Registered Nurse to
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Elevate Your Career

  • 12 Months to Complete and Fully Online
    12 Months to Complete and Fully Online

    Our program is designed to fit your schedule as a working professional.

  • #1 Ranked School in California for Post-Grad Jobs
    #1 Ranked School in California for Post-Grad Jobs

    Our alumni are among the nation’s top earners.

  • Affordable Excellence
    Affordable Excellence

    Get a top-tier education for just $14,000 a year, well below the national average.

  • Discounts for Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente Employees
    Discounts for Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente Employees

    Get a top-tier education for just $14,000 a year, well below the national average.

Discover How SMU Can Help 

You Grow Your Nursing Career

Take the next step in your nursing career with Samuel Merritt
University’s RN to BSN program. Designed for working registered
nurses, our evidence-based nursing program allows you to earn your degree online in as little
as 12 months—helping you grow both academically and
professionally without putting your career on hold.

Why SMU?

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

Upcoming Deadlines

April 15, 2025 : Summer Application July 15, 2025 : Fall Application December 1, 2025 : Spring Application

Duration

12 months

Pre-requisites Snapshot

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • An associate degree in nursing
  • Current, unencumbered RN license
  • 30 transferable semester credits—all credits counting toward the associate degree in nursing are transferable
  • Minimum recommended GPA of 2.5 (4-point scale)

Good clinical sites, great faculty support and involvement in the profession has been a great influence on the students.

Rebekah Chung

DNP-A ‘26

Elevate Your Career With SMU’s

RN to BSN Program

Designed for working registered nurses

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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