
Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Elevate Your Career With SMU’s RN to BSN Program
Advance your nursing career with Samuel Merritt University’s online RN to BSN program. Designed for working RNs, you can earn your degree in as little as 12 months—without pausing your career.
Learn more about employer-sponsored incentives that reduce financial hurdles, making it easier and more affordable to achieve your professional goals.
Duration
Format
Upcoming Deadline
December 1, 2025 : Spring Application
Why Select SMU’s RN to BSN Program?


Flexible Learning

Top-Tier Nursing Education
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from one of California’s top nursing schools in just one year.
Flexible & Affordable
Complete our online RN to BSN program in just 12 months for an affordable path to advancing your career—designed to fit your schedule as a working professional.

A Unique Caritas Curriculum

Meeting You Where You Are
Rooted in the Caritas philosophy, our program supports our student’s growth—whether it’s in a current role or preparing for new opportunities.
Holistic & Personalized Learning
Small class sizes, faculty support, and a patient-centered approach ensure that our graduates thrive in any healthcare setting.

Career-Ready Education

Develop Advanced Nursing Skills
Gain expertise in evidence-based care, broaden the understanding of public health issues, and build teamwork and communication skills.
Exclusive Career Opportunities
SMU is ranked #1 in California for post-graduate career placements, with alumni among the nation’s top earners.

Quick Facts

Format
Online
Locations
Online
Duration
12 months
Upcoming Deadlines
July 15, 2025 : Fall Application
December 1, 2025 : Spring Application
Accreditations
WSCUC
Prerequisites Snapshot

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Active, unencumbered RN license in an approved state
- Minimum recommended GPA of 2.5 or higher
- An associate degree in nursing or enrollment in an associate degree in nursing program
- Official transcript from an accredited nursing program or international equivalent
- 30 transferable semester credits—all credits count toward the associate degree in nursing
- Government-issued photo identification from an approved state

Need More Information?

Schedule your one-on-one session to learn about the RN to BSN program. Get answers to your questions and explore the curriculum, career opportunities, and more.
Our Campuses

Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, 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 Avenue
Fresno, California 93720
800.607.6377
San Francisco Peninsula
1720 South Amphlett Blvd.
Suite 300
San Mateo, California 94402
800.607.6377