What Sets Us Apart

It’s never too late to follow your calling! If you have a Bachelor of Science degree in a field other than nursing but feel drawn toward a more rewarding career, the College of Nursing's Master of Science – Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) degree program offers you the opportunity to transition into becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). 

Ranked #1 in Arizona and #13 nationwide among public universities, our affordable, accelerated program is designed for motivated career changers like you who want to become an RN quickly. In just 15-16 months, you’ll develop the clinical skills, leadership training, and graduate-level education necessary to confidently enter the nation’s most trusted profession.

With a consistent pass rate of over 90% on first-time NCLEX testing and an average starting salary of $88,000, our graduates don’t just earn a degree; they launch successful careers. Employers value U of A nurses for their clinical skills, leadership qualities, and compassion. From your first class to your new job, we’re with you every step of the way.

Two Campuses, One Standard of Excellence

Pursue your nursing degree at the Tucson or Gilbert campus. Wherever you learn, you’ll receive the same rigorous education, hands-on clinical training, and support from expert faculty. Both locations connect you with top-tier clinical placements across all specialty areas. In Tucson, you’ll study at a world-class research university that leads innovation in healthcare. In Gilbert, you’ll thrive in an intimate, student-centered environment with a state-of-the-art simulation lab.

Classes are offered year-round, including fall, spring, and summer semesters, allowing you to enter the workforce sooner. This full-time, in-person program progresses quickly and is designed for students prepared for a graduate-level curriculum. You will develop a solid foundation in nursing theory, systems leadership, and practical clinical experience, preparing you to become a nurse without starting your education over. Students holding a Bachelor of Science degree from ASU, NAU, U of A, and GCU may qualify for direct admission. This is just one way we make your transition into nursing as smooth as possible.

Where Learning Becomes Real Impact

Right from the start, you’ll gain hands-on experience through over 120+ hours of guided simulations and more than 550 hours of direct clinical experience. You'll work in state-of-the-art simulation labs where patients breathe, babies cry, and your decisions truly matter. These labs combine high-tech learning with personalized feedback through video reviews and reflective debriefs. They replicate real care environments, from outpatient clinics to hospitals and telehealth settings, helping you build confidence and clinical judgment in every situation. You’ll also engage in virtual reality scenarios that challenge you to think, act, and respond like a nurse in real time and under pressure.

But this program isn’t just about bedside care. As a master’s student, you’ll also learn to think at the systems level, gaining crucial insights into healthcare leadership, coordination, and delivery. You’ll develop the skills to not only care for patients but also to lead teams, improve outcomes, and drive meaningful change across complex healthcare systems.

You’ll train alongside experienced professionals at top hospitals and clinics throughout Arizona. We partner with Arizona’s leading healthcare systems to facilitate your clinical placements, allowing you to focus on learning, growth, and launching your new career with confidence.

Learn from the Best, Become Your Best

You’ll study alongside expert faculty who are not just teachers, but active bedside clinicians, innovators, and nurse leaders, bringing the latest healthcare knowledge directly into your courses. As a graduate student, you’ll benefit from their mentorship as you prepare for leadership roles in a changing health care landscape.

At the College of Nursing, you’re more than just a student. You’re part of a purpose-driven community that values your voice, experience, and goals. Our small class sizes, dedicated faculty involvement, and over 10,000 alumni ensure you'll always find support, whether it's for career advice, academic assistance, or inspiration for what’s next.

More Than a Career, It’s a Calling

The MEPN program is designed for individuals seeking more from their careers: more purpose, impact, and meaning. Many students choose this path after realizing their first career wasn’t the right fit or after witnessing the difference nurses make each day. With high demand for RNs across Arizona and nationwide, this degree offers more than just a credential; it's your path to a stable, rewarding, and purpose-driven future.

We offer financial aid, scholarships, and career support services that make becoming a nurse not only possible but also feasible. If you’re ready to convert your life experience into life-saving care, we’ll help you get there. Discover what it means to be a Wildcat Nurse and why it’s more than just a career. It’s a community, a calling, and an opportunity to lead.

For more information about our Direct Admissions pathway, please visit our MEPN admissions webpage and view the information under “Direct Admission for Arizona University Graduates”

View MEPN Admission & Course Information

Meet Our Students & Graduates