Master鈥檚 Entry Prelicensure Nursing (MEPN)

Program Overview

The Master鈥檚 Entry Prelicensure Nursing (MEPN) program at 甜瓜视频app offers an accelerated, full-time pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a non-nursing field. In just four semesters (15 months), students earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) while gaining eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

This program is uniquely designed to prepare rural generalist nurses who can provide high-quality, culturally responsive care and take on leadership roles across healthcare systems. Graduates are ready to serve in hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and public health settings, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Degree Options

Master鈥檚 Entry Prelicensure Nursing (MEPN) M.E.P.N.

Degree Awarded

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN 鈥� Prelicensure)

Location

Cullowhee, NC

Length

4 semesters (15 months)

Credits/Clinical Hours

56 credits, 660 clinical hours

Focus

Rural Generalist Nursing

Curriculum

View Full Curriculum

Why Choose WCU鈥檚 MEPN?

Rural Healthcare Focus 鈥� Preparation to address the needs of rural and underserved populations through coursework in telehealth, culturally responsive care, health policy, and community-based interventions.
Accelerated Graduate Pathway 鈥� Earn an MSN in just four semesters, faster than traditional nursing programs.
Hands-On Clinical Training 鈥� More than 660 hours of supervised clinical practice in regional hospitals, clinics, and rural health settings.
Cutting-Edge Simulation 鈥� Training with advanced technology including high- and low-fidelity manikins, virtual reality, AVKIN wearable simulators, and bedside monitors.
Strong Partnerships 鈥� Collaborations with healthcare organizations across Western North Carolina, including Harris Regional Hospital, Haywood Regional Medical Center, Cherokee Indian Hospital, Angel Medical Center, and Mission Health.
Affordable & Accessible 鈥� Competitive tuition with financial aid opportunities.

The MEPN curriculum integrates graduate-level coursework, skills labs, and immersive clinical experiences. Students progress from foundational content to advanced nursing leadership and practice.

Curriculum & Admission Requirements

Semester Highlights (sample):

Transformational Nursing I鈥揑V 鈥� Advocacy, business of healthcare, leadership, and system change.

Nursing Essentials I鈥揑II 鈥� Core clinical skills, decision-making, and advanced patient care technologies.

Nursing Across the Lifespan 鈥� Public health, primary care, acute care, and chronic disease management.

Pathophysiology & Pharmacology I鈥揑I 鈥� Understanding disease processes and medication management.

Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 鈥� Comprehensive patient assessment skills.

Evidence-Based Practice & Practice Change Project 鈥� Translating research into practice and leading change.

Care Coordination & Transition Management 鈥� Preparing for leadership in continuity of care.

View Full Curriculum

Admission Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor鈥檚 degree in a non-nursing field from an accredited institution

Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.8 (3.0 preferred)

Completion of prerequisite courses before enrollment:

Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs

Microbiology with lab

Human Nutrition

Introductory Chemistry with lab

Applied Statistics

General Psychology

Application Materials

Personal Statement (1鈥�2 pages outlining interest in nursing and rural health)

Two professional letters of recommendation

Resume or CV

Interview (by invitation)

GRE (if GPA < 3.0)

甜瓜视频app鈥檚 School of Nursing offers nationally ranked, accredited, highly affordable undergraduate and graduate programs at WCU鈥檚 main campus in Cullowhee, NC, at our Asheville instructional site, and online. Students have access to state-of-the-art classroom and lab space as well as opportunities for hands-on experience through on and off-site clinical partnerships and service learning programs.

School of Nursing

Undergraduate Degrees

Whether you are looking for a traditional, four-year program or hoping to progress from an RN to a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN), WCU offers a variety of award-winning nursing programs to fit your need.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

RN to BSN

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)

WNC Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (WNC RIBN)

Graduate Degrees

WCU is the leading provider in western North Carolina for master's and doctorate level nurse training. Programs are offered in a variety of formats, which allows nurses to pursue their graduate degree while continuing their career.

MSN Nurse Educator

MSN Nursing Leadership
Master鈥檚 Entry Prelicensure Nursing (MEPN)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-MSN)

DNP Nurse Anesthesia

DNP Family Nurse Practitioner

DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Online Degrees

The fully online undergraduate, master's and doctoral-level training allows nurses to pursue their graduate degree while continuing their career. These programs provide students with academic and field-based experiences in core competencies.

RN to BSN

MSN Nurse Educator

MSN Nurse Leadership

Students gain hands-on experience through regional clinical placements and advanced simulation. Rural health is central to the program, with opportunities to engage in community-based care, public health, and telehealth practice.

Clinical Experience & Rural Focus

Clinical Sites

Harris Regional Hospital

Haywood Regional Medical Center

Cherokee Indian Hospital

Angel Medical Center

Mission Health System

Community clinics and rural health agencies

Capstone: Practice Change Project

In the final semester, students complete a Practice Change Project, partnering with healthcare organizations to address rural health needs. Focus areas may include:

Chronic disease management

Maternal and child health

Mental health and substance use services

Preventive care and wellness initiatives

Geriatric and aging-in-place programs

Emergency preparedness and disaster response

Career Pathways

Graduates of the MEPN program are prepared for RN licensure and careers in:

Acute care hospitals

Primary care and specialty clinics

Public health and community health organizations

Rural and underserved healthcare settings

While this program prepares students for RN licensure and generalist leadership, it does not prepare graduates for nurse practitioner or other advanced practice roles.