Apply to SMU
We’re delighted that you’re interested in joining the SMU community! Here’s how to apply for admission to our health sciences programs.
We’re excited to guide you through the application process. Here you’ll find the information you need to apply for admission to Samuel Merritt University, from program requirements to what happens after you submit your application.
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Application Process
Most applications are submitted through a centralized application service (CAS). Applicants must follow the instructions provided below. All transcripts and letters of recommendation required to review your file should be submitted with the application to the program-specific CAS. No materials should be sent to SMU until you have been admitted to a program or information has been requested.
Understanding Admission Requirements
Admission requirements, such as prerequisites and prior healthcare experience, vary by degree program. If you have not already, visit the individual program page to learn the specific requirements for your program of interest.
Submitting Your Application
Most applications for admission to SMU, along with supplemental materials, will be submitted through a program-specific centralized application service. The table on this page will outline deadlines, contact information, and links to the application for your program of interest.
Gathering Supplemental Materials
Depending on your program of interest, you’ll also need various supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation from academic mentors and healthcare professionals you’ve worked or volunteered with. As you consider applying to SMU, begin thinking about who you may approach to ask for a letter of reference.
Preparing for Your Interview
Admission to many of our programs is competitive. After the admission application review process, select candidates from certain degree programs will be invited to campus for a personal interview. This meeting will help us determine your fit for SMU and likelihood of success in your desired program. While what we’re looking for varies by program, general aspects we consider include academic performance, maturity, responsibility, community service, prior healthcare experience, and communication skills.
Completing Post-Admissions Requirements
If you’ve been accepted to SMU, you’ll receive information about important next steps. Prior to the start of classes, you’ll need to submit various documents. Depending on your program of study, these could include CPR certification, criminal background check, drug screenings, and proof of health insurance. You’ll be able to submit these forms via the Admitted Students Portal.
Support
Monday–Thursday, 6 a.m to 4 p.m. PST
Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST
All CAS deadlines expire at 8:59 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
NursingCAS
Transcript Department
PO Box 9201
Watertown, MA 02471
No transcripts should come to SMU unless specifically requested by the Office of Admission.
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in nursing programs at SMU apply through the Centralized Application Service for Nursing (NursingCAS).
ApplySupport
Monday – Friday, 6 AM – 2 PM
ALL CAS deadlines expire at 8:59 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
AHCAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9127
Watertown, MA 02471
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in applying for the Bachelor of Health Sciences program at SMU apply through the Central Application Service (AHCAS).
ApplySupport
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST
All CAS deadlines expire at 8:59 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
CASPA Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9108
Watertown, MA 02471
No transcripts should come to SMU unless specifically requested by the Office of Admission.
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in the Master Physician Assistant program at Samuel Merritt University apply through the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA).
ApplySupport
Monday – Friday, 6 AM – 2 PM
ALL CAS deadlines expire at 8:59 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
HAMPCAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9122
Watertown, MA 02471
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in applying for the Masters of Health Administration program at SMU apply through the Central Application Service (HAMPCAS).
ApplySupport
Monday – Friday, 6 AM – 2 PM
ALL CAS deadlines expire at 8:59 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
SocialWorkCAS Transcript Processing Center
PO Box 9212
Watertown, MA 02471
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in applying for the Masters of Social Work program at SMU apply through the Central Application Service (SocialWorkCAS).
ApplySupport
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST
All CAS deadlines expire at 8:59 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
OTCAS
Transcript Department
PO Box 9120
Watertown, MA 02471
No transcripts should come to SMU unless specifically requested by the Office of Admission.
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at SMU apply through the Centralized Application Service for Occupational Therapy (OTCAS).
ApplySupport
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
PTCAS
PO Box 9112
Watertown, MA 02471
No transcripts should come to SMU unless specifically requested by the Office of Admission.
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at SMU apply through the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS).
ApplySupport
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. PST
Mail Transcripts to:
AACPMAS
PO Box 9200
Watertown, MA 02471
No transcripts should come to SMU unless specifically requested by the Office of Admission.
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program at the College of Podiatric Medicine apply through the Central Application Service provided by the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPMAS).
ApplySupport
Mail Transcripts to:
Link to Apply through CAS
Students interested in undergraduate prerequisite courses at Samuel Merritt University can visit the Basic Sciences Department website for more information about the courses and registration.
Basic SciencesSupport
Mail Transcripts to:
Office of Admission
Samuel Merritt University
3100 Telegraph Ave., Suite 1000, Oakland, CA 94609
Link to Apply through CAS
If you’re an international student looking to prepare for the California licensure exam, we’re here to help.
International ApplicationSupport
Mail Transcripts to:
Office of Admission
Samuel Merritt University
3100 Telegraph Ave., Suite 1000, Oakland, CA 94609
Link to Apply through CAS
Students who previously attended Samuel Merritt University as a regularly enrolled student and are seeking readmission can submit an Application for Readmission.
Readmission ApplicationNon-Immigrant Alien Policy
Samuel Merritt University under Federal Law is authorized to enroll non-immigrant alien students.
Additional Resources
Admission Events and Counseling
We offer a variety of general and program-specific information sessions to help you prepare for admission.
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