Request program information to explore how SMU’s Entry-Level MSN Case Management and Family Nurse
Practitioner programs prepare you for clinical excellence, leadership, and lifelong impact.
Become the Professional You’re
Meant to Be
Advance into nursing with purpose,
confidence, and compassion
You don’t need a nursing background to enter a graduate nursing program, just the drive to make a difference. At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), you’ll find a path built specifically for career changers like you. In as few as 27–39 months, you’ll gain the knowledge, clinical experience, and confidence to step into advanced nursing roles, whether your goal is coordinating patient care as a nurse case manager or providing primary care as a family nurse practitioner.
Career-Ready From Day One
Graduate-prepared to lead in clinical, community, and administrative nursing roles with confidence.
Three Purpose-Built Tracks
Choose from Case Management, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Hands-On Clinical Training
Gain real-world experience serving diverse patient populations across a wide range of healthcare settings.
Support Every Step of the Way
Dedicated faculty and advisors guide you from enrollment through graduation and into your nursing career.
What You’ll Learn and How You’ll Grow
At SMU, you’ll develop the clinical judgment, advanced skills, and ethical foundation required of exceptional nurses. The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management (ELMSN-CM) track builds expertise in care coordination, patient advocacy, and systems-level thinking. The Family Nurse Practitioner (ELMSN-FNP) track prepares you to assess, diagnose, and treat patients across the lifespan, while the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ELMSN-PMHNP) track prepares you to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions across the lifespan.
Instruction blends classroom learning with immersive clinical experiences in high-need settings. Through evidence-based practice, simulation labs, and interdisciplinary collaboration, you’ll refine your skills while building the confidence to adapt, lead, and innovate in complex healthcare environments. Graduates leave ready to meet employer expectations and patient needs with compassion, competence, and professionalism.
Build expertise in care planning, advocacy, and patient navigation
Lead Team-Based Care
Improve outcomes through interprofessional team-based care
ELMSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Complete in 39 Months
Prepare to deliver comprehensive care for patients of all ages
Create Change
Emphasize health promotion and disease prevention
Be Test-Ready
Eligible to pursue FNP board certification
ELMSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Complete in 39 Months
Fast-track your path to advanced mental health care
Make an Impact
Provide compassionate psychiatric care across the lifespan
Be Test-Ready
Eligible to pursue PMHNP board certification
Prerequisites
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing - Case Management
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with all prerequisites completed before the program begins
Grade of C or better in all prerequisites
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units and in the four science prerequisites (recommended)
Starting Spring 2027, the ELMSN-CM program will require a completed TEAS or HESI score. Recommended HESI A2 score of 75% or higher in each subject area or TEAS score of 65% or higher in each subject area
Conversational ability in a second language (highly desirable)
If transferring from another nursing program: statement of explanation and letter of good standing from the current dean
Short answer responses submitted with the application
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with all prerequisites completed before the program begins
Grade of C or better in all prerequisites
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units and in the four science prerequisites (recommended)
Starting Spring 2027, the ELMSN-FNP program will require a completed TEAS or HESI score. Recommended HESI A2 score of 75% or higher in each subject area or TEAS score of 65% or higher in each subject area
Conversational ability in a second language (highly desirable)
If transferring from another nursing program: statement of explanation and letter of good standing from the current dean
Short answer responses submitted with the application
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with all prerequisites completed before the program begins
Grade of C or better in all prerequisites
Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 semester/90 quarter units and in the four science prerequisites (recommended)
Starting Spring 2027, the ELMSN-PMHNP program will require a completed TEAS or HESI score. Recommended HESI A2 score of 75% or higher in each subject area or TEAS score of 65% or higher in each subject area
Conversational ability in a second language (highly desirable)
If transferring from another nursing program: statement of explanation and letter of good standing from the current dean
Short answer responses submitted with the application
Invest in Your Future With Confidence
Pursuing an advanced nursing education is an investment, one that opens doors to meaningful careers and lasting impact. SMU offers multiple options to help you finance your degree, including scholarships, tuition discounts for qualifying candidates, payment plans, and resources to explore federal and private aid.
Where Your SMU Degree Can Take You
Graduates of SMU’s ELMSN-CM, ELMSN-FNP, and ELMSN-PMHNP tracks are prepared for advanced nursing roles that place them at the forefront of healthcare delivery. Whether you lead care coordination teams, manage complex patient populations as a case manager, provide primary care as a family nurse practitioner, or deliver mental health care as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, your SMU education equips you with the confidence, clinical skills, and professional credibility employers seek.
What is an Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program?
An Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field who want to become registered nurses and pursue advanced nursing roles. SMU’s ELMSN programs combine nursing preparation with graduate-level education in a specialized area.
How do I apply to the ELMSN programs?
Begin by requesting information to receive application guidance, prerequisites, and next steps. Our admissions team will walk you through the process.
What ELMSN tracks are available at Samuel Merritt University?
Samuel Merritt University offers three Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) tracks: Case Management (ELMSN-CM), Family Nurse Practitioner (ELMSN-FNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (ELMSN-PMHNP).
Can I complete these ELMSN programs online?
No. SMU’s ELMSN programs are not fully online. They combine in-person coursework and clinical experiences with some online learning.
Who is eligible for SMU’s ELMSN program?
SMU’s ELMSN programs are designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to pursue a career in nursing. Applicants must also complete the required prerequisite coursework and meet SMU’s admissions requirements.
When and where are these programs offered?
The ELMSN program is offered on both the Oakland and Sacramento campuses.
How long does it take to complete an ELMSN program?
The ELMSN-CM program can be completed in 27 months, while the ELMSN-FNP and ELMSN-PMHNP programs can be completed in 39 months.
What are the prerequisites for SMU’s ELMSN programs?
Applicants must complete required prerequisite coursework before beginning an ELMSN program. Prerequisites include courses in the sciences and other foundational subjects that prepare students for graduate-level nursing study. Specific requirements may vary by ELMSN track.
Accreditations
Our Campuses
Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing
certificate programs at four campuses in Northern California and online.
Whether you see yourself leading coordinated care teams or practicing as a family nurse practitioner, SMU’s entry-level MSN pathway helps you achieve your goals with confidence. Take the first step toward a meaningful nursing career rooted in compassion and clinical excellence.
