offers a rigorous, one-year pathway for students ready to fast-track their nursing careers. Through intensive coursework and early clinical experience, you’ll gain the skills needed to step confidently into patient-care roles.

    Program Length

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    Locations

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    Accreditation

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    NCLEX Prep

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    The MBS program is a specialized master’s degree designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, public health, or a related field. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria: 

    • Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 2.8 for all previous coursework. 

    • Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab.   

    • Submitting an MCAT or DAT score is not required; however, if you have taken either exam, you are encouraged to include your score with your application 

    • A personal statement. 

    • At least one letter of recommendation. 

    For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, Program Director, at mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu or Pamela Johnson, Associate Program Director, at pjohnson1@samuelmerritt.edu

    Guaranteed interview with SMU PA program, 20% institution discount: Student must maintain a GPA of > 3.5 in the MBS program and meet the admissions requirements for the SMU PA program. 

    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. 

    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

    Core Courses

    • Profession Development for Success in Biomedical Sciences
    • Advanced Biochemistry I
    • Advanced Biochemistry II
    • Histology and Cell Biology
    • Histology and Cell Biology Lab
    • Structural And Social Determinants of Health
    • Human Anatomy
    • Human Anatomy Lab
    • Human Physiology
    • Human Physiology Lab
    • Neuroscience
    • Comprehensive Exam

    Dental Track additional Core Course

    • Oral Pathology

    Application Fees 
    Information to come.

    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  
    For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts. 

     

    Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.

    Financial aid info 

    We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. The 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 email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.

    Samuel Merritt University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is delivered across multiple campuses across various locations in California, giving students access to diverse clinical environments and major healthcare networks. Each location offers hands-on learning, advanced simulation resources, and opportunities to work with varied patient populations throughout the state.

    Campus Locations

    • Oakland
    • Sacramento
    • San Francisco
    • Peninsula
    • Fresno

    A Competitive Edge for Your Professional Journey

    About the Program
    About the Program

    This versatile program enhances your chances of acceptance into competitive dental, medical, optometry, physician assistant, or podiatric programs and unlocks opportunities in industries like biomedical research, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. Graduates may also find rewarding roles with prominent government agencies, including the EPA, NIH, NSF, or CDC, as well as in forensic science, public health, regulatory affairs, medical writing, clinical trial management, and healthcare consulting.

    smu crest
    A Flexible Path

    This non-thesis master’s program can be fully completed in-person or online synchronous. It is tailored for students pursuing dental, medical or other professional healthcare tracks and can be completed in 12 months (three semesters). While most students finish within this timeframe, the program offers flexibility for those who need more time. First semester students generally take between 10 and 13 credits.

    SMU Best Career Prospects
    Why Choose this Program?
    • Guaranteed interview agreements with medical schools
    • Guaranteed interview agreement and Affiliations with several dental programs
    • Guaranteed interview agreement with SMU MPA program (upon completion of all program admission requirements, click here for more info), 20% tuition discount potential
    • Guaranteed acceptance agreement to SMU CPM program (upon completion of all program admission requirements, click here for more info), 20% discount potential
    • An established, dedicated medical profession University
    • Modern curriculum, modeling the first year of medical or dental school
    • High-impact electives
    • Individualized mentorship
    • Located in the SF Bay Area with a synchronous remote option

    The MBS program is a specialized master’s degree designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, psychology, public health, or a related field. Applicants will be evaluated for admission based on the following criteria: 

    • Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 2.8 for all previous coursework. 

    • Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab.   

    • Submitting an MCAT or DAT score is not required; however, if you have taken either exam, you are encouraged to include your score with your application 

    • A personal statement. 

    • At least one letter of recommendation. 

    For more information, please contact Dr. Mary Premenko-Lanier, Program Director, at mpremenko-lanier@samuelmerritt.edu or Pamela Johnson, Associate Program Director, at pjohnson1@samuelmerritt.edu

    Guaranteed interview with SMU PA program, 20% institution discount: Student must maintain a GPA of > 3.5 in the MBS program and meet the admissions requirements for the SMU PA program. 

    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. 

    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

    Core Courses

    • Profession Development for Success in Biomedical Sciences
    • Advanced Biochemistry I
    • Advanced Biochemistry II
    • Histology and Cell Biology
    • Histology and Cell Biology Lab
    • Structural And Social Determinants of Health
    • Human Anatomy
    • Human Anatomy Lab
    • Human Physiology
    • Human Physiology Lab
    • Neuroscience
    • Comprehensive Exam

    Dental Track additional Core Course

    • Oral Pathology

    Application Fees 
    Information to come.

    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  
    For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, visit Student Accounts. 

     

    Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.

    Financial aid info 

    We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. The 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 email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.

    Additional Information

    • Apply principles from cellular biology, physiology, pharmacology, and other biomedical disciplines to real-world clinical and research scenarios. (ILO1, ILO5)
    • Critically assess scientific literature, interpreting experimental data, and applying findings to clinical or research questions. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO7)
    • Identify gaps in knowledge and use modern strategies to formulate testable hypotheses. (ILO1, ILO5, ILO7)
    • Evaluate ethical considerations in biomedical research and health care.  (ILO1, ILO2)
    • Clearly articulate biomedical topics, through oral and written communications for a wide range of audiences. (ILO1, ILO3)
    • Integrate knowledge of social determinants into biomedical research and healthcare approaches, to develop strategies that promote health equity and improve patient outcomes. (ILO1, ILO4, ILO6)
    • Engage respectfully and productively in interdisciplinary and multicultural environments. (ILO1, ILO3)

    Applicants must have the following to be considered for admission to the program: 

    • BA or BS degree awarded from a regionally accredited university
    • Personal Statement
    • Resume/CV
    • At least one letter of recommendation
    • Completion of Biology I & II each with a lab, Chemistry I & II each with a lab, Physics I & II each with a lab, and Organic Chemistry I & II each with a lab. All pre-requisite courses must have an earned grade of C or higher.*

     

    *Applicants with more than two prerequisites in progress for dental, medical or PA school are encouraged to apply for the MBS program once those courses are completed. Applicants who are missing more than one prerequisite, should also consider completing the necessary prerequisites before applying.

     

    Please see the ADMISSION tab above for additional information.

    • All SMU students have access to extensive databases and articles within our library system and a highly trained library staff to assist your research needs

    • Personal Statement assistance through MBS 600 course

    • Mock interview preparation for all professional school tracks

    Career Outcomes

    Graduates of Samuel Merritt University’s accelerated bsn programs enter the workforce with strong clinical preparation and the confidence to provide compassionate, evidence-based patient care. The intensive 12-month ABSN format equips students with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and critical-thinking skills needed to transition quickly into nursing roles across diverse healthcare settings. With exposure to high-quality clinical rotations and simulation training, SMU alumni are well-positioned for meaningful career opportunities and long-term professional growth.

    Common Career Outcomes for ABSN Graduates:

    • Registered Nurse (RN) roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers
    • Specialties such as medical-surgical, pediatrics, maternity, mental health, and emergency care
    • Public health and population health nursing positions
    • Roles in outpatient care, rehabilitation, and long-term care facilities
    • Strong preparation for advanced practice pathways (MSN, FNP, DNP)

    Placement

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    Meet the HOD

    Sathees B Chandra

    Welcome to Samuel Merritt University!

    It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the College of Health Sciences at Samuel Merritt University. I am honored to serve as the Dean for the College and I would like to personally thank you for visiting us.

    As a leading institution dedicated to healthcare education, the mission of our college is not just to educate but to arm our students with the knowledge, resilience, and ethical foundation needed to make a lasting impact. Whether through outstanding teaching, hands-on clinical experience, or community outreach, we are committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders. We are proud to be a place where students can learn not only the technical skills required in the health professions but also the compassionate and ethical approaches that are vital to excellent patient care.

    Featured Faculty

    Sathees Chandra

    Sathees Chandra

    PhD Dean, College of Health Sciences
    Mary Premenko-Lanier

    Mary Premenko-Lanier

    PhD Director, Biomedical Sciences Program
    Kamla Ahluwalia

    Kamla Ahluwalia

    PhD Assistant Professor
    Richard Rocco

    Richard Rocco

    PhD Associate Professor

    Testimonial

    "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."

    FAQ

    SMU Perspectives