Jan. 9, 2023 — Linfield University-Good Samaritan School of Nursing’s new Master’s Entry into Professional Nursing (MEPN) program began classes on the Portland campus today.
It is the first program of its kind in Oregon. The 15-month accelerated program is for students who already have their bachelor’s degree in another field, and is tailored for career pathways in health care beyond those afforded by traditional undergraduate nursing degrees, said Paul Smith, the school’s dean. Coursework includes patient care and clinical rotations alongside topics like sustainable leadership and examination of social systems on the health and well-being of communities.
“We are extremely excited about our cohort — in addition to reflecting the diversity of Linfield’s larger student body, this is also a group with a wide range of professional experience, and I believe they will learn a great deal from each other as well as from our faculty,” Smith said.
“When these 24 students graduate, they will have the ability to be very capable registered nurses, but the MEPN makes them strong candidates for positions in nursing leadership,” he said. “It is also a good path for those working toward becoming Nurse Practitioners or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. It’s an excellent program, and we’re proud to bring it to Oregon.”
