Graduate Program: Nursing (MS) - Entry to the Profession

General Information

Admissions Information

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisite Grade Point Average (GPA) 

• A combined minimum GPA of 3.0 is required
• A grade of `C' or better is required in all prerequisites
• All prerequisite courses must be complete at the time of application

Last 60 Grade Point Average (GPA)

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required - for all graded post-secondary coursework
• A Non-Nursing Bachelor-Level (or Higher) Degree
  • Must be complete by May 15, 2023 (first day of summer term)
  • Must be from a regionally accredited institution 

HESI Admissions Assessment Exam (HESI A2)

• Minimum score of 75 is required
• Required sections:  Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Biology 

Prerequisite Courses

• General Chemistry – lectures (1-2 semesters) and lab (1 lab minimum)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology – lectures (2 semesters) and labs (2 semesters)
• Microbiology – lecture (1 semester)
• Statistics (1 semester)
• Lifespan Development (1 semester)
• Nutrition (1 semester)

All applicants to the MS-MEPN program should review the application information on the College of Nursing's website. In order to apply for this program you must first submit an online application through NursingCAS followed by the University of Arizona Graduate College GradApp. Additionally, prospective students may attend an information session held at the college on a regular basis.  Dates and times for those workshops are available here.

 

Standardized Tests

HESI Admissions Assessment Exam (HESI A2): Your highest score earned for the combined four sections taken in a single attempt will be utilized. The test must be taken by the date of application and any scores are valid for one year. Only two attempts are allowed per application cycle. 

• Minimum overall score of 75% is required
• Required sections:  Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Biology 

 

Funding Opportunities

Students in the MS-MEPN program are eligible for university and college funding.  All students are encouraged to file an updated FAFSA form each year. The College of Nursing awards internal scholarships on a rolling basis each spring to currently admitted students. More information on funding can be found on the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid page.

 

Admissions Deadlines

Applications for the MS-MEPN program must be submitted by December 1, 2022 to be considered for admission into the Summer 2023 cohort that begins in mid-May.

Applicants must submit an online application through NursingCAS followed by the University of Arizona Graduate College GradApp. 

 

International Conditional Admission

International applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.

Other Information

The GRE Institution Code for The University of Arizona is 4832

Completion Requirements

Minimum Credit Units

56 

Core Coursework Requirements

Level 1:

• NURS 500A - Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan (3 units)
• NURS 507 - Health Assessment Across the Lifespan (2 units)
• NURS 509A - Concepts and Competencies Across the Lifespan I (4 units)
• NURS 509B - Provider of Care I: Practice Competencies (3 units)

Level 2:

• NURS 572A - Nursing Pharmacology (3 units)
• NURS 519A - Concepts and Competencies Across the Lifespan II (5 units)
• NURS 519B - Provider of Care II: Altered Health Conditions (7 units)

Level 3:

• NURS 510 - Professional Nursing Seminar (1 unit)
• NURS 511 - Nursing Informatics: From Concepts to Practice (2 units)
• NURS 512 - Nursing Reserch for Evidence Based Practice (3 units)
• NURS 610 - Concepts and Competencies for Complex Health Problems (5 units)
• NURS 610B - Provider of Care III: Complex Health Problems (3 units)
• NURS 610C - Provider of Care IIIC:Providing IntegratedCare (2 units)

Level 4:

• NURS 513 - Leading and Managing in Organizational Systems (3 units)
• NURS 611 - Population and Community Health Nursing (4 units)
• NURS 614 - Provider of Care IV: Management and Leadership (6 units)

 

Elective Coursework

Students enrolled in the MS-MEPN program do not take elective coursework. All students will follow the coursework outlined above.

 

Additional Requirements

Program content is provided through readings, face-to-face applied learning activities that include: clinical experiences, lecture, simulations, online modules and discussion, etc. Some course content will be application and involve face-to-face interaction (such as in your clinical management courses); other instruction will be online (such as your informatics and research courses). Students need to become comfortable with accessing information and taking tests online, as these skills will be required in their future profession. Each course provides the student with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the Registered Nurse licensure exam and become a master’s prepared registered nurse in 15 months.

 

Student Handbook

Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.