School Spotlight: University of Arizona
Program: Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing Professional Program
Interviewee: Terry A. Badger, PhD, PMHCNS-BC, RN, FAAN, Professor and Director, Community and Systems Health, College of Nursing; Professor, Department of Psychiatry
The Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) Professional Program is designed for students who have already earned a non-nursing baccalaureate degree, or higher, and wish to pursue a career in nursing. The 15-month accelerated program leads to a Master of Science (MS) with an emphasis in Nursing and eligibility to take the national licensure examination required for practice as a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN®). The program prepares the graduates as advanced nursing generalists who are able to provide and coordinate comprehensive health care for individuals, families, groups and communities in in-patient, outpatient and community settings. After completion of the MEPN program, students interested in advance specialty areas may take certificate coursework or enroll in a Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
The program began in 2011 as a response to the nation’s shortage of nurses who are prepared at BSN or higher degrees; this program works to help meet that need. The students in this program have at least a bachelor’s degree, and about one-quarter have Master’s or Doctorates in other fields. This program was designed for advanced learners, and planning for the program started in 2010. Badger points out that “it is the first program of its kind in Arizona, and no other MEPN programs exist in the area.”
“Student response has been extremely positive and we have many more applicants than we can take into the program,” says Badger. The program enrolls 90 students per year, 72 in Tucson and 18 in Phoenix, and while it is expected that the program will grow over time, Badger cautions that “growth is contingent upon the economy and ability to place students. At this time, there are no plans to expand in 2013.”
Faculty members are excited to work with motivated and exceptional MEPN students who already possess educational and other experiences that enrich the teaching-learning environment. “I often hear ‘they are a joy to teach,’” says Badger. “The challenges we’ve faced have come from introducing something new—some people are slower to change,” she continues, “but the outcomes have far outweighed any challenges.”
The first class graudated in August 2012. NCLEX pass rates have been comparable to the pass rates for students in the previous BSN accelerated program and are above the national average. “Students are securing jobs, because these students bring a wealth of other educational and life experiences which will enrich their careers in nursing,” says Badger. “For example, students with an MBA or law degree who are now re-careering in nursing can only bring a value added perspective. I suspect these nurses are our future leaders and faculty. Most organizations are thrilled to have these students and are pleased by their education,” she adds.
MEPN is a high quality program that provides the student with previous education and career experience an ideal way to enter the profession of nursing and one that goes far to meet the needs of a society increasingly reliant on an effective health care system.
NCLEX-RN® and NCLEX-PN® are registered trademarks of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
