Online MSN Nursing Education Programs

What Is an MSN Nursing Education Program?

An MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Nurse Educator program is a graduate-level program designed to prepare registered nurses (RNs) for a career in nursing education. This program provides nurses with advanced knowledge and skills in teaching, curriculum development, assessment, and leadership. Graduates of an MSN Nurse Educator program are prepared to teach nursing students in academic and clinical settings, develop and evaluate nursing education programs, and assume leadership roles in nursing education.

For several reasons, someone might choose an MSN Nurse Educator program over a doctorate Nurse Educator degree, such as a DNP in Nurse Education, a Ph.D. in Nurse Education, or Ed.D. in Nurse Education. For example, an MSN program typically requires less time and money than a doctoral program. An MSN degree may also be sufficient for some nursing education roles, such as clinical instructor or staff development educator. In contrast, a doctoral degree may be required for more advanced roles, such as program director or academic dean.

2024 - Best Master's Degree in Nursing Education Programs

NurseEducator.com's online Master's Degree in Nursing Education rankings are based on an extensive methodology. Factors such as graduation rates, affordability, the competitiveness of the institution, the range of programs offered, and the experience of faculty are all taken into account. By combining these metrics, the rankings are able to provide a comprehensive assessment of each school's quality and potential. To see the complete methodology used to create these rankings, visit the methodology page.

1.

Clarkson College

Omaha, NE

Clarkson College is located in Omaha, Nebraska and is a private college. It offers a wide variety of degree programs, including an Online Master's Degree in Nursing Education. With a student population of over 1,600, Clarkson College provides a personalized, quality education in a supportive environment.

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2.

Bellin College

Green Bay, WI

Bellin College, located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a private college offering an online Master’s Degree in Nursing Education. With a student enrollment of 1,000, the college offers a personalized learning experience. The faculty and staff are dedicated to providing a comprehensive education and preparing students for professional advancement.

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3.

University of St. Francis

Joliet, IL

The University of St. Francis in Joliet, IL is a private, Catholic university with a student population of over 4,000. It offers an online Master's Degree in Nursing Education, as well as undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. USF is committed to providing students with a quality education and an immersive experience.

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4.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX

The University of Texas at Arlington is a public university located in Arlington, Texas. It is the third largest university in the state and serves over 52,000 students. In addition to traditional degrees, UT Arlington also offers an online Master's Degree in Nursing Education. With its wide range of academic opportunities, UT Arlington is an ideal choice for students seeking a comprehensive education.

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5.

William Carey University

Hattiesburg, MS

William Carey University is a private, evangelical Christian university located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is a medium-sized institution with nearly 5,000 students enrolled. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including an Online Master's Degree in Nursing Education. The university is committed to providing quality education and spiritual growth opportunities in an environment of Christian values.

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MSN in Nurse Education Curriculum & Tuition

The curriculum of an MSN Nurse Educator program typically includes courses in nursing education theory and practice, curriculum development and evaluation, assessment and evaluation, leadership and management, and instructional strategies. In addition, students may have opportunities for clinical practicum experiences in nursing education settings. Some programs may also offer specialized courses or tracks in areas such as online education or simulation-based education.

An MSN Nurse Educator program’s tuition and cost ranges can vary widely depending on the institution and location. According to the National League for Nursing, the average tuition for an MSN program in 2020-2021 was approximately $29,000 annually for in-state residents and $40,000 annually for out-of-state residents. However, some programs may be more or less expensive than this average, and there may be additional costs for books, fees, and clinical practicum experiences.

Do Online MSN Nurse Educator Programs Exist?

Yes, online MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) Nurse Educator programs do exist, and they have become increasingly popular in recent years. These programs offer nurses the opportunity to advance their education and careers while still maintaining their work and personal commitments. One example of an online MSN Nurse Educator program is offered by Walden University, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The benefits of an online MSN Nurse Educator program include flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. With online learning, students can study and complete coursework at their own pace and on their schedule, which allows them to balance their work, family, and other commitments. Online learning also provides access to a broader range of resources and support, such as virtual libraries and online tutoring services. Moreover, many online MSN Nurse Educator programs allow students to complete their clinical practicum requirements at a location near their homes or workplaces.

However, online MSN Nurse Educator programs differ from campus-based options in some ways. For example, online programs may require students to have strong self-discipline and time-management skills, as they are responsible for their learning and progress. Additionally, online programs may have limited in-person interaction and networking opportunities with faculty and peers. However, some programs may offer synchronous online sessions where students can engage in real-time discussions and activities with classmates and instructors.

An online MSN Nurse Educator program is a viable option for nurses pursuing advanced nursing education while still managing their personal and professional responsibilities. These programs offer several benefits, including flexibility and accessibility, but they require students to be self-motivated and proactive in their learning. Whether to choose an online or campus-based program depends on individual needs and preferences.

MSN Nurse Educator Accelerated and Bridge Programs

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that the accelerated nursing program allows people with a degree in a non-nursing related field to earn their MSN nurse educator degree in approximately 11 to 18 months. Completing a master's degree program would typically take about three years. Accelerated programs run consecutively without the same long breaks between semesters familiar with typical degree programs.

If you already have your RN credential at either the bachelor’s or associate degree level, an RN to MSN or RN to ADN would better meet your needs. Schools typically refer to these education options as bridge programs.

RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Completing a bridge program when you already have an associate degree takes much less time than earning the original degree or enrolling in a straight bachelor's degree program. Schools offer bridge programs either fully online or as hybrid programs to help busy adults balance their other responsibilities.

When researching schools offering this degree option, you will see it described as either an RN to MSN bridge program or an ADN to MSN bridge program. Here are the general requirements you must meet before you can register:

• ADN from an accredited institution
• Grade point average of at least 3.0, although some schools may be higher
• Letters of recommendation, typically one to three, depending on the school, should be from a previous instructor, academic advisor, work supervisor, or someone who has first-hand knowledge of your education and work habits
• Resume
• Transcript from the school where you received your ADN
• Unencumbered RN license

You should expect to spend two to three years completing your RN to MSN nurse educator program. However, the timeline can vary on either end, depending on the requirements of the college or university where you enroll. Requirements to complete ten career-related courses are typical, although the credits assigned vary by institution.

BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Here are some examples of potential courses:

• Advanced Evidenced-Based Innovations in Nursing
• Advanced Health Assessments for Patient Populations
• Essentials of Advanced Nursing
• Informatics in Nursing
• Management and Leadership in Healthcare

After finishing the core curriculum, students at this school give a formal presentation to demonstrate their mastery of the topics. This requirement is also common in other colleges and universities.

Accelerated Nurse Educator Program Options

Several schools offer Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) credentials for students with bachelor's degrees in any field. You may also see programs abbreviated as MEPN, which stands for Master's Entry Program in Nursing. The school must be accredited, and the typical time from enrollment to completion is two years. Millikin University in Illinois is one example of a school that offers an MENP program with nurse education coursework.

While an accelerated nurse educator degree program allows you to achieve your career goals faster, completing it is challenging and academically rigorous. As long as you are prepared for that reality and the fact that you need to complete many practice hours that involve long days, you should do just fine.

Nurse Educator Degree Type Comparison

Note: Program lengths may vary depending on the specific institution and program. These are just general estimates.

List of MSN Nurse Educator Degree Programs

In search of an online or campus-based MSN Nurse Educator program near you? Explore our state-by-state listings below.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.