UA MEPN 2020

ArizonaNP2b · Jul 26, 2019

I've been emailing with an advisor regarding the UofA MEPN program, and with the 2020 cohort, they will be evaluating candidates more holistically. They will be looking at volunteer/leadership/healthcare experience, and in favor of this, there will not be as much pressure with GPA requirements...though a 3.5+ GPA is still strongly encouraged.

Jeanette Elam · Jul 31, 2019

I have a 3.4 last 60 gpa so am worried too. Hopefully it will be good enough. I got a 93.5 on my hesi. Have you taken the hesi yet?

Nursing hopeful87 · Aug 4, 2019

Hi all! Current MEPN'r here. If you get a chance, read the 2019 thread, and it'll give you a good idea of what grades were accepted, wait listed, and rejected.

I also heard they may be changing the entire structure of admissions, so check their website frequently for updates!

Just some advice to make your life easier if you do get accepted for May 2020, get your flu shot this season (Sept/Oct), and complete your TB testing in Dec/Jan. Also, if you are concerned during any part of the process, be sure to reach out because everything is confusing and overwhelming. And it never gets any better :)

Jeanette Elam · Aug 4, 2019

3 minutes ago, Nursing hopeful87 said:
Hi all! Current MEPN'r here. If you get a chance, read the 2019 thread, and it'll give you a good idea of what grades were accepted, wait listed, and rejected.
I also heard they may be changing the entire structure of admissions, so check their website frequently for updates!
Just some advice to make your life easier if you do get accepted for May 2020, get your flu shot this season (Sept/Oct), and complete your TB testing in Dec/Jan. Also, if you are concerned during any part of the process, be sure to reach out because everything is confusing and overwhelming. And it never gets any better ?

Thank you! I did read through the 2019 thread but only found some peoples stats who got in. I am also curious how they will be doing it this year. How do you like the program??? I am looking into bsn programs as well but like that mepn is 15 months. Do you feel like it’s a good program that is preparing you but not killing you in the process lol.

Nursing hopeful87 · Aug 4, 2019

Hello! An important distinction is that this is a MS-RN program, NOT a MSN! So I would definitely still apply to BSN programs if you want. This program is for people who got a Bachelor's is something different, but now want to be a nurse. Ideally, I would have gotten a BSN the first time around ?

They stated last year that they would be adding in a statement of intent and recommendations into the scoring. Hopefully, making the weight of actual grades lower on your overall admission score. However, I have not seen anything like that posted yet, so I guess we'll see!

The 1st time I applied I got wait-listed and did not end up getting in. My last 60 GPA was 3.22, pre-req's-3.65, and HESI 94.

The 2nd time I did get in right away w/out being wait-listed, but I got my 2nd choice in location. My stats were: last 60-3.37, pre-req's-3.77, and HESI 94.

Even though it is chaotic and they make it unnecessarily difficult, I really do love it. The first 2 weeks I was so overwhelmed, stressed, and defeated-i was ready to quit. But then it gets way easier and more fun. You build friendships, and find study groups, and everything just kind of falls into place.

Jeanette Elam · Aug 5, 2019

1 hour ago, Nursing hopeful87 said:
Hello! An important distinction is that this is a MS-RN program, NOT a MSN! So I would definitely still apply to BSN programs if you want. This program is for people who got a Bachelor's is something different, but now want to be a nurse. Ideally, I would have gotten a BSN the first time around ?
They stated last year that they would be adding in a statement of intent and recommendations into the scoring. Hopefully, making the weight of actual grades lower on your overall admission score. However, I have not seen anything like that posted yet, so I guess we'll see!
The 1st time I applied I got wait-listed and did not end up getting in. My last 60 GPA was 3.22, pre-req's-3.65, and HESI 94.
The 2nd time I did get in right away w/out being wait-listed, but I got my 2nd choice in location. My stats were: last 60-3.37, pre-req's-3.77, and HESI 94.
Even though it is chaotic and they make it unnecessarily difficult, I really do love it. The first 2 weeks I was so overwhelmed, stressed, and defeated-i was ready to quit. But then it gets way easier and more fun. You build friendships, and find study groups, and everything just kind of falls into place.

Thank you! So when looking for a job does it matter having a ms-Rn vs a bsn? The only benefit it seems is the mepn program is 15 months? I have a 3.44 last 60 and have one B in my prereqs and one left to take but I am signed up to take both of those online starting next week so hopefully I’ll have a 3.9-4.0 prereq w a 93.5 hesi. I have to be able to do it in Tucson though, is that most people’s first choice? Did you have any medical background going into it? I do have some so I’m hoping it won’t be too bad. When I talked to Chris the advisor in feb he had said they were doing things differently and we would need letters of recommendation but then I emailed him last month asking about it and he said they’re not requiring that after all. I’m going to the info session in a few weeks to hopefully find out more. I read on one post that some places don’t look at the ms-Rn as being Even equal to a bsn which worries me. I think I eventually want to go on to get my NP though so not sure if one of Prefered over the other. Kinda frustrated though bc I asked Chris if it was a MSN you get and he said yes.

ArizonaNP2b · Aug 5, 2019

Hi all,

So I get the frustration about the exact MEPN degree title. I specifically asked the advisor via email about the endgame degree title, and she stated that upon graduation, the degree awarded would be a Master's Degree in Nursing. I was afraid of some of the rumors I heard that this degree would simply be an ADN (Associates Degree Nurse) with a generic non-nursing Master's. I hope that the information I received is correct.

I attended the mandatory Tucson workshop for the MEPN program last week, and it was verified that the admissions process for the 2020 program (and moving forward) will be handled more holistically...lower GPA in favor of healthcare/volunteer/leadership experience. Reference letters were not mentioned. The advisor did tell me that though this change will be implemented, it was still strongly advised to achieve 3.5+ GPA scores, as this program is still quite competitive. I don't think it disqualifies anyone with a slightly lower GPA, but to be considered a strong candidate, a 3.5+ GPA will be your best bet. I was told that when the application cycle for Nursing Caspa opens up in October 2019, there will be more direct information regarding these changes (not sure if it will be mentioned on the Nursing Caspa page, or the UA Nursing website).

In the interim, I would suggest that anyone with a GPA less than 3.5 load up on healthcare experience/volunteer experience, such as shadowing.

Hope this helps!

Nursing hopeful87 · Aug 5, 2019

It honestly depends on the hospital. Some specifically say MSN is required for certain leadership positions. Our program would not qualify. Some just want a Master's in a healthcare related field, which Mepn does qualify.

It is harder to get into Tucson, but I accepted Phoenix and got offered to transfer to Tucson 2 months later. If you're willing to tough it out it'll all work out for the best. Phoenix is the better campus IMO, but ask someone from the Tucson campus and they'll tell you Tucson is ?

I have zero medical background, but I didn't feel behind at all. It's all about absorbing information and working hard. You can absolutely do NP school from this program, and it doesn't matter at all which degree you got prior. There is lots of confusion around how a mepn works, but technically a bsn is higher only because it's an actual degree IN nursing. Ask 5 people though and you'll probably get 5 different answers. We've just conceded that we're all along for the ride at this point!

ArizonaNP2b · Aug 5, 2019

I was wondering if a sample school schedule could be provided? As a mom of a toddler and a baby on the way (he will be 6 months old when I *hopefully* start the program), I really need to know the days and times I will be away from my house. I heard that school is five days a week in the beginning of the program, and then it lightens up...if there's any way to get a sample schedule from a current student-if that's not weird ? , that would be great!

Nursing hopeful87 · Aug 5, 2019

This is what we were given, but it's super generic, and of course could always change by next year. Use with caution!

ArizonaNP2b · Aug 5, 2019

Thank you for the schedule!! I'm sure it won't be exactly like that when I start, but it's nice to get an idea. Thanks again!