Pursuing an MSN in nursing education is a great way to break into an advanced career in nursing outside the clinical scope of practice. When considering whether to pursue an MSN in nursing education, it is important to explore the ins and outs of the program – including what courses are offered, how courses are delivered, how many practicum hours are required, whether national accreditation is important, and whether post-graduation certification is an option.
Explore the 10 questions you should ask when considering an MSN in nursing education program.
What are the Program Requirements
Requirements for an MSN in nursing education program typically start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university. Most programs also require proof of a currently active, unincumbered registered nurse license. Additional program requirements can vary but tend to include a minimum GPA at or above a determined benchmark, a resume or CV to show experience, a personal essay, and more. Always check the program requirements ahead of applying and ensure all required documents are ready when applying.
What the University of Providence Offers: Program requirements for the Masters of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Concentration can be found on the program page and admissions page.
Are Online Programs Available?
Nurse educator programs are available for completion online. Depending on the university, these programs may be 100% online, hybrid, asynchronous, or a combination. Additionally, programs may require students to attend in-person teaching practicums, which provide guided experiences in nurse education. These hours vary depending on the institution and its accreditation.
What the University of Providence Offers: UP’s nurse educator concentration combines online, asynchronous courses with in-person practicum hours for a dynamic and engaging experience.
What Courses Can Students Expect to Take?
An MSN in nursing education students can expect to take courses focusing on curriculum development, student assessment, curriculum and student evaluations, and effective strategies and methodologies for effective teaching. Additional courses may include foundational information on nursing education, common nursing skills and practices, and analytic and statistical analysis for tracking and measuring student success.
What the University of Providence Offers: UP’s Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Concentration combines a CORE Master of Science in Nursing curriculum with unique concentration courses focused on building key skills in nursing education.
What is a Practicum and is one Required?
For those pursuing an MSN in nursing education, a practicum is required to complete most programs. Practicums are guided learning experiences designed for students to take their knowledge and understanding of topics in nursing education to a real-world setting. Practicums are often completed upon the conclusion of the program and serve as a real-world application of a student’s knowledge and understanding of nurse education concepts.
What the University of Providence Offers: Students enrolled in UP’s nurse educator concentration are required to complete advanced health assessment and teaching practicum hours.
What are the Certification Requirements for Nurse Educators After Completing an MSN in Nursing Education?
Certification following the completion of a program is not required. Still, nurse educators who are interested in receiving a certification can do so through the National League of Nurses Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Certification. Graduates could also earn a Certified Clinical Academic Nurse Educator Certificate. Sometimes, an employer or academic institution may require a certificate for nursing educators. Always check these requirements before enrollment.
What the University of Providence Offers: Graduates of UP’s nurse educator concentration are eligible for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Certification through the NLN.
How Important is Regional and National Accreditation When Considering an MSN in Nursing Education program?
When deciding on which school to attend, accreditation should be considered. Not only can accreditation affect financial aid eligibility, but It can also impact whether or not students are eligible for specific certifications, additional education opportunities like a DNP, and even some career positions. Proper accreditation ensures that programs meet particular quality standards.
What the University of Providence Offers: UP’s Masters of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Concentration is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and Montana Board of Nursing (MBN). UPs Masters of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Concentration is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What to Expect Salary-Wise After Graduation?
Salaries for nurse educators with an MSN in nursing education largely depend on the skills they’ve learned, their experience, the field of nursing education they enter, and the geographic location they are pursuing employment. On average, salary.com reports that nurse educators earn from $87,438 on the low to $116,787 on the high end, with a median salary of $104,662.
How Long is a Typical Nursing Education Program?
The length of an MSN in nursing education program can vary depending on its type, delivery, and requirements. Generally, most programs are completed within 12 – 24 months.
What the University of Providence Offers: UP’s nurse educator concentration is designed for completion in 12 months. During the concentration, students take three semesters broken into two eight-week intensive sessions designed for maximum course delivery.
Where Can Graduates Work After Graduation?
Most MSN in nursing education programs prepare students to work in a university or healthcare setting. However, nurse educators can also find employment in the business sector, including for certifying organizations, healthcare companies, insurance companies, and more.
What is the Demand For Nursing Education Graduates?
There is a high demand for nurse educators in healthcare, universities, and other nursing education venues. In an analysis of postsecondary instructors and teachers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a growth of 12% in job outlook between 2021 and 2031.
Nursing Education at the University of Providence
The University of Providence offers both a concentration and concentration certificate in nurse education. The Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator Concentration offers a graduate-level degree in nursing education fundamentals, concepts, and applications. The concentration combines online, asynchronous learning with in-person practicums to prepare students for a career in educating future nurses. The concentration is also available as a Post-Master Nurse Educator Concentration Certificate for existing Master of Science in Nursing degree holders.
