In the last week, U of AZ has posted a change to their programs. They have dropped their 2nd degree BSN and have added a mepn program (master's entry to the profession of nursing (mepn) pathway). This is available to those who already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
I called to get more info. They said tuition would probably run between 35-45k(depends on residency status). They will start having info sessions on the new program starting at the end of this month.
Intuc...why reconsider??? I'm sorry, but you hear horror stories from most everyone with regards to how horrible "their" program is or was. Most people claim that their program had little organization, the teachers lecture from their powerpoints, and teachers were mean. I have not gone to theis school, but went to another state program close by and my classmates complained aboutt he same old junk all the time. It got old, frankly. It seems as if very few people are actually happy with their program. Bottom line is, you learn to be a nurse from actually BEING a nurse. Your first job is your training foundation. Nursing school just gets you to pass NCLEX. If you find a program that is accredited and will get you the degree you want, go for it. I can guarantee that if you limit your school choices to just ones that have glowing reviews from all their students...you'll never start. Just my 2 cents :-)
There are a few other reasons that I am reconsidering the UA Masters Program so this recent critique by zippitydoodah just adds to the evidence. I applied to the Accelerated BSN at UA last year and was treated fairly rudely by the admissions staff. Also, the cost of the MSN seems over the top for a 15 month program. I agree with you that there are a lot of people posting on here about their negative experiences and that most of nursing education is about real-life experience. I just don't want to end up in a program that I regret spending the money and time on. I have had too many courses where the 'professor' stands there and reads, word for word, from powerpoint slides; I don't think I could stand that for 15 months and $30K
@zippitydoodah: actually I was talking about just applying to the bsn program as a second degree student to get a bsn instead of an msn--the regular bsn program and just apply for another bachelors degree which i have heard that you can do. I am aware that there is no official second degree program anymore. Know anything about the bsn program quality?
I really can't speak to that, and don't know much about that program. From what I understand, since it's basically a first-degree bachelor's program you'd have to transfer your undergrad credits, and re-take the classes that don't transfer. But I really shouldn't say much since I don't know much.
Yes, I applied and have an interview tomorrow- for anyone who has gone through the UofA MEPN interview process, what were the questions that were asked during the interview?
hi - i also interviewed on the 18th, but i had a really good experience, sorry to hear you did not mika62jess. i was told 2-3 weeks until we would hear, is that the same you were told?
I had been told it would be something like 3 prospectives at a time, with a panel asking questions. I have never had an interview like that before. I couldn't tell if it went badly :). Since it ended up being two poeple and 20 mins, it's hard to get a feel for just how they plan to differentiate us all. I think they will have to go back to GPA, because I also can't see how they could grade too harshly on those silly little essays, either. At least the current students seemed relaxed and friendly. That was a good sign.
Did either of you guys hear about a price tag? Is it still 35k?
i was told 2-3 weeks until we would hear, is that the same you were told?
cindyloowho
143 Posts
Intuc...why reconsider??? I'm sorry, but you hear horror stories from most everyone with regards to how horrible "their" program is or was. Most people claim that their program had little organization, the teachers lecture from their powerpoints, and teachers were mean. I have not gone to theis school, but went to another state program close by and my classmates complained aboutt he same old junk all the time. It got old, frankly. It seems as if very few people are actually happy with their program. Bottom line is, you learn to be a nurse from actually BEING a nurse. Your first job is your training foundation. Nursing school just gets you to pass NCLEX. If you find a program that is accredited and will get you the degree you want, go for it. I can guarantee that if you limit your school choices to just ones that have glowing reviews from all their students...you'll never start. Just my 2 cents :-)