The Master of Science, Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MS-MEPN) degree is an entry pathway to the profession of nursing. The MS-MEPN program is an accelerated, 15-month program with cohorts in Tucson and Gilbert. Graduates of the MS-MEPN program are prepared as nurse generalists, and eligible for licensure as Registered Nurses (RN) upon completion of the NCLEX-RN examination and approval by a State Board of Nursing. Students interested in a Nurse Practitioner degree should apply to our Doctor of Nursing Practice program after finishing a nurse generalist program.
Minimum Credit Units = 56
The College of Nursing at the University of Arizona offers a variety of programs at the graduate level. Programs are available for students pursuing a first degree in nursing, as well as students interested in advancing in the professional as leaders, advanced practice nurses, and nurse researchers. Please visit the College of Nursing's website for detailed information about our college, faculty and programs.
College of Nursing
Distance Campus - Gilbert
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Prerequisite Grade Point Average (GPA)
Last 60 Grade Point Average (GPA)
HESI Admissions Assessment Exam (HESI A2)
Prerequisite Courses
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.
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.
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.
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 applicants will not be considered for conditional admission by this program.
4832
56
Level 1:
Level 2:
Level 3:
Level 4:
Students enrolled in the MS-MEPN program do not take elective coursework. All students will follow the coursework outlined above.
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.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.