BSM/MSN Pre-Specialty Programs

[mrisajne]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone could give me some input on Entry Level Master's Programs that have a pre-specialty included? I have seen this with Yale's Graduate Entry Pre-Nursing (GEPN) degree and UPenn's BSN/MSN degree. It sounds awesome to have them integrated because you don't have to go through the application process twice. For UPenn's program though, it's $106K and I believe that is just for the accelerated BSN portion and says you have up to 5 years after completion to begin the MSN program, whereas the traditional Master's tuition is only $38K a year. However, if taken separately is it harder to guarantee to get into the Master's portion?

If anyone has any info about either of these or similar programs it would be much appreciated!

[AJJKRN]

I am honestly unaware of any pre-licensure nursing programs that specialize during the program, as opposed to being a generalist nursing education, with the exception of direct entry NP programs. Gotta love run-on sentences huh?

Where are our seasoned and all knowing members currently working in academia that can better answer this question?

[cyclone67]

The University of California system has a couple. One I know is UCSF. I believe there a couple of others in some other cities in CA. Pricy though. I think if you go that route, you will be looking at big $$$$ wherever you go.

[Boomer MS, RN]

I'm new to AN but have been reading on the site for sometime. I saw a question I could answer so joined.

Direct entry master's program vary. Based on one previous response, I can add some information about UCSF's MEPN (master's entry program in nursing with both CNS and NP tracks.) I did a traditional master's program (CNS) but am familiar with how the MEPN is structure. It accepts students who have a bachelor's in another discipline. I knew of one student who had an art degree and was accepted. Having said that, however, it is very competitive to gain acceptance and a challenging program. Some of the specialties are more competitive than others as is true in the traditional master's programs. Some of the MEPN specialties requite a year of RN experience before going on to the specialty part. I agree with that requirement. I do not believe students get a BSN upon the first year but do take the NCLEX. As far as I know, UCSF does not offer the CNL direct entry option. I am not a fan of that program at all at other institutions because it is a generalist program. I know that USF and the U of Maryland both offer direct entry CNL programs, but as I said, I don't like the CNL programs, which are shorter than the MEPN at UCSF.

I hope this helps and good luck.