Doctor of Nursing Practice
Elevate Your Nursing Career
Samuel Merritt University empowers nursing leaders to elevate their clinical expertise and drive impactful healthcare practice changes. With four distinguished Doctor of Nursing programs—offering flexible full-time, part-time, and online options—SMU enables nurses to advance their careers while maintaining their current roles. Here, you’ll develop the leadership skills necessary to become a transformative change agent, shaping the future of healthcare.
Discover how SMU can help you lead, innovate, and inspire.
Specialized Tracks
DNP Anesthesia
Become an innovator in anesthesia administration. Designed specifically for critical care RNs, our CRNA program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership development, and health policy expertise. Gain the advanced skills and confidence needed to navigate complex clinical scenarios and effectively respond to the evolving demands of patients and healthcare systems.
DNP Psychiatric Mental Health
Become a trusted leader in mental healthcare. Our DNP-PMHNP program equips nurses with advanced skills to provide comprehensive mental health care, addressing the complex needs of people with psychiatric disorders. Gain expertise in evidence-based psychotherapy and psychopharmacology to support mental wellness across all ages.
DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
Become a leader in primary care. The DNP-FNP program provides comprehensive training to empower you to deliver holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan—focusing on prevention, health promotion, and advanced clinical practice. Gain the confidence and expertise you need to transform the health of individuals, families, and entire communities.
DNP Post-Master’s
Become a key player in today’s complex healthcare environment. Tailored specifically for nurses in master’s-prepared and advanced practice roles, our DNP Post-Master’s Program equips nursing leaders with the skills to drive healthcare improvements and implement evidence-based research. Position yourself as a leader ready to transform healthcare practice and make a lasting impact in your field.
Why Select SMU’s DNP Programs?
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 in the country 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.
Serve one of the most diverse patient populations in the country.
Greater exposure to a variety of conditions and individuals better prepares you for the medical field.
Why Select SMU’s DNP Programs?
100+
Years of Expertise
We’re been preparing nurse leaders for success for over a century.
93%
Graduates Employed Within 6 Months
SMU is ranked #1 in California for post-grad jobs.
1:9
Faculty-to-Student Ratio
Quick Facts
Format
DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health: Online
DNP-Anesthesia: Hybrid (Oakland Campus)
DNP-Post Master’s: Online
DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner: Online
Accreditation
DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health: WSCUC, CCNE
DNP-Anesthesia: WSCUC and COA
DNP-Post Master’s: WSCUC, CCNE
DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner: WSCUC, CCNE
Duration
DNP-Psychiatric Mental Health: 3 Years (9 semesters)
DNP-Anesthesia: 36 months
DNP-Post Master’s: Full-time: Flexible 15-20 Months (4-5 Semesters); Part-time: Flexible 40 Months (10 Semesters)
DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner:
Full-time: 2.5 Years (8 Semesters); Part-time: 3 Years (10 Semesters)
Quick Facts
Format
DNP-Anesthesia
DNP-Post Master’s
DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner
Accreditations
DNP-Anesthesia
DNP-Post Master’s
DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner
Duration
DNP-Anesthesia
DNP-Post Master’s
DNP-Family Nurse Practitioner
Need More Information?
Schedule your one-on-one session for the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. We will answer all your questions 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
3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
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
3100 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, California 94609
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
