Samuel Merritt University, located at its Oakland Campus, is a premier institution dedicated to health sciences education, offering a comprehensive array of programs designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare. The campus serves as the hub for innovative teaching, hands-on clinical training, and research in various medical fields. With a focus on interprofessional education, students collaborate across disciplines to develop holistic approaches to patient care.
- Nursing Programs: The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) tracks emphasize evidence-based practice, leadership, and community health. Students engage in simulations and clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals, covering topics like acute care, pediatrics, and psychiatric nursing. Accelerated options for second-degree seekers and RN-to-BSN pathways cater to diverse learners, fostering skills in patient assessment, medication administration, and ethical decision-making.
- Physical Therapy: The Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program provides rigorous training in musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Curriculum includes anatomy, biomechanics, and therapeutic interventions, with extensive clinical internships. Graduates are equipped to work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and sports medicine settings, promoting mobility and quality of life.
- Occupational Therapy: The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) focuses on enabling individuals to perform daily activities through adaptive strategies. Courses cover psychosocial interventions, assistive technology, and pediatric/adult rehabilitation, with fieldwork in community and healthcare environments to address barriers like aging or disability.
- Physician Assistant Studies: The Master of Physician Assistant (MPA) program trains students in primary care, surgery, and emergency medicine. Didactic phases include pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical skills, followed by rotations in various specialties. Emphasis on cultural competency prepares PAs for diverse patient populations.
- Podiatric Medicine: The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) at the California School of Podiatric Medicine offers specialized education in foot and ankle disorders. Studies integrate surgery, orthopedics, and wound care, with clinical experiences in biomechanics and diabetic foot management.
- Public Health: The Master of Public Health (MPH) explores epidemiology, health policy, and environmental health. Students tackle global issues like infectious diseases and health equity through projects and internships with public agencies.
- Kinesiology: The BS in Kinesiology prepares for allied health roles, covering exercise physiology, nutrition, and injury prevention. Pre-professional tracks lead to graduate studies in athletic training or chiropractic care.
These programs benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation labs and interprofessional clinics, ensuring graduates are practice-ready. The curriculum integrates technology, research, and ethics, with opportunities for study abroad and community service. Overall, the Oakland Campus fosters a supportive environment where students thrive in advancing healthcare delivery, contributing to a healthier society through compassionate, skilled professionals. This holistic education model, spanning undergraduate to doctoral levels, underscores Samuel Merritt's commitment to excellence in health professions training.
