[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”em”]In our [hen-ui-link href=”/ask-a-nurse/”]Ask a Nurse[/hen-ui-link] series, experienced nurses provide an insider look at the nursing profession by answering your questions about nursing careers, degrees, and resources.[/hen-ui-text]

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[hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Question: I am graduating next year with a BS in health communications and want to go on to be a nurse. I am thinking about neonatal or pediatrics and was wondering what the best education path would be best — an ABSN or MEPN?[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Congratulations on almost completing your bachelor’s! That is a huge accomplishment. Becoming a nurse is a great career choice, and I’m glad you are thinking about it. Let’s figure out which educational path will be a good choice for you.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/absn/”]accelerated bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ABSN) is a fast-track nursing program designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in another field. A master’s entry program in nursing (MEPN) is a [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/”]registered nurse[/hen-ui-link] (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) fast-track program that allows students to earn a nursing undergraduate degree and a master’s in nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are some similarities between the two paths:[/hen-ui-text]

• They both are full-time, accelerated programs and have similar admission requirements.
• Both programs prepare students to sit for the nursing licensure exam called the NCLEX-RN. An MEPN prepares students to sit for the national NP exam.

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You mentioned you were thinking about becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal[/hen-ui-link] or pediatric nurse. There is one main difference between an ABSN and MEPN:[/hen-ui-text]

• After completing an ABSN and passing the NCLEX-RN, you will be able to work as an RN. This will allow you to gain experience as a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal or pediatric nurse[/hen-ui-link]. After a few years, you can go back for your master’s.
• After completing an MEPN program and passing the NCLEX-RN and national NP exam, you will be able to care for patients as an NP. NPs have a different scope of practice than an RN. NPs can assess, diagnose, and treat patients.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Comparing an ABSN and MEPN[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]See details in the following table to compare and contrast an ABSN and MEPN:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accelerated Bachelor of Nursing Science (ABSN)[/hen-ui-heading]

• A second-degree accelerated undergraduate program
• 11-18 months to completion
• Prerequisites are required
• Full time and intensive
• Prepares you to be an RN and sit for the NCLEX-RN
• Allows for practice at the bedside after completion

[/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN)[/hen-ui-heading]

• A second-degree nursing graduate program
• [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/Nursing-Education-Programs/Masters-Education” target=”_blank”]2-3 years to completion[/hen-ui-link]
• Prerequisites are required
• Full time and intensive
• Prepares you to be an RN and NP
• Prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN and national NP exam
• Prepares you to take the clinical nurse leader (CNL) certification exam

[/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Do All Accredited MEPN Programs Give You the Same MSN Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MEPN programs are different from [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/types-of-masters-degrees-in-nursing//”]master of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (MSN) programs. MEPN programs are for second-degree graduate students who don’t have a degree in nursing. [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-programs/”]MSN programs[/hen-ui-link] are designed for nurses who already have their BSN.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MEPN programs prepare students to become nurse leaders. They provide classes such as leadership, quality improvement, and safety. Some programs prepare students to take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/cnl-certification” target=”_blank”]CNL certification exam[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Do MEPN and MSN Programs Prepare You for an NP License?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both MEPN and MSN programs can prepare students to sit for the national NP exam. There are two governing boards master-prepared nurses can sit for:[/hen-ui-text]

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Harder or Faster Are MEPN Programs?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MEPN programs are very competitive. You must be in great academic standing with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Some programs require prerequisites to be completed before admission. Prerequisites generally include:[/hen-ui-text]

• General chemistry
• Human anatomy and physiology
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Nutrition

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The program is fast-paced and intense. Think about it: You will be completing a BSN and an MSN in 2-3 years! But it can be done. However, MEPN programs are full time and you’ll probably have to forgo a full-time job until you graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Both ABSN and MEPN Routes Fill the Nursing Need[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There is a huge need for nurses and NPs. There is a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage” target=”_blank”]nursing[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/press-releases/new-findings-confirm-predictions-physician-shortage” target=”_blank”]primary care physician shortage[/hen-ui-link], baby boomers are retiring, and more people are suffering from chronic illnesses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want work experience in a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/neonatal-nurse/”]neonatal nurse career[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/pediatric-nurse/”]pediatric nurse career[/hen-ui-link] before getting your MSN, then go the ABSN route.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to practice as an NP right out of school, then go the MEPN route. Whatever you decide, both paths are great. Good luck![/hen-ui-text]