UA MEPN 2016

Kosiky · Feb 7, 2016

Hi MondanaDeVonne, CNA thanks for sharing. Did you talk this person or is the information online? If online, can you please share the link?

Here is a link to two of the comments I found:

https://allnurses.com/arizona-nursing/new-entry-level-503724-page13.html

https://allnurses.com/arizona-nursing/new-entry-level-503724-page10.html

I plan on visiting the campus next week, hoping to talk to the current students, and I'll share here what I found out.

cyclone67 · Feb 8, 2016

@ Kosiky:

You could probably contact the school and see if as people drop out (lots have applied to multiple programs so some will) you pick up a Tucson slot. Then the person on the wait list would get your Phoenix slot. It's not fair for someone with a lower status than you to end up with the Tucson slot if that is what you want. Just my 2 cents, since it seems pretty important for you! Good luck; I have a feeling you can make it work out.

kflo55 · Feb 8, 2016

I am seeing some posts about skepticism of the MEPN as opposed to other Masters of Nursing programs. If I had the choice, I would pursue a true MSN. For the same time commitment, why not! It is more widely recognized when applying for nursing jobs too. But I don't have the academic record to warrant my choosiness, so the MEPN would be an honor for me.

pinz07 · Feb 9, 2016

kflo55, A MSN program will take someone a few years to finish (not 15 months) unless they already have an RN. If the person already has an RN, then yes, there are accelerated bridge programs that can get the person a MSN in a short period of time. The MEPN program uniquely gives those without an RN a leg up on those with a BSN and gets them in the doors to start practicing nursing. It's great for people who want exposure to the field before jumping into a specialty.

My plan is to do the MEPN program (15 months)-- get a few years of clinical experience -- return to school for accelerated MSN program (15 months)--work as an NP. I see it as I'm just splitting up the years in school with a little work experience to earn some money and experience.

That's my understanding and I would love to hear other perspectives.

cyclone67 · Feb 11, 2016

I'm off the wait list already; got a slot at Tucson. If you are on the list make sure you update your phone contacts because they called instead of email.

medower · Feb 14, 2016

What was the number they called you from?

cyclone67 · Feb 15, 2016

I also got an email! They called all 3 numbers I had listed and finally reached me at work. Sorry, my phone here doesn't have a way to check what number they were at. Just make sure your numbers haven't changed since you applied. The acceptance paperwork is due this Friday, so I imagine some will come off the wait list this week.

Kosiky · Feb 29, 2016

I talked to a current student and I was told that that the program has a really good reputation. Students have a good clinical preparation, that's good to know! One thing that I don't like about the program is that many of the courses are taught online. I was told in the current cohort, even more courses will be moved to online/hybrid structure.

cyclone67 · Feb 29, 2016

Thanks for the information Kosiky! I too would prefer to have classes "in person." I do like that you get a lot of clinical hours; it was about 300 more hours than equivalent programs I looked at. I'm excited to start -- I've been busy looking for housing. Hard to do from afar...

Kosiky · Mar 2, 2016

Hi cyclone67, good luck with your housing search! I wonder if there will be more housing options closer to the start of the term as many students might be leaving for summer. Also, I talked to one of the students and he shared that many retirees from Canada or other parts of the US come to Arizona for winter and leave in March/April.

What is the number of clinical hours required for the MEPN program?

cyclone67 · Mar 2, 2016

Hi cyclone67, good luck with your housing search! I wonder if there will be more housing options closer to the start of the term as many students might be leaving for summer. Also, I talked to one of the students and he shared that many retirees from Canada or other parts of the US come to Arizona for winter and leave in March/April.
What is the number of clinical hours required for the MEPN program?

The number of clinical hours is just over 1000. I do believe there will be places opening up later on; there are a whole lot of places available now. I just hate waiting for the last minute and feeling like I'm scrambling for housing. I noticed a lot of openings for some nice guesthouses starting on 1 June; I am assuming those are students who are leaving. I considered staying in an extended stay hotel for May but that is not ideal since I have a dog. I found a place in a nice neighborhood; but the ratings on the management company are horrible.... I'm just going to keep looking and see what pops up!! I'd like a guesthouse where I can bike or walk to the University.

cyclone67 · Mar 2, 2016

Kosiky, are you going to be in Phoenix? How's the housing situation up there?