I'm considering MEPN application to the UofA next year. I've been in touch with the advisor, Chris Sogge, for the past 3 years. I have a B.S. in Computer Science and a M.Sc. in Biology from Canada . Chris said that I need a pre-req GPA of 3.7 at least to get into the program; mine is 3.3. Do I stand any chances? Did anyone get in with lower pre-req grades? I'm trying to juggle pre-req taking with a toddler. Thanks so much for your advice!
Thanks for the info! I was wondering, on your actual diploma/degree - is it a Masters of Science in Nursing? What is the actual "degree" called? Just curious. I have been looking at a lot of NP programs and most (not all, of course) seem to have MSN, that specifically you need an MSN (or BSN for some if applying to master's programs) to apply.
I was thinking of reaching out to some of them, if I can find out what the title of the degree is you graduate with, to see if that'd be accepted. My guess is it won't be an issue if they can see you had whatever specific X, Y, & Z courses they require - and that you do have an MS concentration specifically in nursing.
Hi,
Sorry I missed this post. The degree awarded on the diploma does say M.S. however, on the transcript it does say MSN. It is a bit confusing but the faculty at UA always mentioned that it was an M.S. I assume because it is an entry program. You would have an advantage when applying to DNP programs because you have a masters. BSN students do not get exposed to evidence based research, appraisals, APA writing, etc. You will be well prepared for a doctoral program. Hope that helps.
I have been wondering the same thing! I am looking at the DNP program at the UA so I assume it won’t be an issue but it def makes things confusing since we won’t have a BSN but’s it’s not really a MSN either. ??♀️
DNPs are doctoral programs, more advanced than MSN's, however, you will still have to take the same test to practice as a NP, regardless of whether you graduate with an MSN or a DNP. More and more programs are switching to DNPs, MSNs are being phased out (specifically for NP tracks)
Hi guys! I also applied this year & I'm hoping to hear back about the interviews soon. Hoping to get in, even though it's an extremely expensive program.
Best of luck to those who are applying. I am a MEPN grad currently working in the ICU. Let me know if I can answer any questions. ?
I guess I can't send private messages, so I was wondering if you wanted to work in the ICU before you joined the program, or if you were doing rotations there during the program and decided you really liked that area? Curious about your experience! Did the interviewers ask you if you had a particular area in mind in your future?
I guess I can't send private messages, so I was wondering if you wanted to work in the ICU before you joined the program, or if you were doing rotations there during the program and decided you really liked that area? Curious about your experience! Did the interviewers ask you if you had a particular area in mind in your future?
Hi!
No problem, feel free to ask more!
Interviewers had standard, run-of-the-mill questions, nothing you could not answer on the spot. I think I recall a question about positive attributes or words to describe you and why.
I did not know I wanted to work in ICU until I started my critical care rotation. I fell in love with the intricate nature of critical care and of course the patient to nurse ratio.
Very few of my classmates knew what they wanted to go into before starting rotations. The rotations really do expose you. However, I heard that it is becoming more and more difficult to place students in rotations given the few spots available and the increasing number of programs around the valley. Some programs are shifting to simulations rather than exposing students to actual clinical rotations in hospitals or other ancillary spots. UArizona does a great job at placing students but I cannot tell you how things are running now.
I hope that helped a bit. :)
5 hours ago, krine said:
Hi guys! I also applied this year & I'm hoping to hear back about the interviews soon. Hoping to get in, even though it's an extremely expensive program.
It is cheaper than most private programs in the state, by about half.
Interviewers had standard, run-of-the-mill questions, nothing you could not answer on the spot. I think I recall a question about positive attributes or words to describe you and why.
I did not know I wanted to work in ICU until I started my critical care rotation. I fell in love with the intricate nature of critical care and of course the patient to nurse ratio.
Very few of my classmates knew what they wanted to go into before starting rotations. The rotations really do expose you. However, I heard that it is becoming more and more difficult to place students in rotations given the few spots available and the increasing number of programs around the valley. Some programs are shifting to simulations rather than exposing students to actual clinical rotations in hospitals or other ancillary spots. UArizona does a great job at placing students but I cannot tell you how things are running now.
I hope that helped a bit. ?
It is cheaper than most private programs in the state, by about half.
Good to know!
When did you graduate from the program? I am curious how much has changed in terms of rotations since then - I was unaware that it's getting harder to do the rotations, but that makes sense. How many and what rotations did you do? I can't seem to find that on the website specifically, unless the rotations are named here, and I simply thought it was a typical class instead: https://www.nursing.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/MEPN Plan of Study.PDF
Spring- 8 days icu, 4 days psych, 4 days diverse settings
Summer- medsurg not sure exactly how many days
Thanks! How did you find that info? (Wow, I am surprised it's only a few days in each place! But, accelerated program. Also it's a good thing some of us have prior experience in some of those areas!)
CCRN2Bee, MSN, RN
42 Posts
Hi,
Sorry I missed this post. The degree awarded on the diploma does say M.S. however, on the transcript it does say MSN. It is a bit confusing but the faculty at UA always mentioned that it was an M.S. I assume because it is an entry program. You would have an advantage when applying to DNP programs because you have a masters. BSN students do not get exposed to evidence based research, appraisals, APA writing, etc. You will be well prepared for a doctoral program. Hope that helps.