Our FNP Certificate program equips MSN-prepared RNs with a blend of online and on-campus learning, focusing on holistic care, prevention, and advanced clinical practice across the patient's life span. The program’s modality is ideal for busy RNs seeking excellence with flexibility.
The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner Online Program prepares MSN-prepared nurses to effectively address diverse health issues and provide preventative care to improve patient outcomes.
The program is accredited by CCNE and offers personalized mentorship, expert instruction, and extensive clinical training. Graduates enjoy high median salaries and a 100% employment rate within six months.
Studying at SMU ensures a prosperous career in nursing. We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries, and The New York Times recognizes us as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Must be an unencumbered RN (registered nurse) with an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), and their RN license must be in an SMU-approved state/ or attainable in an SMU-approved State.
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in MSN coursework is recommended but not required. A GPA less than 3.0 will need a letter of explanation.
Prior RN experience is required.
Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is mandatory for success in the program.
Applications for the program are accepted using the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS). Students are admitted to this program for summer and fall terms.
The admission review process is fairly quick once all documents have been received and your application has been verified by NursingCAS. In general, once a complete application is verified by NursingCAS, you will be contacted for a phone interview. Upon successful completion of the interview, your admission will be processed and you will be notified within a week.
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2024-2025. If you have questions regarding this application contact Evan Razor, Assistant Director of Admissions, erazor@samuelmerritt.edu.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Master’s Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2017
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2027
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Curriculum, Courses, and Clinicals
The program combines interdisciplinary core courses, specialty courses, and hands-on experience. Course content aligns with the highest national standards, including those established by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Clinical Experience
In addition to online coursework, you will complete three semesters of precepted clinical practicum hours. You are also required to attend two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus.
You will work with our clinical coordinator to secure appropriate practicum and internship sites in your community. You’ll also have access to our network of qualified clinical preceptors (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, nurse midwives).
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $80
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition and all fees for the program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,658/unit
Program Units = 38 units
Total Tuition Estimate* = $63,000
*The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP Certificate program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP Certificate program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Technical Standards
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively with all members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information in English and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to perform or direct basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, wet mount, etc.), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (venipuncture, placement of catheters and tubes, lumbar puncture, suturing, etc.), and interpret electrocardiograms and imaging studies. A candidate must be able to provide or direct general care and emergency treatment for patients, and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner; examples of emergency treatments reasonably required of a family nurse practitioner include, but are not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medications, application of pressure to arrest bleeding, opening obstructed airways, and performance of obstetrical maneuvers. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow universal precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: classroom instruction; laboratory; small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a lifelong learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, respect boundaries, and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
The Post-Graduate APRN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner Online Program prepares MSN-prepared nurses to effectively address diverse health issues and provide preventative care to improve patient outcomes.
The program is accredited by CCNE and offers personalized mentorship, expert instruction, and extensive clinical training. Graduates enjoy high median salaries and a 100% employment rate within six months.
Studying at SMU ensures a prosperous career in nursing. We’re the #1 university in CA for post-grad jobs, with 86% of employers preferring our grads. Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries, and The New York Times recognizes us as one of the top two universities nationwide for median income ten years after graduation.
To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Must be an unencumbered RN (registered nurse) with an MSN (Master of Science in Nursing), and their RN license must be in an SMU-approved state/ or attainable in an SMU-approved State.
A minimum of a 3.0 GPA in MSN coursework is recommended but not required. A GPA less than 3.0 will need a letter of explanation.
Prior RN experience is required.
Proficiency in English (both spoken and written) is mandatory for success in the program.
Applications for the program are accepted using the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS). Students are admitted to this program for summer and fall terms.
The admission review process is fairly quick once all documents have been received and your application has been verified by NursingCAS. In general, once a complete application is verified by NursingCAS, you will be contacted for a phone interview. Upon successful completion of the interview, your admission will be processed and you will be notified within a week.
Samuel Merritt University Alumni students are invited to apply using the Alumni Application Academic Year 2024-2025. If you have questions regarding this application contact Evan Razor, Assistant Director of Admissions, erazor@samuelmerritt.edu.
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The post-graduate APRN certificate program at Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Master’s Accreditation
Initial Accreditation Date: April 21, 2001
Most Recent Accreditation Date: November 2, 2020
Accreditation Term Expires: June 30, 2031
Last On-Site Evaluation: November 2017
Next On-Site Evaluation: Fall 2027
SEQUENTIAL COURSE CURRICULUM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Curriculum, Courses, and Clinicals
The program combines interdisciplinary core courses, specialty courses, and hands-on experience. Course content aligns with the highest national standards, including those established by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Clinical Experience
In addition to online coursework, you will complete three semesters of precepted clinical practicum hours. You are also required to attend two on-campus intensives at the Sacramento campus.
You will work with our clinical coordinator to secure appropriate practicum and internship sites in your community. You’ll also have access to our network of qualified clinical preceptors (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, nurse midwives).
Application Fees
Application fees are payable to Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS). Samuel Merritt University does not charge an additional admission fee.
Application Fee = $80
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition and all fees for the program, visit Student Accounts.
Admitted Academic Year: 2024-2025
Per Unit Rate = $1,658/unit
Program Units = 38 units
Total Tuition Estimate* = $63,000
*The total tuition estimate does not reflect potential future tuition rate increases.
Your nursing education at Samuel Merritt University is an important and valuable investment in your future. Not only will you have the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in healthcare, but Samuel Merritt University graduates have a loan default rate of less than 1%. This means that students who borrowed to attend Samuel Merritt University have found employment in their chosen field that allows them to pay off their loans.
Samuel Merritt University is proud to offer a variety of ways to assist in funding your education, including scholarships and student loans. The first step in applying for financial aid at SMU is to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
SMU offers scholarships and an assortment of resources for funding opportunities outside of the program. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need. A limited number are awarded for academic merit. Scholarships for nurses include:
In addition to the cost of tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover other indirect educational costs, including:
Once you receive your financial aid package, check this budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming. We are here to help. Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process. The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student. We have an open door policy and are available via email or phone at finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510.879.9200.
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP Certificate program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP Certificate program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Technical Standards
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively with all members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information in English and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to perform or direct basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, wet mount, etc.), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (venipuncture, placement of catheters and tubes, lumbar puncture, suturing, etc.), and interpret electrocardiograms and imaging studies. A candidate must be able to provide or direct general care and emergency treatment for patients, and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner; examples of emergency treatments reasonably required of a family nurse practitioner include, but are not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medications, application of pressure to arrest bleeding, opening obstructed airways, and performance of obstetrical maneuvers. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow universal precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: classroom instruction; laboratory; small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a lifelong learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, respect boundaries, and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
Students may be given transfer credits for previous content completed in an MSN degree. Role development and the 3P (pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment) courses are the most common courses that can be transferred.
To transfer these courses, the following must be true:
Courses were taken as part of an NP, midwife, or clinical Nurse Specialist MSN/DNP education in an accredited institution in the last 5 years. Pharmacology and physical assessment courses must demonstrate content coverage across the lifespan.
Practicing NPs can have role development and 3P courses evaluated even if taken more than 5 years ago.
If courses are transferred, an in-person competency test (e.g., through on-campus OSCEs) will be required in the first semester of admission. If this test is not passed, the student will be required to take some or all of the 3P courses.
Transferring these courses may reduce the length of the program to 3 semesters.
International Transcript Evaluation Agencies
Students who have completed their degrees outside of the United States must have their degrees evaluated for United States baccalaureate equivalency, also known as a course-by-course/comprehensive evaluation. Please click here for more information related to international applicants.
Graduation and Employment Rates
Please refer to the University’s Student Success Measures webpage for graduation rates, employment rates, and additional success indicators.
The mission of Samuel Merritt University is to produce highly skilled and compassionate family nurse practitioners (FNPs). Students are expected to develop a robust healthcare knowledge base and requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of clinical situations in all settings. The following technical standards, in conjunction with the academic standards, are requirements for admission, promotion, and graduation. The term “candidate” refers to candidates for admission to the FNP Certificate program as well as current FNP students who are candidates for retention, promotion, or graduation.
These requirements may be achieved with or without reasonable accommodations, the cost of which will be borne by the institution. These standards should not serve as a deterrent to any candidate with disabilities who desires to pursue FNP education. Candidates with disabilities bring unique perspectives that contribute to the diversity of the student population and will create a diverse healthcare workforce of culturally competent practitioners who can meet the needs of their patients. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability Resource Center immediately to begin a confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from the FNP Certificate program does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific clinical position.
Technical Standards
Observational Skills
A candidate must acquire information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in foundational sciences. In addition, a candidate must be able to evaluate a patient accurately and assess relevant health, behavioral, and medical information. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through comprehensive assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patient physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patient conditions and responses.
Communication Skills
Candidates must exhibit interpersonal skills to enable effective caregiving of patients, including the ability to communicate effectively with all members of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, patients, and their families in person and in writing. Candidates must be able to clearly and accurately record information in English and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal communication.
Patient Care Skills
Candidates must perform physical examinations and diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should be able to perform or direct basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, wet mount, etc.), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (venipuncture, placement of catheters and tubes, lumbar puncture, suturing, etc.), and interpret electrocardiograms and imaging studies. A candidate must be able to provide or direct general care and emergency treatment for patients, and respond to emergency situations in a timely manner; examples of emergency treatments reasonably required of a family nurse practitioner include, but are not limited to, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, administration of intravenous medications, application of pressure to arrest bleeding, opening obstructed airways, and performance of obstetrical maneuvers. Candidates must meet applicable safety standards for the environment and follow universal precaution procedures.
Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Cognitive Skills
Candidates must be able to learn through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to: classroom instruction; laboratory; small group, team, and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; and use of computer technology. A candidate must effectively interpret, assimilate, and understand the complex information required to function within the FNP curriculum, including but not limited to: the ability to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures; effectively participate in individual, small group, and lecture learning modalities in classroom, clinical, and community settings; learn, participate, collaborate, and contribute as a part of a team; synthesize information both in person and via remote technology; interpret causal connections and make accurate, fact-based conclusions based on available data and information; formulate a hypothesis and investigate the potential answers and outcomes; and reach appropriate and accurate conclusions. A candidate must be able to find sources of knowledge and acquire the knowledge through various modalities, and possess the ability to be a lifelong learner.
Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations
A candidate must be able to exercise good judgment, promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The skills required to do so include the ability to effectively handle and manage heavy workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Candidates are expected to exhibit professionalism, personal accountability, compassion, integrity, concern for others, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to accept and apply feedback, respect boundaries, and care for all individuals in a respectful and effective manner regardless of gender identity, age, race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Candidates should understand, and function within, the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine, and maintain and display ethical and moral behaviors commensurate with the role of a family nurse practitioner in all interactions with patients, faculty, staff, students, and the public. Interest and motivation throughout the educational processes are expected of all candidates.
