MEPN 2015

Easyas123247 · Dec 14, 2014

Thanks Tenta. That sounds really great! Although, I have accepted the interview, I am doing what I can for a couple of weeks to be permitted to interview on site (us navy). Still excited! When I get approved to go I will send you my details. I am currently in Norfolk, Va and so I am a stretch unaware of what is recommended to see.

nz2015 · Dec 14, 2014

Thanks for the response. I'd heard about the tuition increase and that UCSF has become a "magnet" hospital, both of which make the school less appealing. Do you know of other schools that are a better fit for those hoping to work after the first year. I've heard regardless of if you have a BSN or RN you are less likely to be hired without any experience. I have also heard the name of UCSF is very helpful when looking for jobs. A friend of mine finished the FNP master's (also had done the MEPN) and said 100% of her class got jobs after graduation! Obviously the market could change in 3-4 years but that is good to know. Anyway, I'd love others thoughts on the program compared to others and feasible ways to take on the cost without going into too much debt. This may be thinking ahead too much seeing as I have not been accepted into the program but it would be helpful to know.

nz2015 · Dec 14, 2014

Also, Tenta, I was able to change my interview date but had to call the school several times to confirm. The admissions office said the earlier the better so if you haven't heard back via email, I would call them.

Easyas123247 · Dec 14, 2014

I have learned that working part-time as an RN while completing master's curriculum (2nd and 3rd year) is helpful in landing a job. I assume that we would be able to work anywhere. Now, with the magnet hospital being less appealing: I am pretty sure some of our clinicals are at the magnet hospital (UCSF Medical Center), which is a high accreditation. I'll take it!

Debt: I will be renting with multiple people.

Other schools for working after the first year: might be past the deadline for applying. You could always opt for accelerated bachelor since many of those schools have deadlines in March and then work. But, that would be a good question to ask in the interview, calling the school, or another student. I do not know employment demographics for second or third year. If accepted, I plan on volunteering and working part time.

elefant3 · Dec 14, 2014

I pretty much co-sign all of Easy's responses. Also, the UC Regents recently passed a tuition increase, which I am pretty sure (not 100%) will affect us. I believe it is 25% increase in tuition over 5 years. But again, UCSF is a public school so the overall cost is still low compared to other schools (Columbia, etc).

If you are really nervous about UCSF not awarding a BSN, then I'd recommend looking into other schools that do. I'm pretty sure most of the deadlines have passed already though so it may be too late.

As Easy also said, my plan is to try and get a gig volunteering within the Bay Area and use that to network. I'm lucky in that I already have some clinical skills & training from my current volunteer position that could be easily put to use. The number one thing I always hear though is network, network, network, which is what I plan to do HEAVILY. But at the interview, I do plan to ask about finding employment after graduation.

Finally, I do plan to do a lil light sight seeing. I have some friends in the Bay Area who I may stay with so hopefully I don't have to look into getting a hotel. tenta, I will probably take you up on your sightseeing offer!

nz2015 · Dec 14, 2014

Elephant and Easy, can you tell me why you're opting into the NP (3-year track) vs getting a BSN and then pursuing a masters after getting some work experience? I would like to hear other thoughts on making such a big financial decision vs trying to work and pay for school. UCSF's program sounds fantastic and I hope to be accepted but, at this point, I'm not convinced we'll be getting the most bang for our buck… Do either of you have an idea how long it will take to repay such a hefty loan? I have also heard there loan-forgiveness programs which place you in a federally qualified health clinic and if you commit to working a few years they forgive your debt but I'm not sure how common those jobs are. For anyone already in the program, I'd love to get your thoughts as well.

Easyas123247 · Dec 14, 2014

Direct entry ("accelerated") seems a best fit because I am 27. I want to start a family and buy a house. I will be 31 when I leave the program. I know I want a PhD and now I will have the MS. After 4 years in the US navy knowing I would be a nurse I am looking forward to getting there....

elefant3 · Dec 15, 2014

I applied to both types of programs. Both have their pro's and con's; it's really up to you and what you think will work best for your needs & goals. Regardless of whichever program you choose, more than likely you will have to take out loans. I'm not sure what your financial situation is like, so that's really an individual decision that you will have to make if/when the time comes.

lingrad · Dec 15, 2014

@tenta I work at UCSF too - I wonder if we have crossed paths (it's a big place, but still!)

tenta · Dec 15, 2014

@tenta I work at UCSF too - I wonder if we have crossed paths (it's a big place, but still!)

Awesome! If they haven't crossed yet, they sure will on 1/23 :)

Psuche · Dec 16, 2014

From what I was reading, any tuition increase is not yet set in stone (especially with Gov. Brown opposing any tuition hike for the next three years), and even if it were somehow to happen, might only have a marginal effect on an incoming MEPN student's overall costs. The more I looked into it, surprisingly, the less of a factor it became.

Also, I agree that the overall cost is still low compared to the private schools, and given the amazing things I keep hearing from their grads about the program and their job prospects (100% upon graduation in some specialties), I'd consider an offer from UCSF to be huge.

Easyas123247 · Dec 24, 2014

I will be staying a couple of blocks away from the Parnassus campus. I am potentially sightseeing post-interviews at the Golden Gate Bridge, UCSF library (believe it!), coffee shops, Golden Gate Park, a city view spot, and maybe a bus tour. If anyone is available the 23rd (after the interviews) or anytime the 24th let me know and I will more adequately determine how to PM on allnurses.com. One thing to note is that previous year MEPNs occasionally had a meet and greet the day after the interview, so this may change some of my schedule.