Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The application deadline for the Master's Entry Program in Nursing is October 15. Applications are screened once a year for fall admission.

The application is available August 15 through October 15 each year. Applicants are advised to submit their applications in late September/early October to make sure the supporting documentation is matched to your files by the October 15 deadline.

NursingCAS is a central application system for nursing. This service allows applicants to provide necessary application materials (references, transcripts and resume) to a centralized repository, thus making it easier for the applicant to manage their application.

Nursing CAS requires applicants enter the prerequisite course work into the application. Please make sure you have copies of your transcripts on hand before starting the process.

The prerequisite courses for the MEPN program are as follows:

• Human Anatomy*
• Human Physiology*
• Microbiology*
• Psychology (Introduction, General or Developmental)
• Introduction to Cultural Anthropology or Introduction to Sociology
• English Composition
• Introduction to Speech, Introduction to Public Speaking or Introduction to Oral Communication
• Statistics
• Nutrition

*Courses must include a lab. A minimum grade of B is required in the science prerequisite courses.

These courses may be completed at the university or community college level.

There is no time limit regarding the prerequisite courses. However, if you have completed the Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses more than five years ago, we recommend retaking the courses. Students are expected to have a solid understanding of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology.

Table of San Diego Community College Equivalent Courses for the MEPN Program (pdf)

Prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of application. However, the more prerequisite courses you have completed (especially the sciences), the stronger your application.

There is a test option open to some applicants for the prerequisite courses. Please call if you are interested in this option.

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Intro to Psychology

The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing and Health ​Science​ thanks you for your service to our country. We are committed to helping those who have provided military service to attain​ their educational goals. Your valuable military experience has taught you exemplary skills. All military service and education will be thoroughly evaluated to determine equivalency to courses in the MEPN program.

Students in the LVN-RN 30-Unit Option are not matriculated University of San Diego students and may enroll in required coursework on a space available basis through Open Campus.  Potential applicants must have graduated from an approved undergraduate program and be capable of graduate work.

The minimum GPA requirement is 3.0. The cumulative GPA is calculated using your undergraduate degree transcript(s). If you earned a graduate degree, the cumulative GPA is calculated based on your graduate degree transcript.

The MEPN Program is accelerated and requires a full-time commitment.

The MEPN program is very demanding. Course schedules change each semester. Successful students make the MEPN program their number one priority. We recommend students work no more than 16-20 hours per week.

Volunteer hours may be in progress at the time of application. Please submit a log of hours or letter of verification of hours from the organization with the application materials.

If you earned a degree from an institution outside the United States, you are required to submit a course-by-course evaluation from World Education Services, Inc (WES).

The health requirement information is not required at the time of application. Accepted applicants must submit the documentation by a specified date if accepted into the program.  

Yes, a thorough Department of Justice background check and drug screen administered through American Databank is required annually. The first background check and drug screen is due prior to the start of classes. Students must have a clear criminal background check and drug screen to participate in placement in clinical facilities.

Applicants to the MEPN Program are screened as a cohort during the admission process. Great consideration is given to demonstration of a solid academic background (GPA and grades earned in science prerequisites), goal statement, letters of reference, health care experience (volunteer or paid) and the interview.  Applicants are encouraged to research the nursing profession and the role of the registered nurse.

The program is 71 units in length.

Students in the MEPN Program have clinical rotations that are the same as those of all pre-licensure nursing programs. These rotations focus on the care of patients in medical/surgical, maternal/newborn, pediatric, psychiatric, and geriatric as well as community settings. These rotations are primarily done in hospital settings and can occur in any hospital in San Diego County within a 60 mile radius from the USD campus. Current rotations include Kaiser Permanente, UCSD Medical Center, UCSD Thorton Hospital, Rady Children's Hospital, Palomar Health, Sharp Hospitals, Scripps Hospitals, Tri-City Medical Center, VA Medical Center and Balboa Naval Medical Center. Students may also visit a variety of community settings.

The Clinical Nurse Leader is a master's prepared registered nurse who provides direct patient care and oversees the care coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provides direct patient care. This clinician puts evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. This clinician also collects and evaluates patient outcomes, assesses cohort risk, and has the decision-making authority to change care plans when necessary. This clinician functions as the leader of an interdisciplinary team by communicating, planning and implementing care directly with other health care professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, social workers, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners across and within various settings (Clinical Nurse Leader Association).