Mission College Partners with Samuel Merritt Expanding Nursing Pathways

For Immediate Release

SANTA CLARA, CA - Mission College and Samuel Merritt University (SMU) have announced a new Concurrent Enrollment Pathway (CEP) that will allow eligible Mission College Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and LVN-to-RN students to begin Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) coursework through Samuel Merritt University while completing their associate degree requirements at Mission College.

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The partnership creates a more seamless educational pathway for aspiring nurses by enabling students to remain enrolled at both institutions simultaneously, reducing the time between earning an associate degree and completing a bachelor's degree. The program reflects both institutions' commitment to expanding access to higher education, supporting student success, and helping meet the growing demand for highly skilled nurses throughout California.

As healthcare systems continue to evolve, employers increasingly seek nurses with advanced education who are prepared to navigate complex patient needs, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary care environments. By creating opportunities for students to begin BSN coursework earlier in their academic journey, Mission College and Samuel Merritt University are helping students advance their education while strengthening the future healthcare workforce.

Through the Concurrent Enrollment Pathway, eligible students can complete select RN-to-BSN courses during semester breaks while finishing their associate degree requirements. Coursework is delivered in flexible online eight-week formats, allowing students to continue progressing academically while balancing clinical training, employment, and family responsibilities.

"Creating a seamless pathway in nursing education is essential to meeting the needs of today's healthcare workforce. Many aspiring nurses are balancing employment, family responsibilities, and academic commitments while pursuing their degrees. This is particularly true in a challenging economic environment," said Dr. Alexa Curtis, College of Nursing Dean at Samuel Merritt University.

"By removing barriers to educational milestones, this partnership empowers students to advance their careers and meet the healthcare needs of communities without interrupting their livelihoods.”

The partnership is designed not only to accelerate degree completion but also to remove barriers that often prevent students from continuing their education after earning an associate degree. Students participating in the pathway will receive dedicated admissions support, a waived application fee, tuition benefits, and individualized guidance throughout the transfer and enrollment process.

"Many of our students are balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and clinical training all at once," said Pamela Yang, Dean of Public Safety, Health and Wellness at Mission College.

"This partnership gives them a practical way to keep moving forward. Instead of waiting until after graduation to start thinking about a bachelor's degree, they can begin that journey while they're still completing their associate degree. It's a tremendous opportunity for students who are eager to advance their education and serve their communities at an even higher level."

The pathway reflects Mission College's broader commitment to creating educational opportunities that lead directly to career advancement and economic mobility for students.

Students enrolled in the pathway may complete RN-to-BSN courses including Transition to Baccalaureate Nursing Practice, Caring Science, Health Assessment Across the Lifespan, and Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice before transitioning into the remainder of the BSN curriculum.

Additional benefits include a dedicated Samuel Merritt University admissions representative, a waived application fee, and a tuition discount for eligible students, pending final approval.

Together, Mission College and Samuel Merritt University are building a pathway that enables students to move more efficiently from community college nursing education to bachelor's-level preparation, helping graduates enter the workforce with expanded skills, greater career opportunities, and the educational foundation needed to meet the healthcare challenges of the future.

For more information, visit the Concurrent Enrollment Pathway webpage.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected]