Ohio University Online MSN Degree - Nurse Educator

Ohio University’s School of Nursing offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) nurse educator program that can be completed in just five semesters. The program includes synchronous and asynchronous components, a capstone experience, and a 200-hour teaching practicum experience.

Applicants to the nurse educator program must have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, they must have a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where the teaching practicum hours will take place.

Learning outcomes cover areas such as evidence-based practice, advanced nursing practice, leadership and interprofessional collaboration, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and healthcare informatics.

The online MSN nurse educator program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the curriculum aligns with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators. Graduates are eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

Nurse educators typically work in healthcare organizations or in higher education as clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, education directors, and staff developers. Their role is to be a nursing teacher and mentor, passing on their knowledge of clinical nursing to new students and nurses.

Ohio University is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Athens, Ohio.*

*Note that this program is not available to students in all states. See restrictions below in the section below.

What to Expect from the Ohio University Online MSN – Nurse Educator Program

Admission Requirements: Prospective online MSN nurse educator students must hold a BSN from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. An unencumbered RN license in the state where the teaching practicums will be completed is required. No GMAT or GRE is required for standard admission.

Applicants who do not hold a regionally accredited BSN must submit GRE or GMAT test scores with their application. Submitted materials required include an application, professional goals statement, three letters of recommendation, proof of RN licensure in an approved state of study, a resume or CV detailing at least two years of full-time RN work experience, and official transcripts. Applicants will participate in a virtual admission interview with faculty.

Note that the Ohio University MSN nurse educator program is not available to students from the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Washington DC, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, this program is not open to international students or in the following U.S. territories: the Northern Mariana Islands, United States Minor Outlying Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Study Plan: The Ohio University online MSN nurse educator program can be completed in five semesters. Students are admitted once per year in the fall. Nurses may wish to continue to work part-time or full-time during the program as it is designed to meet the needs of busy, working professionals, however, students should expect to spend 20 to 24 hours per week on courses.
A culminating experience and a 200-hour teaching practicum experience are included in the program.

MSN Curriculum: The online nurse educator program comprises 32 credits plus 200 practicum teaching hours. Nursing core courses include the theoretical basis of practice and analysis of evidence-based practice for advanced nursing practice.

Nurse educator courses include foundations for nurse educators; advanced health appraisal; advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology for nurse educators; instructional strategies for the nurse educator; educational design, assessment, and evaluation for nurse educators; capstone experience for nurse educators; and nursing educator practicum. Students also complete at least eight credits of approved elective courses.

Before completing the teaching practicum experience students must meet health status requirements per the graduate handbook, have cleared federal and state criminal background checks, and have malpractice insurance.

Online Experience: The online nurse educator program is delivered in a fully online format with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Teaching practicum experiences take place in both direct care and academic settings. Ohio University utilizes Blackboard Learn as its learning management system.

Student services may include admissions counseling, academic advising, faculty office hours, online tutoring, library services, financial aid, and counseling services.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the Ohio University online MSN nurse educator program is delivered fully online. Students do complete 200 hours in a teaching practicum experience.

Paying for the Ohio University Online MSN – Nurse Educator Program

Ohio University charges $601 per credit, which includes some fees for Ohio residents. Non-residents studying in approved states pay $620 per credit which includes the same fees as resident tuition plus a non-resident fee. Interested students should contact the Ohio University School of Nursing Admissions Department for current tuition details.

Graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans by applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other opportunities to fund a graduate degree may include outside scholarships and grants, private loans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs and discounts.

Ohio University Online MSN - Nurse Educator

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall
Credits Needed to Graduate 32
Time to Complete? Graduate in five semesters.
100% Online? Yes, plus teaching practicum experiences
Program Accreditation CCNE
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor of Science in Nursing
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 32
Average Cost Per Credit $620.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $19,840.00

* Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the currently published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the out of state, part-time student rate. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Total cost of tuition does not include additional fees.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.