U of Arizona MEPN 2023

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Hey everyone!

Did anyone apply to the University of Arizona MEPN program for next Summer's cohort cycle? The waiting game is already killing me!

Rachel Penewell said:

Hi Current MEPN student here. The kira interview was definitely very nerve racking haha. You all can do it! Be yourself and don't sweat it. This is just one part of the application process and it's really so the faculty can get to know you better! ?

Hey! I've been accepted to the MEPN and BSN-IH program and looking for some input. How have you liked your program? Any advice and info would be greatly appreciated 

 

Katie 

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Mamabird said:

Hey! I got accepted to the Gilbert MEPN and BSN-IH programs. Can you share any experiences you've had, any advice? Do you like the program? Literally anything will help me decide, thanks for your time.

 

katie

Hi there! I graduated in August of 2023. I had a good experience overall in MEPN, BUT it is very difficult and completely runs your life for 15 months. It is the type of program that requires 100% dedication and motivation or you will quickly fall behind. I do feel that MEPN helped me to become prepared for the NCLEX and helped me throughout the first few months as a new grad!

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uofagilmepnstudent said:

Hi there! I graduated in August of 2023. I had a good experience overall in MEPN, BUT it is very difficult and completely runs your life for 15 months. It is the type of program that requires 100% dedication and motivation or you will quickly fall behind. I do feel that MEPN helped me to become prepared for the NCLEX and helped me throughout the first few months as a new grad!

Hey thanks for getting back to me.  So I have three small kids, but a great support system. I am curious if you know or can tell me if you felt the MEPN program was more in person than the BSN? Did you feel like your professors were compassionate? And does the MS portion of your degree offer any advantages?

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Mamabird said:

Hey! I got accepted to the Gilbert MEPN and BSN-IH programs. Can you share any experiences you've had, any advice? Do you like the program? Literally anything will help me decide, thanks for your time.

 

katie

Hi Katie!

I am in the MEPN program currently and am expected to graduate August 2024! I was also accepted to both MEPN and BSN-IH and went with MEPN for 2 reasons, 1. I wanted a masters degree and 2. I qualified for and received the AIMS scholarship, which is covering my full tuition! Not sure if it's still available for incoming MEPN students, but if so definitely check it out! The MEPN program is VERY fast paced and demanding, but I'm a married mom or two (almost 8 and just turned 4 year olds) and I'm surviving! You just need amazing time management skills. From what I've heard from current BSN-IH students, their curriculum is not as demanding.

let me know if you have any other questions! ? 

Rachael

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Mamabird said:

Hey thanks for getting back to me.  So I have three small kids, but a great support system. I am curious if you know or can tell me if you felt the MEPN program was more in person than the BSN? Did you feel like your professors were compassionate? And does the MS portion of your degree offer any advantages?

Many people in my cohort had kids and were able to work around their families! I can't really say whether or not MEPN was more in person than BSN because we didn't interact with the BSN students at all. The programs were completely separate so I'm not too sure unfortunately. The MSN definitely helped me with interviews BUT every new grad starts out at the same rate, no matter the degree. That being said, there will be way more open doors for me in the future because of the MSN, including teaching roles, management roles, etc. 

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Hey!! Fellow mom here too! I've got a 12 year old, 4 year old and 1 year old! So the Aims scholarship is still available for my cohort, only 10 students will be awarded the scholarship though.. can you tell me what made you eligible for the scholarship? Part of the reason I want to accept the MEPN admissions is because of the possibility of the scholarship... just wasn't sure what they look for to get it?

I am assuming both programs are hard since they are accelerated, how are your professors? Do you feel supported?

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uofagilmepnstudent said:

Many people in my cohort had kids and were able to work around their families! I can't really say whether or not MEPN was more in person than BSN because we didn't interact with the BSN students at all. The programs were completely separate so I'm not too sure unfortunately. The MSN definitely helped me with interviews BUT every new grad starts out at the same rate, no matter the degree. That being said, there will be way more open doors for me in the future because of the MSN, including teaching roles, management roles, etc. 

OK interesting before I was told the MS is not a true Masters? That if I wanted to get into education or administration, I would have to go back and get an MSN?

can you remember what your first semester was like? How much time in person versus online?

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Mamabird said:

Hey!! Fellow mom here too! I've got a 12 year old, 4 year old and 1 year old! So the Aims scholarship is still available for my cohort, only 10 students will be awarded the scholarship though.. can you tell me what made you eligible for the scholarship? Part of the reason I want to accept the MEPN admissions is because of the possibility of the scholarship... just wasn't sure what they look for to get it?

I am assuming both programs are hard since they are accelerated, how are your professors? Do you feel supported?

Definitely go for the scholarship!! It's hard to say what helped me, as we were the first cohort to be offered the scholarship, and I think pretty much anyone who applied for it got it, but I'd just stress that you'd for sure be staying in AZ post graduation and how much of an impact you can make on our state as a nurse!

The professors in Gilbert are amazing and have worked with me when I've needed time for my kiddos (however that's only been twice as I try really hard to separate the two! My husband is a HUGE help there, you'll need support at home for sure.) The schedule is all over the place and changes every semester so it's hard to plan ahead, you and your support just need to be very flexible. 

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Treefrog007 said:

Definitely go for the scholarship!! It's hard to say what helped me, as we were the first cohort to be offered the scholarship, and I think pretty much anyone who applied for it got it, but I'd just stress that you'd for sure be staying in AZ post graduation and how much of an impact you can make on our state as a nurse!

The professors in Gilbert are amazing and have worked with me when I've needed time for my kiddos (however that's only been twice as I try really hard to separate the two! My husband is a HUGE help there, you'll need support at home for sure.) The schedule is all over the place and changes every semester so it's hard to plan ahead, you and your support just need to be very flexible. 

OK good to know. I was told the MEPN is more in person than online? Would you say most of your lectures are in person? I'm so glad you said you like the professors, that's one of my biggest fears, not having compassionate good teachers.  
Is there any advice you would have given yourself ahead of time if you could go back? Any study materials or useful things you wish you maybe knew before starting your program?

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Mamabird said:

OK interesting before I was told the MS is not a true Masters? That if I wanted to get into education or administration, I would have to go back and get an MSN?

can you remember what your first semester was like? How much time in person versus online?

It is a "true" Masters. U of A claims it is a MS with a nursing focus while every other body, including Arizona Board of Nursing, Banner, HonorHealth, Mayo Clinic, etc. recognizes the degree as an MSN. You can absolutely teach or get into administrative roles from the degree you earn through MEPN without extra education. 
 

Truthfully, the first semester was awful for me. Granted, I was in a new city starting a new program so adjustment was difficult. Also, the program was just so fast paced. Every semester front loads which means you are on campus everyday all day for a few weeks and then clinicals started and then you go to lecture 1-2x per week and clinicals 1-3x per week. I hope that makes sense.

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Mamabird said:

OK good to know. I was told the MEPN is more in person than online? Would you say most of your lectures are in person? I'm so glad you said you like the professors, that's one of my biggest fears, not having compassionate good teachers.  
Is there any advice you would have given yourself ahead of time if you could go back? Any study materials or useful things you wish you maybe knew before starting your program?

I think they are equal in person and online. First semester you're in person a lot more because there are more in person lectures, skills labs, simulations, etc but then second and third we only go in for lecture one day a week and skills lab one day a week until clinicals start in mid February. You have to commit to having Monday-Friday 7-6 completely open for school because the schedules are all over the place, but I'd say we are online 75% of the time. No real advice other than don't buy any supplies other than a stethoscope and BP cuff until after school starts bc you'll find out exactly what you need as you need it. Oh and first semester I even had I think 4 clinical shifts on a Saturday, so there is that as well. 

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Wow I wish I would have messaged on here earlier! Thanks for all this information.  I really appreciate you clearing up the MS part, I have friends who are current RN's and told me it wouldn't do much for me. I've stated before I've got three kids, my biggest concern is "Am I smart enough for this program?” Do you feel like most people on your cohort were just naturally gifted academically or is it possible to grind and work hard if you're not the smartest? I hope that makes sense

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