Samuel Merritt University Nursing ABSN questions- Summer 2025

Published

Hello! I'm curious if there are any current Samuel Merritt students who might be willing to chat sometime. I applied for Summer of 2025, and though I haven't received an acceptance yet I'm already finding myself pretty spooked by how bad the school is at all things administrative, especially given the cost. I'd love to check in with someone who is currently a student or who was recently a student to learn more about your experience. Let me know if you fit this description and are willing to chat.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi David,

I am currently in their ABSN program. I am happy to answer any questions for you. 

What is the best way to reach you?

-Nicole

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Can you direct message people? I'm very new to all nurses so don't know how this works 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

here's my personal email..

[email protected]

feel free to send me an email and I can answer your questions

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you can reach out to me here: [email protected] that would be great.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If there's more people are willing to talk, I'd love more input— Nicole you were so helpful, I would just love to feel really sure!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I received my acceptance letter yesterday and was super excited to start the program. But this morning I've read a couple of negative posts about the program at Samuel Merritt. Some of the posts are from a year ago though. Nicole could you please give some feedback about your experience as a current student?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also received my acceptance letter, but pretty nervous about it since I've been hearing some bad things about them. Does anyone have recent information on their program? 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all, I'm a current student in the ABSN Program. Let me know if you have any questions. I'm more than happy to help. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

@Oakrad510 Hi! Thank you so much.

I was recently admitted into the Summer Oakland 2025 ABSN program and have seen some negative reviews on Reddit. Could you just summarize your overall experience (academics, clinicals, etc..) and whether you feel like it has been a worthwhile experience? Thank you again. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Misha Mistry said:

@Oakrad510 Hi! Thank you so much.

I was recently admitted into the Summer Oakland 2025 ABSN program and have seen some negative reviews on Reddit. Could you just summarize your overall experience (academics, clinicals, etc..) and whether you feel like it has been a worthwhile experience? Thank you again. 

Congratulations! I'll be honestly my experience at SMU hasn't been the best. If I had other options for nursing school, I likely would have chosen a different path especially with the cost of the program. 

That said, the Oakland campus has stronger faculty compared to San Mateo. There's one professor in particular who truly stood out, delivering great instruction.

Clinical placements have been a mixed bag. While some students had great opportunities, others weren't as fortunate. For pediatrics, about half of us had placements that weren't ideal, with limited hospital exposure just once a week, and often at facilities that weren't specialized in pediatrics. Also, the placements sometimes make no sense with some people who live further away being placed at ridiculous far sites when others live closer. 
 

Additionally, the program has eliminated preceptorships, replacing them with group clinical placements. Most students will likely be assigned to med-surg units rather than specialized areas. It's disappointing, especially considering the significant cost of this program.

To everyone who goes to SMU, make sure you advocate for yourself and stay focused. 

 

 

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your reply @Oakrad510do you feel like SMU is preparing you well enough to become a nurse?  

 

 

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion