Samuel Merritt University Nurse Practitioner Programs
Samuel Merritt University has been a leading institution for nursing education for over 100 years. The College of Nursing leads the way as Northern California and Central Valley’s top provider of registered nurses. Students can choose from a wide range of programs that match their career goals.
The university offers several paths to become a nurse practitioner. Students can pursue the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP) program, Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN-FNP), or Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner (DNP-FNP). The university also offers undergraduate programs like the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Accelerated BSN for those who already have non-nursing bachelor’s degrees.
Samuel Merritt University stands out because of its outstanding graduate success. The university ranks #1 in California for post-graduate employment, and 86% of employers prefer SMU graduates. Forbes ranks SMU #1 for early-career salaries. The New York Times places it among the top two universities nationwide based on median income ten years after graduation.
Students learn practical skills through hands-on experience and apply their knowledge in simulated and clinical situations. This approach works well – 91% of SMU graduates find employment in their specialty. The Family Nurse Practitioner role earned the #1 spot in Best Healthcare Jobs by U.S. News & World Report.
The university’s nursing programs hold prestigious accreditations from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The faculty brings extensive experience, with almost all members holding doctoral degrees.
The curriculum combines core courses, specialty training, and clinical experience that meets national standards set by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This thorough preparation helps students develop expertise to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare to patients from all backgrounds.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available
Samuel Merritt University provides a complete range of nurse practitioner programs that fit different educational backgrounds and career goals. The university’s doctoral programs include DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) and DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (BSN to DNP). Students in these programs learn clinical practice skills and become leaders who develop policies and welcome healthcare breakthroughs.
Students pursuing a master’s degree can choose between the MSN – Online Family Nurse Practitioner program and the MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP option. The online MSN-FNP program teaches registered nurses to care for patients of all ages with a focus on family medical care. Students need 49 credits and 630 clinical hours and can choose between full-time (20 months) or part-time (36 months) study options.
Professionals who already have credentials can earn Post-Graduate APRN Certificates in Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric-Mental Health NP specialties. These certificates are available to both APRNs and Non-APRNs. The FNP Certificate program gives complete training to MSN-prepared nurses.
MSN-FNP and DNP-FNP programs have substantial differences in their curriculum. MSN-FNP programs focus on building core nursing skills and cover everything in patient care like physical assessments and pharmacology. DNP-FNP programs go beyond clinical skills to include policy, leadership, and healthcare system management.
Your current credentials determine your educational pathway options:
- RNs with MSN degrees can join the DNP-FNP program or the FNP certificate program
- RNs with BSN degrees can pick either MSN or DNP paths
- RNs with associate’s degrees must complete an RN-to-BSN program before starting MSN or DNP programs
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties support transitioning to the DNP as the entry-level degree for nurse practitioners by 2025. This change shows how advanced nursing education continues to evolve.
Flexible Learning Formats
Samuel Merritt University designs its educational experience to fit working nurses’ schedules. Students can access FNP programs through online learning with Canvas learning management system. The platform has powerful multimedia tools like Panapto, Poll Everywhere, Respondus 4.0, Turnitin, and Webex.
The program format changes based on your choice:
- MSN-FNP Program: Students get flexible asynchronous instruction with full-time (20 months/5 semesters) and part-time (24-36 months) options. The program requires two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus.
- DNP-FNP Program: Students experience both synchronous and asynchronous online classes with two on-campus residencies. Full-time students complete the program in about 2.5 years (8 semesters) while part-time students finish in 3 years (10 semesters).
Students complete three semesters of precepted clinical practicum hours in their local community, whatever program they choose. Samuel Merritt gives students access to qualified clinical preceptors including MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, and Midwives.
This setup works great for busy professionals. You can manage your schedule while juggling work and personal life. The online format helps you connect with colleagues across the country. You can apply what you learn to your current practice right away, which makes the learning more effective.
The online programs are available to nurses licensed and living in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and Vermont.
Admissions & Prerequisites
Samuel Merritt University’s FNP programs have specific admission criteria. Applicants must complete an application through the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS).
The online MSN-FNP program requires:
- An active, unencumbered RN license in an approved state
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Government-issued photo identification
The ELMSN-FNP program needs:
- A recommended minimum 3.0 GPA (last 60 semester units)
- Acceptable HESI A2 or TEAS scores
- Two letters of reference
Students must complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or better before starting any program. The courses include human anatomy with lab, human physiology with lab, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and general education requirements.
Conditionally accepted applicants need to complete these steps:
- Criminal background check
- Drug screening
- Submission of health records
- CPR certification
- Payment of a non-refundable USD 350 tuition deposit
The admission process remains competitive and the university evaluates each candidate against the entire applicant pool. Samuel Merritt University looks for candidates who show both academic excellence and professional promise.
What Sets the NP Programs Apart at Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University’s nurse practitioner programs stand out because of their exceptional teaching methods. The university puts strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience that lets students build advanced practice skills through direct patient care in healthcare settings of all types.
The university’s state-of-the-art simulation facilities mirror real-life clinical environments. Students get exceptional learning opportunities through SMU’s extensive network of clinical partnerships in California and beyond.
SMU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion makes it special. Students who take the NP trip at SMU participate in community-focused healthcare initiatives. These programs help address health disparities in underserved populations and prepare students to provide culturally sensitive care to communities of all types.
Samuel Merritt’s faculty brings significant value to student education. Your instructors work as active healthcare practitioners and bring current clinical insights to the classroom. This blend of theory and practice will give a learning experience that reflects today’s healthcare challenges and solutions.
The university’s integrated approach sets its nurse practitioner education apart. SMU combines thorough academic preparation with practical skill development, community involvement, and professional mentorship. This preparation gives students the tools to excel as healthcare leaders in today’s complex medical world.
Starting your trip to become a Family Nurse Practitioner at Samuel Merritt University creates excellent career opportunities. SMU’s FNP students achieve a 95% first-time pass rate on national certification exams, which proves the program’s quality.
Your educational investment will pay off significantly. The tuition ranges from $62,000 for the MSN-FNP to $92,000 for the DNP-FNP program. SMU’s first-year FNP graduates earn between $115,000-$145,000 annually, based on their location and practice setting.
Success in the program needs good planning. Students should start their applications 6-12 months before they want to begin. This gives enough time to gather documents, arrange funding, and move if needed.
SMU’s student support services help you succeed. The university offers academic advising, writing help, and mental health support. Their Career Services Office runs resume workshops and helps students prepare for interviews. They also connect students with healthcare employers.
Samuel Merritt University prepares nurse practitioners who deliver excellent clinical care and tackle new healthcare challenges. The program’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, technology, and ethical leadership helps graduates thrive in this ever-changing profession.