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University of California, San Francisco | About UCSF | Search UCSF | UCSF Medical Ctr. advancing health worldwide™ | |
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| Alternative Paths at UCSF Leading to the Master of Science Degree | |
|---|---|
| 3-Year MEPN Program For persons with a non·nursing B.S. or B.A. degree and new to the nursing profession (on this page). |
2-Year Masters Program For experienced R.N.s with a B.S./B.A. degree --B.S.N.s in particular-- (see MS page) |
| More Information
Learn more about our programs by attending one of our monthly Evening Information Sessions | |
| Questions about MEPN? See below for our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | |
| AUDIO FEATURE ("PODCAST")
Hear a MEPN student's story about what nursing is: "Nurse as Scientist" Elisabeth Goldstein 2007-08 UCSF MEPN Student
Western Institute of Nursing | |
As an alternative entry to our traditional two-year Master of Science program in Nursing (which is designed chiefly for graduates of B.S.N. programs), UCSF School of Nursing offers the three-year Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN).
MEPN is for persons without previous nursing preparation, but who hold a baccalaureate/bachelor's degree in another general field. In other words, a B.A. or B.S. degree in a major field other than nursing.
The difference between the two pathways is that MEPN students begin their program with four quarters of generalist foundation training in nursing. This qualifies them to take (in the summer after completing their first year) the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) -RN [as approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)].
By comparison, students (who are already bachelor's-prepared and experienced RNs) in our two-year Master of Science in Nursing program immediately begin with specialty area coursework.
Graduates of undergraduate programs in any field other than nursing are considered for admission to the MEPN program. However, certain specialized bachelor's degrees with minimal breadth requirements (e.g., Bachelor of Fine Arts--B.F.A.) may not meet the admissions requirements of UCSF School of Nursing. Persons in this situation should carefully review the following degree information page.
MEPN admits students in an annual screening cycle, each class begins their studies in mid-June.
The intensive first year of study in MEPN includes all the didactic and clinical nursing curriculum usually distributed over two years. This twelve-month pre-licensure year entails 30 - 36 clock hours of class and clinical work per week, in addition to study time. Consequently, engaging in paid employment is not advisable. Students are discouraged from seeking any outside employment during this first year in MEPN (pre-licensure year).
The final two years of the program are more individually-paced and, depending on the selected specialty area, part-time or per diem employment may be more feasible.
Included among the general MEPN admission requirements (see below), the prerequisite course/subject requirements are:
Please be aware that when applicants apply to the Masters Entry Program they must also select the Masters Specialty Area for the second and third years of their program (corresponding to the first and second years in the standard masters program). MEPN students meet the same academic requirements and graduate with the same academic qualifications as those who entered the Master of Science Program in the regular format (i.e., entering with prior experience as a registered nurse).
The School of Nursing Bulletin contains a complete description of the program and details about the application process.
[Click photo for larger view]
Beginning with the MEPN 2010 cycle, on-line (web) applications become available each year in June and must be completed by the September 1st deadline. Between October and May, MEPN applications cannot be initiated.
| MEPN Admissions Cycles | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Action/Activity | 2010 cycle | 2011 cycle | 2012 cycle |
| Web Application Opens | June 2009 | June 2010 | June 2011 |
| Deadline, Application Locked | 9/1/2009 | 9/1/2010 | 9/1/2011 |
| Screening/Review | Dec 2009 | Dec 2010 | Dec 2011 |
| Interviews | Jan 2010 | Jan 2011 | Jan 2012 |
| Classes Begin | June 2010 | June 2011 | June 2012 |
(In some years, the regular September 1st deadline will fall on a Saturday or Sunday, in those years the actual deadline may be enforced on the following regular working day.)
The following diagram shows the entire annual cycle graphically, from completing the application through screening, admission, and finally enrollment in the first set of classes.
| Annual MEPN Admissions Screening Cycle | ||
|---|---|---|
| Notes/Comments | Month | Action/Activity |
| Establish account and
complete all required pages/parts and uploads within the on-line application. The deadline for submitting applications, including supporting documentation, is Sept. 1st. |
JUNE | On-Line Applications Available June - Sept. 1st. Do not wait until the very last days! |
| JULY | ||
| AUG | ||
| SEPT | << Applications Due by Sept. 1st! | |
| Those applicants who have advanced to interview stage are required to attend an interview day at UCSF. Interviews are typically scheduled towards the end of January. Applicants are typically notified of final screening decisions in March/April. |
||
| OCT | (Screening) | |
| NOV | ||
| DEC | ||
| JAN | Interviews Scheduled | |
| FEB | ||
| MAR | Notifications | |
| APR | ||
| MAY | ||
| MEPN Classes Begin (Summer Term) | JUNE | Registration, Classes Begin |
The MEPN application process requires Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores which are no more than five years old at the time of application. Scores are transmitted directly to UCSF by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and should be requested and received from ETS no later than the September 1st deadline. See the GRE/ETS web site at http://www.gre.org for detailed information on how to register for the exam or to request score reporting. Be sure to list the UCSF institutional code number, R·4840, Department #0610, on your request for score reporting. If you can provide your registration number, your test scores will be more rapidly and accurately matched to the rest of your application materials.
As part of completing the on-line (web) application, the names, affiliations, and emails of each of the four recommenders are provided by the applicant.
All recommendations should be from individuals--not relatives--who are acquainted with the applicant's work or community experience.
Recommendations should address the following areas: [a] relationships with work (paid or voluntary) associates, [b] work competence, [c] communication and interpersonal skills with persons of diverse backgrounds, [d] leadership skills or potential, and [e] values, ethical standards, responsibility, and initiative.
Recommenders are also asked for an overall rating (from zero to ten) of the applicant.
Each identified recommender receives at least one email (repeated if necessary) asking for their written recommendation. This email specifies a private web site for that recommender, to be used to submit/upload their letter/recommendation in PDF format.
With this system, applicants can verify when each of their specified recommenders has actually responded and which recommenders may still require a follow-up email request.
This email/web oriented system has simplified and speeded the process of collecting references/recommendations and allows for applicants and recommenders to avoid the delays and uncertainties of the previous postal-based process.
Two certified copies of each transcript are to be mailed directly to UCSF Nursing Student Affairs by the institition's registrar or equivalent official. Transcripts should be endorsed by the proper authority and final college transcripts should include a statement of good standing or honorable dismissal from the last college attended. A preliminary transcript should show work in progress. Non-English transcripts must be translated into English by a certified translator. Non-US transcripts must be submitted for evaluation, as follows.
The School of Nursing requires all applicants who have completed degrees and/or coursework outside of the United States to submit their transcripts for validation and evaluation before they may be considered for admission.
Applicants may send their transcripts and credentials to any evaluation agency which requires submission of original transcripts and/or certificates directly from the education institution to the evaluation agency. The purpose of the evaluation is to verify that your degree/coursework is the equivalent to that of a U.S. Bachelor or Master's degree.
Evaluation agencies provide a variety of services. Be sure to request an evaluation that provides the following:
In our experience, World Education Services (http://www.wes.org; 415-677-9378; 212-966-6311; info@wes.org) provides the information we need in a format that is useful for the admissions decision.
However, applicants may choose to use any agency which meets the criteria above and can perform an evaluation meeting the four points mentioned above.
In July 2007, UCSF initiated the on-line (web) application system for spots in the MEPN class beginning coursework in June 2008; at the applicable Oct. 2007 deadline for that year, the on-line system had processed a record number of application submissions.
Take note of the following before beginning your on-line application to MEPN.
Because of the high volume of MEPN applications received by the Student Affairs office, WE ASK THAT YOU REFRAIN FROM TELEPHONING for status information on your (submitted) application.
Status information is readily available by means of returning to your on-line (web) application and signing in to your account, both before and after the submission deadline.
MEPN applications become available in June and are due by September 1st. In the following weeks both paper and electronically-submitted materials are organized and checked for screening review. During this period, applicants should log in to their UCSF application web page to review the progress of their applications and verify that needed documents have been received for screening.
In the next part of the screening process, selected applicants who pass their initial reviews will be required to attend two interviews (in San Francisco) prior to acceptance; these interviews are typically scheduled in late January.
After interview and final evaluation is completed, successful applicants will be notified of their admission and asked to verify their acceptance.
Each year's MEPN students begin classes in mid-June.
In summary, the annual cycle for MEPN screening begins with collecting application details on-line between June and September; successful admitted applicants from that pool become the class which begins MEPN study in the following June.
Please visit the following page for information on filing appeals.
Fees are subject to change and have been fluctuating in recent years.
Anticipated fees for students beginning coursework in June 2008 are $31,000.00 for the first year. Fees for the second and the third year of the MEPN program are set at the standard University rates for students in the regular Master of Science (Nursing) program. For California residents, these second- and third-year fees are anticipated to be approximately $13,000 - $14,000 per year.
These amounts do not include expenses for living expenses (room & board), books, transportation, etc.
Fees listed here are projections and are subject to change without notice.
The most current fee information available is published by the UCSF Registrar at the following location:
Admitted students must complete, prior to their first clinical experience, a criminal background check. Details will be provided after acceptance.
Accepted applicants must, prior to enrollment, verify their status for certain communicable diseases, e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, etc. Visit Student Health & Counseling Services at http://shs.ucsf.edu on the web for more information on pre-enrollment requirements.
The Student Financial Aid (SFA) Office prepares a special document, "Financial Aid for MEPN Students," describing various financial aid options.
Download this .PDF document (link below) or contact SFA at (415) 476-4181.
Objectives for Year One of the Master's Entry Program.
Faculty members provide experiences which enable students to accomplish the following goals by the end of the first year of the Master's Entry Program in Nursing.
For licensure, the California Board of Registered Nursing requires that students have completed 24 quarter (18 semester) units of natural, behavioral and social science course work (including at least one course in psychology) and 6 quarter (4 semester) units of communications, part of which deals with basic English writing skills. The program provides 3 quarter units of science and 3 quarter units of communications. Prior academic work, including prerequisites for this program, addresses the remainder of this requirement.
| Session / Course | Units | |
| Theory | Clinical | |
| Summer Session | ||
| N141 Pharmacology and Nursing Care | 3 | - |
| N142 Intro to Professional Nursing | 3 | 8 |
| N145 Patho-Physiology | 5 | - |
| Fall Quarter | ||
| N143 Effective Communication | 3 | - |
| N144 Adult Med.-Surg./Geriatric Nrsg. | 4 | 9.5 |
| Winter Quarter | ||
| N146 Parent-Child Nursing | 4 | 3.5 |
| N148 Sociocultural Issues in Health, Illness | 2 | - |
| N149 Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing | 3 | 3 |
| Spring Quarter | ||
| N147 Childbearing Families | 4 | 3.5 |
| N150 Community Health Nursing | 3 | 5.5 |
| N151 Issues in Nursing | 3 | - |
| Total | 37 | 33 |
| Note: after completing their first year (prelicensure year), MEPN students
typically continue with the standard Master's program curriculum for their second and third years. | ||
The Masters Entry Program brings together the academic richness of the School of Nursing and the superb clinical expertise of UCSF, San Francisco General Hospital, and other local health centers, to provide students with "the best of both worlds." The program design acknowledges the maturity and goal-directed characteristics of adult learners, and encourages an initiative-taking and reflective stance which is fundamental to a professional approach to work.
If you have additional questions, please telephone Nursing Student Affairs at (415) 476-1435.
The advanced practice nurse is a registered nurse with graduate academic preparation and advanced clinical skills which qualify her/him as an expert in a defined area of knowledge and practice.
Graduate academic preparation in nursing is at the masters and doctoral level. Within the domain of client-based practice, the advanced practice nurse is clinically expert, and applies comprehensive, theoretically based interventions to the treatment of a broad range of human responses to actual or potential health problems.
The advanced practice nurse's role is diverse, incorporating the function of clinician, educator, consultant, researcher, and/or administrator. The clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, and nurse administrator titles are all within the broad category of advanced nursing practice.
The advanced nursing practice role of the clinical nurse specialist (CNS) is multifaceted. The combination of a Master of Science degree in a concentrated area of nursing study, together with clinical experience, enables the CNS to serve as expert clinician, educator, consultant, researcher, and leader in resolving health care issues within systems.
The primary purpose of the CNS role is to care for the individual and her/his family. While the CNS provides skilled client/family care, she/he is also an invaluable resource to other nurses and health care providers.
She/he is able to make recommendations to effectively manage difficult patient care issues or to better understand the utilization of current technology.
A clinical nurse specialist keeps abreast of the latest advancements within health care. While many clinical nurse specialists work in hospital, ambulatory care, and home care settings, their role as consultants, educators, and researchers lead to activity in a variety of settings.
(FHCN) = Specialty is offered by the Department of Family Health Care Nursing
(CHS) = Specialty is offered by the Department of Community Health Systems
(PN) = Specialty is offered by the Department of Physiological Nursing
The masters specialties section of this web site describes each of the available specialty areas in more detail.
The nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced nursing practice role that focuses on the primary health care needs of the individual and her/his family. The Master of Science degree from UCSF School of Nursing provides the advanced theoretical and scientific knowledge necessary for the assessment, interpretation, and management of health and illness.
While the NP diagnoses and treats minor, acute, and chronic illness, her/his practice also emphasizes the prevention of illness and promotion of healthy functioning. Consistent with nursing, NPs aspire to provide comprehensive health care through an understanding of the biophysical, emotional, cognitive, and sociocultural complexities of human health and illness.
Practice settings include health clinics and community health centers as well as hospitals, schools, nursing homes, businesses and industry.
Nurse practitioners are required by statute to be credentialed, or certified, by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) [website: http://www.rn.ca.gov] prior to practice in the state. The programs at UCSF meet the BRN requirements for nurse practitioner recognition.
(FHCN) =
Specialty is offered by the Department of Family Health Care Nursing
(CHS) = Specialty is offered by the Department of Community Health Systems
(PN) = Specialty is offered by the Department of Physiological Nursing
The masters specialties section of this web site describes each of the available specialty areas in more detail.
#1. How do I know if courses I have taken (or plan to take) will meet your School's prerequisite requirements?
Prerequisites for the MEPN program consist of a basic Introduction to Statistics course (three quarter units or two semester units), a basic Human Anatomy course (three quarter units or two semester units), and a basic Human Physiology course (three quarter units or two semester units). Remember that this content is not covered in the MEPN program so it is in your best interest to locate and enroll in the most rigorous courses possible. During the first quarter of the MEPN program, students are enrolled in a pathophysiology course and are also engaged in clinical experience with acutely ill hospitalized patients. It is therefore assumed that MEPN students already possess a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology in particular. When the Anatomy and Physiology courses satisfies what student take in order to apply to medical school (often referred to as "pre-med" courses), applicants can expect they are sufficiently prepared for MEPN coursework. Generally, anatomy and physiology combined courses are not as rigorous and are unsuitable for satisfying MEPN prerequisites. The University is, unfortunately, unable to review course descriptions or syllabi to determine acceptability. Applicants should therefore assess the "rigor" of the course with the instructor who taught the anatomy and physiology content. When researching Anatomy and Physiology classes to take, check with the Department Chairperson or faculty member to assure the class you sign up for is recommended for science or health career students.
#2. Do I need to take Anatomy and Physiology at a university or can I take it at a junior college? Is there a preference?
Many excellent and rigorous Statistics, Anatomy, and Physiology courses are taught at community colleges and junior colleges. There is no preference on the part of the faculty about where these courses are taken as long as they reflect the characteristics described above.
#3. What is the difference between a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Nurse Practitioner? What do they really do in their day to day jobs?
Graduate prepared nurses (advanced practice nurses) typically belong to one of two categories: the clinical nurse specialist or the nurse practitioner. These roles are constantly changing and evolving. At the present time, clinical nurse specialists usually develop expertise in a concentrated area of study (e.g., oncology, cardiovascular nursing, etc.) and, using this expertise, function as an expert clinician, educator, consultant, and researcher. Most clinical nurse specialists work in hospital, ambulatory care, and home care settings.
The nurse practitioner, by contrast, typically focuses on the primary healthcare needs of the individuals and families as well as on disease prevention and health promotion and management of chronic Illness. Practice settings generally include but are not limited to health clinics, community health centers, schools, nursing homes, business and industry. Some specialties at UCSF School of Nursing combine CNS and NP roles, as in the pediatric and psychiatric nursing programs.
The description above only begins to describe the complexity of each role. Anyone who is serious about a career as an advanced practice nurse will naturally need to research these roles extensively before choosing an area of specialization. At the very least, it is imperative that you speak with clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners about their experiences in the field, their likes and dislikes, and their perceptions of their varied roles. Nursing journals and specialty websites may also prove useful in your effort to familiarize yourself with this profession. Please note that most successful applicants to the MEPN program are able to demonstrate in writing and in conversation that they have thoroughly researched these roles, and that they have a sound grasp of the complex issues facing the advanced practice nurse.
Applicants should also recognize that while they are working toward advanced practice education, the first year focuses on the essential skills and knowledge that are foundational to the nursing profession. Therefore nurses who are working as staff nurses in hospitals are also vital people to engage in conversations with in order to understand the challenges the nursing has to offer those interested in joining the profession.
#4. How do I decide which masters specialty area to apply to?
At the time of application, you will be asked to select a specialty area which will largely determine your future as an advanced practice nurse. This is a critical decision and should be made with great care as you will not be allowed to change once you have been admitted to a given specialty. The first four quarters of the MEPN program are not related to specialty but rather prepare you for taking the examination for registered nurse licensure. However, the final two academic years prepare you in one of some 14-15 areas of specialization. As you can imagine, there is a tremendous difference in the specialty education of a nurse midwife vs. that of a gerontological clinical nurse specialist. It is essential that you research these different specialty areas thoroughly in advance, that you reflect carefully on your personal interests, strengths, weaknesses, talents, and inclinations so as to make the most informed decision possible. Attending an Evening Information Session (see below) can be very helpful.
#5. Bachelor's Degrees and MEPN.
The Master's Entry Program in Nursing at UCSF does not award the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, students successfully completing the entire program receive a Master of Science degree from the University of California. MEPN applicants are required to have a baccalaureate/bachelor's degree in another [non-nursing] general discipline. This previous bachelor's degree work obviates the need for a BSN. Instead, students study for one year in preparation for the registered nurse licensure examination. Upon successful passage of this examination, students are licensed RNs and ready to move into the Master of Science specialty phase of their program. For more details on types of Bachelor's degrees, see Specialized Bachelor's Degrees below.
#6. Would it be a problem to take time off to work after I get my RN license?
The MEPN program began in 1991 and since that time has been viewed as a continuous three-year program. Students are expected to proceed without taking time out. This is primarily due to the fact that "specialty" clinical placements must be secured and guaranteed for each student at the time of admission and interruptions to normal progression make planning impossible.
#7. Where are the clinical placements? What can you tell me about them?
Clinical training takes place in two phases. Student in the first year of the MEPN program experience the same clinical rotations that are foundational to all pre-licensure nursing programs. These rotations occur primarily at major medical centers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Examples include UCSF Medical Center, Stanford Hospitals and Clinics, Lucile Packard Children's Health Services, San Francisco General Hospital, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and home health agencies and public health departments.
Once students move into the Master's specialty phase of the program, their clinical residencies occur in one of the many clinical sites located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. There are currently over 800 active sites. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to all clinical site locations.
#8. When are applications available? How often are students admitted?
Applications for the MEPN program are available in
June of each year. They are due Sept. 1st of each year. Applications are screened once for admission in the summer.
The School hosts Evening Information Sessions
through the year and prospective applicants are encouraged to attend.
Questions about the various specialties can be addressed during the information sessions.
For details, see the
http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/www/infosess.htm website.
#9. Can you put me in touch with current MEPN students? I really need to talk to someone who has been through the program. Do you offer tours of the School? Can I make an appointment to meet with someone?
Unfortunately, current MEPN students have communicated with us that their "plates" are entirely full. While we would like to be able to accommodate these requests, we chose to err on the side of sheltering our current students from the numerous requests for contact.
Prospective applicants are welcome to come to UCSF and explore the School and university facilities and amenities. Due to limited staff resources, we do not offer tours but we invite you to walk around, and to stop by the Office of Student Affairs (#N-319X) should you have specific questions. We would also encourage anyone with a serious interest in the MEPN program to plan to attend one of the summer evening information sessions where you will have an opportunity to meet faculty and obtain answers to your questions.
For those who have applied and are advanced to the interview phase of the application process, time with current students is an essential part of the on campus interview day experience.
#10. Can I sit in on a MEPN class?
Faculty has indicated that they would find visits by non-MEPN students disruptive to the teaching-learning process. Therefore, we do not allow visits to MEPN classes.
#11. What GRE scores and what GPA do you require to get into the program?
The University of California requires that applicants have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better before being considered for graduate standing. While there is no minimum GRE score that is required, the most competitive applicants typically have achieved verbal and quantitative scores in the range of 500-700 on the 200-800 point scale.
#12. How strict is the requirement that the undergraduate grade point average be a minimum of 3.0?
Due to the extremely high number of applicants to this program and the very competitive nature of the applicant pool, applications with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 will not be reviewed at this time. Persons with an undergraduate GPA below 3.0 should consider other options for reaching their goal of becoming a registered nurse. These include considering other Master's entry programs, baccalaureate programs, and community college programs in nursing. After obtaining a degree and licensure in nursing, and some working experience as an RN, you should be eligible to apply for our standard Master's program.
#13. Are courses taken after the bachelor's degree calculated as part of a cumulative GPA?
No. However, courses taken after an initial bachelor's degree will contribute to our assessment, if:
Courses completed after the bachelor's degree that are taken in isolation (e.g., Anatomy, Physiology, or Statistics prerequisites) will not be calculated as part of the GPA, but your achievement in these courses will be reviewed to help determine your readiness for graduate education.
#14. Does it help to have a science background? What kind of an undergraduate degree are you looking for?
A fundamental premise of the program is to value diverse academic and life experience as a basis for entering nursing. Nurses face multiple challenges in meeting the complex health care needs of the public. Divergent backgrounds therefore enable nurses to consider unique alternatives when problem solving. Similarly nurses must be able to provide culturally-competent care to diverse populations of people. For all these reasons, no specific background is best.
However, the school does require that the baccalaureate/bachelors degree represent a general comprehensive undergraduate program. Certain specialized bachelors degrees are not acceptable due to their lack of breadth requirements. A common example of a specialized bachelors degree is the B.F.A., Bachelor of Fine Arts. Important undergraduate subject areas include mathematics, physical and biological science, english/communications and critical thinking, social and behavioral sciences, and humanities/arts. Education in each of these areas is a necessary prerequisite to successful graduate studies at UCSF. Please review the following information page for more details.
#15. I am over 40 years old. Is that going to be held against me?
As identified in the response above, life experience is valued! Additionally, the University of California, San Francisco, does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual identity, or handicap, except to the extent that the handicap may preclude the ability to obtain RN licensure.
#16. How competitive is the admission process to the MEPN program?
Applicants for the MEPN program are screened simultaneously for general admissibility to graduate study and for specific admissibility to a chosen specialty. Each year, the applicant pool varies and the number of spaces available for a given specialty varies. As a general rule, all specialty tracks are competitive: the clinical nurse specialist tracks are moderately competitive, while the nurse practitioner and nurse midwifery tracks are highly competitive.
#17. What can I do to improve my chances of being accepted?
UCSF School of Nursing would highly encourage anyone who is seriously considering a career as an advanced practice nurse to begin the planning process early, perhaps as much as a year ahead of the application deadline. In terms of specific steps one can take to strengthen the application, the following are recommended:
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