ABSN vs MEPN

U.S.A. Arizona

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Hey guys I'm currently debating if I should go for an ABSN or MEPN. The cost difference of the two aren't a concern to me as they're both pretty close in cost. If I do the ABSN I would start Jan 2019 and finish Dec 2019. If I do the MEPN I'll start May 2019 and finish Aug 2020. Both programs prepare me to be a registered nurse except with the MEPN I'll be receiving my MSN instead of a BSN with the ABSN program. It seems to me that the only difference between the two are the degree type and some "leadership skills" gained in the MEPN. My ultimate goal is to become an NP but I don't know in what specialty just yet. The programs the I am debating between are ASU's ABSN and UofA's MEPN so if anyone has any positive/negative things to say about either of those programs I'd love to hear them! Thanks in advance :)

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Honestly I think it comes down to how quickly you want to be done. I was in a position financially where I needed to start the program sooner... finish date didn't affect me as much. In the MEPN program you'll be able to work part time fairly easily. In the post had program at ASU time is EXTREMELY limited. If I could go back in time I would wait that extra semester and start the MEPN program. I don't gage my decision necessarily, but this program has me on the verge of tears every week. It could have been similar in the MEPN program but that extra semesters worth of time really evens out the requirements. I think there is only like a four credit difference between the two. The grass is always greener on the other side so take my warning with a grain of salt. Nursing school is hard enough. I'm currently a straight A student, but this insane summer semester could definitely change that. I would LOVE the idea of a fourth semester. Good luck with your decision!

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Specializes in MSICU.

You've probably already made your decision but I just wanted to add that the MEPN does not award a traditional MSN degree; it is a MS-RN degree. Which you could argue is the equivalent to being a bachelors trained nurse, but may be a bit of a headache if you move to another area unfamiliar with the MEPN program. The ABSN program does award a traditional BSN degree which is easy to take anywhere you wish to go! I am applying to the MEPN in Jan to start May 2019 as well, but it is my second choice to the concurrent enrollment program with our community college and GCU to earn an ADN degree along with a traditional MSN degree.

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Specializes in Child Welfare.
On 8/3/2018 at 9:58 PM, araew2129 said:

You've probably already made your decision but I just wanted to add that the MEPN does not award a traditional MSN degree; it is a MS-RN degree. Which you could argue is the equivalent to being a bachelors trained nurse, but may be a bit of a headache if you move to another area unfamiliar with the MEPN program. The ABSN program does award a traditional BSN degree which is easy to take anywhere you wish to go! I am applying to the MEPN in Jan to start May 2019 as well, but it is my second choice to the concurrent enrollment program with our community college and GCU to earn an ADN degree along with a traditional MSN degree.

Question on the sentence in bold. How do BSN and MEPN degrees compare? Time/money aside, what makes them different and is one considered higher/better than another by employers or in the nursing community? How do they compare when it comes to pay? I am completing a social work degree, but considering nursing when I am done. Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in MSICU.

I would say that there is not much difference, at least here in AZ. All new grads start at the same pay, regardless of education. When I am done with my current nursing program, I will have an associate of science in nursing and I will start with all the MEPN graduates at the same pay while having paid about 35k less for my degree. In fact, in Tucson the Pima Community College nursing program graduates have a much better reputation in the nursing community than the MEPN students in terms of being better prepared. And some find having a master's degree in an area where you have no real-life experience as an insult (NOT saying I feel that way, but I have heard this from many already in the nursing field).

Also, my prior bachelor's degree is in social work and I worked in child welfare for 10 years! Small world. Anyway, for reference, I applied to and was accepted at the Pima nursing program, the MEPN at the UofA, and the traditional BSN program at NAU in Tucson. I ultimately chose the Pima program because of cost (less than 10k vs. 45k and 25k for the others respectively) and the reputation of the Pima program. I know I couple people in the current MEPN cohort and the cohort which just graduated in 2019. I have not heard great things. But, plus side, you do get done quicker. I am very happy with my current choice! Also, I dropped the GCU concurrent enrollment because I found a more affordable option through NAU. After completing my ASN degree through Pima, I plan to pursue the online MSN through NAU which is available to those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Good luck in whatever you choose! I also recommend getting started on nursing prerequisites asap. They took my 1.5 yrs, plus the semester of applying to programs, which means there was 2 years between me deciding to go into nursing and actually starting my program.

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is there a major difference between ABSN vs MEPN for the job outlook?

I see them both in the hospital I work at. They appear to do the same work?

occasionally Ill see the MEPN as a charge nurse, however I also see nurses with a BSN and ADN as a charge nurse as well

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