Nursing Education
Saint Mary’s College will soon launch a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, an undergraduate Registered Nursing program.
We have successfully met the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) feasibility requirements, and have completed and submitted our self-study to the BRN. This submission is a critical step in the program approval process, paving the way for an upcoming site visit to validate our program for its anticipated launch in Fall 2025.
Approval Status
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pre-licensure registered nursing program at Saint Mary’s is pending approval by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).
WSCUC Accreditation Status
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education program at Saint Mary’s is pending approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC).
About
Provide an inclusive, student-centered environment that promotes compassionate, high-quality evidence-driven care to diverse populations, and cultivate the development of adaptive nursing graduates who are focused on professional role-driven decision-making.
Create a learning environment that produces empowered leaders who:
- own their professional role obligations to “Do No Harm”.
- are accountable for their professional role as a key decision-maker on interprofessional healthcare teams.
- engage in the “gold standard” of science-driven practice and recognize the global impact of health and healthcare.
- transfer knowledge through engagement in the global community.
- are committed to transforming healthcare through advocacy, education, innovation, research, practice, and service.
SMC’s Nursing Program honors the Lasallian traditions in delivering a holistic and compassionate educational experience, ensuring high-quality education grounded in professionalism, role clarity, diversity, inclusion, innovation, research, and ethics with a goal of “Do No Harm" in service to others.
We embrace professionalism, lifelong learning, and social justice using a holistic approach in a student-centered, supportive environment.
1977: A cooperative associate degree in nursing program was initiated between Saint Mary's College and Samuel Merritt College of Nursing (now a university). This program operated as a stopgap until a joint Bachelor in Science Nursing (BSN) degree program would be approved and Samuel Merritt accredited by WASC.
1981: A new cooperative endeavor between Saint Mary's and Samuel Merritt called the Intercollegiate Nursing Program (ICNP), admitted its first students.
1985: The first graduates of ICNP completed their degrees. Students generally completed their first two years of prerequisites and general education at Saint Mary's, often living on campus, and finishing their final two years of nursing courses at Samuel Merritt in Oakland. Saint Mary's employed a nursing advisor and shared the dean of nursing position with Samuel Merritt.
2008: The ICNP ended in 2008 and the joint degree program was discontinued. At its height, more than 350 students were enrolled in the ICNP.
2014: Beginning in 2005 and ending after the 2013-2014 academic year, students in Saint Mary's School of Science took part in a 2+2 format with Samuel Merritt, in which they transferred seamlessly to Samuel Merritt for two years of nursing coursework.
Program Details
Clink the link below to review the working draft of Curriculum and Course Descriptions.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student learning outcomes are derived from the Nursing Program mission statement and will be reflected in student competencies throughout the program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has eight expected core learning outcome competencies: Strong Clinical Reasoning, Transfer of Knowledge, Accountable, Empowered Leaders, Role-Driven Practice, Strong Advocates, Critical Thinkers, and Global Citizens. See the table below for definitions.
Definitions of Core Learning Outcome Competencies
| Outcomes | Competency Definitions |
| Strong Clinical Reasoning | Apply nursing practice knowledge focused on “Do No Harm” that generates safe, effective, quality care using a professional role, standards, and ethics-driven practice. |
| Transfer of Knowledge | Transfer knowledge incorporating the understanding of inter-professional collaboration and engagement in activity that disseminates and generates critical analysis of practice. |
| Accountable | Demonstrate role obligations of accountability, autonomy, and decision-making authority. |
| Empowered Leaders | Demonstrate leadership in using nursing science to underpin professional role decision-making authority and practices. |
| Role-Driven Practice | Incorporate role-driven practice to improve patient outcomes, safety, and quality. |
| Strong Advocates | Advocate for high-quality care, equity in care, social justice, diversity, and inclusion. |
| Critical Thinkers | Engage in critical analysis of healthcare, including appropriate use of technology, informatics, and artificial intelligence as a means of improving health and healthcare. |
| Global Citizens | Incorporate an understanding of global/local issues around inequity and lack of resources in planning care. |
Clinical Experiences
Immersive, Hands-On Learning
Our program requires travel outside the Bay Area that prepares you for the diverse realities of healthcare. Leaving the immediate area provides students the opportunity to engage in dynamic clinical settings that go beyond traditional hospital rotations. Some of our most unique experiences include immersive clinical placements, where students stay on-site for four to seven days, fully integrating into patient care teams and gaining a deep understanding of specialized nursing roles.
We take pride in our strong partnerships with organizations that align with our mission of serving communities and enhancing patient care. Students have the opportunity to work with the Diabetic Youth Foundation Camps, where they provide critical care and education to children managing diabetes, and at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, gaining experience in acute care settings.
Our collaboration with the VA of Martinez allows students to serve our veteran population. At the same time, our partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation exposes them to the complexities of providing healthcare in secure environments. Additionally, our program emphasizes rural healthcare, offering rotations in underserved areas where students develop skills in resource-limited settings and community-based care. These diverse and impactful experiences ensure that Saint Mary’s College graduates are clinically competent, compassionate, adaptable, and ready to lead in any healthcare environment.