New entry-level Masters program at U of A!!

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

Hi all,

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.

check out the link for more info:

Page not found | UA College of Nursing

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.

:yeah:

-c

Melz8, does completion of this program allow you entrance into a Post Masters Nurse Practitioner Certificate program, or would you have to go get an MSN on top of this degree?

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It allows you entrance into UofA's online MS-DNP with nurse practitioner specialty program but I don't know how this degree is looked at by other schools. This is definitely something worth inquiring about if that is your goal.

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I'm already a BSN and halfway through my MSN, but Ive got friends looking for options. You say it gets you into the DNP program at the masters level, but do you know about eligibility for the certificate programs?

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UofA doesn't offer certificate programs. I don't know if it makes you eligible for certificate programs at other schools. From my understanding a Doctor of Nursing Practice will be required by the year 2015 so the certificate programs will not be an option much longer.

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UofA doesn't offer certificate programs. I don't know if it makes you eligible for certificate programs at other schools. From my understanding a Doctor of Nursing Practice will be required by the year 2015 so the certificate programs will not be an option much longer.

Uuuhm, yeah, they offer 3 post master's certificate programs; FNP, PNP, and AACNP.

University of Arizona -College of Nursing - Graduate Certificate Program

And please read up on the DNP "requirement". This is a fallacy. The AACN had proposed this change in 2004 but there is so much more involved in it than their task force was capable of requiring by 2015. This will not occur, at least not any where close to 2015. Schools are opening up DNP programs but there are not enough in effect at this moment in time to support a nationwide certification requirement change. Plus, anyone who is either already a practicing NP, or in an accredited NP program at the time of any approved changes will continue to be allowed to get and maintain their certificates. You are aware that there are practicing NPs in this country today, that still only have associate degrees from years past, right? I have seen direct MSN-NP programs get slashed ffrom colleges but most have kept their cert programs because they make them good money.

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Melz8, I am sorry to hear you have had a rough time with the program. I read about your concerns on an earlier thread and so when I was in town for my interview this year I specifically asked about potential issues or problems that were concerning to me. Not one person/faculty expressed the sense of disappointment that I have heard you voice. Nevertheless, I wish the program had lived up to your expectations. I hope that your degree will take you where you want to go; it is afterall a vehicle.

As for the MS vs MSN degree, though it might be described as a general MS degree, all of the coursework is specifically in nursing. Therefore, you are receiving a MSN even if your diploma reads MS. You are trained and educated in nursing, not physics or chemistry or a different field of science. While that may make a difference to future schools (and even then I think the training and coursework will illuminate the subject of the MS study), you are in fact trained as a nurse.

Seeing as this program is still in its infancy, but built on the accelerated BSN foundation, it is not shocking to hear that there are kinks to work out. I hope to benefit from some of the learning curve but am also eager to make it easier/more clear/more organized for the next class. If you have specific issues to address, might you PM me or make those concerns known so they can be addressed?

For those who have decided on U of A's MEPN class of 2013, I am anxious and eager to get started and meet you! Good luck with housing/moving/preparing in the next few months. Remember, if you'd like to, join on the 2013 MEPN Facebook page. It might help ease the transition and get us connected before mid-May.

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Can you please post the link to the Facebook page? I'm having trouble finding it. I also have been accepted to the MEPN program starting in May, but am waiting to hear back from three other programs. This website has been extremely helpful! If anyone else in the program or familiar with it has additional feedback I'd really appreciate it. I've heard a lot of negative things and would like some more information! Thank you!

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Zuzu19, The concerns posted on an earlier thread were from another student in our cohort. As they mentioned, the feeling is almost universal among our classmates.

This is to allow those with other options the ability to make an informed decision!

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Hey ALL! I was also accepted to the MEPN class of 2013! I was born and raised in Tucson, and completed my undergrad at UA, so please let me know if you have any questions about Tucson or the U of A, and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible!

One thing to take care of immediately, FINGERPRINT CLEARANCE CARD! I got mine a few years ago when I was working as a PCT, and it can take a while (especially when our whole cohort is applying at the same time...); therefore, if you haven't already done so, visit the Arizona DPS website or call and request your fingerprint clearance card application.

Feel free to look me up and message me on FB. I'm very excited to meet all of the new WILDCATS in May (ps, classes start May 14th, which happens to be my 25th birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!). Until then... BEAR DOWN!

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Would anyone that got accepted to this program be willing to share your undergrad and prereq GPA? What other programs did you apply to? What type of work, volunteer, and leadership experience do you have?

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Hi again,

I've tried re-posting the FB group and apparently you can't link to social networking sites. You can search under "U of A MEPN 2013."

I'm excited and am looking forward to meeting new faces in just two months. Thanks for all the feedback and encouragement.

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Specializes in Family NP.

Hi, sorry for the delay in responding.....I am not familiar enough with the area of phoenix where the campus is to provide any good info regarding living situations, as far as Tucson goes you really have two options.....live close to campus or live in the nice part of town. To me the nicer part of town is a little further north than another member posted on here (they said north of river) I even prefer to go north of Orange grove (if you are east of 1st ave) and north of Ina (if you are west of 1st ave). There are plenty of places to rent so you should not have any trouble at all finding housing, it just comes down to what you are looking for.

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