Samuel Merritt University

28000 Marguerite Pky, Mission Viejo, CA

Samuel Merritt University (SMU) was founded in 1909 in Oakland, California, as a hospital school of nursing. Offering undergraduate courses in nursing, and graduate programs in nursing, occupational therapy, podiatric medicine, physical therapy and physical assistant, the college is located on the campus of the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland.

Pre-nursing training via partnership programs are available at four San Francisco Bay area schools including Saint Mary’s College of California. Students successfully meeting graduating and performance criteria at these colleges are guaranteed admission to the B.S.N. program at SMU.

The mission of the SMU School of Nursing is commitment to educational innovation in theory and practice in order to empower future nursing leaders who will work to improve nursing practice and the health of diverse populations. The school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Cost per credit for in-state and out-of-state students is $1,118, which puts this private school far above the average among all nursing schools in terms of affordability. Credit requirements vary between 36 and 58 credits. Financial aid is available for students who qualify, as are scholarships for eligible students.

State-of-the-art facilities include a Health Sciences Simulation Center that provides a virtual environment where risk-free learning in facilitated.

Career services are provided to graduating students in the form of résumé writing, job searches and interviewing tools. Additionally, a partnership with AfterCollege, Inc. provides an avenue for jobs and internships. An ongoing project in collaboration with Interview Stream will allow students to attend mock interviews in preparation for a career in health care.