MEPN is a two part program aimed to serve applicants without previous nursing preparation who have a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field and who wish to earn a Master of Nursing degree. The first five quarters of MEPN provide a generalist foundation in nursing and qualify the student to take the state RN licensure (NCLEX) examination. This portion of the program is intensive, requiring students to be in classes and/or clinical settings up to seven days per week, often integrated with BSN students.

Once students have satisfactorily completed the first five quarters of MEPN and taken the NCLEX, they begin regular graduate course work in one of 17 MN focal areas. This MN portion of the program will vary in length depending on the focal area selected and the pace at which a student elects to take MN course work. Some students may opt to complete their MN in one year (if possible within the structure of the MN program); others may complete it in no more than 4¾ years.

The Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) is a graduate program that combines the philosophy, purpose and objectives of the University of Washington School of Nursing's current BSN and MN programs. MEPN applicants apply to the University of Washington as Masters students and apply to a specific Master of Nursing focal area at time of application. Applicants have the option of specifying a first and second choice of Master of Nursing focal area at time of application.

Students wishing to earn a Master of Science (MS) degree, which is a research oriented degree, as opposed to the Master of Nursing (MN) degree, which is a clinical practice degree, should not apply to MEPN but should apply directly to the MS program. The MS degree does not require RN licensure.

The UW School of Nursing Master's Entry Program in Nursing has been fully approved by the Washington State Nursing Commission.
   

Additional MEPN Information