Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2026 - Inquire Today! |
Entry-Level Master of
|
Become the Professional You’re Meant to BeAdvance 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 OneGraduate-prepared to lead in clinical, community, and administrative nursing roles with confidence. 
Two Purpose-Built TracksChoose from Case Management or Family Nurse Practitioner pathways designed for your success. 
Hands-On Clinical TrainingGain real-world experience serving diverse patient populations across a wide range of healthcare settings. 
Support Every Step of the WayDedicated 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. In the Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Case Management (ELMSN-CM) track, you will master care coordination, patient advocacy, and systems-level thinking to improve outcomes across care continuums. The Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (ELMSN-FNP) track prepares you for advanced practice as a family nurse practitioner equipped to assess, diagnose, and treat patients 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 develop the needed 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. REQUEST INFORMATION |
Choose the Path That Matches Your AmbitionELMSN – Case Management
Complete in 27 MonthsFast pacing helps your career move forward faster
Grow Your SkillsetBuild expertise in care planning, advocacy, and patient navigation
Lead Team-Based CareImprove outcomes through interprofessional team-based care 
ELMSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
Complete in 39 monthsPrepare to deliver comprehensive care for patients of all ages
Create ChangeEmphasize health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education
Be Test-ReadyEligible to pursue FNP board certification and autonomous clinical roles |
Prerequisites
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing - Case Management
|
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 and ELMSN-FNP 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, or serve as a family nurse practitioner providing primary care, your SMU education equips you with the confidence, clinical skill, and professional credibility employers seek. LAUNCH YOUR NURSING CAREER |
Your Questions, Answered
What is an entry-level MSN in case management?An Entry-Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMSN) is for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who want to become registered nurses. It combines pre-licensure training with graduate-level coursework, allowing students to earn an MSN and become eligible for the NCLEX-RN in one continuous pathway. Where are classes held?Courses are offered at the Oakland and Sacramento campuses, with some online learning components depending on the program. Can I apply if I’m still completing prerequisites?Yes. You may apply while finishing prerequisites, as long as they are completed before the program begins. What's the difference between the case management and family nurse practitioner programs?Both entry-level tracks begin with the same pre-licensure nursing foundation, but differ in career focus. The Case Management track prepares nurses to coordinate patient care, navigate healthcare systems, and advocate for patients across providers and settings. The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) track prepares advanced practice clinicians who diagnose, treat, and manage patient health across the lifespan in primary care settings. |
Accreditations
|
Our Campuses
Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at four campuses in Northern California and online. 
 |
Ready to Begin Your Nursing Journey?
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. START YOUR NURSING JOURNEY TODAY |