Samuel Merritt University Online Nurse Practitioner Programs
The School of Nursing at Samuel Merritt University (SMU) offers nurse practitioner programs at the master’s, doctoral, and post-master’s certificate levels. SMU is a major educator of nursing professionals in both Northern California and the Central Valley.
SMU nursing programs train professionals who will provide both effective care and health promotion to individual patients and whole communities, incorporate knowledge of the impact of social determinants of health, and practice with compassion, kindness, and respect. SMU seeks professionals who are interested in serving rural, urban, and underserved populations.
Students can enroll in an online MSN with a family NP concentration, and there are two doctoral program options designed for students with a BSN in the FNP and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specializations. Finally, students may study in one of three post-master’s certificate programs: FNP, PMHNP, and PMHNP for non-APRNs.
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) serve patients from infants and children to adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Learning outcomes focus on observational skills, communication skills, patient care skills, cognitive and integrative skills, intellectual/conceptual skills, social skills, ethical behavior, and professional expectations.
Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) provide patient-centered mental health care to a variety of populations across the lifespan. A PMHNP is a registered nurse who will frequently serve as a vital link in the healthcare system by applying both nursing and psychiatric expertise in the care of patients dealing with varied mental health disorders.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The university is based in Oakland, California and students attend campus intensives on the campus in Sacramento. The MSN, DNP, and post-master’s certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
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What to Expect from the Samuel Merritt University Online MSN, DNP and Certificate Programs
Admission Requirements: Applicants to the SMU nursing programs must fulfill program-specific requirements. At the same time, many admission requirements will be the same across all programs. All programs require satisfactory completion of necessary nursing education, as evidenced by official transcripts.
In addition, all programs require students to have sufficient English language proficiency necessary for academic success. Demonstration of such language proficiency is compulsory in certain circumstances, such as for international applicants. Applicants generally must submit an application, letters of reference, and proof that they hold an active, unencumbered RN license. Applications are accepted using the Central Application Service for Nursing Schools (NursingCAS). Some programs require some existing nursing experienc,e while others do not.
MSN-FNP applicants must hold a BSN from an accredited institution and an unencumbered RN license in their state of residence. Application materials include the application, application fee, official transcripts, evidence of RN clinical practice experience, and two letters of reference.
Prospective students must have an interest in working with underserved populations and a second language is recommended. An undergraduate statistics course with at least a “B” grade is required as a prerequisite. In addition, students must have a completed criminal background check and a drug test (if required). No GRE or GMAT is required.
DNP program applicants must have attained a BSN or MSN from a CCNE-accredited program. Applicants to the DNP-FNP program may hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, and their credentials will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. DNP-PMHNP applicants must have had academic training as a nurse (BSN) and at least one year of full-time RN experience. In addition, it is preferred but not required that PMHNPs have psychiatric nursing experience.
Admission requirements to the different post-master’s certificate programs mirror those of the corresponding degree programs. All certificate programs require students to hold an MSN from a CCNE-accredited program and have prior RN experience. FNP applicants must also hold an active, unencumbered RN license in an SMU-approved state (or be able to attain one in an SMU-approved state), while PMHNP programs require an active, unencumbered license within California.
State Restrictions: SMU is approved to offer the online MSN-FNP program in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Virginia. Students from other states not listed here should check the Samuel Merritt University website to see if their state is approved as state approvals may be in process. In addition, as noted previously, applicants to the DNP and certificate programs with a PMHNP specialization must have an unencumbered RN license in California.
SMU welcomes applications from international students. The main distinction in admission requirements for international students is English language proficiency as this cannot necessarily be routinely expected of international students. In addition, students who have completed their degrees outside of the United States must have their degrees evaluated for United States baccalaureate equivalency. International applicants should thoroughly review the SMU website for details on how to apply.
Study Plan: The online MSN-FNP program may be completed in just 20 months or five semesters. Students may begin the full-time or part-time program in May, September, or January. Campus requirements include two campus intensives. Students also need to complete practicums at approved sites local to the student. Practicums are completed over three semesters with a preceptor.
The certificate programs may also be completed in just 20 months over five semesters. As with the MSN program, students are required to attend two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus.
The DNP-PMHNP program can generally be completed in three years over the course of 9 semesters. The DNP-FNP program can be completed between 2.5 years (eight semesters) when students study full-time or three years (ten semesters) for part-time students. A critical element of the DNP program is a scholarly project designed to serve as a capstone experience to prepare future DNPs for their work. More details on this are provided below.
MSN-FNP Curriculum: The MSN-FNP curriculum aligns with the standards set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). This online program comprises 49 credits and 600 to 630 precepted clinical hours. Courses may include research methods; professional role development for APNs; family-centered advanced practice nursing; advanced health assessment; advanced pathophysiology; health protection, promotion, and screening; analysis of health policy issues; care of acute and episodic conditions; care of chronic and complex conditions; and theoretical foundations for APNs.
Students with an RN and an associate’s degree must complete the RN-to-BSN completion program and may apply to the MSN-FNP program. Graduates of this program will be eligible to take state and national certification exams to become licensed FNPs.
DNP Curriculum: DNP courses include advanced physical assessment; ethical foundations and role development of the advanced practice nurse; information systems & technology for advanced nursing practice; family-centered health promotion; advanced pathophysiology; interprofessional collaboration: improving health outcomes; population health & clinical prevention; advanced pharmacology; leadership development; nursing & healthcare science for advanced nursing practice; and care of chronic and complex conditions, among others.
Post-Master’s Certificate Program Curriculum: For the FNP certificate, students must complete the following courses: advanced physical assessment; advanced physical assessment lab (requires a two-day intensive on campus to demonstrate lab skills); advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; ethical foundations and role development of the advanced practice nurse; care of chronic and complex conditions; care of acute and episodic conditions; care of acute and episodic conditions lab; family-centered health promotion; population health & clinical prevention; and three FNP clinical courses (I, II and III).
PMHNP certificate students with a background as APRNs complete 27 credits of courses from the following: psychopharmacology; pmhnp: diagnostic concepts; psychiatric skills lab; family-centered health promotion; theories of psychotherapy; population health & clinical prevention; and PMHNP clinical I, II, and III (three courses for a total of 525 clinical hours).
PMHNP certificate students without an APRN background complete 35 credits. Their courses include advanced physical assessment; advanced physical assessment lab; ethical foundations and role development of the advanced practice nurse; theories of psychotherapy; advanced pathophysiology; advanced pharmacology; pmhnp: diagnostic concepts; psychiatric skills lab; population health & clinical prevention; and PMHNP clinical I, II and III (three courses for a total of 525 clinical hours).
Online Experience: SMU utilizes Canvas as its online Learning Management System (LMS). Key features include multimedia apps such as Panapto, Poll Everywhere, Respondus 4.0, Turnitin, Webex, and more. Faculty can utilize feedback annotation to communicate with students on homework. Coursework includes online lectures, videos, readings, interactive assignments, and assessments. Communication includes discussion boards, email, phone, and chat. Online MSN-FNP courses are asynchronous, allowing for maximum student flexibility; however, assignments and assessments have set deadlines. Online students can access academic advising, faculty support, 24/7 technical support, the online bookstore, online library, and career services.
On-Site Requirements: SMU nursing students must come to the Sacramento, California campus for intensive skills labs. Students also complete local practicums at approved sites in their area of residence. The total on-campus learning requirements vary according to program duration and specialization. For example, the ELMSN-FNP program stands out among its online program counterparts due to its on-campus learning delivery model.
Paying for the Samuel Merritt University Online MSN, DNP, and Certificate Programs
Samuel Merritt University’s tuition figures are listed below. All these programs also feature additional fees not included in the tuition rates listed here. Interested students should contact the School of Nursing through Samuel Merritt University for total tuition and fee information, as costs may change yearly.
Samuel Merritt University students may be eligible for federal Stafford loans and Graduate PLUS Loans according to the FAFSA. In addition, several scholarships are offered to nurses, including Sharon Clark Diaz, Marshall Steele, Jr. Henry & Bernice Bigge, Employee Campaign, Hitchcock Heydman, Elks of the Year, and William Breslin. FNP students are also encouraged to inquire about a tuition reimbursement program with their employers. Other opportunities may also exist outside of the university, such as community and religious scholarships.
Samuel Merritt University is specifically seeking professionals who are interested in serving in multicultural, urban, and rural settings to underserved populations, and who can demonstrate compassion, interpersonal and interprofessional communication skills, and an ability to work well in teams.
DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP)
DNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (BSN to DNP)
MSN – Online Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – FNP
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – PMHNP (for APRNs)
Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – PMHNP (for Non-APRNs)
3100 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, California 94609
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
3
65
1025
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher (recommended, not required)
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
65
$1,516.00
$98,540.00
$1,516.00
$98,540.00
Program Essentials
DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall
No
2
66
1000
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher (recommended, not required)
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
66
$2,008.00
$132,528.00
$2,008.00
$132,528.00
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
May, September, January
No
2
49
630
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
None
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
49
$1,654.00
$81,046.00
$1,654.00
$81,046.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
2
38
525
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher (recommended, not required)
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
38
$1,658.00
$63,004.00
$1,658.00
$63,004.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
27
525
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher (recommended, not required)
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
27
$1,926.00
$52,002.00
$1,926.00
$52,002.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
35
525
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE Required
3.0 or higher (recommended, not required)
AL, AK, AR, CT, DE, GA, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, PA, RI, TN, UT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Program Tuition
35
$1,914.00
$66,990.00
$1,914.00
$66,990.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].
Sara Navratil
WriterSara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She’s the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online NP programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.