Two long time Bay Area institutions of higher learning have joined together to offer students an exciting and innovative way to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and to receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Holy Names University, founded in 1868 and Samuel Merritt College, founded in 1909, have reached a historic agreement to help address the severe nurse shortage in the state of California by providing students with the opportunity they are looking for to become a nurse.
Although Holy Names University (HNU) and Samuel Merritt College are distinctly different institutions, they share many similar characteristics that are important for the education of students. Together they are offering an exceptional nursing program which is highlighted by the following:
- Full accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The nursing program is also accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
- Exceptional personalized service. Holy Names University enjoys a student population of 1000 and Samuel Merritt College has an enrollment of nearly 900 with a nurse population of more then 300 students. These small numbers mean there are small student to faculty ratios, which allows for personalized attention.
- Excellence in the classroom and in the clinical sites. Holy Names University has provided more than 130 years of top-quality education and is continually recognized by national surveys as one of the best liberal arts universities in the West. Samuel Merritt College has a long tradition of graduating outstanding nurses and has a reputation for clinical excellence.
- Diversity. The faculty, staff and administrators at both institutions believe in and support diversity. In fact, diversity is a core value at both institutions. Students of all cultures, ethnic backgrounds, ages, and both genders are welcome at both institutions.
- Close proximity to each other. Both institutions are situated in Oakland with Holy Names located in a lovely rural area in the hills above the city. Samuel Merritt is located in the urban fast-paced environment near Summit Medical Center , the largest hospital in the East Bay.
If you are interested in becoming a nurse, look into this unique opportunity at Holy Names and Samuel Merritt. YOUR FUTURE IS WAITING FOR YOU!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this program unique?
A: Students will complete two years of pre-nursing coursework at Holy Names University following a set curriculum of liberal arts and sciences. After completing the courses, students will transfer to Samuel Merritt College for the nursing and clinical courses. Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Samuel Merritt College .
Q: Is admission guaranteed into the nursing courses at Samuel Merritt?
A: Yes! Students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.00 at Holy Names University and complete all required coursework. Admission into the nursing courses (the last two years of the program) at SMC is then guaranteed.
Q: How do I gain admission to the HNU/SMC nursing program?
A: Students must apply directly to Holy Names University and meet all the admission requirements.
Q: Where can I live?
A: If you desire, you are guaranteed housing for the first two years at Holy Names University . The remaining time it takes to complete the BSN program you can choose to live at Holy Names (pending availability of housing) or in the residence hall at Samuel Merritt College .
Q: I am not Catholic. Does this matter?
A: No. Holy Names has a proud spiritual tradition of inclusion of all religious denominations. Samuel Merritt College is not religiously affiliated. All students who have a passion for becoming a nurse are welcome regardless of religious beliefs at both institutions.
Q: What about cost? Aren't private schools expensive?
A: Yes, when comparing tuition costs at private schools with the California institutions of higher education. However, because costs are higher you will find a greater amount of financial aid available to assist you and your family in managing the costs. For example, at Holy Names University 92% of the students receive financial aid and the average financial aid award is $20, 582. At Samuel Merritt College , 85% of the students receive financial aid and the average financial award is $19,000 a year.
Q: Where do I pay the tuition?
A: Tuition for the first two years is paid to Holy Names University . Tuition for the remaining two years (plus one summer) is paid to Samuel Merritt College .
Q: What is the single biggest advantage to this partnership program?
A : The biggest advantage of this program is that admission to the nursing courses at Samuel Merritt College and thus completion of the program is guaranteed if the requirements are met. At this time of impacted enrollments and long waiting lists with a proliferation of lottery systems for gaining entry to other programs, knowing you are guaranteed a place at Samuel Merritt where you can complete the nursing courses is an incredible advantage and one you do not want to miss. Add to this the outstanding opportunity to pursue quality coursework at both institutions and you have a truly winning situation.
Q: What do I do next if I am interested in the program?
A: Contact the Office of Admissions at Holy Names University for more information by calling 1-800-430-1321 or 510-436-1351 or by e-mail at admissions@hnu.edu
Students interested in pursuing the Holy Names University/Samuel Merritt College Nursing program must complete 62 units of study at Holy Names University and the remaining units at Samuel Merritt College . Listed below are the courses offered at Holy Names University .
Requirements depending on Math and Foreign Language Proficiency:
- Satisfy the Foreign Language requirement or complete Linguistics 145 (3 units)
- MATH A Algebra II Workshop (if necessary) (3 units)
- MATH C [not B] Algebra I Workshop (if necessary) (3 units)
Course Requirements for Holy Names University/Samuel Merritt College Program:
- ART - to be approved (3 units)
- BIO 1A - Principles of Biological Science (4 units, includes a lab experience)
- BIO 17 - Anatomy (4 units, includes a lab experience)
- BIO 11 - Human Physiology (5 units)
- BIO 20 - Allied Health Microbiology (5 units, includes a lab experience)
- CHEM 7 - Introduction to Chemistry for Health Science (4)
- COMM 1 - Essentials of Effective Speech (3 units)
- CSCI - Computer Systems (1 unit)
- ENG 1A - Critical Reading and Writing I (3 units)
- ENG 1B - Critical Reading and Writing II (3 units)
- ISAC (2 courses) - Integrative Studies Across Cultures (6 units)
- LING 145 - Linguistics (3 units) or completion of the Foreign Language requirement (see HNU catalog)
- MATH A or C - Algebra II (dependent on Accuplacer results) (3 units)
- PHIL 40W - The Human Person (or Phil 156) (3 units)
- NUTR 1 - Nutrition (3 units)
- PSYCH 1A - Introduction to Psychology (3 units)
- PSYCH 30 - Introduction to Life Span Development (3 units)
- PSYCH 63 - Statistical Methods (3 units)
- RLST 75 - World Wisdom Traditions (3 units)
- SOC 1 - Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
Total = 67 units
Coursework to be completed at Samuel Merritt College can be found on their WEB site www.samuelmerritt.edu
Scheduled class visits and appointments with faculty are encouraged and can be arranged through the Admission Office.
Holy Names University
3500 Mountain Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94619
510.436.1351
www.hnu.edu
Samuel Merritt College
370 Hawthorne Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
510-869-6976
www.samuelmerritt.edu
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