Receive a Community Impact Scholarship for up to $20,000 (Fresno students only).
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing
A Fast Track to a Life-Changing Nursing Career
The ABSN Program at Samuel Merritt University is designed for students ready to begin a nursing career—no bachelor’s degree required—and equips them for the field in just 12 months with 75 transferable credits.
Locations
San Francisco Peninsula, Fresno
Duration
Format
Upcoming Deadlines
- March 1, 2026 : Summer 2026 & April 1, 2026 – Fall Deadline – Sacramento, SF Peninsula, Oakland, Fresno
Why Select SMU’s ABSN Program?
Best Career Prospects
Our graduates are highly sought after by employers.
The majority of healthcare employers prefer hiring SMU graduates.
Start your career with a strong earning potential.
One of the top universities for median income 10 years after graduation.
Highest Standard of Care
Our faculty and students are committed to transforming healthcare with empathy and compassion.
A legacy of providing top-notch training in compassionate healthcare.
Learn from faculty and alumni who are making a significant impact.
All resources are dedicated to advancing healthcare.
The Power of Diversity
One of the most diverse faculties, staff, and student bodies among all universities.
Serves one of the most diverse patient populations in the country.
Greater exposure to a variety of conditions and individuals better prepares students for the medical field.
Quick Facts
Locations
Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco Peninsula, Fresno
Duration
1 Year (3 Semesters)
Format
On Campus
Upcoming Deadlines
- March 1, 2026 : Summer 2026 & April 1, 2026 – Fall Deadline – Sacramento, SF Peninsula, Oakland, Fresno
Accreditation
WSCUC, CCNE
Prerequisites Snapshot
| PREREQUISITES | SEMESTER UNITS |
|---|---|
| English Composition | 3.0 |
| English Literature/Critical Thinking (courses in Philosophy are not acceptable) | 3.0 |
| Communication or Speech Elective (any communication or speech course is acceptable) | 3.0 |
| Introduction to Sociology OR General Sociology OR Cultural Anthropology (Biological Anthropology is not acceptable) | 3.0 |
| Social Science Elective (a course in Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Political Science, History, etc.) | 3.0 |
| Lifespan Developmental Psychology (content must cover birth to death; General Psychology does not meet the requirement) | 3.0 |
| Nutrition (general, broad-based course) | 3.0 |
| Statistics (research methods courses are unacceptable) | 3.0 |
| Human Anatomy with Lab (a combined course in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) can be used to meet the requirement only if two combined A&P courses are completed, e.g. A&P I and A&P II) | 4.0 |
| Human Physiology with Lab (a combined course in Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) can be used to meet the requirement only if two combined A&P courses are completed, e.g. A&P I and A&P II) | 4.0 |
| Chemistry with Lab | 4.0 semester or 6.0 quarter units |
| Microbiology with Lab | 4.0 |
| Pharmacology* | Varies (Go to SMU website for a list of accepted Pharmacology courses) |
| Pathophysiology* | Varies (Go to SMU website for a list of accepted Pathophysiology courses) |
*Ask an admission counselor about our free course offering.
Need More Information?
Schedule your one-on-one session about the Accelerated Bachelor of Health Sciences. We will answer all your queries and provide information about the curriculum and future career opportunities.
Schedule Your Session by Program
Our Campuses
doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three
campuses in Northern California and online.
Oakland
525 12th Street,
Oakland, California 94607
800.607.6377
Sacramento
2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 360
Sacramento, California 95833
800.607.6377
Fresno
1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377
San Francisco Peninsula
1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377
Our Campuses
doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three
campuses in Northern California and online.
Oakland
525 12th Street,
Oakland, California 94607
800.607.6377
Sacramento
2710 N. Gateway Oaks Dr.
Suite 360
Sacramento, California 95833
800.607.6377
Fresno
1791 E. Fir Ave.
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377
San Francisco Peninsula
1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377
