MEPN... What does this mean in the nursing field?

[bsw2rn]

Hello! I am currently a bachelor of social work student and I am on track to graduate December 2020. In the past year, or so, I have become more and more interested in nursing. I live in the state of Arizona and am very interested in the University of Arizona's Master of Science, Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program. I am fully aware this is not the same as an MSN degree. I am wondering how similar this is to a BSN degree. If so, how? How is an MEPN received in the nursing field/community? What are the differences in pay? Why not just get an RN and skip the master of science? Also, how does the MEPN compare to an ABSN in these same areas? I am aware of the differences in time it takes to complete these and tuition, so, that's not really what I am interested in. Any perspective or knowledge on the MEPN program/degree would be extremely helpful. Thanks in advance!