USD MEPN program- any current or previous graduates with information about program?

[rla4585]

Hello all,

I just recently finished with my Bachelor's degree and have decided to pursue a career in nursing. I'm extremely interested in USD's MEPN program but it is so expensive. I was hoping some current or former students could give me some information on how they are affording this program as well as whether or not they think it's a good program?

Also I'm curious about the level of difficulty in getting in, what are accepted applicants statistics in terms of GPA, GRE score, age?

Any information that anyone has would be great! Thank you!! :nuke:

[NurseJewels]

Hi There,

One word: LOANS. I am part of the older program that used to start in the summer and finish in May, so that first summer you were required to get private loans for everything. There are federal loans available during the Fall and Spring semesters for graduate students. USD does have a few grants that they offered right off the bat, but then again that was 2 years ago and I can't speak for the current MEPNs if they still offer them. Also, there are lots of scholarship opportunities, you just have to look for them and apply.

From what I can tell, the program is getting tougher and tougher to get into. Which is a good thing, becuase the bigger the applicant pool the more impressive the candidates, etc :) When I applied in Fall 2005 the minimum GRE requirement was a 500 on each part. I can't remember if there was a minimum GPA, but also remember that these are one part of the application that the school looks at. I know there was a rumor about doing away with the GRE for application criteria, but maybe a current applicant can speak to that. They also take into account your letter of intent and your clinical/personal experiences. I would say they would rather take a candidate who has worked with people for a few years (either in a hospital or other setting), had an impressive admission letter, but maybe their scores and GPA were average (over say a person with perfect scores and no experience).

And age is all over the board. I was 21 when I applied and the oldest person in our program was in their late 50's. They want people of all different ages and backgrounds because it brings diversity into the program. The current MEPN group is of similar demographics I would say, ranging from early 20's to 50's.

If you want anymore info feel free to PM me, but I hope that helps you out a bit :nuke:

[jamiejj2960]

Hi NurseJewels,

As for the interviews at USD for the MEPN program, how were they for you? I am starting to get a little nervous now that they are only 2 days away, I have been studying and practicing for them. I just feel like there may be more that I am just not ready for. Any tips?

Thanks, JJ