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Advancing Healthcare Careers — Together

UC Davis and Samuel Merritt University (SMU) have partnered to support pre-health and post-baccalaureate students preparing or entry into graduate-level health professions programs. Through this collaboration, students gain access to defined admissions pathways, reserved seat opportunities in select programs, and dedicated admissions guidance into SMU's healthcare programs.

How It Works

Be enrolled in, or graduated from, a UC Davis Bachelor’s, Master’s, or HPPB Certificate program and in good academic standing. UC Davis will determine the criteria for students to be deemed in good standing.

Collaborate with your HPA or HPPB advisor and a dedicated SMU admissions concierge for clear guidance, ongoing support, and help navigating requirements as you prepare for your next step in healthcare education.

Depending on the program and eligibility criteria, UC Davis HPA or HPPB students may receive guaranteed admissions pathways, a guaranteed interview or priority consideration, as outlined in the agreement.

Eligible UC Davis HPA or HPPB students receive an SMU application fee waiver.

All applicants must meet published admission requirements. Interviews do not guarantee admission.

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Samuel Merritt University nursing student smiling in scrubs with a stethoscope in a clinical hallway

Program Information

Guaranteed Admissions Pathways (Reserved Seats):

Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Pre-licensure Nursing (ABSN & ELMSN)
Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS)
Master of Health Administration (MHA)
Additional qualified students beyond the reserved seats receive guaranteed interviews for the remaining cohort space.

Guaranteed Interview Agreements:

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Master of Social Work (MSW)

Additional Consideration:

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) – enhanced application score consideration
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) - enhanced application score consideration

I wanted an education with smaller class sizes and more one-on-one teaching. I also wanted a program where the students are well connected and can help each other! I have made such great friends through this program that support me and help me succeed! All of the professors know us by name and are very involved in making sure that we understand the material.

Hannah Joseph ABSN ‘26

The hands-on experience and clinical rotations provided by Sutter Health have been invaluable to my growth as a provider

Name of person DNP '24

Stay Connected and Learn More

Fill out the form below to receive more information about programs, tuition benefits, and upcoming opportunities through the SMU + UC Davis Pre-Health Professions Program.

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Consent

By submitting this request, you are providing your express written consent for Samuel Merritt University, directly or by third parties acting on its behalf, to send marketing information regarding furthering your education.