Online Master's in Nurse Education - MSN Degree Nurse Educator
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Our hospitals need good nurses, and an effective nursing system needs nurturing from a good faculty. Nurse educators play an important role in preparing students to deliver the best patient care. An online master’s program in nurse education paves the way for budding nurse educators to take up faculty positions in bachelor’s- and associate-level nursing programs, create a curriculum, and develop new teaching methods.
A number of universities offer online master’s programs in nurse education, generally comprising 30 to 40 credit-hours, which can be completed in two years. The curriculum focuses on the role of nurse educators, how to develop nursing curricula, the engagement of students in the classroom, and advanced nursing practice. At the end of the program, students can pursue roles such as clinical nurse educator or adjunct professor in universities, colleges, and hospital-based nursing schools, among other opportunities.
The following guide covers seven online master’s programs in nurse education, and two faculty members teaching them.
| Featured Nurse Educator Programs | ||
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| Grand Canyon University | BS - Nursing (RN to BSN) | Visit Site |
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| Arizona State University | Nursing (Nursing Education) (MS) | Visit Site |
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Featured Online Nurse Educator Programs
The University of Texas at Arlington, College of Nursing and Health Innovation offers an online master of science in nursing education program. The program prepares students to become nurse educators in bachelor’s and associate nursing degree programs.
In order to apply to the program, students must have a bachelor of science degree with a major in nursing from an accredited college or university, an unencumbered RN license, a completed undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade, two years of clinical experience in registered nursing, and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. GRE scores are not required for students with a 3.0 GPA. International students need to have two years clinical experience in a United States healthcare system and TOEFL scores.
The 39-credit-hour program trains students to put together and analyze nursing education programs. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are as follows: advanced health assessment and diagnostic reasoning, the exploration of science and theories for nursing, the role of the nurse educator, advanced pharmacology for nurse educators, and curriculum development and evaluation. Students learn how to develop a curriculum, implement new teaching strategies in the classroom, promote active learning and student retention, and engage students in meaningful ways. Through the program, students are also prepared for national certification (CNE).
On completion of the program, students can take up a variety of educator roles such as patient education coordinator, clinical nurse educator, and adjunct professor.
- Location: Arlington, Texas
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 19 to 21 months
- Estimated Tuition: $20,085 total
Kent State University offers an online master of science in nursing program with a nurse educator concentration. Students learn how to teach students, develop coursework, and mentor budding nurses and nursing students. Additionally, the program offers students the opportunity to learn from nationally certified nurse educators and active researchers.
Admission requirements for the program include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited registered nursing program; a minimum undergraduate or graduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale; a completed undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade; an active, unrestricted registered nurse license; and English language proficiency proof for international students.
The program comprises 34 credit-hours and prepares registered nurses to take up roles as educators, advanced practitioners, and healthcare administrators. The coursework explores topics such as the theoretical basis for nursing practice, nursing curriculum and instruction in higher education, roles and evaluation for nursing curricula in higher education, advanced health assessment, health policy and advanced nursing practice, and advanced nursing informatics.
Students become adept at developing a curriculum, instructing in an online and/or traditional classroom, and undertaking staff development. They also receive practical experience in nurse education. Graduates of the program can take the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. They have a wide range of roles open to them, both in academia and professional settings.
- Location: Kent, Ohio
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $525 per credit-hour
Texas Tech University offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) with a special focus on nursing education. Along with theoretical content, the program also includes practical experiences. Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree in nursing and wish to take up a career in nursing education can opt for this program.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or university, an unencumbered RN license, undergraduate courses in research and statistics with a grade of C or better, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, and TOEFL scores for international students.
The program consists of 39 credit-hours. Students study topics such as The scientific foundations of advanced practice nursing, leadership for healthcare, advanced health assessment, leadership in nursing education, comprehensive clinical care, simulation, and clinical teaching.
Students learn how to implement a curriculum, use technology to make the learning experience engaging and lively, and use tried-and-tested teaching techniques to prepare nursing graduates. Graduates of the program can work in academia as well as other professional settings.
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 30 months
- Estimated Tuition: $1,165 per credit-hour
Nebraska Methodist College offers an online nurse educator track in the master of science in nursing program. The program prepares students to become qualified nurse educators. The 100 percent online format of the program is ideal for working nurses who wish to teach students and work in education.
Applicants to the program need a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) from a state-approved program of nursing, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse, a current resume, a written statement, and official college transcripts. The GRE is not required for admission.
The curriculum consists of 36 credit-hours. Along with theoretical knowledge, the program also helps students gain real teaching experience through projects and practicum. Some of the courses included in the program are healthcare policy, advanced nursing roles and phenomena, teaching-learning principles for nursing education, instructional methods, and a practicum in nursing education.
The program trains students to examine healthcare policy and factors that influence it, study teaching strategies, participate in online teaching, and implement new methods for changing the classroom. Graduates of the program are also eligible for the NLN-certified nurse educator exam.
At the end of the program, graduates can pursue opportunities in educational settings including colleges, universities, hospital-based nursing schools, and other post-secondary institutions.
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 21 months
- Estimated Tuition: $565 per credit-hour
Indiana University offers an online nursing education track in the master of science in nursing degree program. While the program is primarily online, some courses may require students to be live at a given time via videoconferencing. Students who wish to pursue a career as a nurse faculty member in a community college, university, or clinical setting can find the program most beneficial.
Admission requirements include a bachelor of science in nursing degree from a CNEA-, CCNE-, or ACEN-accredited program, a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, an unencumbered RN license, and skills to use a computer and other technologies. GRE scores are not required for admission.
The program is made up of 42 credit-hours. It includes courses such as leadership for advanced nursing practice, measurement and data analysis, nursing research methods, computer technologies for nurse educators, advancing nursing education, and evaluation in nursing.
The program trains students to develop an evidence-based nursing program, implement innovative teaching strategies in the classroom, create tests and assessments, and make use of best practices in nursing education. Graduates of this program are eligible for national CNE certification.
On completion of the program, graduates can pursue roles such as a nursing faculty member or a nurse educator in various settings.
- Location: Bloomington Indiana
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
- Estimated Tuition: $1,507.50 per credit-hour
The University of Texas at Tyler offers an online master of nursing in nursing education program. The program combines online learning with hands-on practical experience to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience. Notably, the university’s nursing programs have been ranked as the best in Texas and at number five nationwide, as per U.S. News and World Report.
Admission requirements for the program include a baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited institution for domestic applicants, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of “C” or better, a current license to practice professional nursing, and proof of English proficiency for international students.
The 36-credit program prepares students for careers in primary care, service, research, and education. Some of the courses included in the curriculum are translational science, health policy, healthcare informatics, organizational and systems leadership, nursing education curriculum development, and evaluation in nursing education.
Through the coursework, students are trained to provide top-notch nursing care, learn how to promote health and welfare of patients at large, and develop curricula in nursing. Graduates can also sit for the national certification exam. At the end of the program, students can take up faculty roles in universities, government agencies, community colleges, and clinical facilities.
- Location: Tyler, Texas
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months
- Estimated Tuition: $428 per credit-hour
Ball State University offers an online nurse educator concentration in the master of science in nursing degree program. During the last semester, students are required to take a 180-hour practicum in an on-campus nursing program in their geographic area. The program provides students with a strong foundation in teaching, learning, and evaluation in nursing.
In order to apply, students must have a bachelor of science in nursing degree from a CNEA-, CCNE-, or ACEN-accredited program; a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0; an unencumbered RN license in state of practice; proof of experience as an RN; transcripts from every college attended; and three letters of recommendation.
The program comprises of 36 credit-hours and the curriculum includes the following courses: data analysis in nursing research, nursing theory, nursing information technology, curricular designs in nursing, teaching in nursing, and program evaluation.
Students learn how to develop a curriculum for undergraduate courses, create course materials such as a class syllabus, and lecture on different topics. Students in this program are also expected to oversee lab and clinical work by other students. At the end of the program, graduates are well-equipped to take up teaching roles in a variety of organizations.
- Location: Muncie, Indiana
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 30 months
- Estimated Tuition: $616 per credit-hour
Professors to Know in Master’s in Nurse Education Programs
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Danita Alfred, PhD - The University of Texas at Tyler
Dr. Danita Alfred is an associate professor in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at The University of Texas at Tyler. She teaches courses such as research design, nursing theory, translational science, transcultural nursing research, and quantitative research design.
Professor Alfred is a member of professional organisations such as the American Nurses’ Association and the Texas Nurses’ Association. Her research work has appeared in top journals such as the Journal of Professional Nursing, the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, and Nurse Educator. Notably, she has won several awards such as the Barbara Cushing Excellence in Nursing Award and an Outstanding Faculty Award. She completed her PhD and MSN at Texas Woman’s University and her BSN at West Texas State University. -
Marcy Caplin, PhD - Kent State University
Since 2001, Dr. Marcy Caplin has been an assistant professor at the Kent State University’s College of Nursing. She teaches courses in the online RN-to-BSN program and in the nurse educator concentration. Some of the courses she teaches include roles and evaluation for nursing education curricula, the nursing education practicum, and concepts and issues for professional nursing practice.
Dr. Caplin’s areas of expertise include professional identity development, community of practice, and online education. She is a member of professional organizations such as American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing. Also, her work has been published in prominent journals such as Orthopaedic Nursing and Nurse Educator. She earned her PhD from Kent State University, MSN from Yale University, and BA from SUNY Binghamton.