Nursing Education Graduate Programs

What is a Nurse Educator?
Nurse educators combine clinical expertise and a passion for teaching into rich and rewarding careers. These professionals, who work in the classroom and the practice setting, are responsible for preparing and mentoring current and future generations of nurses. A nurse educator is a registered nurse who has advanced education, including advanced clinical training in a health care specialty. Nurse educators serve in a variety of roles that range from adjunct (part-time) clinical faculty to dean of a college of nursing. Professional titles include Instructional or Administrative Nurse Faculty, Clinical Nurse Educator, Staff Development Officer and Continuing Education Specialist among others.

Choosing to be a nurse educator does not mean you have to give up your clinical role. A growing number of nurse educators teach part-time while working in a healthcare facility. This gives them the opportunity to maintain a high degree of clinical competence while sharing their expertise with nursing students.

Critical Shortage of Nurse Educators
The National League for Nursing and American Association of Colleges of Nursing both cite the critical shortage of nurse faculty. Over the past several years, an older faculty has been advancing toward retirement while a smaller younger faculty pool is available to replace them. The shortage of nursing instructors and professors worsens the already immense problem of a shortage of registered nurses in this country. Qualified nurse educators who hold master's and doctoral degrees are in very high demand. Lawmakers and leaders in industry and education have been working toward recruiting and retaining these qualified nursing educators. As a qualified nurse educator, you can positively impact the nurse shortage problem, as well as enjoy knowing that you have a strong positive career outlook.

The 2011 U.S. News & World Report recognizes Saint Xavier University among the top private or public regional universities in the Midwest and in the top five in the state of Illinois.

Saint Xavier University was ranked 8th in the U.S. News & World Report college rankings for most diverse school in the Midwest and 2nd in Illinois.

Saint Xavier University is the 10th largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois and in the top five Illinois institutions for enrollment growth since 1998. The School of Nursing at Saint Xavier was also ranked 6th on The Best Colleges' "Top 10 Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs" list for 2011-2012.

Saint Xavier's School of Nursing has been designated as a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing for a second consecutive three-year term, effective through 2013. SXU is among one of only 17 nursing programs in the country that have been awarded this prominent designation.

Nurse Educator
Graduate Certificate

For nurses who have a master's degree in nursing or are currently earning one in SXU's online MSN program, this certificate prepares students for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam and reduces the teaching experience requirement. The certificate program in nursing education is designed to prepare experienced nurses with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to teach in a classroom and clinical settings. Nurse practitioners, nurse administrators, and clinical specialists who want to impart their knowledge and expertise will find the program an excellent fit. The program consists of three courses, totaling 9 credit hours of graduate-level credit.

Course content and activities reflect best practices in nursing education. The curriculum incorporates the Core Competencies of Nurse Educators© as defined by the National League for Nursing (NLN). Threaded throughout the courses are three core concepts that are essential to effective teaching of nursing students: clinical decision-making, communication and cultural competence.

• Concepts, Theories and Issues in Nursing Education
• Learning Principles and Instructional Methods for the Adult Learner
• Nursing Education Role Practicum

• Clinical Leadership - MSN
• Executive Leadership - MSN

Drexel University has one of the 10 largest Online Graduate Nursing Programs in the country. Drexel University Online received prestigious Honor Roll status in U.S. News and World Report's 2012 inaugural online college rankings. Drexel ranked 2nd in the nation for its online graduate nursing program.

Nursing Education and Faculty Role
Post-Bachelor's Certificate

This program provides a four-course grouping of classes that focus on knowledge and skills required for healthcare provider education roles. Courses are chosen from the M.S.N. in Nursing Education and Faculty Role curriculum. Upon completion of this certificate program, the student will have 12 graduate credits from an CCNE approved master's in nursing program. These credits can be used toward an M.S.N. at Drexel or any other university.

• Clinic & Didactic Teaching Methods
• Teaching Critical Thinking & Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing
• Curriculum Design in Nursing Education

Nursing Education and Faculty Role
Master of Science in Nursing

Drexel University Online’s Master's in Nursing Education and Faculty program specifically prepares nurses to work as educators and faculty for nursing programs at all education levels. This degree has a distinct focus on preparing students with the required competencies to successfully pass the new Certified Nursing Educator exam.

With such a severe and critical nursing faculty shortage in the United States and abroad, Drexel’s exclusively-online MSN degree provides students with the essential skills and expertise for contemporary nursing educators.

This exemplary program is offered by Drexel’s nationally-ranked College of Nursing and Health Professionals (CNHP) and integrates theories specific to:

• Adult learning
• Curriculum design and evaluation of courses and programs
• Critical thinking
• Clinical and classroom techniques
• Preparation for the role of the nursing professor.

The Nursing Education and Faculty MSN online program instructs students how to teach either in the classroom or via online modules and to utilize new and innovative technologies in both environments to educate tomorrow’s nurses. Students complete two role practicum experiences in teaching, providing ample opportunity to apply theory to practice.

• Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments
• Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care
• Introduction to Biostatistics
• Methods for Health Research
• Information, Innovation, and Technology in Advanced Nursing Practice
• Evidenced Based Approaches to Practice

Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)

A Master of Science in Nursing can give you more opportunities to move into higher-level positions and jobs with more personal fulfillment. If you are a registered nurse with a diploma or an associate's degree in Nursing, Sacred Heart's CCNE accredited online RN to MSN program can put you on an accelerated path to earning that master's degree.

As the healthcare workforce continues to grow, demand is high for qualified instructors to teach and train the next generation of nurses. Sacred Heart's Nursing Education specialization will complement your clinical training with the latest theories and strategies in teaching and learning. With this specialization, graduates can explore opportunities in nursing schools or instructor positions at hospitals or other healthcare organizations.

From a basic understanding of the issues surrounding nursing education to the latest advances in curriculum design and evaluation, a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education specialization will prepare you for a rapidly growing and critically important role in our nation's healthcare system.

The Nursing Education track of the SHU Online MSN fulfills the education requirement for the certification as a Nurse Educator certified through the National Leage for Nursing (NLN). Graduates of the SHU Online MSN program who have completed all Nursing Education courses are eligible to seek NLN Nurse Educator certification provided they have a minimum of two years of experience as a nurse educator.

• Pharmacology for the Nurse Educator
• Theoretical Basis of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education
• Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education
• Disease Management and Outcomes Assessment
• Care Management and Resources Across the Continuum

• Nursing - RN to BSN
• Clinical Nurse Leader - MSN
• Patient Care Services Administration - MSN

In May 2010, U.S. News & World Report again identified Walden as having the No. 2 largest online, graduate nursing program by enrollment.

Walden’s School of Nursing features a distinguished faculty of more than 100 scholars and professionals—100% of whom hold doctoral degrees—who are academically and experientially qualified to teach at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Education
Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN)

For Registered Nurses entering the program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Graduates of the CCNE accredited M.S. degree program in Nursing have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in the profession and contribute to positive social change in their communities and throughout the world. The Education specialization addresses the growing need for nurse educators. Nurses also provide essential education in staff development, patient/family, schools, occupational, and community settings.

Education
Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)

For Registered Nurses with a hospital diploma, Associate Degree in Nursing (A.D.N.), or bachelor’s degree (other than BSN)
Graduates of the CCNE accredited M.S. degree program in Nursing have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in the profession and contribute to positive social change in their communities and throughout the world. The Education specialization addresses the growing need for nurse educators. Nurses also provide essential education in staff development, patient/family, schools, occupational, and community settings.

• Nursing - BSN
• Nursing - RN / BSN to MSN
• Informatics - BSN / RN to MSN
• Leadership & Management - BSN / RN to MSN

Nurse Educator
Master of Science in Nursing

The curriculum incorporates the Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, with a focus on nursing education. Taught by faculty members with both academic and professional nursing experience, the courses are designed to provide advanced knowledge of nursing theory and practice, as well as the design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of nurse education programs. Courses are taught in a prescribed sequence that builds on your newly developed knowledge and skills. This specialization also offers convenient features such as electronic textbooks and auto-registration for your entire sequence of courses. People likely to be interested in this specialization include registered nurses pursuing advanced positions as nurse educators or clinical nurse leaders in higher education institutions, health care organizations, and the military.

Nurse Educator Bridge
Master of Science in Nursing

The MSN Nurse Educator Bridge specialization provides licensed registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing the opportunity to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing. The bridge curriculum incorporates the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice and the Essentials of Master's Education for Advanced Practice Nursing established by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. You will expand your knowledge of health care systems and policies, patient education, health promotion, and technology integration, with a focus on the design, delivery, assessment, and evaluation of nurse education programs. Courses are taught in a prescribed sequence that builds on your newly developed knowledge and skills. This specialization also offers convenient features such as electronic textbooks and auto-registration for your entire sequence of courses. People likely to be interested in this specialization include registered nurses pursuing advanced positions as nurse educators or clinical nurse leaders in higher education institutions, health care organizations, and the military.

Nursing Education
Doctor of Philosophy

Capella's doctoral Nursing Education specialization is designed to prepare master's-level nurses to meet the growing need for nursing faculty and to advance the field of nursing through doctoral research. The National League for Nursing (NLN) recognizes that this PhD specialization in Nursing Education aligns with the Core Competencies for Nurse Educators©, using competencies that are integral to the Certified Nurse Educator® (CNE) exam. The curriculum includes such topics as advanced nursing theory and concepts, curriculum design and evaluation, teaching strategies, and classroom assessment. People likely to be interested in this specialization include nursing faculty members who want to pursue advanced faculty or leadership positions and nurses currently working in health care delivery who want to share their knowledge of nursing.

Nurse Educator
Master of Science in Nursing

In Kaplan University's CCNE accredited online Master of Science in Nursing degree program, students focus on developing courses and programs that integrate nursing philosophy. They will examine the applications and ethical and legal issues related to the use of technology in teaching, as well as analyze assessment, measurement, and evaluation methods used in nursing education. Graduates will be prepared for a faculty or educator role in colleges or schools of nursing, continuing education programs, staff development, clinical education, and patient and community education. The nurse educator specialization is designed to prepare students for the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination. Candidates should check eligibity requirements on how to fully qualify for the certification exam.

• Nursing - RN to BSN
• Nursing - RN to MSN
• Nursing - MSN
• Nurse Administrator - MSN
• Nurse Informatics - MSN

Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing

The M.S. in Nursing with Education Specialization prepares you to become a nurse educator in schools, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The program equips you with high-level knowledge and skills while incorporating best practices in policy, organization, and financing; role development; research; advanced nursing practice; and nurse education. This is a perfect program for RNs with BSNs who want to become nurse educators.

Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing (RN to MSN)

This direct RN to MSN option prepares you with bachelor's- and graduate-level coursework to earn your master's degree. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective nurse educator in a variety of healthcare settings. You'll develop best practices in nurse education, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and the nursing sciences. This is a perfect program for RNs with associate's degrees who want to become nurse educators.

• Nursing - BSN
• Nursing Leadership - RN to MSN
• Nursing Leadership & Management - MSN

How Do I Prepare for a Nurse Educator Career?
First, a Nurse Educator must be an active licensed RN. At a minimum, nurse educators who work in academic settings must hold a master's degree. In order to be promoted to the upper academic ranks (e.g., associate professor and professor) and to be granted tenure, academic faculty typically must hold an earned doctoral degree. Nurse educators who work in clinical settings must hold the minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing, but more and more institutions are requiring the master's degree for such appointments.

Many master's degree and post-graduate certificate programs are available to prepare nurses specifically for the educator role. These programs, which are sometimes offered online, focus on the skills needed to prepare advanced practice nurses to teach, including instruction on the learning process, curriculum development, student counseling, program evaluation, and the principles of adult education.

What is the Salary of a Nurse Educator?
Nurse educators working in academic settings typically are on a nine-month appointment (e.g., September through May). Opportunities to teach in the summer often are available, and this is compensated separately. Salaries vary greatly depending on rank, education (e.g., master's or doctorate degree), and institution type (e.g., a large academic health center vs. a small liberal arts college).

According to Payscale.com, the median salary for experienced nurse educators (2-6 years in the field), is $66,400. Salary varies greatly by location, employer, education, experience, etc. >> See Salary by Major City

What is the Career Outlook for a Nurse Educator?
This career is in extremely high demand because the United States is experiencing a serious nursing shortage. One of the key reasons for that shortage is the lack of nurse educators to train future nurses. Nursing schools nationwide are struggling to find new faculty to accommodate the rising interest in nursing among new students. The shortage of nurse educators may actually enhance career prospects since it affords a high level of job security and provides opportunities for nurses to maintain dual roles as educators and direct patient care providers.

Nurse Educator Certification
Certification in any field is a mark of professionalism. For academic nurse educators, it establishes nursing education as a specialty area of practice and creates a means for faculty to demonstrate their expertise in this role. It communicates to students, peers, and the academic and health care communities that the highest standards of excellence are being met. By becoming credentialed as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), you serve as a leader and a role model. The National League for Nursing (NLNAC) oversees the certification process for nurse educators. >> Download NLNAC CNE Candidate Handbook (pdf)