Masters Entry Program in Nursing Program Overview
Developed with non-nursing students in mind, our Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is an excellent choice for busy adults who would like to change careers. As a pre-licensure Registered Nursing program, our MEPN accepts applicants who have already completed the required undergraduate General Education in a non-nursing bachelor’s program. This means that you can enroll in the program even if you do not have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
In as little as 22 months, you can pursue RN licensure and your dream career. Graduates are also qualified to take the Clinical Nurse Leader Exam after completing the program’s 400 practice hours, which includes 300 hours of immersion in CNL practice. In addition, our graduates are eligible for Public Health Nurse certification.
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Accelerated Program
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get an MSN without an RN?
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a degree, whereas an RN is a license. If you enroll in our accelerated Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN), you can pursue your MSN degree without already being an RN. However, our MEPN graduates can take the National Council Licensure exam for Registered Nurses after they receive their MSN degree.
What does MEPN stand for?
MEPN stands for Master’s Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN). It’s a pre-licensure Registered Nursing program for non-nurses who wish to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Why do I need an MSN degree?
The MSN degree will provide you with a solid foundation and future career advancement. It’s also a big step toward becoming an educator, manager, administrator, or clinical nurse leader.
Furthermore, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has reported that employers value graduates of accelerated MSN programs for the skills and education they bring to the workplace.
What is an accelerated MSN?
An accelerated MSN, also referred to as a “direct-entry MSN” or “entry-level MSN” is a Master’s in Nursing program designed for students who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. However, nurses with a BSN can also apply to this program.
Look for schools like Eagle Gate, which can be completed in as little as 22 months and offer several scholarships.
How do I start a MEPN program?
To start an MEPN program, you must first have a nursing or non-nursing bachelor’s degree. You should then research and compare different schools and MEPN programs before making your choice. Before enrolling, speak with an admissions representative to learn more about the enrollment requirements, as every MEPN program can differ slightly. For example, our MEPN program at Eagle Gate requires a specific set of prerequisite courses.
We also offer a tuition forgiveness program for prerequisite courses. You can find various scholarships as well. One is an inaugural scholarship, which covers 50% of your tuition for the first semester. Another is for students currently employed by one of our clinical partners, and it covers up to 50% of your tuition for the second semester.
How long does it take to complete an accelerated MSN program?
Though it depends on the school and location, an accelerated MSN program can typically be completed in about three years. However, our MEPN program can be completed in as little as 22 months.
How much does a MEPN program cost?
Tuition costs for an MSN degree can vary depending on your individual situation (i.e. location, finances, etc.) However, there are several financial aid options available to our MEPN students at Eagle Gate College. Reach out to a school representative for assistance or more information. We can tell you about our tuition forgiveness program and various scholarships.
How much do MSN nurses make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of MSN-trained nurses was $113,930 in 2018. The top 10 percent earned more than $182,750. Additionally, the top industries in which they worked were as follows: hospitals, outpatient care centers, offices of other health practitioners, offices of physicians, and educational services.
MSN Career Overview
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is an advanced-level postgraduate degree for Registered Nurses and is an entry-level degree for nurse educators and managers. The degree might prepare you to pursue a career as a nurse administrator, health policy expert, or clinical nurse leader. It might also be considered a prerequisite for doctorate-level nursing education, and used to become an advanced practice registered nurse. This could include professions like a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife.
Depending on the program, an MSN degree might focus on one or more advanced nursing specialties, such as acute care, adult, family, gerontology, neonatology, palliative care, pediatric, psychiatric, or obstetrics and gynecological nursing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to grow 31 percent by 2026. These healthcare professionals coordinate patient care and might provide primary or specialty healthcare. Although the scope of practice varies in each state, their duties typically include the following:
- Take and record patients’ medical histories and symptoms
- Perform physical exams and observe patients
- Create patient care plans or contribute to existing plans
- Perform and order diagnostic tests
- Operate and monitor medical equipment
- Diagnose various health problems
- Analyze test results or changes in a patient’s condition, and alter treatment plans, as needed
- Give patients medicines and treatments
- Evaluate a patient’s response to medicines and treatments
- Consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals, as needed
- Counsel and teach patients and their families how to stay healthy or manage their illnesses or injuries
- Conduct research
Enrollment Process
The path to your new healthcare career starts by speaking with one of our student-centered admissions representatives. At Eagle Gate, we don’t believe in making our students jump through hoops. We know you want to change your life, so our admissions process is simple and straightforward. It consists of two main steps for most of our programs:
- Interview with an admissions representative. This starts the process and is referred to as a career planning session. We talk with you one-on-one to learn your interests and goals. From there, we can help you decide the direction that is right for you. Make an appointment by calling 888-618-9336
- Fill out your admissions forms. This is the paperwork part. As soon as we receive what we need, we will immediately consider your admission.
MEPN Program Specific Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a school with accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- Completion of the required prerequisite courses described below
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all prerequisite courses
- Submission of completed physical examination form
- Evidence of personal health insurance
- Evidence of current Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification (American Heart Health Care Provider)
- Criminal background check deemed “clear”
- Negative chemical/drug screening
- Pass the entrance exam as described below
Entrance Exam
You must achieve a total TEAS exam score of 47 percent or higher to be admitted to the program. If you have previously taken a TEAS exam, your score is applicable as long as you took the exam within 24 months of the MEPN start date. Remember to take your TEAS exam at an authorized, ATI-proctored location, and it will be valid for review.
The TEAS exam may be attempted a maximum of three times within a calendar year. We can also provide test passing assistance to prospective students.
Prerequisite courses
At Eagle Gate, we offer prerequisite courses in addition to a tuition forgiveness program. This program can potentially cover the cost of your prerequisite courses. If you have taken them elsewhere, you will need to provide proof of completion for the following courses at the undergraduate level:
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Cultural Anthropology or Introduction to Sociology
- English Composition
- Speech/Public Speaking
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
Note: Human anatomy and human physiology must include a lab component. Human Anatomy and Human Physiology may be combined courses in a two-part sequence or two separate courses.
MEPN Tuition & Financial Aid
Out-of-pocket costs for master’s programs can vary depending on your individual situation. There are a number of financial aid options available to our students at Eagle Gate College. For instance, we offer a tuition forgiveness program that includes a maximum award of $6,525. It is geared toward students who have completed a bachelor’s degree but do not have all the necessary prerequisite courses to enroll in our MEPN program. We also offer scholarships for 2020 MEPN students as well as students who are currently employed by one of our clinical partners.
As a potential Eagle Gate student, you might have many options for student financial aid. Our experienced representatives can help you determine eligibility and apply for the program. Loans can be used to help you cover many college expenses, such as:
- Tuition
- Transportation
- Room and Board
- Books
- Computer Equipment
- Living Expenses
Please reach out to an admissions representative for more information.
* This sponsored tuition forgiveness program is available for students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and wish to enter the nursing field but do not have all prerequisite courses needed to enroll into the MEPN program (maximum award is $6,525).
** Students enrolling in the MEPN program for 2020 will qualify for the Inaugural Scholarship, which includes a 50% Tuition Scholarship for Semester 1.
*** Students currently employed by one of our Utah Clinicial Partners will qualify for a 50% Tuition Scholarship for Semester 2.
Please visit the School Catalog for more details
