A Faster Path to Nursing Starts Here. Explore SMU’s ABSN Program. |
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Become a Nurse in Just 12 MonthsNo bachelor’s degree required to get started.
At SMU, we understand that great nurses come from many paths. Our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program gives you the opportunity to enter the profession quickly with no prior bachelor’s degree required. In just 12 months, you’ll gain the clinical experience, academic foundation, and support needed to sit for licensure and begin your nursing career with confidence. It’s a rigorous path, but one rooted in compassion, preparation, and real-world readiness. 
Fast-Track to NursingComplete your nursing degree in just 12 months and enter the field prepared for practice sooner. 
No Bachelor’s RequiredBegin your nursing education without a prior bachelor’s degree and move forward faster. 
Real-World Clinical ExperienceGain hands-on training in healthcare settings that prepare you for the NCLEX and patient care from day one. 
Multiple Campus OptionsChoose the learning environment that fits your goals and schedule. |
What You’ll Learn and Where It Can Take You
SMU’s ABSN curriculum is designed to connect theory and practice from the start. You’ll build critical thinking, clinical judgment, and decision-making skills through coursework that prepares you for the realities of nursing practice, while gaining exposure to community, hospital, and outpatient care environments. By combining academic preparation with hands-on learning, the program equips you for the NCLEX licensure exam and a wide range of nursing roles after graduation. You’ll leave ready to contribute to healthcare teams, advocate for patients, and grow in a profession grounded in purpose and impact. REQUEST PROGRAM INFO |
Your ABSN Advantage at SMU
Multiple Campus OptionsChoose the location that best supports your goals and schedule.
Structured Support SystemAccess academic advising and faculty mentorship throughout the program.
Small-Group LearningBenefit from personalized instruction and close peer collaboration. 
Simulation Lab ExcellencePractice essential skills in advanced hands-on learning environments.
RDiverse Clinical ExposureTrain across varied care settings and patient populations.
Graduate ConfidenceBuild the judgment and readiness needed to enter practice with confidence. |
Support When You Need It Most
Investing in your nursing education is a meaningful step, and SMU offers multiple ways to help you manage the cost. From federal financial aid and student loans to institutional scholarships and personalized advising, our team is committed to helping you move forward with clarity and confidence. Your financial aid package is built around your circumstances, and support may extend beyond tuition to include books, supplies, transportation, and living expenses. With transparent guidance and individualized planning, SMU helps you focus on your future in nursing. REQUEST TUITION SUPPORT INFO
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Where Your Nursing Career Begins
Graduates of SMU’s Accelerated BSN program are prepared to step confidently into the nursing profession, bringing the clinical judgment, technical skills, and compassionate care approach employers value. In just 12 months, you’ll build the foundation needed to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam and pursue roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. From direct patient care to interdisciplinary teamwork, SMU prepares you for a nursing career rooted in service, growth, and long-term opportunity. EXPLORE CAREER OUTCOMES |
Your Questions, Answered
What is the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at SMU?SMU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is a 12-month pathway designed for students ready to begin a nursing career quickly. It combines coursework, skills development, and clinical training to prepare graduates for the NCLEX licensure exam and professional nursing practice. What are the prerequisites for the ABSN program?Applicants must complete at least 75 transferable semester units and all required prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better. Recommended GPA and entrance exam benchmarks also apply. Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply to the ABSN program?No. A bachelor’s degree is not required to apply to SMU’s ABSN program. How do I apply to the ABSN program?Applications are submitted through NursingCAS. Request information to receive guidance on eligibility, prerequisites, and next steps. How long is the ABSN program?The program is designed to be completed in 12 months across three semesters. What financial aid and scholarships are available for ABSN students?ABSN students may be eligible for scholarships and student loans. Financial aid can also help cover indirect educational costs such as books, housing, transportation, and other related expenses. Where is the ABSN program offered, and is it online?The ABSN program is delivered in an on-campus format with in-person coursework and clinical training. This program is offered at SMU's Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, and San Francisco Peninsula campuses. What can I do after graduating from the ABSN program?Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam and pursue nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. |
Accreditations
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Our Campuses
Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at four campuses in Northern California and online. 
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Start Your Accelerated Nursing Path Today
There’s a reason you found your way here. Let’s turn that into momentum toward a future in nursing that’s focused, supported, and within reach. REQUEST PROGRAM INFO |