Nurse Educator RN to MSN Programs

Students in the RN-MSN program at the University of North Alabama can earn their MSN with a teaching-learning track. Nurses in this track gain the skills needed to teach nursing students, colleagues in the health care field, and health care clients. Graduates are qualified to teach in a college or in a clinical environment. This is a 32-credit program (RN-MSN students complete nine of the credits in the undergraduate portion of the program). Courses that are specific to the track include curriculum development and evaluation in collegiate nursing programs and teaching the health care consumer and provider. Candidates complete two practicum experiences. Students in this track may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. Graduates who join the faculty at an accredited nursing school will have 85 % of their loan forgiven over four years.

Nurses with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing subject can complete a bridge program at Grand Canyon University to prepare for the Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in nursing education. The bridge program is offered online and includes six classes that are delivered in five-week sessions. The bridge classes are designed to prepare RNs for master's level study and cover topics such as nursing research methods, statistical analysis, and nursing practice dynamics. Once they complete the bridge program, students can advance to the MSN in Nursing Education classes. The program requires 36 credits, and the online classes last for eight weeks each. Nursing education majors take classes such as curriculum design and instructional methods as well as advanced nursing practice classes. Nurse educators also complete practicum experiences to gain practical experience in an educational setting that matches their career goals and interests.

After completing the University of Phoenix RN bridge courses, students can start work on the MSN with a concentration in nurse education. Graduates of this program are ready to teach in nursing schools, universities, and hospital settings. They are also eligible to take the exam for Certified Nurse Educator. The courses in the concentration give future nurse educators the competencies to design, implement, and evaluate nursing curriculum. Students also gain skills in interpreting, analyzing, and using evidence found in research to guide student learning. For the capstone, students complete two practicum experiences in the nurse educator role. Students who have completed the RN bridge portion of the program are able to earn their MSN in as little as a year and a half. The University of Phoenix delivers courses in six-week sessions, and students take one course at a time. The university offers multiple start dates each year.

California Baptist University offers a concentration in teaching-learning for nurses who feel called to be teachers as well as nurses. The curriculum includes 31 core credits and 14 credits in the concentration. Students take three classes directly related to teaching, and each course has didactic and clinical components. The course in curriculum and program development covers topics such as how to develop a course and how to apply research methods to gauge the effectiveness of teaching strategies. The class in instructional strategies casts light on the many roles a nurse educator plays in terms of teaching, scholarship, and service. The course in evaluation and testing exposes nurses to theories about educational assessment and the importance of program outcomes. Nurse education majors are also required to take a clinical practicum where they expand their knowledge in their current practice area, providing direct patient care under the supervision of a preceptor.

The School of Nursing at the University of California Dominguez Hills offers a nurse educator track in its MSN program. Graduates of the program are prepared to teach nursing students, provide professional development or clinical education in health care agencies, and to work with clients. They are also prepared for doctoral study. Students complete two nurse educator role performance clinicals, and students can arrange these hours in a setting that matches their career goals. As an elective, nurse educator students choose between a course in family assessment or one in theories of aging. Nursing courses are delivered in an online asynchronous format, but some courses require students to attend on-campus meetings. Students may also have on-campus meetings during their role performance courses. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis, but the role performance courses must be taken over two semesters.

The RN to MSN-Nurse Educator program at West Coast University is a 24-month online program that prepares students to teach nursing students, health care colleagues, and patients in a variety of settings. The curriculum includes courses on designing curriculum and in evaluating and assessing nursing education. Nurse educator students also complete two teaching practicum. The RN to MSN-Nurse Educator program requires 51 credits. The university has two terms per trimester, and RNs can complete the program in six trimesters. West Coast University offers several scholarships and grants to online nursing students. Employees of the university's nursing partners may be eligible for full scholarships. Employees of the university's health service partners may be eligible for a tuition grant. (Lists of partners are available from the admissions office.)

Students in the RN to BSN to MSN program offered by American Sentinel University can choose a nursing education specialization. The curriculum for this specialization is highly focused on teaching skills. Courses cover topics such teaching an online course, teaching individuals with diverse learning styles, curriculum design, and organizational dynamics of higher education. Practice experience activities are built into each of the nursing education classes. For their capstone, candidates plan, design, and implement an evidence-based project in the field of nursing education. American Sentinel courses are delivered in eight-week sessions with no set log-in times. Start dates are available every month. Students can finish the entire RN to MSN program and earn two degrees in three years.

The practicum for the nursing education concentration at Aspen University gives nurses the chance to use evidence-based strategies to develop an activity or teaching plan that engages active learners. Students can be creative in what they do, such as creating a webinar, developing software, creating a toolkit of reference materials, or delivering a training module for staff nurses. Students complete 180 hours in the practicum, which also provides the data for and serves as the basis for their capstone research project. The master's portion of the RN to MSN bridge program requires students to complete 12 courses. Classes specific to the education concentration include issues in nursing education, teaching strategies, and curriculum development and evaluation. Students complete their degree by passing a comprehensive proctored exam.

Nurses who graduate from Sacred Heart University's online MSN program with a nursing education specialization are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator certification exam. Courses in the specialization cover topics such as theory of teaching and learning, curriculum development and evaluation, and patient and staff education. At the end of their program, candidates complete a two-course sequence that includes role immersions in a nursing education setting. Students work with a preceptor and develop an evidence-based teaching proposal. The program includes 180 hours of clinical experience. Sacred Heart's MSN program has six start dates per year, and students can take up to six years to complete the degree, which allows them to fit classes into their busy lives. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions. All practicum courses can be completed with a preceptor in the student's home community.

RNs who complete the bridge program at Southern Connecticut State University can enter the nurse educator track for the MSN. The curriculum for this degree has 24 credits in core requirements and 18 credits in the specialization. Students must complete the core requirements before entering the specialty. Nursing educator majors are required to take a clinical practicum that requires 12 hours of clinical time per week for two semesters. Students work with a preceptor during the role courses, and faculty and students work together to find an appropriate preceptor. All courses meet in person and are scheduled on Tuesdays. Courses are scheduled as early as 8 a.m. and usually no later than early evening. Summer classes may have a different schedule. All students are required to complete a thesis or special project before graduation.

The Keigwin School of Nursing at Jacksonville University has an RN to MSN program that offers a clinical nurse educator specialization for online students. This is a 33-credit master's that includes 18 credits in the nursing core and 15 credits in the specialization. Courses in the specialization cover topics such as measuring educational outcomes, engaged learning, and curriculum development. Students take part in an advanced role practicum, which they can complete in their home community. Students can focus on adult education, such as staff development in a health care agency, or on higher education. Full-time students can complete the master's in two years, but part-time options are available. Courses are delivered in eight-week sessions, with six start dates per year, and students can take one course each session. They also have the ability to take off a session or two if necessary.

The Assaf College of Nursing at Nova Southeastern University has an RN bridge program that allows students to earn an MSN in nursing education. Graduates of this track are ready for teaching jobs in areas such as staff development at a health care facility or teaching community college courses. They are also ready to enter a doctoral program if they want to prepare to teach at the bachelor's level or higher. After taking the required bridge classes, students complete 15 credits in core nursing classes and 21 credits in the education track. Specialized classes cover topics such as educational concepts, curriculum development, and evaluation. During the nurse educator practicum, candidates complete 130 practicum hours under the supervision of a preceptor in their local community. Students may enter the program in the fall or winter semester. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.

RNs who complete the required prerequisite coursework can earn an MSN nurse educator degree online from the University of Central Florida. This is a 35-credit program that requires 240 clinical hours. Specialty classes cover topics such as teaching strategies and evaluation in nursing education. Students complete a clinical specialty practicum with 60 clinical hours and an internship in nursing education with 180 clinical hours. Students work with a preceptor to complete their clinical experiences and to gain teaching experience. Usually students can complete the practicum and internship in their home community with a local preceptor. Full-time students can complete the program in five semesters, and part-time students can finish in seven semesters. Students may enter the program in the spring or fall semester.

The nursing education MSN at the University of South Florida prepares students to teach in educational and health care settings. Graduates may find jobs in settings such as schools of nursing, client/patient education programs, and staff development departments. Courses in the education concentration help students to apply theories of learning and teaching in a variety of settings. Classes also cover topics such as curriculum development, methods to evaluate students, and current issues and best practices in teaching. Additionally, students choose a practice specialty core so that they can learn more about a field of practice. Future nurse educators also gain practical experience in the classroom, clinical setting, and in using current technologies for teaching. The MSN with the nursing education concentration is a 40-credit program, and students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis. Students must complete a comprehensive exam at the end of the program. Graduates are eligible to take the Certification for Nurse Educators exam.

RNs interested in a career as a nurse educator can earn their BSN and MSN through an online program offered by South University. Students in the MSN nurse educator track gain specialized skills in teaching, such as instructional method design, so they can select an appropriate method depending on who they are teaching. They also learn how to create and evaluate curriculum and assess learning. The curriculum for this program also provides clinical expertise so that future nurse educators can integrate that knowledge into learning experiences they design. Students get practical experiences in teaching through practicum courses. Online classes at South University start every two weeks and courses run on either a five-week or 10-week schedule, giving students flexibility in scheduling.

Students who complete the bridge courses in the RN-MSN program at Thomas University can select an MSN concentration in nursing education. The MSN curriculum requires 24 credits in core classes and 12 credits in the education concentration. Courses cover relevant topics such as teaching strategies, curriculum development, and how to assess and evaluate nursing education. Students in this concentration also complete an internship in an academic setting. For their final capstone project, students develop and implement a project to improve or enrich a nursing education program or academic setting. Most classes are delivered in a hybrid format and some classes are available completely online. Students in this program who have a financial need may be eligible for the Madis Spires Scholarship, which awards nearly $2,000 annually.

Northwest Nazarene University operates on the philosophy that all nurses have a role as leaders and educators. Therefore, students can earn an MSN with an emphasis in leadership and education that prepares them for both leadership and educator roles in health care facilities, schools, and community agencies. Nurses who earn this degree have the skills to serve as a clinical leader and to educate nursing students, colleagues, and patients. This program uses a cohort model that has a group of students moving through the courses together. Students complete the 36-credit program in four semesters of full-time study, including an internship in nursing education and leadership. The program ends with students completing an evidence-based practice project, although candidates have the option to complete a thesis instead.

Nurses pursuing the nursing education track in DePaul University's RN to MSN program take five interprofessional health professions education courses offered through a consortium with the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Graduates receive a Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education along with their master's degree. Classes specific to the track include learning theories, course development, classroom assessment, and evaluating clinical competence. For their capstone, nursing education students complete a 200-hour practicum as well as a synthesis paper and oral presentation. Candidates also must complete 16 credits in graduate core courses. Students who complete the degree are prepared to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

Nurses in the RN to MSN Option at Elmhurst College can choose a nurse educator concentration for the graduate-level part of the program. This 33-semester-hour graduate program prepares nurses for roles with the clinical faculty at a nursing school and for positions in continuing education or staff development in a health care organization. The master's program is offered on campus, and students can complete the program in two years, although they make take it at a slower pace. In a two-year plan, students take six core courses over four terms - summer, January, spring, and summer - in their first year. They then take all the courses required for the nurse educator concentration over three terms - fall, January, and spring. In the fall term students complete a practicum and in the spring term they complete a residency where they gain teaching experience in a health care setting or school.

RNs who complete the bridge program at Lewis University can choose a nursing education specialty track for their MSN. The degree requires students to complete 37 credits. There are six core courses and a specialty core class called integrated advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology and physical assessment for the nurse educator. Within the specialty track, students study topics such as educational theory, teaching methodology, and curriculum development. Students complete immersion experiences as a nurse educator and in an advanced direct care clinical practice for a total of 150 clock hours. For their capstone, candidates design and implement a project and complete at least 250 practicum hours. Students can complete the MSN through online classes or on campus.

Olivet Nazarene University offers a nursing education track as part of its RN-MSN program. Students in the education track take courses in teaching roles and strategies, curriculum design, and evaluation in nursing assessment. Each of these classes is taken along with a practicum where the student works with an approved preceptor of their choice to apply what they have learned. Students accrue 45 practicum hours during the BSN coursework and 180 hours during the master's portion. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers two start dates each year for the RN-MSN program, at the start of the fall and spring semesters. Courses meet online in an accelerated format. Undergraduate courses run for six weeks and graduate-level courses run for eight weeks.

Nurses interested in teaching nursing students, colleagues, or patients can earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a nurse educator concentration from the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. This is a 39-credit graduate program. Courses in the specialty cover topics such as educational theory, evaluation strategies, and issues in nursing education. Students are also required to complete two practicum experiences, which can be in either a nursing program or in a staff development setting. During their practicum, students gain hands-on experience in course planning, teaching, and evaluation. Courses for this MSN program are delivered in a distance education format, and classes may have synchronous and asynchronous elements.

Nurse educator is one of the specialty tracks open to RNs using the Special Entry Option for Nurses without a BSN that is offered at Saint Xavier University. Students who complete this 38-credit program are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam. Courses for this track are offered in a 100% online format. Classes cover topics such as educational theory for adult learners, how to design and evaluate curriculum, lesson planning, creating course objectives, and how to evaluate students. Candidates in this track complete a guided practicum where they prepare, present, and evaluate lessons in a real-life classroom. Students also work with a preceptor for a clinical practicum in an area of advanced nursing practice. St. Xavier University ranked #3 for online nursing programs in the 2019 U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The Leach College of Nursing at the University of St. Francis has an RN-BN-MSN program that allows RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to earn an MSN in nursing education. This program requires 37 to 46 credits, depending on whether a student needs to complete undergraduate prerequisites. The curriculum includes 16 credits in core graduate nursing classes and 12 credits in the advanced practice core. Nursing majors take a class in teaching in nursing and one on methods and measurements in nursing education. They also complete a nursing education practicum where they get at least 120 hours of teaching experience in an academic or clinical setting. The experience must include at least four to six hours of classroom presentation, and students must receive faculty approval of the topic for their presentation. Candidates can select the setting and they work with a preceptor during the practicum.

RNs who want to teach can choose the nurse educator concentration as part of the RN to MSN program at Ball State University. Once in the graduate-level portion of the program, students must complete 36 credits to earn a master's degree. The curriculum requires six credits in the research core, 11 credits in the nursing core, and 19 credits in the educator role core. Nurse educator coursework covers topics such as designing curriculum, evaluating programs, and teaching. Classes are delivered online in an asynchronous format for maximum flexibility. During their final semester, students complete a 180-hour practicum working in a nursing education program that leads to an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Students can complete th practicum in their homer areas, working with an experienced nurse educator to gain experience in the classroom and in clinical settings.

Nurse education majors at IUPUI may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, which provides up to 85% loan forgiveness when graduates work as a faculty member at an accredited school of nursing. The MSN in Nursing Education is a 42-credit program that requires students to complete 225 clinical/practicum hours. The 22 credits of core nursing classes are offered mostly online, although some sessions require in-person or videoconference attendance. During the required class in physical assessment, students must attend five on-campus lab days. Classes for the nurse education track combine asynchronous online coursework with some sessions that students attend via videoconferencing. Some classes may also include optional learning activities on campus. Graduates are eligible for certification as a Certified Nurse Educator and may find careers teaching in academic settings, hospitals, or community health agencies. The nursing education track admits students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Indiana Wesleyan University offers a nursing education major for students in the ASN-MSN program. After they complete the bridge program, students in the nursing education major take core courses for the master's. They also take courses in the major such as course development and design, innovative teaching strategies, and program evaluation and assessment. For their capstone, students complete a supervised practicum in one or more educational settings. This course requires students to complete 140 practicum hours. In another course, concepts of leadership for nurse educators, students work with a preceptor and complete a practicum as a leader in clinical nursing practice. Students typically take one course at a time, and all courses are available online. Graduates may be eligible for the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

The College of Nursing and Health at Loyola University in New Orleans offers RNs different pathways to an MSN depending upon their educational background. Nurses in any of these pathways can choose the nurse educator track when they start graduate-level work. The curriculum for this program requires 39 credits, and students have the option of taking an additional elective, advanced statistics and data management, to gain skills that are useful in the coursework and in a career as a nurse educator. Courses specific to nurse education majors include teaching methods, assessment of learning outcomes, and curriculum design and evaluation. Students in this track complete a nurse educator practicum where they work with a preceptor-mentor and gain 180 clock hours of practicum experience as a nurse educator. The practicum can take place in a school or health care organization. Courses for the MSN are all available online.

RNs who want to teach entry-level nursing classes or work in staff development in a health care organization can gain the necessary background at the University of Southern Maine. The university has an RN to MSN program that allows enrollees to choose an education focus after completing RN bridge classes. The MSN with education focus is a 40-credit program. Some of the courses specific to the education focus are offered online through the University of Maine. Those classes cover curriculum and course development and assessment and measurement in nursing education. Nurse educator students also complete an education practicum and seminar and a graduate clinical project. The School of Nursing offers a wide range of scholarships, including the Sandra T. Scully Nursing Scholarship, which is designated for non-traditional students, and the Viola M. Palmacci Nursing Scholarship, for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students.

Salisbury University has a nurse educator concentration for students earning a Master of Science in Nursing. Students in the RN to MSN program are eligible for the educator concentration, which prepares nurses to teach in a health care organization or academic setting. Specialized courses in the track cover topics such as instructional technology, teaching strategies, educational theory, and curriculum development. Candidates are required to complete two practicum experiences, for a total of 400 hours. One practicum focuses on advanced nursing practice and the other focuses on nursing education. Students also complete a scholarly project. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator. The university accepts nursing students on a full-time or part-time basis.

The Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in nursing education at Stevenson University prepares nurses to teach in an academic or clinical setting. Coursework specific to this concentration covers skills such as curriculum development and strategies to implement and evaluate courses. The RN to MSN program is offered online and is designed to meet the needs of working nurses. Among the features that provide flexibility, the program offers multiple start dates each year. The vast majority of classes only last for eight weeks. Those two features combine to allow students to progress through the degree program faster than similar programs offered in Maryland, according to Stevenson University. Students in the RN to MSN program earn both a BSN and MSN. Stevenson University also offers reduced tuition to employees of many local health care organizations. The college also doesn't charge an application fee.

Students who complete the RN bridge program at Washington Adventist University can major in nursing education while working on their master's degree. The program requires students to complete 45 credits, including 27 credits in the core curriculum. Courses in the major cover topics such as the role of the nurse education, how to develop and assess curriculum, how to evaluate programs, and teaching strategies and technologies. Candidates also perform a teaching practicum and a synthesis practicum. Students are also required to complete a major research project or thesis. Graduates are prepared to teach nursing students, patients, and professional colleagues in a range of settings.

Students in either RN-MSN pathway at Elms College can enter the nursing education track of the MSN program. Students in this program complete two education practicum experiences so that they get hands-on experience using the skills and knowledge they've acquired through classwork. Classes in the concentration include using simulation in nursing education, mobile apps for nursing practice, teaching strategies, planning and designing curriculum, and techniques for evaluation. Students can complete the program in about two years, although part-time options are available. Courses are delivered online in an asynchronous format, and the college has four 11-week terms per year. Students can enter the MSN portion of the program in the fall or winter term. Master's students never have to come to campus, although synchronous online meetings might be required when they present their capstone.

Worcester State University has RN-MSN programs for nurses with different educational backgrounds, and both pathways allow participants to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a nurse educator specialization. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam and the exam for certification in nursing professional development. Graduates are also prepared for a career in an academic or health care setting working as a professor, clinical nurse educator, or patient education coordinator. Students in this specialty take courses such as teaching and learning in the age of technology along with traditional core nursing courses. Candidates also complete a practicum in teaching and learning where they work with experienced educators around Massachusetts. Students have access to the university's nursing simulation lab where they learn to teach best practices in safety and quality of care. Most classes are delivered in a blended learning format that alternates online and face-to-face classes.

Students who complete RN bridge courses at Ferris State University may choose a nursing education concentration when they enter the MSN program. This is a 37-credit program with nine credits in the concentration. Nursing education majors learn about designing curriculum and study theories and methods of teaching. They put what they have learned into action through two clinical practicum experiences. One practicum is a specialty role project and the other is a teaching immersion where they work with a preceptor. Students may be able to complete the project practicum at their current place of employment. All courses are delivered online. Students must attend a four-hour orientation before entering the program, but it may be available in a virtual format for out-of-town students. The MSN program is flexible and students can adjust their course load as needed.

Spring Arbor University offers a nursing education concentration that prepares students to take the Certified Nurse Educator Exam. Curriculum specific to this concentration includes a course in designing teaching projects. Students also learn how to choose the right instructional strategy for online learning and for different groups in traditional settings. Candidates also complete an internship where they practice their teaching skills and design an evidence-based project. Spring Arbor classes are delivered in seven-week sessions, and students take one course at a time, allowing them to continue to work full-time while pursuing their degree. Including the required bridge courses in the RN to MSN program, students in the education concentration complete 76 credits to earn their master's degree.

Students who complete the nursing education specialization in Capella University's RN-to-MSN program are ready for a role teaching in nursing schools, online programs, or in health care organizations. Including bridge courses, this is a 66-quarter-credit program. Courses specific to the nursing education role include one covering learning strategies educators can use to facilitate learning in settings as varied as a clinical setting, laboratory, or online classroom. Another course covers how to integrate technology into nursing education, and another covers how to assess and evaluate students and determine what they need. Students also learn how to plan and develop lessons. Candidates also complete a practicum experience where they get at least 100 hours of hands-on experience in the nurse educator role under the guidance of an on-site preceptor.

Students in the RN to Graduate Nursing Pathway at Winona State University can choose a two-year or three-year plan for the nurse educator program. Specialized classes in the nurse educator concentration cover topics such as how to design lessons and curriculum and student evaluation techniques. Students also complete 300 clinical hours, including role/population clinical credits, didactic teaching credits, and clinical teaching credits. This program is available with a distance option where all classes are offered in a hybrid form. In the hybrid form, classes are mainly delivered online but four times each semester students must come to campus or take part in synchronous web-based meetings. The distance option follows the three-year curriculum plan. Clinical experiences take place at regional affiliate sites that partner with Winona State.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing offers a five-semester plan for RNs to earn an MSN nurse educator degree. For this program, students complete 54 credits and 360 clinical hours. Practicum experiences include both direct care roles and teaching roles. Students in this program gain knowledge in education-related topics such as teaching methods, curriculum development, and evaluation methods. They also gain clinical skills in topics such as pharmacotherapeutics, quality improvement, and leadership. Most of the coursework for this track is offered online. The School of Nursing has access to four major hospitals in Mississippi that provide unique learning environments. The School of Nursing reviews all applicants to see if they are eligible for school-awarded scholarships.

Students in the RN to MSN program at the Bryan College of Health Sciences select their specialty track when they enter the program. Nursing education is one of the options. The entire program, including the bridge courses, requires 44 credits, and students can complete the degree in nine semesters or three full years. Specialty courses in the track include curriculum development and strategies in teaching and learning. Students also take a course that focuses on teaching in a clinical environment, including the use of simulation technology. Nursing education majors participate in two semester-long teaching practicum experiences. In each practicum, the student works with a preceptor to gain experience in different facets of the nurse educator role. Students also complete a scholarly capstone project that involves quality improvement.

Clarkson College offers an RN to MSN program that is geared toward working nurses. Courses are offered online, and students who take the nursing education track only have to come to campus once during their studies. Nurse educator students take specialized courses covering topics such as teaching and learning strategies, evaluation strategies, and curriculum development. They also complete a practicum in the nurse educator role. All MSN candidates must complete an evidence-based practice research project. Students in the nursing education major are eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, which provides loan forgiveness to recipients who teach nursing for at least four consecutive years after they graduate.

Students in the RN to MSN program at Nebraska Methodist College can choose a concentration in nurse educator. Including undergraduate bridge courses, this program requires 54 credits. Graduate-level courses in the concentration cover theories of adult education; instructional methods for classroom, online, and clinical teaching; and how to develop and evaluate curriculum and programs for nursing education. Students also complete a practicum in nursing education with at least 126 contact hours. Students with less than three years of teaching experience have direct contact with students in the classroom and clinical setting. All candidates are required to take a capstone sequence where groups of students complete a research project. This program is delivered online. Classes are five or 10 weeks long, and there is always a week between the end of one course and the start of another one. Graduates are eligible for the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

Students in the RN to MSN program at Nebraska Wesleyan University can select a track called "the nurse as educator." Coursework in this track prepares nurses to teach nursing curriculum, continuing education courses for health care professionals, and health education for the public. Nurses also learn how to plan health education and health promotion programs, how to select appropriate strategies for teaching different populations, and how to develop and implement an online learning program. During the nurse educator practicum, students gain hands-on experience teaching in environments such as patient education, staff development, academic classroom, and academic clinical settings. All candidates must complete a capstone project, which could be a project involving research, quality improvement, or implementing evidence-based practice. Classes for this program are offered one day per week in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska.

Graduates of Franklin Pierce University's RN to MSN program with a concentration in education can choose to work in an academic or health care setting. Students who complete this program know how to apply teaching and learning theories and can develop appropriate curriculum for patients or for nursing students. They also understand the importance of using continuous improvement methods to evaluate all components of instructional design and delivery. Whether they are providing direct care to patients or serving in a nurse educator role, they use evidence-based practice and apply current research findings. The nursing education track covers topics like clinical and classroom teaching strategies, evidence-based curriculum design, and evaluating learning and assessing competencies. To earn the MSN, students must also complete a capstone seminar and project. RN to MSN students may be required to complete several foundational classes as well as BSN courses before they begin graduate-level work.

A graduate of Rivier University's Master of Science in Nursing program with a concentration in nursing education is prepared for roles such as college professor, medical-surgical instructor, clinical nursing teacher, or nursing program director. The nursing education degree is offered in a flexible online format where classes are only seven weeks long. Rivier offers multiple start dates each year, and students can earn the degree in about two years after completing any RN to MSN bridge requirements. The MSN program requires 36 credits. Classes that have a nursing education focus cover topics such as curriculum development, educational technology, and assessment and evaluation. Students also get practical, real-world experience during a 240-hour practicum where they plan, implement, and evaluate instructional units under the supervision of a nurse educator preceptor. During the practicum, future nurse educators get valuable feedback from learners, preceptor, and faculty to help them improve their teaching strategies.

Southern New Hampshire University has an online program for RNs who want to earn an MSN in nurse educator. The MSN program requires students to complete 39 credits. Some of the required courses in the education track cover topics such as how to develop nursing curriculum, how to evaluate clinical performance, and how develop and use grading rubrics. Students also learn about different teaching strategies and how they can be applied in different educational settings and with different types of learners. For their capstone, candidates complete an immersion in the nurse educator role. They complete 120 hours of practice experience with the guidance of a preceptor. They also implement a scholarly project. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator.

RNs who earn an MSN in nursing education from Montclair University are prepared to be an instructor or professor in a variety of clinical and academic settings. Once RNs advance to the master's level portion of the program, they must complete 35 credits, which are divided into four sequential phases. The first phase is the core curriculum, where students learn about health policy, information technology, and research in the context of nursing practice. In the second phase, nurse education majors gain direct care competencies such as health assessment and pharmacology. In the third phase, nurse education students take classes in curriculum development and assessment and evaluation. Students also complete a teaching methods seminar and practicum where they gain skills in instructional methods such as collaborative education, simulation, team-based or experiential learning, and teaching large and small groups. Students also compile a professional portfolio.

Excelsior College's RN to MSN in Nursing Education is an entirely online program in which students earn a BSN and an MSN. In the graduate-level portion of the program, students take classes covering topics such as how to create teaching-learning environments and transition to the role of educator. Students learn strategies for working with different kinds of learners and in varied settings. They also learn how to design curriculum and learning experiences to achieve desired outcomes in nursing education. As a capstone, candidates complete nearly 250 hours in practice experience, prepare a scholarly paper, and present a project. Excelsior College has some internal scholarships for nursing students. RN to MSN students may be eligible for a Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Scholarship, which is designated for RNs in the state of New York who are working toward a degree.

Mercy College has a specialization track in nursing education that is open to students in the RN-BS-MS program. The School of Natural and Health Sciences gives students two options for attending the master's portion of the program. Classes are delivered in a completely online format, or students can opt for a hybrid program where classes are partially online and meet in person twice per month. Graduate students may take as few as one course per semester, or they can attend full time. Courses within the specialization focus on the knowledge and skills students need to advance to a position teaching nursing students in an academic or clinical setting. Courses cover topics such as evaluating students, strategies for teaching, and how to develop curriculum. Candidates also must complete a teaching practicum working with a preceptor in their home community.

The Stony Brook University College of Nursing has a Master of Science in Nursing Education that is open to students in the Registered Nurse Baccalaureate to Master's program. Classes for this degree are offered in a blended format. Classes are delivered online, but students must attend onsite intensives. Students may be able to complete clinical experiences in their home community, working with an approved preceptor. The program also uses an executive cohort format. Students who complete this degree should be prepared to teach in a nursing school or to instruct beginning and advanced nurses in a clinical setting. Courses in the specialization cover critical skills such as teaching adult learners, evaluating students, and designing lesson plans. Students in this track have one elective that they can use to further specialize their education. Nursing education students complete three semesters of education theory and practicum experiences.

Students pursuing the Master of Science in Nursing Education at the University of Rochester take interprofessional coursework through the university's Warner School of Education and the School of Medicine and Dentistry. This partnership also means that students get experience performing clinical teaching within multidisciplinary health care teams. For their student teaching experiences, students may be assigned to teach at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center affiliates, the School of Nursing, and other local colleges. The student teaching experience occurs as part of the capstone, where students work for a semester alongside a nurse educator-mentor on projects that could include teaching, creating curriculum, and designing assessments. Students in this program also have a choice of about a dozen clinical areas, such as oncology or pediatrics, for advanced practice specialization.

The MSN in nurse education at Appalachian State University is a 39-credit program that is designed for part-time students. Students can complete the degree in as little as two years, gaining the skills needed for a role as an educator in a practice setting or teaching in a nursing program in an academic setting. Classes in the track include educational theories for teaching in academic and practice settings, instructional strategies, and educational tests and measurements. Students gain skills such as how to teach using simulation. Students also complete a nursing education practicum with 120 hours of practical experience in an educator role. Students work with a preceptor mentor during the practicum. Other requirements to earn this degree include 24 credits in required classes, such as nursing theory and advanced practice, and a research project or thesis. This program is delivered online, aside from the field practicum.

The Master of Science in Nursing nurse educator specialization at Queens University prepares nurses to teach in a clinical or academic setting. The curriculum meets the North Carolina requirements that nurse educators have training in teaching and learning principles for adult learners, including how to develop and implement curriculum and how to evaluate students and programs. Future nurse educators also gain hands-on experience during a role immersion practicum, which they complete under the supervision of a preceptor of their choice. The Presbyterian School of Nursing at Queens University integrates nurse administrator coursework into the nursing education specialization to expand career opportunities for graduates. These courses help nurse educators gain budgeting skills, learn leadership principles, and see how educational requirements affect staffing. Graduates are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator. All classes for this program are offered online, with no requirements to come to campus.

RNs who would like to teach in settings as varied as associate-degree nursing programs and community health education programs can prepare for a career as a nurse educator at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. RNs who enter the RN-MSN Pathway can choose the MSN nurse educator program for their master's work. Upon completion of the 39-credit master's degree, students are eligible to take the exam for Certified Nurse Educator. Courses for this program are delivered in a hybrid format that combines online classes with in-person class meetings a few times per semester, usually near the start and end of the term. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis as long as they complete all the requirements in five years. Candidates complete a nursing education practicum capstone experience and also complete a research or action project.

RNs who complete the required bridge courses can choose an MSN with a nursing education specialization at Xavier University. This is a 37-credit program that students can complete in seven semesters. The specialization track includes classes such as roles of the nurse educator and development of the adult learner in health care. Future nurse educators can also take an elective that covers advanced technology and simulation that will help them with teaching in a clinical setting. All students in this specialization complete a practicum in teaching. Graduate-level nursing classes at Xavier are scheduled for the late afternoon or early evening, with each class meeting one day a week. Classes are scheduled so that it's possible to take two classes in one afternoon/evening. Students can start the master's program in the spring or fall semester. Xavier has a nursing scholarship fund for minority and disadvantaged nursing students.

The Kramer School of Nursing at Oklahoma City University has an MSN in nursing education that prepares nurses to teach in academic nursing programs and in staff education programs at health care organizations. The classes for this MSN program are offered in a hybrid format that includes in-person and online meetings. Most courses meet in person three to five times a semester, always on the same day of the week. Students are given the schedule at the start of the semester so they can plan for those meetings. Full-time students can complete the 33-credit degree in 18 months. Students complete 18 credits in core graduate nursing classes and 15 credits of role preparation. Courses in the education specialty include teaching the adult learner, curriculum development, evaluation strategies, and teaching strategies. Students also complete a nursing education practicum. The Kramer School admits all applicants who meet admission and eligibility requirements.

Northwest Christian University has an online program for RNs who want to earn an MSN in nursing education. In this 36-credit program, students take classes in education theory and learn methods to help them develop curriculum, assess learning outcomes, and manage the learning environment. Students also complete a supervised teaching practicum where they design, implement and evaluate an evidence-based teaching and learning project. Students can complete their teaching practicum in a variety of settings, including a face-to-face classroom, online class, simulation lab, clinical setting, or staff development. The program also requires students to complete core courses in topics such as statistical reasoning, quality improvement, health care policy, and communication in nursing. RNs can earn this degree in about two years after they complete any undergraduate requirements in the university's RN to MSN pathways.

RNs who are sure they want to study nursing education can identify their graduate area of interest when they enter the RNBS pathway at the Oregon Health and Science University. Identifying their interest early allows students to move more seamlessly through the entire process. The Master of Nursing Education coursework is delivered mostly online, although some classes may require on-site intensives. Students in the master's program also choose a clinical population focus.The options are community health nursing, adult gerontological nursing, or psychiatric mental health nursing. Students in the nursing education program may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Repayment Program which forgives up to 85% of tuition for graduates who take a full-time job teaching nursing. The college also offers the Michaelson Gerontological Nursing Scholarship, which grants $1,000 to MNE students who want to teach about the health care needs of older adults.

Students in the RN to MSN Integrated Degree educator track at Chatham University can complete their BSN and MSN with 12 fewer credits than it would take to earn both degrees individually. The university allows students to count four graduate classes for both lower-level and graduate-level requirements, speeding the time to graduation. Under this plan, full-time students can complete both degrees in six semesters, or two full years. Part-time students can complete the degree in eight semesters. For their final practicum and capstone, students work with a preceptor to gain hands-on nurse educator experience. They also collaborate with the preceptor and other health care professionals to develop and implement a capstone project that involves improving processes, safety, or quality of care.

The nursing education concentration for the Master of Science in Nursing at Drexel University requires students to complete 46 graduate credits. Specialized courses in this program provide students with the background they need to be clinical or classroom teachers. Courses cover topics such as the role and responsibilities of the nurse professor, teaching methods for nurse education, and assessment and measure of student performance in different educational settings. Students also complete a two-semester practicum in the role of nurse educator in an academic or agency setting. While they are taking the practicum, nurses are required to attend an immersive on-campus simulation residency The coursework for the MSN is delivered online. Graduates are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator.

Students in the RN to MSN program at LaRoche University can earn their MSN with a concentration in nurse educator in seven semesters, including undergraduate requirements. This is an online program that prepares students for careers that include teaching nursing students in academic or clinical settings or working in staff development for a health care organization. The master's degree requires 37 credits. Students take core classes in advanced care topics and also gain an understanding of educational theory, strategies, and assessments as they pertain to nursing education. At the end of the program, students work with a mentor and complete a nursing education practicum with at least 120 hours of experience in an academic or clinical setting. Candidates also must complete a scholarly research project.

Messiah College offers nurse education students who want to develop a clinical specialty the option of an extra practicum focused on a clinical specialty as a nurse educator. In this three-credit class, students partner with a professional educator or advanced practice nurse to acquire 150 hours of practicum experience in the clinical specialty they're interested in. Students who take this option still must complete the standard practicum/capstone course where they gain experience in a nursing education setting. The MSN is offered in an online format with courses delivered in 6-, 8-, 14 and 17-week formats. Students first complete the core courses needed for the master's degree, then they advance to the courses specific to the nurse educator concentration. MSN students at Messiah College are eligible for the Harry and Nancy Preis Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded based on financial need and academic excellence.

Students who complete the MSN bridge classes at Moravian College can earn their MSN in the nursing educator track. The MSN is a 37-credit program with 21 credits in core and direct care courses. Future nurse educators complete 16 specialized credits within the track. Courses include theory and practice for nurse educators, standards-based curriculum design, assessment and evaluation, and differentiating instruction. In their final semester, nursing education students complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in the educator role. During the internship, candidates work with a preceptor in direct care and educator roles that meet their career goals. The nursing school staff finds appropriate placement sites for the practicum experience. Students must also complete a professional portfolio. Nurse educator majors may be eligible for the Nursing Faculty Loan Program, which offers loan forgiveness to graduates who join a nursing school faculty.

Widener University has an RN to MSN bridge program that allows students to select a track in nurse education. The MSN in nursing education is a 39-credit program that is offered at the main Widener campus in Chester, Pennsylvania, and the Harrisburg campus. Students in this program complete two practicum experiences. For the clinical experience, students can select the population they want to work with: adult-gerontology, maternal-child, pediatrics, mental health, or community. Students also complete a teaching practicum in a variety of settings, such as classrooms, clinical areas, and simulation labs. Classes are offered in a hybrid format that includes online and in-person elements. The nursing education program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Students typically complete the degree in two to three years.

Wilkes University allows RNs who complete the bridge program to select the nursing education concentration in the Master of Science in Nursing program. The nursing education program requires 39 credits, with 24 credits in core nursing classes and advanced clinical coursework. The nursing track also has 15 credits dedicated to preparing students to become nurse educators. Classes cover topics such as how to design curriculum, strategies for teaching, using technology such as simulation in nursing education, and testing and evaluation of student achievement. Students also complete two practicum experiences, one in teaching and one in clinical skills. Students are required to arrange their own practicum experiences with a college, university, or health care organization located in their home region. Classes for this degree are delivered online.

The nurse education track at Charleston Southern University is presented in a cohort format that allows students to complete the master's program in 16 months. Including the undergraduate portion of the ADN-MSN program, students can complete the program in 19 months of full-time study. The 10 courses for the Master of Science in Nursing are presented in intensive five-week blocks over 12 months, so students concentrate on one subject at a time. At the end of the program, all candidates complete a nursing education practicum. The university reports than 100% of ADN-MSN students in the nursing education track completed the program in the cohorts from 2017, 2016, and 2015. Additionally, 88% of nurse educator majors from the 2017 cohort found a job in a nurse educator role within 12 months after graduating.

Students in the RN-MSN program at South Dakota State University can substitute graduate-level courses for undergraduate level courses, speeding their completion of the MSN. Nurses in this program can choose a concentration in nursing education. Courses specific to this track include technology-based instruction for nurse educators, in which students create media-rich course content for continuing education or nursing courses. Students also get hands-on experience teaching in classroom and clinical settings through the required nursing education practicum, where students work with a faculty preceptor or mentor. Students in this program may be eligible for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, which provides funding and loan forgiveness for students who teach at a nursing school for four years after graduation. The nurse educator program is delivered online.

Students pursuing an MSN in nursing education from East Tennessee State University may apply to perform their clinical rotations and research and practice projects at clinics led by the College of Nursing. These facilities include Johnson City Community Health Center, Johnson City Downtown Day Center, University Health Center, and Hancock County School-Based Health Center. Courses for the MSN are delivered mostly online, but students may be required to come to campus for certain assessments and classes. The MSN in nursing education requires students to complete 38 credits and 420 clock hours of practicum experience. The majority of practicum hours are worked during the teaching practicum and nursing education clinical focus practicum. East Tennessee State University's nursing programs have a rural focus.

Students who enter the nurse educator focus in the Master of Science in Nursing program at Southern Adventist University must complete 45 credits at the graduate level. Requirements include 28 credits in core courses, including advanced practice courses, research courses, and a nursing capstone. Students also complete 17 credits in the nurse educator track, with classes covering curriculum design, using technology and simulation in nurse education, and classroom instruction and evaluation strategies. Candidates also complete two practicum experiences, one in their chosen area of clinical emphasis and the other in the nurse educator role in their area of clinical emphasis. All students are required to complete a research project capstone. At Southern Adventist, all graduate nursing classes meet on Tuesdays so students can plan around them and continue to work. Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis.

Union University offers the MSN nursing education track online, allowing students to complete their practicum experiences at a facility in their home community. The nursing education track requires students to complete 41 credits and 380 clinical hours. After completing bridge requirements, full-time students can earn a graduate degree in 16 months, and part-time students can finish in seven semesters. Students in nursing education complete two practicum experiences. One is a teaching residency and the other is a clinical residency taken in conjunction with a class on clinical strategies for nurse educators. Other classes specific to the concentration include curriculum design, educational assessment, and educational strategies in advanced nursing practice. Students enter the program in the fall as a cohort. Some courses are delivered in an accelerated format and only last seven or eight weeks. The College of Nursing uses a rolling admissions policy.

The University of Memphis has an MSN with a concentration in nursing education that prepares graduates to teach in schools of nursing or health care organizations. Students in this program also select an area of advanced clinical focus, which could be pediatric nursing, adult nursing, critical care nursing, women's health and perinatal nursing, or mental health nursing. Students perform a 120-hour clinical practicum working with their focus population. Candidates also complete a 240-hour nursing education practicum where they get hands-on experience applying what they have learned in the classroom. Overall, the master's is a 40-credit program. Courses in this concentration are delivered online, and the University of Memphis reports a 100% job placement rate for graduates and a 75% completion rate for the MSN.

The RN-MSN Articulation Track at Lamar University offers a concentration in nursing education. With this program, students can complete their BSN and MSN with nine fewer credits than they would need if they pursued each degree separately. Nursing education majors finish their graduate work by completing two practicum experiences in nursing education. To prepare for their future career, students also take education-related classes such as curriculum design, theories of learning, and assessment and evaluation of students. Master's students also take classes in advanced nursing practices. The Dishman School of Nursing delivers the courses for this program online. Students can choose from two start dates a year if they want 16-week courses or four start dates a year for the eight-week-course option.

RNs who enter either RN-MSN pathway at Texas A&M Corpus Christi can earn a nurse educator MSN from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Nurses in this program do not develop a clinical specialty through specialty coursework, but they can advance their knowledge of a focus area through their education courses. Students must complete an education practicum in the nurse educator role, and they are responsible for finding a preceptor for their clinical experiences. Students must also obtain instructor approval for the clinical sites they select. Coursework for this program is delivered completely online, and students can select from three start dates each year - fall, spring, and summer. Graduates of this program may be eligible to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

Texas Woman's University offers two RN-MSN pathways for nurses who want an MSN in nurse education. The MSN is a 40-credit program that requires students to complete six core courses and six courses in the education specialty. All candidates must complete a teaching practicum in a setting of their choice. Options include academic settings, patient education, or staff development, based on the student's career goals. Candidates also complete a clinical practicum in a specialization. To prepare for a career as a nurse educator, students take classes covering topics such as theories of education, curriculum design, and using technology in education. The College of Nursing receives millions of dollars for research each year from state and federal sources. One of the main focuses of faculty research involves finding the best strategies for teaching nurses.

Registered Nurses who want to earn an MSN in nursing education can complete both their BSN and MSN in an online RN to MSN program at the University of Texas Arlington. In as few as 36 months, students can complete both degrees, which is faster than completing the two degrees separately. Depending upon their prior education, students complete 68 to 71 credits. Required classes include undergraduate general classes, BSN courses, MSN core courses, and courses specific to the nursing education concentration. Nursing education courses cover the role of the nurse educator, special topics in clinical practice, and simulation application. Future nurse educators also complete a 10-week practicum where they work under the supervision of a preceptor, assuming the role of an educator at selected health care sites. Students can complete the practicum in their geographic region. The RN to MSN program has multiple start dates each year.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MSN with a nurse educator focus that students can complete in as little as 12 months. Before entering the MSN, RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree complete a bridge course that is also delivered online. Courses for the MSN are delivered in seven-week sessions, and the degree requires 36 credits. Future nurse educators gain advanced nursing skills in the required core courses. Courses specific to the education focus cover topics such as theories of education, strategies for teaching in different environments, instructional design and online teaching, and evaluation techniques. Students also gain hands-on experience in teaching. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has at least four endowed scholarships that graduate nursing students may be eligible for.

The Master of Science in Nursing nurse educator concentration at George Mason University is a 41-credit program. Once RNs have completed any bridge requirements, they take 15 credits in core master's degree requirements. They also complete 26 credits in the nurse educator concentration, including advanced practice courses such as pharmacotherapeutics. Nursing education courses cover education theory, assessment, and curriculum development. Candidates complete two practicum experiences in nursing education. The School of Nursing works with diverse populations through the Mason and Partners (MAP) Clinics, where students have the opportunity to address the health care needs of community members in an interprofessional treatment team. The university also has a relationship with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which works with the College of Health and Human Services to recruit students for career opportunities with the VA.

Nurse educator MSN students at the University of Washington Tacoma prepare to teach in a variety of settings, including nursing schools, continuing education programs, clinical or patient education, and staff development programs. To accommodate the career goals of students, the fieldwork experiences are individualized and provide future nurse educators with teaching experience in environments such as community colleges, universities, hospitals, and community settings. Students complete two fieldwork experiences, which are always scheduled in the winter and spring quarter. In their classes, students learn how to teach diverse learners, identify learning needs, develop curriculum, use technology in teaching, and evaluate learning and performance in academic and clinical settings. The Master of Science in Nursing with a nurse educator option requires students to complete 47 to 50 graduate-level credits. Students can complete the program in seven quarters. All candidates must complete either a scholarly inquiry project or a master's thesis.

Washington State University has recently changed its curriculum design for the Master of Science in Nursing. Students who complete the RN bridge courses can earn a Master of Nursing in Population Health and take additional courses to earn a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. The graduate certificate requires an additional 12 credits, with courses covering topics such as teaching, evaluation, and different education delivery methods for interprofessional education. Students also complete at least 120 hours of practicum experience working with as preceptor. Washington State University allows students to attend the MSN program as full-time or part-time students. Courses are delivered in a hybrid model that combines online classes with in-person meetings. Classes are available at all five WSU College of Nursing campuses. The College of Nursing awards more than $250,000 in nursing scholarships annually.

Wheeling Jesuit University's RN-BSN-MSN program allows students to take four core graduate-level nursing courses during the BSN portion of the curriculum. With those courses out of the way, the nursing education specialist track requires only 24 more credits when students advance to the graduate level. Students take nine credits in advanced clinical core classes and 15 credits in nursing education. Future nurse educators learn about educational technology, curriculum and instruction, and evaluation techniques. They also complete an education specialist practicum where they work with a preceptor to gain hands-on experience in the nurse educator role. Nursing students also complete a capstone project that involves analyzing a problem in nursing education and creating a solution. Courses are delivered online, and students complete their clinical rotations in their home community. Students in the education track may be eligible for the Helen Faso Outstanding Master of Science in Nursing Award.

Students in the Master of Science in Nursing nurse educator program at Concordia University Wisconsin can choose how quickly they want to progress through the curriculum. Three-year and four-year plans start in the fall. Three-and-a-half-year and four-and-a-half-year plans start in the spring. The MSN nurse educator track requires students to complete 39 credits. Candidates complete a practicum in classroom teaching and a practicum in clinical teaching, working with a preceptor during each practicum experience. Students must find a preceptor in their home community and the preceptor must be approved by the faculty. Students are also required to complete a capstone project, which is a scholarly paper, and to create a portfolio that documents their nursing education competencies. All the classes for this program are delivered online.

Students in the RN to BSN to MSN program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh can take master's level courses as electives during the undergraduate portion of the program, speeding the time it takes to complete the master's degree. Students can select a nurse educator emphasis to prepare them for nurse educator roles in health care organizations or academic settings. The nurse educator plan of study requires students to complete 37 credits, including core master's courses and advanced nursing practice courses. Classes in the emphasis include assessment and evaluation strategies and the education process. Students complete one practicum with a minimum of 56 clinical hours and another practicum with at least 224 clinical hours. Classes for both the BSN and MSN portions of the program are delivered online, but MSN students must attend a mandatory graduate orientation session on campus.