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

Congrats everyone!! The wait is finally over. I was accepted to the Tucson campus. I looked online and I think they just say that it's contingent on acceptance to the grad school because we still need to send our official transcripts.

I'm accepted to Tucson campus.

lovetoski, I heard a lot of people from the alternate list got in last year. Do you know your number on the list?

I'm not sure about the number of alternates or where I fall on the list. I hope to find out that information this week.

The last day for us to accept our offer is March 7th so keep holding out. I am sure there will be people who decline.

Just got accepted into Arizonas MEPN program! :-) Im just looking information about the tuition breakdown.

If you go to the Facebook page there is a post from last year that stated the tuition was around 35k for in state and 45k for out of state.

Thanks!

I spoke with the U of A yesterday and they would not reveal how many students are currently on the alternate list. I am moving forward with BLS and immunizations and I am also speaking with Grand Canyon University. However, U of A is my first choice.

Hi -

I am looking into UoA MEPN program but I am confused as to what degree or certification one is awarded once they graduate from it? Is it a MS degree and not an MSN? Also, what is the difference between MSN and MS-RN (which is what UoA awards I think)

I am trying to decide between UoA MEPN program and a program that offers a Generalist Masters of Nursing awarding an MSN as well as the opportunity to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate. Which one is offering more to it's graduates?

Any information about this program, the degrees, and any other input would be greatly appreciated!

Also, congrats to all those that got into the program!

I got into the MEPN cohort for 2014 (Tucson) as well! Congratulations to the rest of you that I'll be seeing soon!

Hi - I am looking into UoA MEPN program but I am confused as to what degree or certification one is awarded once they graduate from it? Is it a MS degree and not an MSN? Also what is the difference between MSN and MS-RN (which is what UoA awards I think) I am trying to decide between UoA MEPN program and a program that offers a Generalist Masters of Nursing awarding an MSN as well as the opportunity to sit for the Clinical Nurse Leader Certificate. Which one is offering more to it's graduates? Any information about this program, the degrees, and any other input would be greatly appreciated! Also, congrats to all those that got into the program![/quote']

I am confused on the actual class of the degree itself as well, but the way I have come to understand it is that you are getting your MS as well as fulfilling the requirements to sit for the NCLEX. You would be going in the profession with the same amount of training as a BSN and you will basically qualify for the same jobs. If you want to look at it technically you are getting a MS and you coursework is in Nursing so it sounds like it could be construed as a MS in Nursing (MSN). When you look at the training that goes a long with normal MSN programs and even other accelerated MSN programs the training is much different. You would most likely get more advanced and specialized training in an actual MSN program and learn also how to manage patient care. So with that being said the MSN CNL program that you are debating on would offer you more training as an advanced nurse leader and most likely more experience with patient care. The program is most likely longer which attributes to more training. Also a CNL is an actual advanced designation that the program offers for which you sit for an exam and if you pass then you are a Clinical Nurse leader. So a MSN, RN, CNL is more experienced and qualified then a MS, RN. Sorry if my explanation sounds a little convoluted, but I hope it helps!

Joshuapdv, okay that makes sense. I reached out to the College of Nursing at UoA asking about the degree awarded and they responded:

"The degree is actually just a Master of Science degree, with a concentration in Entry to the Profession of Nursing. It is an entry level program for students who are not currently nurses, seeking initial RN licensure. Because of this the degree does not carry any specialties or advanced licensure or certification, such as CNL, but is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX-RN and can be considered comparable to an accelerated second bachelor’s program, although the coursework is at the graduate level."

So what you said was correct. From my understanding, if you want to go to NP school later on, you would still have to go get another Masters after this program before applying to NP school. Are you looking into nursing at Arizona or anywhere else?