New entry-level Masters program at U of A!!

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

Hi all,

In the last week, U of AZ has posted a change to their programs. They have dropped their 2nd degree BSN and have added a mepn program (master's entry to the profession of nursing (mepn) pathway). This is available to those who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

check out the link for more info:

Page not found | UA College of Nursing

I called to get more info. They said tuition would probably run between 35-45k(depends on residency status). They will start having info sessions on the new program starting at the end of this month.

:yeah:

-c

Thank you for the help!

I read this entire thread and there were so many consistent negative remarks regarding the MEPN program from graduates that I am slightly stressed out right now. Before, I felt good about the program until I got here. :(

I'm slightly confused about the difference (when it comes to looking for jobs and whatnot after graduation) between this entry program in which you graduate with a Master's of Science degree with an emphasis in entry to the profession or nursing (not MSN) and other entry programs that offers an MSN (e.g. UCLA has a entry program called MSN/MECN for people with a B.S. in any other field besides nursing. UCLA's website directly said that upon graduation "You will graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing degree". The main difference with UCLA's program is that you have the opportunity to take an examination for certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader).

Bottom line is, I'm just so stressed and confused right now, and want to make sure that I'm getting my money's worth.

What I have gatehered is that the difference with the MS-RN and an MSN is that an MSN implies some sort of specialty focus or advanced practice training. The curriculum required for a CNL which you should be able to see in the program you are referencing should be in some part focused on specializing in that area. My understanding is that with the MS-RN (which I will be beginning that program this summer) is not an MSN because it lacks that focus/specialization. It is broadly preparing you to practice as an RN, however your coursework is graduate level in terms of expectations and intensity. RN's who become MSN go back to school and are gaining the next level of training (beyond entry level) or are specializing in a subfield of nursing.

Hope that helps!

0 Votes
Thank you for the help!

I read this entire thread and there were so many consistent negative remarks regarding the MEPN program from graduates that I am slightly stressed out right now. Before, I felt good about the program until I got here. :(

I'm slightly confused about the difference (when it comes to looking for jobs and whatnot after graduation) between this entry program in which you graduate with a Master's of Science degree with an emphasis in entry to the profession or nursing (not MSN) and other entry programs that offers an MSN (e.g. UCLA has a entry program called MSN/MECN for people with a B.S. in any other field besides nursing. UCLA's website directly said that upon graduation "You will graduate with a Master of Science in Nursing degree". The main difference with UCLA's program is that you have the opportunity to take an examination for certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader).

Bottom line is, I'm just so stressed and confused right now, and want to make sure that I'm getting my money's worth.

Also @bruins1990, I don't think you should be worried. Are you still planning to do the 2015 MEPN? I am, and I have done a good deal of research, I applied to four different programs and was accepted at all and I am choosing UA. Most of the negative comments in this thread are old and I sense that the program has changed for the better over the years, and thsoe issues may not really apply to us. Although I am curious about what jobs look like for new grads, I am not too worried about it, I imagine we would hear much more feedback if it were really terrible. I am planning to continue my nursing career and get my DNP, which I've also done a great deal of research into and it a very smooth transition from the MS-RN. Hopefully I will see you in Phoenix!

0 Votes

gathered*

0 Votes

ah thank you so much! I actually won't be attending this summer anymore, I got into a California school.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment