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Nurses are a vital part of the healthcare system, and they are in high demand. The U.S. Department of Labor projects the field of nursing will grow 15 percent through 2026, much faster than the average for all other occupations.
Our two-year nursing program is designed for students who have completed their general education and prerequisite courses at another institution. So when you begin at SMU, you’ll be ready to participate in hands-on learning experiences sooner. Your clinical courses will take you into hospital and community settings, giving you plenty of opportunities to put theory into practice.
In addition to acquiring the medical knowledge and technical skills necessary to practice as a nurse, you’ll develop the leadership, communication, and teamwork skills you’ll need to thrive as part of an integrated health care team.
Our BSN program also serves as a stepping stone for those looking to move into leadership, education, or an advanced practice nursing specialty. Many of our graduates go on to earn a master of science in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice.
Get complete information about the program and what SMU has to offer.
Schedule a personalized and in-depth 30-minute one-on-one consultation to answer all of your questions.
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2020 BSN Admitted Student Profile
| Applications Submitted | 570 |
| Accepted Applicants | 147 |
| HESI Math Range (middle 50% of admitted students) | 88-96% |
| HESI Reading Range (middle 50% of admitted students) | 86-92% |
| HESI Anatomy & Physiology Range (middle 50% of admitted students) | 84-92% |
| Prerequisite GPA Range (middle 50% of admitted students) | 3.32-3.86 |
| Science Prerequisite GPA Range (middle 50% of admitted students) | 3.00-3.81 |
The information below outlines the prerequisite requirements for entry to the BSN program. The courses are a combination of the general education necessary to award a bachelor’s degree, as well as those that are common to nursing programs as required by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Transfer students will find many similarities in our requirements and those of other nursing programs in the Bay Area. We believe these are the courses that lead to successful careers in nursing.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better by the start of the program. Although it is acceptable to have courses planned or in progress, it is in the students best interest to have as many courses completed as possible at the time of application. It is not possible to complete any prerequisites concurrently with the BSN program. Courses may only be repeated once.
Wondering if you took the right courses as a local CSU, UC or community college student? Use our new Prerequisite Course Articulation Tool to see which courses meet the prerequisite requirements for ABSN, BSN and ELMSN programs
AP exam scores of 3 or higher and IB exam scores of 5 or higher may be used to meet prerequisite requirements, but are only acceptable if the exam scores are clearly noted on official university transcript.
Note: The HESI A2 and TEAS exams are not required for applicants who apply to the Spring 2024 cohorts and beyond.
HESI A2 scores must be available at the time you submit your application for admission. You will be asked to self-report your HESI A2 scores and upload a copy of the score report in the application.
Applicants must submit scores from the following exams: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar, Math, and Anatomy & Physiology. Additionally, applicants must take the Learning Style and Personality Profile assessments.
Samuel Merritt University’s prelicensure nursing programs are now accepting the TEAS as an alternative to the HESI A2 to fulfill the entrance exam requirement. Applicants should note that the University will not be administering or hosting the TEAS exam on any of its campuses.
When registering for the TEAS, applicants should select the TEAS at ATI(online remote proctored by ATI) option. Register for the TEAS at http://www.atitesting.com/teas/register.
The minimum recommended exam score for competitive applicants is 80 percent for each individual section and overall. For registration or technical assistance with the TEAS, click here.
Applicants must request that their official transcripts be sent directly to NursingCAS from their college or university’s registrar’s office. Applicants should follow instructions provided in NursingCAS, and may reference SMU’s Application Process for additional details.
The need for the TOEFL will be assessed based on information provided by the applicant on the application for admission. If the TOEFL is required, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 100 (Internet Based Test). Scores must be submitted during the application process.
Students who apply to the nursing programs at SMU and have military based health care training and/or experience will be evaluated on an individual basis. All classes and experience previously obtained will be evaluated for equivalency to the desired program requirements. A program completion plan will be implemented based on this evaluation. Students will be required to complete the HESI A-2 exam.
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
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 Calculator
There is a tuition calculator that provides a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in health care, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than one percent. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education including scholarships, work study and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your 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 include:
Samuel Merritt Scholarship Award– this is a scholarship awarded by Samuel Merritt University based on financial need and GPA. It will be renewed every semester and does not need to be repaid. For the 2019-2020 academic year, the award will be between $5000 and $8000.
Federal Grants– up to $6,195 in Pell Grant and up to $1000 in Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). These are need based awards, and will not be repaid.
Student Loans – There are also a number of student loan options for BSN students. See the financial aid office page for details.
In addition to the cost of tuition, books and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, so the total cost of attendance includes:
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost and application processes are available on the webpage.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. 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 phone or email.
Official Transcripts for Courses in Progress
All admitted students are required to provide official, sealed transcripts for courses that were still in progress or planned at time of application and were not updated in the Academic Update Process through the CAS system.
Acceptance is contingent on meeting all course requirements. Official transcripts are needed for all colleges attended. They must be mailed directly to NursingCAS by the issuing institution’s registrar’s office:
NursingCAS
P.O. Box 9201
Watertown, MA 02471
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
A criminal background check and drug screening is required to participate in clinical rotations. To initiate your background check and drug screening, visit this website and complete the process as required within 30 days. If you have questions about the process, please call CertifiedBackground.com customer service at (888) 666-7788.
Health Insurance
All students are required to have medical insurance coverage in effect by their program’s first day of orientation. You can either enroll in one of Samuel Merritt University’s (SMU) plans or waive SMU insurance if you have a plan of your own. Enroll or register a waiver at https://app.hsac.com/smu. If you have not received a confirmation email within five days of your submission, please contact our insurance consultant, Trish Ivey at (888) 978-8355.
CPR Certification
Certification must be from the American Heart Association and be the Basic Life Support BLS module (must include adult, infant and children). You may go to any provider for these classes but the University has a partnership with HeartStart CPR including discounted pricing.
Required Health Forms
Every student must complete the Student Health Forms, which list the health requirements for incoming students. Please visit the Student Health Portal to enter your health information, as well as upload all the required supporting documents. In order to avoid a registration hold, please submit all your health requirements as soon as possible after being accepted into the program, but no later than 30 days before your program start date. All health information must be submitted online. Documents submitted by mail, fax, or email will not be accepted and your documents will not be returned.
If you have a disability-related reason that prevents you from fulfilling any of these requirements, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@samuelmerritt.edu to schedule a private conversation.
Photo for ID Badge
Every student must submit a head-shot photo for their ID badge. Instructions and specs for this photo will be provided after you receive your admitted student portal checklist/email.
Licensure Exams, Graduation, and Employment Rates
Please refer to the university’s Student Success Measures webpage for licensure exam pass rates, graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators.
Nursing program applicants with military-based health care training and/or experience will be evaluated on an individual basis. All classes and experience previously obtained will be evaluated for equivalency to the desired program requirements. A program completion plan will be implemented based on this evaluation. Students will be required to complete the HESI A2 exam.
Underrepresented students (low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students) who are interested in Samuel Merritt University’s BSN, ABSN, and ELMSN programs are encouraged to attend our three-day Nursing Success! Seminar. Students learn about the admissions process; meet current students, faculty, and staff; and tour the Health Sciences Simulation Center (HSSC) during this semi-annual event.
Applications are due April 29 for June session and November 15 for the January session. These dates may be subject to change. This event will be hosted virtually. Visit our Nursing Success! webpage to apply.
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.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC., 20001.
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
Bachelor of Science in NursingTechnical Standards
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate nursing professionals. 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. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to any of the Prelicensure Programs well as current students who are candidates for retention, progression, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue baccalaureate level education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives which contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse health care workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from any Prelicensure Nursing Program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Technical Standards
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 health care team, patients, 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 life-long 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, to display flexibility, and to 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 and to 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. Interest and motivation throughout the educational process are expected of all candidates.
