in nursing education program

Best Online Master's in Nursing Education Programs

A nursing education master’s prepares nursing professionals to become educators in the field. These are the best online master’s programs in nursing education for students to learn the ropes of nursing instruction and choose a focus area. Read the Best Online Programs Methodology  »

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Duke University

Durham , NC

#1 in Nursing Education Programs

#4 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Duke University is a private institution where the majority of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. The... Read more

Drexel University

Philadelphia , PA

#3 in Nursing Education Programs (tie)

#45 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Drexel University is a private institution. Ninety-eight percent of students are already employed when they first enroll. The admissions deadline for these programs is rolling. Read more

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh , PA

#36 in Nursing Programs (tie)

Duquesne University is a private institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience. One hundred... Read more

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson , MS

#43 in Nursing Programs (tie)

University of Mississippi Medical Center is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their... Read more

University of South Carolina

Columbia , SC

#1 in Nursing Programs

University of South Carolina is a public institution where all of the graduate-level, online nursing classes are recorded and archived so that students can access lecture material at their convenience.... Read more

Nursing Education MSN

Shape the future of nursing with duke’s top-ranked msn in nursing education program..

Duke University’s MSN in Nursing Education empowers you to become a leader and educator in the ever-evolving field of nursing. Our nursing education program provides a strong foundation in nursing science and evidence-based practices, while seamlessly integrating advanced studies in educational technology, curriculum design and teaching strategies.

Ranked the #1 Best Online Nursing Education Program by U.S. News & World Report, our master’s in nursing education program combines in-depth nursing knowledge with cutting-edge educational methods. You’ll explore innovative teaching techniques that leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes and curriculum effectiveness, preparing you for a wide range of impactful career opportunities.

With our nursing education degree, you’ll master sought-after skills in clinical teaching, patient education and staff and professional development. This expertise prepares you to make a lasting impact in both health care and academic settings, shaping future generations of nurses and elevating standards of patient care.

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Online Nursing Education Program in the Nation

Preparing students for nursing faculty, clinical instructor, and staff development positions. Advanced program courses provide students with the foundation to teach nursing and healthcare professionals.

Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate

For students who already have a master’s from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing school or in another approved discipline, we also offer a Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate . This program allows you to build on your expertise with specialized skills and knowledge, advancing your career potential.

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MSN in Nursing Education Highlights

Duke University’s master’s in nursing education program blends online learning with practical applications to prepare you for advanced roles in both academic and health care settings. Through flexible online courses led by expert faculty, you’ll develop the essential skills to influence patient care and educate the next generation of nurses effectively:

Expert-led curriculum: At Duke, you’ll benefit from an exceptional nursing education curriculum taught by nationally and internationally recognized faculty. This comprehensive education prepares you to become an influential member of the nursing faculty and exposes you to leading health care institutions.

Flexibility for working professionals: Our master’s degree in nursing education is designed for working professionals, offering interactive online learning to fit your busy lifestyle. Complete your practicum close to home with our extensive network. Additionally, most core courses are 1 or 2 credits — as opposed to the traditional 3 credits — providing added flexibility.

Real-world experience: In your final semester, you’ll engage in a hands-on synthesis course, working alongside experienced educators in either academic or staff development settings. You’ll plan, teach and evaluate sessions, effectively using technology to enhance learning outcomes. This personalized practicum is tailored to align with your career goals, providing valuable experience in your chosen setting.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Nursing Education?

Duke’s master’s degree in nursing education opens doors to in-demand career opportunities at the forefront of nursing education and leadership. Our graduates are highly sought after for their expertise in areas such as clinical training, patient education, and staff and professional development.

With the robust training and knowledge our nursing education degree provides, you’ll be well equipped to make significant impacts in diverse roles, including:

• Academic positions : Become a faculty member, clinical instructor or program director at nursing schools and universities. You’ll have the opportunity to shape curriculum and enhance teaching methodologies, directly impacting the next generation of nurses.
• Health care leadership : Our master’s degree in nursing education prepares you to step into leadership roles, such as chief learning officer or education manager at hospitals and other health care facilities, influencing policies and practices on a broad scale.
• Corporate and nonprofit leadership : Lead training programs and develop educational content for health care corporations, nonprofit organizations and professional associations.
• Consultancy and advisory roles : Leverage your nursing education degree to advise educational institutions and health care organizations on strategies or curriculum development.
• Research and development : Engage in research that advances the field of nursing education, contributing to academic journals and spearheading innovative studies.

Educators are essential to the future of patient-centered nursing care, as evidenced by faster-than-average job growth in the education field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job opportunities for postsecondary teachers to grow up to 8% by 2032.

While exact figures vary depending on location, experience, area of expertise and other factors, the BLS reports median annual salaries of $80,780 for postsecondary nursing instructors and $105,650 for instructors in health specialty areas.

Explore More MSN Program Outcomes

Program Director

Jennie De Gagne PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN

Jennie De Gagne, Ph.D., DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, serves as a clinical professor and director of Duke’s Nursing Education MSN and certificate programs. Her scholarship aims to advance the science of teaching and learning by effectively utilizing instructional technologies to create a student-centered environment that facilitates deeper and more constructive learning. Cybercivility, a critical topic in her research, has motivated her to develop and lead innovative projects that address incivility in cyberspace among health professionals and students.

Learn more about Jennie De Gagne:  Scholars@Duke

Meet Our Nursing Education Faculty

Our MSN in Nursing Education program is led by a distinguished faculty of scholars and practitioners. These dedicated educators bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and innovative teaching methods to the classroom, inspiring students to make a lasting impact on the future of nursing education and patient care.

The Duke Difference

Earn your Duke nursing degree or certificate while you continue to work.

Discover our unwavering focus on creating innovative, nurse-led models of care.

Learn from experts in distance-based and hybrid education for over 20 years.

Learn & practice at one of the most advanced health systems in the world.

Our faculty are leaders in their field, with real world clinical experience.

We have exceptional students, learning alongside talented & dedicated classmates.

MSN Admissions

The MSN program employs a holistic admissions strategy. We consider each candidate’s unique life experiences alongside their academic performance, grades and test scores. This ensures that our nurse practitioner students represent the diversity of patients you will care for in your career.

If you need additional assistance, contact our admissions team by email or phone: 877-415-3853 .

We offer DROP-iN Chat for virtual Q+A Sessions along with PROGRAM INFORMATION SESSIONS for application help.

Join an Information Session

Student Testimonials

At that point in my career, I only had rudimentary medical knowledge; however, witnessing the administration of pain-relieving anesthetic to this wounded soldier was moving. From that impactful day forward, I knew becoming a CRNA was in my future. 

The School of Nursing renowned faculty, emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and immersive clinical partnerships promised an unparalleled learning experience.

Attending the Duke University School of Nursing has allowed me to advocate for veterans on an international level.

I was impressed by the work that is being done by many of the professors at our nursing school and how it was aimed at advancing social justice and promoting health equity.

The School of Nursing has prepared me to take on a position in any specialty. I can say with certainty that I feel I could contribute to any unit, in a hospital or community setting because of the experiences and training that the school has afforded me. I want to give myself to others and be a servant to those in need. It’s hard to explain the call to be a nurse, but when you know, you know. I want to be a source of comfort and security for those in my care.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for MSN Students

As part of our mission to meet the needs of nurse practitioners nationwide, Duke School of Nursing offers a variety of financial aid options for MSN students. These include merit- and need-based scholarships up to full tuition for select MSN students. There are also federal student loan options to fully fund your MSN degree.

Join our nursing community today

Experience the Duke difference. As a top nursing school in the nation, we empower students to become successful nurses who lead with purpose and passion.

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Post-Master's Certificate

Nursing Education

Be prepared to train nurses and make an impact on the future of healthcare.

Utilize your nursing knowledge, experience, and MSN degree to pursue additional nursing credentials that will allow you to progress in your career. Move forward on your career path with the help of a post-master's degree certificate in nursing that opens the doors to new opportunities.

As a nurse educator, you will demonstrate a professional presence by helping nursing students acquire the knowledge and skills to work effectively in inter-professional teams across a variety of academic and healthcare settings. 

Don't have an MSN? No problem! Check out the RN-to-MSN or the BSN-to-MSN nursing education degree programs offered by WGU. You can also  compare post-master's certifications to MSN programs .

Expected time to completion  

The program consists of 16 credits and is paced to be completed in two six-month terms. 

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!

Graduates who recommend WGU:

The vast majority of alumni say WGU delivered on its promises. In fact, over 50% of students found WGU thanks to a friend's recommendation.

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Nurse Educator Courses

This program consists of 8 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.  

The Nursing Education courses in this program were derived from the National League for Nursing Nurse Educator standards and the Master’s Essentials for Professional Nursing practice. The nurse educator specialization will cover topics such as curriculum development, learning styles, assessment, and more.

Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing–Education curriculum. That means the things you master at WGU are often directly applicable the next day at work—and it means what you’re doing at work frequently informs the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.

The Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing – Education consists of the courses listed below. You will typically complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Certificate Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you'll take your assessment, and once you pass, you'll complete the course and move on. This means you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Evolving Roles of Nurse Educators in Diverse Environments examines the multidimensional roles of a contemporary academic nurse educator. This course explores the roles and responsibilities of the nurse educator as a teacher, leader, change agent, and curriculum innovator. Students will also examine the importance of personal and professional development by developing strategies that promote academic integrity, cultural sensitivity, social justice, and ethical/legal values in diverse environments. The course emphasizes the responsibility of nurse educators to utilize communication, collaboration, and leadership in mitigating challenges in academic nursing education.

Facilitation of Context-Based Student-Centered Learning explores how the nurse educator will incorporate authentic experiences into the creation of course plans that facilitate scholarly inquiry, collaboration, and knowledge acquisition in varied educational environments. Emphasis is placed on innovative, transformational, and experiential teaching and learning strategies to facilitate student development of professional, context-based nursing principles, knowledge, skills, and behavior. Evolving Roles of Nurse Educators in Diverse Environments is a prerequisite to this course.

Contemporary Curriculum Design and Development in Nursing Education analyzes the concepts of creating curriculum based on national nursing accreditation standards and instructional design best practices. Nurse educator students will create course content that supports learning in diverse, real-world environments where nurse educators facilitate learning. Instructional design strategies for delivering course content will reflect the mission of academic institution programs, contemporary trends in nursing education, and the needs of key stakeholders in nursing education and practice. Facilitation of Context-Based Student-Centered Learning is a prerequisite to this course.

Assessment and Evaluation Strategies for Measuring Student Learning addresses the academic nurse educator's role in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of student achievement outcomes in nursing education programs. This course requires students to integrate best practices from nursing theory and theories of learning to assess student learning in diverse educational settings. Topics include validity, reliability, and practicality of assessments, interpreting item difficulty and discrimination test results, and analyzing student achievement and learning outcomes data. This course has no prerequisites.

Emerging Trends and Challenges in 21st Century Nursing Education analyzes the emerging trends, technologies, and challenges that academic nurse educators encounter when facilitating learning in diverse healthcare settings. Students will focus on the necessity of interprofessional collaboration and the barriers and facilitators to overcoming the challenges associated with teaching and learning in nursing. Topics include the impact of emerging technology, challenges in nursing practice, and the role of the academic nurse educator as a scholar and a nursing education policy advocate. This course has no prerequisites.

The Nursing Education Field Experience provides the academic nurse educator student an opportunity to work collaboratively with academic mentors and interprofessional stakeholders to analyze the need-gap for a curriculum change, innovation, or improvement. Based on the identified need-gap, the graduate student will design and develop a course that reflects evidence-based instructional design and assessment principles and practices. This course prepares students for the role of an Academic Nurse Educator, as an agent for change and quality improvement in nursing education.

The Nursing Education Capstone course provides the Nurse Educator student an opportunity to apply previous course work towards the completion of an evidence-based curriculum proposal project. During this course students will build on previous work during their Nursing Education Field Experience course by planning the implementation and evaluation phases of their proposed curriculum change. The capstone project represents a synthesis of competencies across the Master of Science in Nursing—Nursing Education degree program, which prepares them to lead, manage, and transform nursing education in diverse and complex settings. This course is eligible for an in-progress grade. Please see the grading scale policy for more information.

The learner will explore professional communication by applying the principles of academic writing to their discipline. Learners will incorporate these skills into the development of an evidence-based scholarly paper in their specialty area. As learners develop a scholarly paper, they will acquire a deeper understanding of the research topic selected and analyze whether initiatives and interventions have been effective or ineffective.

Program consists of 8 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

Field Experiences

Special requirements for this program

While most of your coursework will be completed online, your nursing program includes some requirements—including field experiences—that must be completed in a facility near you. And while most of your courses can be accelerated based on your prior knowledge and hard work, some nursing programs begin with a  cohort-based course  that must be completed via five scheduled webcam sessions with faculty and fellow students.

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Curriculum Development: Successfully implemented instruction using a variety of instructional strategies to support and expand learning, enhancing student engagement and academic growth.
• Lesson Planning: Effectively implemented ongoing assessment methods to determine the effectiveness of instruction and student learning.
• Research: Successfully collected comprehensive and relevant information on research topics from multiple sources, ensuring a well-informed and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
• Educational Technologies: Identified and utilized technologies that facilitated the delivery of educational instruction, optimizing learning experiences.
• Change Management: Expertly determined the most effective change management techniques for implementation in a given situation, ensuring smooth transitions and maximizing positive outcomes.
• Business Process:  Led transformative change in an organization's culture.

“Enrollment was perfectly easy for me. I was able to submit online and somebody called me within a day to start the whole process. Within two or three weeks I was ready to go for my first term.”

—Bryon Denton M.S. Nursing – Education

Top accreditations mean that your certificate is respected by employers and peers. You will get a quality education that is valuable in the industry with this nursing leadership program.

On Your Schedule 

You can continue working at your full-time job or maintaining your responsibilities while earning your nursing leadership post-master's credential. You don't have to log in to classes and there aren't due dates. You are in charge of your program.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in the nursing education certificate program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals.

COST & TIME

An Affordable Nursing Education Certificate

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their programs. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Nursing Certificate Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Certificate in Nursing Education Designed to Be Earned on a Nurse's Schedule

Our unique education model puts working nurses in the driver’s seat of their education. As a busy nurse, you need a certificate program that's more than simply online—you need one that truly reflects the realities of your work life and experience. At WGU, your progress is driven by your ability to prove what you’ve learned. How quickly is largely up to you. Once you’ve mastered the material, you prove what you know through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s curriculum.

Other online certificate programs may give you the convenience of distance learning; WGU's online programs take that flexibility further—many steps further!

"WGU is a great option for nurses who are looking to advance their careers but need further education and flexibility to do so.”

—Kathryn Kosmides M.S. Nursing – Education (RN to MSN)

CAREER OUTLOOK

Real Results for Your Career in Nursing Education

Once you have completed your Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing–Education you will have the knowledge and skills to be an outstanding nurse educator. You'll be in demand, because you'll be prepared to translate your extensive nursing knowledge into learning opportunities for other nurses.

Nurse educators teach and train nurses, nursing students, schoolchildren, community groups, workers, patients, and consumers. A post-master's certificate can prepare you to make a difference in a wide variety of settings, including:

• Community agencies.
• Industry and businesses.
• Nursing programs.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

Nursing instructors at colleges, universities, or professional schools make over $84,000 on average, according to recent statistics.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Nursing Education Leaders Are Thriving in Diverse Careers

Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your certificate in nursing education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move. Once you master subjects like curriculum development, instruction and evaluation, and current technology in nursing education, your role in nursing can take on a whole new dimension. Our 3,000-plus nursing education alumni have great jobs and satisfying careers:

• Director of nursing
• Chief nursing officer
• Quality director
• Clinical nurse leader
• Project manager

Diverse Industries

• Health systems
• Cancer centers
• Local, state, or federal government
• Hospice providers

Major Employers

• Ascension Health
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• UCLA Health System

WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers

Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.

Admissions Requirements Unique to This Program

To be considered for this post-master's certificate program in nursing, you must:

• Possess an M.S. in Nursing from an accredited institution or state board of nursing approved program.
• Possess an active, unencumbered RN license in your state of residence, or your state of employment. (Some license holders may be granted a waiver if they are not licensed in their state of residence or employment.) You must be licensed in the state in which you will complete your clinical experience. 

Safety Notice:  WGU and the College of Health Professions (CHP) are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. Interactions might include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, laboratory experiences, project development, or conducting research.  Standard compliance verification for students in applicable CHP programs is required to protect the public, meet CHP program expectations, reasonably assure compliance with state regulatory board requirements, meet WGU’s contractual and legal obligations with clinical partners, and support WGU’s mission to prepare students who will be qualified to enter their desired field. Compliance items may include, but are not limited to, background checks, immunizations, and drug screens as needed.

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More About the Nursing Education Certificate

• General Program Questions
• Financial Aid Questions

Who is eligible for the post-master's certificate in nursing programs?

In order to be eligible for this certificate program, you must be a registered nurse with an active, unencumbered RN license and hold a MSN degree from an accredited program.

Can I get a scholarship for this program?

Yes! WGU does offer scholarship opportunities for students in post-master's certificate programs. 

How does WGU keep its tuition so low?

As a nonprofit university, WGU doesn’t need to benefit shareholders. Our students are our only focus. We also try to keep our operating costs low. And since we’re an exclusively online university, we don’t need to maintain expensive classroom buildings, a campus, or other nonacademic programs.

Why should I get a post-master's certificate?

A post-master's certificate in nursing is a great option for MSN graduates who are looking to change the trajectory of their careers. For example, MSN-educated nurses who want to become a clinical instructor can benefit from a post-master's certificate in nursing education.

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer  federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.  This video shows more  about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

• How to apply
• Eligibility requirements
• Examples of scholarships
• What happens after you apply
• Other financial aid options

How does tuition work at WGU?

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

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