Are you considering returning to School for your MSN in nursing education? Becoming a nurse educator is a great way to advance your career in nursing outside the clinical scope of practice. Nurse educators work closely with students in universities, healthcare institutions, and even private corporations to advance nursing practice and prepare future nursing leaders. Here are ten things you should know.
What Is The Typical MSN In Nursing Education Program Requirements
While each university is different, program requirements for an MSN in nursing education program typically require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited university for admission, along with a currently active, unincumbered registered nurse license. Additional program requirements may include a minimum GPA requirement as a whole or specific to nursing courses, a resume, a personal essay, and more. Always check the program requirements and have all available documents ready when applying.
What the University of Providence Offers: Program requirements are the same for our Masters of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator, and Adult-Gerontology program. An updated list of specific needs can be found on the Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Educator, or admissions pages.
Can I Become A Nurse Educator Online?
Nurse Educator programs are available for completion online. Depending on the university, these programs may be 100% online, hybrid, asynchronous, or combination. Additionally, programs may require students to attend in-person teaching practicums, which provide guided experiences in nurse education by following an already practicing nurse educator. These hours depend on the institution.
What the University of Providence Offers: Our program combines online, asynchronous courses with 135 practicum hours – 45 hours in clinical practicum and 90 hours in nurse education practicum. Our systems and practicum hours have been designed with the needs of working professionals in mind.
What Courses Will I Be Taking?
Typical MSN in Nursing Education courses focus on curriculum development, assessments and student evaluation, and different strategies for effective teaching. Additional classes can include foundational information on nursing education, refresher information on common nursing skills and practices, and analytic and statistical analysis for tracking and measuring student success.
What the University of Providence Offers: All of our Masters of Science in Nursing and Nurse Educator courses focus on the skills required for today’s nurse educators. In addition to 12 core Master of Science in Nursing credits, students take 21 credits of targeted nurse educator courses.
What Is a Practicum & Is It Required?
For most all Master of Science in Nursing Programs, a practicum is required to complete the program successfully. For those pursuing their MSN in Nursing Education, an internship is a guided, clinical experience designed for students to take their knowledge and understanding of topics in nursing education to a real-world setting. Practicums are often completed at the end of the program and serve as a practical test of a student’s knowledge and understanding of nurse education concepts.
What the University of Providence Offers: Students enrolled in the Masters of Science in Nursing program are required to complete a combined 135 hours of practicum experience. This experience is split into 45 hours of health assessment and 90 hours of clinical nursing practicum.
Am I Required To Get Certified After Completing My MSN in Nursing Education Degree?
Certification following 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) Certificate. You could also earn a Certified Clinical Academic Nurse Educator Certificate. Sometimes, an employer or academic institution may require a certificate for nursing educators. Checking these requirements and planning time to earn the certification is essential.
How Important Is Accreditation For an MSN in Nursing Education Program?
When considering which school to attend, accreditation should be an essential factor. Not only does accreditation affect financial aid eligibility, but It can also impact whether or not you are eligible for specific certifications, additional education opportunities like a DNP, and even some career aspects. Proper accreditation ensures that programs meet particular quality standards in preparing nurses.
What the University of Providence Offers: Our Masters of Science in Nursing and all other nursing programs are regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Montana Board of Nursing (MBN). In addition, all baccalaureate and master’s degree programs at the University of Providence are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
What Can I Expect As A Salary 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 $87,438 on the low to $116,787 on the high end, with a median salary for a nurse educator being $104,662.
How Long Is A Typical MSN in Nursing Education Program?
The length of MSN in Nursing Education can vary depending on the program’s type, delivery, and requirements. Generally, most nurse educator programs are completed within 12 – 24 months.
What the University of Providence Offers: Our program is designed for completion in 12 months, placing it on the lower end of the completion spectrum. During these 12 months, students take three semesters broken into two 8-week intensive sessions designed for maximum course delivery.
Where Can I 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 private business sector, including for certifying organizations, primary healthcare companies, insurance companies, and more.
What Is The Demand For MSN in Nursing Education graduates?
There is high demand for nurse educators in healthcare, universities, and other nursing education venues. In an analysis of postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a growth of 12% in job outlook between 2021 and 2031 – much faster than the average rate of 5%.
