Receive a Community Impact Scholarship for up to $20,000 (Fresno students only) |
Accelerated Bachelor
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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 ABSN program in Fresno gives you the opportunity to step into the profession with no prior bachelor’s degree required. In just 12 months, you’ll gain the clinical experience, academic foundation, and personal support needed to sit for licensure and enter the field with confidence. It’s a rigorous path, but one rooted in compassion, community, and real-world readiness. 
Fast-Track to NursingComplete your nursing degree in just 12 months and enter the workforce prepared for practice sooner. 
No Bachelor’s RequiredBegin your nursing education without a prior bachelor’s degree, accessibility that accelerates your path. 
Real-World Clinical ExperienceGain hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings that prepare you for the NCLEX and patient care from day one. 
Supportive Scholarship OpportunitiesReceive scholarship support, including the Community Impact Scholarship, to help make your goals more attainable. |
What You’ll Learn and Where It Can Take You
SMU’s ABSN curriculum is designed to bridge theory and practice in ways that matter from day one. You’ll engage in classroom instruction that emphasizes critical thinking and decision-making while gaining early clinical exposure in community, hospital, and outpatient settings. By blending classroom knowledge with real patient interactions, you’ll emerge ready for your licensure exam and diverse employment opportunities. This program equips you with the competence and confidence to join healthcare teams, advocate for patients, and continue learning throughout your career. REQUEST PROGRAM INFO |
Your ABSN Advantage at SMU
Fresno Campus ExperienceStudy in a vibrant community with local clinical partners
Structured Support SystemAccess dedicated academic advisors and faculty mentorship
Small-Group LearningBenefit from personalized instruction and close peer collaboration 
Simulation Lab ExcellencePractice critical skills in advanced hands-on environments
Community Health FocusServe diverse populations integral to regional healthcare needs
Graduate ConfidenceBuild clinical judgment and professional readiness before entering practice |
Support When You Need It Most
Investing in your nursing education is a step toward lifelong impact, and SMU offers multiple ways to help you manage the cost. From federal financial aid and flexible payments to targeted scholarships like the $20,000 Community Impact Scholarship for Fresno students, we’re committed to helping you succeed. REQUEST TUITION SUPPORT INFO
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Where Your Nursing Career Begins
Graduates of SMU’s Accelerated BSN program in Fresno are prepared to step confidently into the nursing profession, equipped with the clinical judgment, technical skills, and compassionate care approach that employers value. In just 12 months, you’ll build the foundation needed to sit for the NCLEX licensure exam and enter roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. From patient care to interdisciplinary teamwork, SMU prepares you for a lifelong career making a difference. EXPLORE CAREER OUTCOMES |
Your Questions, Answered
What is the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at SMU Fresno?The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at Samuel Merritt University’s Fresno campus is an intensive, on-campus nursing program that prepares students to become registered nurses in just 12 months. The program combines rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical training, and simulation experiences to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Request information to learn how the program works and whether it’s the right fit for you. What are the prerequisites for the ABSN Fresno program?Prerequisites include coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, statistics, nutrition, psychology, and sociology, all completed with a grade of C or better. GPA and entrance exam recommendations apply. SMU offers select prerequisite courses for prospective students, including highly discounted options designed to help you prepare for the application process. Request program details for a complete prerequisite list and details on eligibility. Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply to the ABSN Fresno program?No. A bachelor’s degree is not required to apply to SMU’s ABSN Fresno program. Applicants must complete 75 transferable college credits, including specific prerequisite courses. Request program information to review prerequisites and confirm your eligibility. How do I apply to the ABSN Fresno program?Applications are submitted through NursingCAS. To begin, we recommend requesting information first so the admissions team can guide you through prerequisites, deadlines, and next steps. Requesting information does not obligate you to apply. How long is the ABSN program at the Fresno campus?The ABSN Fresno program is completed in 12 months (three consecutive semesters). This accelerated format is designed for motivated students ready to commit to a fast-paced nursing education. Request more information to see a sample timeline and course structure. What financial aid and scholarships are available for ABSN Fresno students?ABSN Fresno students may qualify for federal financial aid, student loans, and institutional scholarships, including the Community Impact Scholarship of up to $20,000 (Fresno students only). Request information to explore tuition, financial aid options, and personalized support. Where is the ABSN Fresno program offered, and is it online?The ABSN Fresno program is offered on campus at Samuel Merritt University’s Fresno location. While some coursework may include online components, the program requires in-person instruction, labs, and clinical rotations. Request information to learn more about the Fresno campus experience. What can I do after graduating from the ABSN Fresno program?Graduates of the ABSN Fresno program are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue registered nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare settings. Request information to learn more about career outcomes and employer demand for SMU graduates. |
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 within reach. REQUEST PROGRAM INFO |