Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for online MSN in nursing education programs is Fort Hays State University, followed by American Sentinel University.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 35% growth in employment for nurse educators, far exceeding the average for all occupations.
- Criteria for ranking included accreditation, tuition, and rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
In this article, we profile top value online MSN in nursing education degree programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a 35 percent growth in projected employment for nursing instructors and nurse educators. This percentage is 28 percent faster than the nation’s average for all other occupations. MSN degrees open a lot of doors.
Featured Programs
To be eligible for a nurse educator job, individuals must hold a master’s degree, such as the MSN in nursing education online or traditional degree. If you’re looking to earn your degree quickly, you’re in luck. We have an entire article dedicated to fast online MSN programs. There are a lot of options for MSN degrees, check out our breakdown of the MSN.
Online MSN in Nursing Education: Top 30 Values Methodology
We looked at 102 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered at least one MSN in nursing education online degree program.
We narrowed our school selection by applying the following criteria: school and/or program accreditation by a national or regional governing body and national, regional, and/or graduate nursing program rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report.
We then listed the top 30 schools according to raw affordability based on the most recent graduate tuition/fees published by NCES College Navigator.
Below is our list of the top online MSN in nursing education degree programs.
#30 – Sacred Heart University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Fairfield, Connecticut
Sacred Heart University’s MSN in nursing ed degree program is designed to prepare next generation nurses for careers as nurse educators. The program follows the National League for Nursing Competencies for Nursing Educators, and graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. Courses are delivered online and include:
- Application of Comprehensive Health Assessment Methods
- Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Health Care Information Systems
- Health Care Policy and Ethics for Contemporary Nursing Practice
- Theory and Professional Roles for Contemporary Nursing Practice
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s in nursing and have an active, unencumbered RN license to be eligible for admission. Time to completion is approximately 2 years. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has fully accredited Sacred Heart University to offer nursing education programs.
The school also holds full institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Fully Online? Yes
Online Enrollment for Grad Students: 45%
Graduate Tuition Per Credit Hour: $695
Financial Aid Information: Scholarships, Military Benefits, and Educational Partners
#29 – Duquesne University
Online MSN in Nurse Education and Faculty Role
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
One of the top value online nursing education programs on our list is offered by Duquesne University. Courses are delivered online, and curriculum is designed to help prepare graduates to sit for the Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam. The program consists of 12 courses (36 credits) and includes classes like:
- Advanced Clinical Nursing
- Emerging Trends and Innovations in the Teaching of Nursing
- Foundations in Education Theory for Professional Practice Disciplines
- Innovative Curriculum Design and Evaluation
- Nursing faculty Role Practicum
Admission requirements include a BSN from an accredited institution, an active RN license, at least one year of full-time work experience as a registered nurse, and the completion of an undergraduate-level statistics course.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Duquesne University’s online nursing master’s degree programs #45 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Institutional accreditation has been granted from the Middle States Commission on Education, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has separately accredited the school’s nursing education programs.
Fully Online? Yes
Online Enrollment for Grad Students: 29%
Graduate Tuition (Yearly): $24,048
Financial Aid Information: N/A
#28 – Pennsylvania State University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University offers an online MSN nursing education program designed to equip nurses to become nurse educators. In addition, the program’s curriculum helps prepare for national certification as a nurse educator.
Courses are flexible and delivered entirely online. Classes are taught by the same university professors who lead the on-campus program, too. These classes include:
- Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education
- Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education
- Nursing Education Theories and Strategies
- Pathophysiology
- Physical Assessment through the Lifespan
Admission requires applicants hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Penn State to award these degrees. The school’s nursing education programs are also programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Fully Online? Yes
Online Enrollment for Grad Students: 52%
Graduate Tuition Per Credit Hour: $950
Financial Aid Information: Financial Aid and Military Benefit Opportunities
#27 – Excelsior College
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Albany, New York
Excelsior College offers master of nursing education online programs designed to equip professional nurses for careers as nurse educators. Flexible online nursing classes fit into busy work schedules, making the program ideal for registered nurses.
Courses are taught by experienced faculty and include: assessment and evaluation in nursing education, designing a learning environment, program and curriculum development in nursing education, and theoretical foundations of nursing practice. The program consists of 38 credits.
To apply, you must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and provide a copy of your active license. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report recognize Excelsior College as a top regional university in the North.
Fully Online? Yes
Online Enrollment for Grad Students: 100%
Graduate Tuition Per Credit Hour: $695
Financial Aid Information: Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
#26 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Manchester, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Southern New Hampshire University’s MSN in nursing education online degree program is designed to prepare students to teach future nursing professionals as an academic educator in universities, community colleges, hospitals, or other health organizations.
The program is based on the competencies and standards defined by the AACN and National League for Nursing (NLN). Admission requires an unencumbered RN license and bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. No GMAT or GRE is required for admission.
Courses include advanced nursing concepts, assessment and evaluation in nursing education, curriculum design in nursing, evidence based practice, systems leadership and collaborative practice, and transition to graduate nursing practice.
U.S. News and World Report ranks SNHU #112 in best regional universities in the North and #1 in most innovative schools.
#25 – Azusa Pacific University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Azusa, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,692
Azusa Pacific University’s online nurse educator programs include the 37-credit hour MSN in nursing education. The program is CCNE-accredited and offers courses taught by experienced university faculty.
Courses include clinical practicum in nursing education, leadership and role development in nursing education, teaching-learning strategies and educational technology in nursing education, and theories of teaching and instruction.
The program’s curriculum is aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing and the National League for Nursing’s core competencies. U.S. News and World Report ranks Azusa Pacific #205 in best national universities.
#24 – Benedictine University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Lisle, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,526
Benedictine University’s online MSN in nursing education degree program is open to working nurses who value ongoing education. The online MSN with a nurse educator concentration program prepares students academically to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.
Courses are delivered online and are taught by Benedictine faculty. These courses include advanced health assessment, advanced pharmacology, curriculum development, evaluation strategies and methods, and instructional strategies. In addition to MSN classes, students fulfill 24 semester hours of coursework for the concentration.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Benedictine #221 in best national universities. The program is CCNE-accredited, and the school offers affordable graduate tuition.
#23 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online MSN in Nursing Education
California, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,203
The 100% online MSN in nursing education from California University of Pennsylvania prepares students to instruct nurses in an academic or healthcare setting. Students take two courses per semester–including summer, fall, and spring–to complete the 36 required credits in about two years.
Some of the classes include curriculum design in nursing education, foundations of nursing education, health policy in nursing, nursing organization and leadership theory, and theory and research in nursing. In addition to coursework, students complete a 150-hour practicum designed to offer full immersion in the nurse educator’s role.
Admission requires a BSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and an unencumbered RN license. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#22 – Independence University
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,616
Independence University offers master of nursing education online programs, including the 15-month online MSN in nursing education. This CCNE-accredited program is designed to prepare registered nurses to become nurse educators in a variety of academic and healthcare settings.
Courses are delivered online and include advanced nursing theory, instructional strategy, outcomes assessment, quality management, research and evaluation methods, and teaching critical thinking and clinical decisions. Graduates of the program have gone on to secure positions as nurse educators, nurse instructors, and patient education specialists.
To be admitted, students must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and have an active RN license. In recent years, Independence’s graduate nursing programs have received recognition from U.S. News and World Report.
#21 – University of Mary
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Bismarck, North Dakota
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,225
University of Mary offers affordable online nurse educator programs, including the BSN to MSN with a concentration in nurse educator. The program requires applicants hold a current, unencumbered RN license, have an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher, and provide official transcripts and two letters of reference.
Courses are delivered online and include advanced health assessment for nurse educators, critique and design of nursing research, evidence based practice and strategic healthcare decision making, healthcare law and policy, and professional roles in advanced nursing.
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank University of Mary #111 in best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, in recent years, the graduate nursing programs have earned top rankings.
#20 – University of Toledo
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Toledo, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,984
University of Toledo’s online MSN in nursing education degree program is designed for baccalaureate graduates with clinical nursing experience who are interested in becoming nurse educators. Admission to this fully accredited program requires an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Courses are delivered online and taught by university faculty. These classes include advanced nursing research, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, developing instructional programs in nursing, health assessment, introduction to biostatistical methods, and theoretical and ethical foundations of nursing.
U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Toledo as a top 300 national university. Also, the online graduate nursing programs have received recognition in recent years.
#19 – Chamberlain University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Downers Grove, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,240
Chamberlain University’s MSN in nursing education online degree program is a fully online graduate nursing degree with specialty track that serves as preparation for careers as a nurse educator. The program consists of a series of required classes and 144-hour practicum that students complete in their own geographic location.
Courses include advanced research methods in evidence-based practice, foundational concepts and applications, leadership and nursing practice in role development, and theoretical basis for advanced nursing practice. Admission requires an active RN license and BSN with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Chamberlain University’s online graduate nursing programs #118-#154 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Roberts Wesleyan College
Online Master’s in Nursing Education
Rochester, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,980
The master of nursing education online programs from Roberts Wesleyan College are designed for bachelor’s-prepared registered nurses who want to further their education and career as nurse educators. The 39-credit hour program offers 100% online classes that take approximately 20 months to complete.
Courses include advanced clinical foundations for nurse educators, curriculum and development evaluation, educational theory and the scholarship of teaching, informatics for nurse educators, and teaching strategies and learning assessment.
Admission requires a B.S. degree with a nursing major from an accredited college or university and cumulative GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report rank Roberts Wesleyan #93 in best regional universities in the North and #39 in best value schools.
Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #66 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – Jacksonville University
Online MSN in Clinical Nurse Educator
Jacksonville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,860
Jacksonville University’s online MSN in nursing education is fully accredited and offered 100% online. Curriculum and the practicum are aligned with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certification for Nurse Educators.
Some of the required classes include advanced pathophysiology for the clinical nurse educator, curriculum development in nursing, information systems and technology for improved healthcare, measuring educational outcomes in nursing, nursing leadership and advanced roles, and nursing theory and research.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville University #56 in best regional universities in the South and #48 in best value schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #31 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#16 – Colorado Technical University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,803
Colorado Technical University’s online nurse educator programs include the CCNE-accredited MSN in nursing education. This fully online graduate nursing degree can be completed in as little as 19.5 months and offers 100% online classes excluding the practicum, which is completed in the student’s geographic location.
Online classes include assessment and evaluation strategies, curriculum development and design, innovative teaching strategies, policy and politics in nursing and healthcare, and promoting and preserving health in a diverse society.
Admission requirements include an earned BSN with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado Tech as a top regional university in the West.
#15 – Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,236
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health offers an accredited online MSN in nursing education degree designed for professional nurses. The online MSN program is CCNE-accredited and can be completed in 21 months.
Curriculum provides skills and knowledge needed to become a nurse educator, and graduates become eligible for the NLN Certified Nurse Educator exam. Some of the required courses include advanced nursing roles and phenomena, critical appraisal of knowledge for practice, curriculum and program development and evaluation, issues in advanced nursing roles, and measurement and statistical concepts for data interpretation.
U.S. News and World Report recognizes Nebraska Methodist and its graduate nursing programs. In fact, the nursing programs have received rankings in the most recent publication of Best Colleges.
#14 – Walsh University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
North Canton, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,430
Walsh University’s MSN in nursing education online degree program is CCNE-accredited and fully online. The degree consists of 40 credits, which can be completed in as little as six semesters. Classes run eight and sixteen weeks in length, and there are three intakes per year.
Some of the required courses include advanced pathophysiology, assessment and measurement evaluation in nursing education, epi methods for health promotion, and theoretical development in nursing science. To be admitted to the graduate nursing program, applicants must have a valid RN license and a BSN degree with a satisfactory cumulative GPA.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Walsh #58 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #75 in best value schools.
#13 – Herzing University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,570
One of the most affordable master of nursing education online programs on our list is the MSN in nurse educator degree at Herzing University. This fully online 36-credit nursing program offers online courses that may be completed in just 16 months when attending full time. Students are prepared to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator exam at the end of the program.
Courses are taught by university professors and delivered in a flexible online format. These classes include health policy and management, organizational systems and behavior, research methods and evidence-based practice, teaching and learning strategies, and the nurse educator roles.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Herzing #128-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #101 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,392
Indiana Wesleyan University offers online nurse educator programs such as the online MSN in nursing education. This fully online program is open to registered nurses with a BSN degree and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Admission requirements also include three letters of professional reference and a criminal history background check.
Courses are delivered online and include concepts of leadership for nurse educators, ethics and health policy, evidence based communication, introduction to professional development for advanced practice in nursing education, and theoretical foundations for advanced nursing practice. Indiana Wesleyan is an accredited institution that is also ranked by major publications.
In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #32 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #67 in best value institutions.
#11 – University of Saint Mary
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Leavenworth, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,070
University of Saint Mary offers an online MSN in nursing education degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and meets the standards set forth by the AACN. Classes are delivered online, and clinical hours may be completed where you work. There are no residency requirements, making the program ideal for working nurses.
Courses for the nurse educator specialization include advanced health assessment and health promotion, advanced patho-pharm for the nurse educator, curriculum design and evaluation, foundations of learning and teaching, and teaching with technology.
U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Saint Mary #128-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
#10 – Grand Canyon University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,555
Grand Canyon University’s online MSN in nursing education program prepares advanced professional nurses for careers as nurse educators. The program is designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses and offers online classes that are flexible and convenient for working students.
Classes include advanced health assessment for nurse educators, evidence-based practice, introduction to advanced registered nursing, organizational leadership and informatics, and translational research and population health management.
The program consists of 36 credits, and classes run eight weeks in length. U.S. News and World Report ranks Grand Canyon #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the graduate nursing programs have received recognition.
#9 – Rivier University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Nashua, New Hampshire
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,475
The MSN in nursing education online degree program at Rivier University is open to registered nurses who want to become nurse educators. This fully online program consists of 36 credits and takes two years to complete. Courses are delivered online and run seven and fourteen weeks in length.
Some of the required courses include advanced concepts of health assessment for the nurse educator, curriculum development in nursing, introduction to nursing education practicum and seminar, quality healthcare improvement, and technology in nursing education.
Rolling admission allows students to apply at any time. The program is open to those with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rivier #142-#187 in best regional universities in the North.
#8 – Ohio University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Athens, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,715
Ohio University offers master of nursing education online programs, including the online MSN with a nurse educator concentration. The program is 100% online and designed to prepare practicing RNs with the skills needed to work as nurse educators.
Classes are taught by Ohio University’s esteemed faculty and includes topics like academic nursing, curriculum development in nursing, experience for nurse educators capstone, and teaching strategies in nursing. Classes are evidence-based and serve as preparation to sit for the NLN CNE exam upon graduation from the program.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Ohio University #171 in best national institutions and #91 in top public schools.
#7 – University of Central Florida
Online MSN – Nurse Educator Track
Orlando, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,872
University of Central Florida offers an online MSN in nursing education with a nurse educator specialty track. The program is CCNE-accredited and designed to build upon the student’s baccalaureate nursing education. The goal of the program is to prepare registered nurses for leadership positions in a variety of health care settings, such as hospitals, outpatient care facilities, and physician offices.
Admission requires an earned BSN degree with a satisfactory undergraduate GPA and an active, unencumbered registered nurse license. In addition to accreditation, the school has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks UCF #165 in best national universities.
Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #66 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – Liberty University
Online MSN in Nurse Educator
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,723
Liberty University’s online nurse educator programs are CCNE-accredited and take two years to complete on average. The online MSN offers a specialty track as a nurse educator. The degree requires a series of online courses taught by university faculty.
Some of the required courses include advanced health and physical assessment, evaluation strategies for nurse educators, health policy and ethics, managing population health, nursing issues and informatics and technology, and nursing theory and advanced practice. Admission requires a minimum of one year of nursing practice as a registered nurse, a current RN license, and college transcripts.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #109 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#5 – Lamar University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Beaumont, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,112
Lamar University’s master of nursing education online programs are ACEN-accredited and focus on patient outcomes and evidence-based care models. The MSN in nursing education is designed to prepare the next generation of nurses to become knowledgeable and skilled nurse educators.
Courses are delivered online and are taught by Lamar faculty. These courses include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing issues, curriculum design, measurement and evaluation, nursing research, and theoretical foundations. The program offers several start dates throughout the year, and admission requires an earned BSN and active RN license.
U.S. News and World Report rank Lamar #230-#301 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #111 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – University of North Carolina
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Charlotte, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,357
University of North Carolina’s online MSN in nursing education degree program is designed to prepare registered nurses for advanced practice as nurse educators. Graduates of the program who have two years of full-time teaching experience will be prepared and eligible to sit for the NCN certification exam for nurse educators.
The program is 100% online, and classes are taught by experienced UNC faculty. Classes include curriculum and instruction in nursing education, instructional technology in nursing education, teaching practicum in nursing education, and trends and issues in nursing education.
A total of 39 credits are required to meet degree stipulations. Admission requires an earned baccalaureate, BSN from a nationally accredited program preferred, and an active and unrestricted RN license.
U.S. News and World Report rank UNC Charlotte #194 in best national universities and #106 in top public schools. Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #64 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – Western Governors University
Online MSN in Education
Salt Lake City, Utah
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,790
The online MSN in nursing education degree program at Western Governors University prepares registered nurses for advanced careers as nurse educators. The program is CCNE-accredited and has a BSN to MSN pathway option.
Depending on your degree level upon admission, the program may take as little as 11 months or as much as 26 months on average. A series of core classes and nursing science and educators courses are offered online.
These courses include comprehensive health assessment for patients and populations, emerging trends and challenges in 21st century nursing education, facilitation of context-based student-centered learning, contemporary curriculum design and development, and organizational leadership and interprofessional team development.
Admission to the MSN program requires an active RN license. U.S. News and World Report ranks Western Governors as a top regional university in the West and #10 among the nation’s most innovative schools.
#2 – American Sentinel University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Aurora, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,480
The online MSN in nursing education program at American Sentinel University is CCNE-accredited and designed as a 100% online degree. Courses run eight weeks in length, and monthly start dates provide added convenience. The program requires 36 credits with up to 18 credit hours accepted as transfer credits.
Some of the courses offered include advanced physical assessment, curriculum design and learning outcomes, organizational dynamics of higher education, research design, teaching diverse learning styles, and theoretical foundations. Admission requires an active, unencumbered RN license, a BSN degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0, and no GRE or other placement test.
The school is accredited, and the graduate nursing programs are recognized by ACEN. American Sentinel offers one of the most affordable MSN in nursing education online degrees on our list.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Online MSN in Nursing Education
Hays, Kansas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,162
Fort Hays State University offers the most affordable MSN in nursing education online degree on our list. With 100% of its coursework online, the program is suitable for busy, working registered nurses who desire an advanced nursing degree and career as a nurse educator.
Online courses include advanced health assessment for educators and administrators, curriculum planning for nursing education, development of an evidence-based practice project, implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based practice project, and teaching strategies in nursing. A total of 36 credit hours are required for the degree.
Applicants must hold a current RN license and bachelor’s in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting authority. U.S. News and World Report ranks Fort Hays #128-#165 in best regional universities in the Midwest.
Also, the online graduate nursing programs rank #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with an MSN in nursing education online degree?
Nurse educators work in a variety of settings, from academic systems to hospitals. Some nursing educators are full-time faculty at four-year colleges, universities, or community colleges, while others teach refresher courses at hospital training centers and healthcare organizations.
Nurse educators or nurse instructors oversee the continuing education of the nursing staff. In a hospital setting, nurse educators generally work alongside hospital administrators to help develop continuing education plans and programs. They often carry out evaluations for individual staff and nursing department teams.
In academic settings, a nurse educator is most commonly called a nurse instructor. Nurse instructors may teach nursing classes to students enrolled in nursing programs. They assist with delivering course contact and preparing a new generation of nurses. In a college setting, nurse educators often evaluate standards and educational initiatives designed to improve the education of nurses.
The top tasks performed by a nurse educator include maintaining clinical standards in health care settings, writing grant proposals for hospitals or colleges and universities, and evaluating curriculum and learning tools for nurses and other nurse educators.
An MSN degree is required for most nurse educator positions. In many cases, nurse educators are also certified as CNEs or Certified Nurse Educators.
How much do nurses with an MSN in nursing education online degree make?
According to PayScale, a global compensation and salary information organization, the average annual nurse educator salary is $73,160 with the lowest ten percent earning $53,000 and the highest ten percent earning $98,000. Earnings are positively impacted by experience and education. The more educated and experienced a nurse educator, the more he or she will make. Let’s look at the numbers.
PayScale reports that an entry-level nurse educator with less than five years of experience working in the field can expect to earn an average of $67,000. This number is based on approximately 400 salaries provided by anonymous users. The total compensation includes salary, bonuses, and overtime pay, which is common in the nurse education field.
A more experienced nurse educator with five to ten years of applicable work experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $69,000 based on over 370 salary evaluations. Experienced nurse educators with ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn on average a total compensation of $75,000 based on over 380 salaries.
Late-career nurse educators, or those with an excess of twenty years of experience, can expect to earn on average a total compensation of $80,000 based on approximately 300 salaries.
Also, earnings increase with education and certification, as those with credentials and advanced degrees may negotiate higher compensation packages.
What is the job outlook for individuals with an MSN in nursing education online degree?
Nurse Journal, a social and global network community for nurses, reports a significant job growth by 2020 for nurse educators.
According to Nurse Journal, nurse educators can expect a 19 percent job growth over the next two years, which is a similar growth pattern for registered nurses. The growth rate is much higher than the 7% average for all other occupations.
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that through the year 2022 nursing instructors can expect a growth projection of 35 percent, much faster than the overall average.
The projected employment growth for nurse educators and instructors will depend on the regional location and work setting, such as a university or hospital. With baby boomers living longer and healthier, the need for nursing staff will increase.
Nurse educators are needed to train nursing staff, such as registered nurses, and we will see more jobs opening up at hospital training centers and academic institutions. Growth is also expected due to the increasing rates of chronic diseases and conditions.
Individuals with diabetes or obesity will require more visits with a nurse than an individual without chronic conditions; therefore, properly trained and skilled nurses will be in demand.
What are the admission requirements for MSN in nursing education online degree programs?
Admission requirements vary among colleges and programs, but many are similar in their overall expectations. The first step toward the degree is reviewing the deadlines and gathering the information needed for the online application.
Most MSN in nursing education online programs require applicants possess an earned bachelor’s in nursing, or BSN. Also, a current, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license is required. The license must be active and not hold any restrictions. Also, before your application is accepted, applicants must submit to a criminal background check. In some states, you may also need to provide proof of immunizations.
In addition to the BSN and RN license, a satisfactory GPA is important. Many programs require an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale, though some programs have lessened the GPA requirement by accepting averages of 2.75. GRE scores are not the norm for most MSN in nursing education online programs, though many highly ranked institutions do require satisfactory scores.
Top ranked programs require competitive GRE scores that fall within the top 50th percentile on both verbal and quantitative components.
Other application requirements include letters of recommendation, personal essays, and statements of purpose.
Do I need certification with an MSN in nursing education online degree?
There are several benefits of Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification, though the CNE certification is not a requirement for nurse educators. However, the certification serves as one of the most widely accepted ways for nurse educators to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and qualifications.
Many hospitals, medical organizations, and schools require or prefer a candidate who has acquired the CNE certification. Also, it can be used as leverage for career advancement for individuals already working in the field of nursing education. Think of the CNE certification as providing you with credentials that set you apart from competition.
With the growing shortage of nurses and increasing demand for health care workers, new nurses must present qualifications that open the door for career advancement. A CNE certification can ensure that you will always have a job.
The CNE certification requires the completion and passing of a 150-question online examination administered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). Six competency areas are assessed on the exam. The NLN publishes preparation materials to help prepare students for the exam.
Many programs on our list incorporate exam preparation and cover the information required to complete the examination. If you are seeking CNE certification, you will want to select an MSN in nursing education online degree program that supports your endeavors.
CVO Staff
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