best MEPN programs in California

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Hi all,

I currently have a non-nursing BS degree and am planning on applying to some MEPN programs this year and would like to stay within California if possible. So far, I've chosen UCSF, USD-Hahn School of Nursing & Health Science, Western University of Health Sciences, & Samuel Merritt College. Are any of you familiar with any of the above programs or would like to suggest any other programs in California that provide the best education to become an NP? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks again Lizcakes! It helped. I was also wondering how the group interview was constructed and also if it has more weight than the individual interview on their decisions in selecting you? Also, any suggestions on how to be a successful candidate? :p

The group interview was an interview with other candidates where we were asked questions on nurse related topics. I'm not sure of the weight of the individual vs. group but the interviews overall are a big portion of their decision.

As for being a successful candidate, get those pre-reqs done and do well in them. Volunteer work and health care related experience helps too.

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Hi!

I applied to UCSF, UCLA and USD. From what I have experienced and what I have been told, each of these programs are very competitive. They all have about a 10-20% acceptance rate which is mainly due to the number of applicants received and number of spots available. I believe UCSF accepts 60, UCLA 50 and USD 40. I got into USD and will be attending in the fall. I know UCLA and USD's programs are 2 years long and prepare you to become a Clinical Nurse Leader and not a NP or CNS. After graduation you can do a post-Master's certificate for the NP which I think takes 1-2 years depending on your student status. Hope that helps! Good luck :)

Did you get accepted to UCLA's MECN program? What was your application profile like (do you remember?)? I applied to the same - UCSF, USD, and UCLA (the only 3!) and am in the same boat you were last year. What attracted you to usd over ucla's program? I'm having trouble with this one myself. Thanks!

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I also applied to USD and UCLA. I just got accepted to USD but am doubtful that I will get into UCLA. I would pick UCLA over USD only because of the cost factor because I really like the program at USD. The staff is really great and everyone is really nice. It seems like a great program. I had a 4.0 in my pre-reqs and a 3.9 in my last 60 semester units in my undergrad, but a 3.71 cumulative GPA, so I'm not sure what UCLA is looking for, but I really hope I can get in! I wish I would have worked harder on my personal statement. gah. I also wish I would have applied to UCSF, although my GREs were really bad.

Good luck to everyone!

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Hi musictonurse,

I felt the same way when I applied back in 2007. I was accepted to USD right after interviews (am currently a first-year MEPN), but was waitlisted for UCLA. I was #12 on the waitlist and as of the month before the USD program started (or so), I called the SON at UCLA and they said they didn't even go into the waitlist - everyone who was accepted, took the offer. Not even #1 on the waitlist got an open spot. I had the same feelings about USD - everyone was so warm, welcoming, and supportive. UCLA didn't give me a chance on viewing their simulation lab, which I thought was a little messed up.

Your stats look great though - high pre-reqs, great overall GPA. I think the biggest thing is going to be GPA and personal statement.

About UCSF, I applied there as well, but got a rejection letter on Christmas Day. =/ It's ok though - I hear some frustration from those students re: not being able to change out of the specialty they choose on their application and not having had the experience of bedside nursing before continuing for the NP. I hear it is pretty intense, and USD's program is intense as it is! The USD MEPN program prepares really great and competent nurses and leaders. All of the graduates of the MEPN program, who have been our instructors (lab or clinical) are fantastic. Good luck :)

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Thanks pretzelpug! Yeah, I'm getting really anxious to find out about UCLA. It will be even worse if I'm put on the wait list since I will have to make my decision re USD a week after I hear from UCLA. And since USD wants a deposit, it makes it very tough. I guess my main concern is the money. Were you able to get enough loans to cover everything? Are you able to work at all - like a part-time job? I currently live alone in SD and am thinking maybe I should consider getting a roommate to save money, but I really love where I live. So many decisions and so little time!

Do you have any complaints about USD that I should consider before accepting?

Thanks so much!

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I think I found out about UCLA during the final four tournament... maybe around April? When did UCLA say they were sending out notices? I remember watching the nursing threads from people who'd received their letters waiting and waiting.

Yeah, the money was a huge concern, that made UCLA seemed appealing. Dr. Hunter always says no one has mentioned having trouble paying off school debt. I was able to get enough loans for sure. I didn't request the full amount, just enough for tuition. Some people find that it's possible to work (my roommate works two days a week on her off-days) but I think a majority of people just study. The first semester is way easier to handle with working, in my opinion. This semester is a LOT more time-consuming.

Complaints? The only thing I thought was a negative was how it seemed unorganized re: communication between lab/clinical/class instructors. However, I've heard many worse horror stories about organization in other nursing schools, so I don't think that USD is too shabby. You'll find that the professors here are very approachable and accommodating. One thing about UCLA is that it's a huge research institution - some students in the MECN program at UCLA mentioned how this was a negative re: finding that the professors were occupied with their research rather than being a resource for you.

My nursing mentor once told me - at UCLA you may find yourself one little fish in a big bowl, struggling to get some air. It may be so cutthroat where you are working your butt off for that A and missing the bigger picture of nursing. at USD you get the help you need, as a new baby nurse. In addition - clinicals don't begin until your third (?) quarter at UCLA, which means around March/April. USD's clinicals start the first week you begin class in the Fall. You get to apply your fundamentals in nursing right away, rather than get inundated with didactic work with theory after theory, paper after paper. To me, that is much more valuable. But then again, I'm a little biased, but who isn't ;) Let me know if you have other questions, specific or non-specific.

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Specializes in Civilian+military ER, CVICU.
Hi musictonurse,

I felt the same way when I applied back in 2007. I was accepted to USD right after interviews (am currently a first-year MEPN), but was waitlisted for UCLA. I was #12 on the waitlist and as of the month before the USD program started (or so), I called the SON at UCLA and they said they didn't even go into the waitlist - everyone who was accepted, took the offer. Not even #1 on the waitlist got an open spot. I had the same feelings about USD - everyone was so warm, welcoming, and supportive. UCLA didn't give me a chance on viewing their simulation lab, which I thought was a little messed up.

Your stats look great though - high pre-reqs, great overall GPA. I think the biggest thing is going to be GPA and personal statement.

About UCSF, I applied there as well, but got a rejection letter on Christmas Day. =/ It's ok though - I hear some frustration from those students re: not being able to change out of the specialty they choose on their application and not having had the experience of bedside nursing before continuing for the NP. I hear it is pretty intense, and USD's program is intense as it is! The USD MEPN program prepares really great and competent nurses and leaders. All of the graduates of the MEPN program, who have been our instructors (lab or clinical) are fantastic. Good luck :)

I applied to USD for Fall 2011 and am looking forward to getting accepted (:)). I'm happy you are having a wonderful time in your cohort, I've probably even met you because I've been to the last two open houses and a lot of the MEPN students attend. What can I expect as far a time commitment? I know it's a crazy load.

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Specializes in NICU.

If you live in No. CA, I would push for UCSF, and SM second. The experience you will obtain in the clinical placement in either facility will be great as both have great connections with hospitals within walking distance from your theory classes.

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