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Master's Entry Into Professional Nursing

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College of Nursing
Degree Level
Graduate
College
Nursing
Format
On Ground
Credit Hours
72 hours
Average Time to Degree
2 years

Master's Entry into Professional Nursing at Harding

This program is intended for individuals with a baccalaureate degree or higher in another discipline besides nursing who wish to join the profession. The first of its kind in Arkansas, this master’s program prepares graduates for eligibility to take the national nursing license exam to become Registered Nurses. The program has a 100% pass rate and provides on-campus, state-of-the-art simulations and diverse clinical experiences in Searcy, Little Rock and surrounding counties to aid students in understanding patient clinical skills and administration and leadership in nursing. Applicants with any undergraduate degree can apply. There are Arkansas nursing prerequisites.

Learn more about Nursing

Why study MEPN at Harding?

Health care missions

Health care missions has been a major focus since the college was founded. All students who desire to have a global health care/cultural experience are encouraged to do so and are assisted in fulfilling that dream. International mission trips include Guatemala, Haiti, Cambodia, Thailand, Tanzania and Zambia.

Harding Nurses Student Association

The Harding Nurses Student Association (HNSA) is the largest chapter in the state of Arkansas. Students lead and serve in service projects, professional development, state and national events and decisions. The HNSA meets monthly and officers are elected each year among the students. There are two faculty sponsors to guide and mentor the students in these activities.

Christian Values

The Carr College of Nursing’s mission statement is “Developing Nurses as Christian Servants.” The Carr College of Nursing fosters a supportive environment which challenges professional and advanced practice nursing students to reach their full potential. The programs’ purposes are to provide a quality professional education which leads to an understanding and philosophy of life consistent with Christian ideals.

More Information

The Carr College of Nursing MEPN offers full-time admission to prepare nurses for the challenges and rewards of professional nursing. The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing (FNP track) and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Harding University offer full-time and part-time admission opportunities. Both are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org) and have continuing full approval of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) (www.arsbn.org). The MEPN program has full accreditation from the Arkansas Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

  • General or college chemistry
  • A&P I with lab
  • A&P II with lab
  • Introduction to microbiology with lab
  • Elementary statistics
  • General sociology
  • General psychology
  • Nutrition
  • Lifespan human growth and development
  • Intro to university writing and research
  • Proof of completion of a certified nurses aid course

Applicants with 90 undergraduate credit hours and Arkansas nursing prerequisites can apply for early admission to the MEPN program.

What can you do with a Master of Science — Master's Entry into Professional Nursing

Acute Care Nurses

A Master of Science in Nursing — Master's Entry into Professional Nursing equips nurses with advanced clinical skills and knowledge making them well-prepared for roles as acute care nurses. The program's rigorous curriculum and extensive clinical practice hours enable graduates to handle high-acuity patients effectively. Acute care nurses work in fast-paced hospital environments while providing critical interventions, monitoring complex conditions and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, high-quality care to patients with severe and urgent health issues.

Critical Care Nurses

Earning a Master of Science in Nursing — Master's Entry into Professional Nursing provides a solid foundation for nurses aiming to specialize in critical care. The program’s advanced coursework in health promotion, health care leadership and evidence-based practice prepares graduates to manage critically ill patients in intensive care units. Critical care nurses utilize their expertise to perform complex assessments, implement intensive therapeutic interventions and respond swiftly to life-threatening situations, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients with severe, life-threatening conditions.

Pediatric Nurses

With a Master of Science in Nursing — Master's Entry into Professional Nursing, nurses can advance their careers as pediatric nurses focusing on the unique health care needs of children from infancy through adolescence. The program emphasizes comprehensive clinical training and evidence-based practice, which are essential for providing high-quality, family-centered care. Pediatric nurses are skilled in growth and development assessment, disease prevention, and management of acute and chronic pediatric conditions, playing a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of young patients and their families.

The MEPN curriculum educates a well-rounded nurse in critical thinking, clinical knowledge and health care administration. The planned experiences provide graduates with leadership skills that enhance their work at the bedside and allow them to work in administration and other advanced nursing roles.
Kimberly Cooper, MSN

Associate Dean

Carr College of Nursing

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Contact Information


Carr College of Nursing
501-279-4475
bsn@harding.edu