Inspire and Teach the Next Generation of Nurses
- Low tuition: $637 per credit x 36 credits total
- No entrance exams
- Provides educational content for CNE exam certification
- Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)2
- 5 term starts per year: No caps or waiting list
- 8% projected growth for postsecondary teacher roles through 20321
Earn Your Online MSN in Nursing Education
Combine your clinical expertise and passion for teaching with the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education program at Southern New Hampshire University.
Nursing educators will play a pivotal role in the future of nursing. By teaching and training the next generation of nursing professionals, you'll be a critical factor in providing equitable care for diverse populations.
This MSN program track can help prepare you to lead and teach future nursing professionals as an academic or clinical nurse educator in major universities, community colleges, hospitals and healthcare organizations.
With most nursing schools facing growing numbers of applicants, nurse educators are in high demand. The online MSN Nursing Education program offers an authentic learning experience that develops resume-building skills and knowledge required to teach the next generation of nurses.
At the end of the program track, students will have an opportunity to put learning into practice with a practicum course that includes a 135-hour clinical and academic teaching immersion experiences under the guidance of nurse educator preceptors.
The MSN program track is based on the competencies and practice standards defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN). Graduates of the MSN Nursing Education program meet the educational requirements for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League for Nursing.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.
What You'll Learn
- Evidence-based practice and healthcare technology applications
- Leadership and collaboration skills that can improve nursing practice
- Advanced communication and advocacy strategy development
- How to advance equitable health policies and regulations
- Best teaching practices to develop and evaluate high-quality education
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Fast Track Your MSN
Ready for the next phase of your career? With SNHU's 5 MSN program tracks — updated to align with today’s healthcare standards — you'll be on your way to earn your degree faster, for less.
Nurse Educator Career Outlook
Nurses are in high demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting about 193,100 openings – each year, on average – for registered nurses through 2032.1 But that's just the tip of the iceberg.
As the workforce ages, demand is also shifting to nurses with more specialized skills – and leadership and teaching are some of the most valued among them.
For this reason, jobs for postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers are expected to grow in coming years.1 Those who earn an MSN in Nursing Education will be prepared to pursue a number of different roles, from postsecondary teacher to simulation coordinator.
Consider, too, the unprecedented challenges of the recent pandemic. The evolving state of healthcare fuels a need for nurse educators – those who can help prepare nurses in a rapidly changing field – now more than ever.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities for postsecondary teachers are expected to grow 8% through 2032.1
Salary
The median annual salary was $80,840 for postsecondary teachers in 2022.1
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
According to the 2021 report, ''The Future of Nursing: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity," published by the National Academy of Medicine, nurse educators will play an invaluable role in the future of healthcare.3
"The ability to care for and protect the nation’s most vulnerable citizens depends substantially on the preparedness of the nursing workforce," the report noted.3 "The myriad factors related to national nurse education and training — licensure and certification, scope of practice, mobilization and deployment, safety and protection, crisis leadership, and health care and public health systems support — together define nursing’s capacity and capabilities in disaster response."3
Further, the report urges nurse educators to inform the next generation of nursing professionals. In doing so, the National Academy of Medicine notes, nurse educators can "help advance health equity nationwide."3
This urgency to help prepare a new nursing workforce is one of the reasons SNHU is so dedicated to creating seamless, fast pathways to an MSN degree. It's also why we offer this program with no caps or waiting lists – helping you get one step closer to the next chapter in your career.
Where Could You Work?
Hospitals
Teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to experienced nurses and nursing students.
Healthcare Organizations
Coordinate and manage the nursing program's simulation and skills lab.
Community Colleges
Instruct and evaluate the clinical training of health sciences students.
Educational Support Services
Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums established by school boards, states or federal entities.
Universities
Oversee student services, academics and faculty research in a specific education department.
Government
Represent the educational needs of nurses and their impact on healthcare equity.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Nursing Education Leadership Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online Nurse Educator Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. You could also earn college credit for previous work experience.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms. You can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials. To apply, simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options. Your counselor can also walk you through the application process, which involves completing a graduate application and providing undergraduate transcripts.
MSN Admission Requirements:
- Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction all licenses must be unencumbered.)
- Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE, and CNEA) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 but 2.67 or above may be eligible for provisional acceptance.
- Completion of the MSN acknowledgement form.
- Provisional acceptance may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA between 2.67 and 2.99.
No BSN yet? No problem! SNHU offers an accelerated online RN to MSN pathway option that allows eligible registered nurses to achieve their MSN faster and for less money. The RN to MSN accelerated pathway can be applied to all 5 specialty tracks.
SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or U.S. territories, and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or U.S. territories into nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a U.S. territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the U.S. territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact an admission counselor, and current students should contact their academic advisor, for more information.
Applicants and students are advised that their success in their chosen program may be dependent on an ability to meet the Nursing Program Health and Technical Requirements (PDF).
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through application process
Preparing You for Success
Dr. Sonya Blevins, associate dean of nursing
“You will learn very quickly through clinical experiences what you like and don’t like. A good nursing program will help you figure out your path by the time you graduate."
Nursing Education Courses & Curriculum
The online MSN Nursing Education track can help prepare you to teach in clinical and academic settings.
Like all MSN tracks at SNHU, the Nursing Education program track requires the following 5 core courses:
- Role Development and the Transformation of the MSN Nurse
- Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare
- Epidemiological and Biostatistical Applications in Healthcare
- Global Health & Diversity
- Evidence-Based Practice & Scholarly Inquiry
Upon completing your core, you'll take the following Nursing Education track specific courses:
- Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology. Build upon existing knowledge of physiology and pathologic aspects of human disease across the lifespan. Advanced clinical pathophysiology, pathobiology, immunology, and genetics will all be analyzed. You'll gain knowledge to foster advanced clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. You'll then examine clinical manifestations of major health problems across the lifespan and explore the management of illness and health restoration.
- Advanced Health Assessment and Clinical Reasoning. Build on previous clinical experience and prior knowledge to master health assessment skills and advanced communication strategies. You'll conduct comprehensive health assessments incorporating environmental, genetic, multicultural, ethnic and socioeconomic factors. You'll also gain mastery of the advanced history and physical exam, formulate plans to ensure effective patient-centered care and adapt your communication style to meet the specific needs of diverse individuals and families.
- Population Care Management. Build upon previous health promotion and disease prevention knowledge and gain additional management skills to improve the health of populations. You'll assess health risks, services and needs of populations, analyze data to drive the improvement of care and investigate funding resources to address deficiencies. You'll also demonstrate the ability to coordinate care through the establishment of interprofessional partnerships to address gaps in care and develop, implement and evaluate improvement plans.
- Facilitating Learning and Teaching Innovation in Nursing Education. Explore the use of teaching and learning assessment strategies for nurse educators. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based practice to enhance student learning in clinical, didactic and online learning environments. You'll examine various teaching and learning methods, including using innovative education technologies. Topics in this course include feedback strategies, test construction and item analysis and developing and using rubrics.
- Curriculum Foundations in Nursing Education. Explore the role of the nurse educator in curriculum design and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the process of developing curricula to include evaluation of program outcomes. You'll examine policies, accreditation, professional standards and regulations that are designed to ensure program compliance and the achievement of learner outcomes. You'll also explore learning strategies that guide the development and revision of programs and outcomes.
The MSN Nursing Education track integrates hands-on learning throughout. You'll be required to complete a practicum experience, helping you apply your skills in an authentic healthcare setting.
The online MSN Nursing Education track is aligned to the core competencies defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. The program provides the essential skills required by registered nurses to either transition into or supports the requirements of the nurse educator role. Graduates of the MSN Nursing Education track meet the educational requirements for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN).
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- Clinical practice experience (CPE): Clinical practice hours are incorporated into all graduate nursing programs accredited by CCNE. SNHU incorporates these authentic learning experiences into your MSN program through indirect and direct clinical experiences. You'll be able to achieve these CPE hours through coursework and assignments and time spent with a preceptor. Please connect with our Student Experience team to learn more about clinical practice experiences by track.
Students enrolled in the MSN program must comply with requirements of the organizations where their clinical practice experiences/practicum will be completed. These requirements may include (but are not limited to) a criminal background check, active and unencumbered license verification, immunization records, professional liability insurance. Students may incur additional costs to meet organizational requirements (ex. drug screening, physical examination co-pay, etc.). These requirements must be met prior to registering for the clinical practice experience course.
It is a requirement that nursing students carry their own medical malpractice insurance while enrolled in practicum courses. At least two terms prior to the start of the clinical components, students will be required to demonstrate proof of having an active individual medical malpractice certificate.
HEaRT Experiential Learning
Looking to gain professional healthcare experience, even before you graduate? Do it with HEaRT.
Specially designed for learners in healthcare and nursing, HEaRT (Higher Education and Real World Training) is a powerful experiential learning opportunity at SNHU. These online, asynchronous, voluntary experiences help connect students with employers to help solve real-world business problems – so you can be ready to make an impact in your field.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| MSN in Nursing Education |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| MSN in Nursing Education Online | ||
| NUR 508 | Role Development and Transformation of the MSN Professional Nurse | In this course, learners will explore the roles of an MSN professional nurse. This includes the differentiation of the APRN role and scope of practice and development of a plan for career-long learning. Learners will evaluate practice experiences and explore the influence of healthcare systems, policy, and trends in shaping MSN professional practice. Learners will continue to form and cultivate their professional nursing identity, through critique, engagement and the development of interprofessional relationships. |
| NUR 520 | Epidemiological and Biostatistical Applications in Healthcare | This course focuses on the principles and foundations in epidemiology and biostatistics for healthcare application. Students will evaluate basic concepts of disease transmission and study designs as they learn to quantify disease progression and assess risk factors of disease. Students will gain skills in the application of data collection, data analysis, and hypothesis testing to health data as a way to support health promotion, disease prevention, and clinical decision-making. |
| NUR 531 | Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare | Learners will develop key attributes of an MSN professional functioning in complex healthcare systems to promote a culture of safety and quality outcomes. Learners will challenge assumptions, be prepared to proactively take action based on timely and reliable information, and create solutions that anticipate needs across the four spheres of care. They will develop leadership, communication skills and strategies to promote interprofessional team collaboration and strengthen partnerships to improve outcomes across a variety of settings. |
| NUR 550 | Evidence-Based Practice and Scholarly Inquiry | In this course, students will translate evidence-based practice that is essential for continuous improvement in a variety of healthcare settings. Course topics include the use of scholarly inquiry, evaluation of existing clinical practice guidelines, critical analysis and synthesis of the best evidence to inform practice. Students will gain skills in utilizing various databases for retrieving scholarly evidence and best practices to improve healthcare outcomes. Students will apply evidence-based practices to the role of the MSN professional. |
| NUR 634 | Facilitating Learning and Teaching Innovation in Nursing Education | In this course, students explore the use of teaching and learning assessment strategies for nurse educators. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based practice to enhance student learning in clinical, didactic, and online learning environments. Students will examine various teaching and learning methods, including using innovative education technologies. Topics in this course include feedback strategies, test construction and item analysis, and developing and using rubrics. |
| NUR 690 | Nursing Education Practicum | In this practicum, students will synthesize prior learning and theoretical foundations of nursing education in the development of an implementable nursing education improvement project or change initiative. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through an assessment of a knowledge gap in nursing education, the development of recommendations, and the dissemination of a nursing education plan to a targeted audience. Students will engage in 135 hours of supervised, direct clinical practice experiences, divided between an academic and advanced nursing practice setting, to demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the nursing education role. |
| Total Credits: 36 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Nurse Education Technology Requirements
Students enrolled in the MSN program courses are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware, software and equipment. In addition to meeting the SNHU Technology Requirements, this track does have Minimum Technology Requirements as follows:
- 20Mbps (download) and 5Mbps (upload)
- Ability to record (webcam and microphone are often built into laptop or computer)
- Assessment kit (tools specified in course syllabus)
- A laptop is recommended
University Accreditation
ANCC Accredited Provider
At Southern New Hampshire University, we’re committed to your success — even beyond graduation. That’s why we’re committed to delivering accredited continuing education for nurses and healthcare professionals. From one-hour webinars to multi-day conferences and more, these opportunities are built to help you continue to meet the needs of communities across the globe.
Visit our SNHU continuing education page to learn more.
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Students enrolled in the MSN program may be subject to ongoing licensure checks through a third party vendor, additional fees will apply and may vary by state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a master's in nursing education?
A master's in nursing education can help position you for a few different career paths.
Primarily, nurse educators can teach in academic or hospital settings. Those who enter the field will educate nurses on the newest processes, standards, technology and safety measures that uphold regulatory requirements and improve patient care.
In the hospital setting, nurse educators are supporting working nurses through on-the-job training. Within academic settings, nurse educators can be found teaching pre-licensure or post-licensure students, helping prepare them for a rewarding career.
The impact of your nursing education MSN, however, will reach far beyond a single job title. As an educator, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of a changing healthcare system.
As the National Academy of Medicine points out, "[Nurse educators] need to be prepared to teach their students about the complex linkages among population health, social determinants of health and health outcomes."3
This, in part, means putting a face to the populations served, becoming more active in local communities and understanding the barriers between individuals and access to healthcare.
How much does a master's in nursing education graduate make?
Salary expectations for those who have earned a master's in nursing education may vary. Several factors, such as experience, setting, geographic location and job role may impact your earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers earned a median annual wage of $80,840 in 2022.1
What types of master's degrees in nursing are there?
There are several different types of online master's in nursing options. Nursing education is just one of many possible career tracks. And as the field evolves, plenty of new opportunities are growing with it.
You could, for example, pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in healthcare quality and safety, population healthcare or nurse executive leadership or a family nurse practitioner (FNP) degree.
Not sure which path is right for you? No problem. All of SNHU's MSN programs contain the same 5 core courses to start, so you have the option to switch tracks without losing credit. This gives you an opportunity to explore and decide later which direction you'd like to take.
How long is an MSN program?
At SNHU, most of our online MSN programs require 36 credits, which is 12 total courses. (The one exception is our MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner track, which requires 51 credits.)
That said, students have the option of taking two courses per term, which is considered full-time, or one course per term, which is considered part-time. Only you can decide which workload is right for you, but if speed is important to you, the full-time option could be the way to go.
At SNHU, we also understand that your schedule may change term by term, so you can decide as you go what the right balance is for you.
Adding to the flexibility of our programs – our graduate terms are 10 weeks long, with 5 term starts per year. The benefits here are two-fold. On one hand, you can keep going with minimal gaps from one term to the next, to keep the momentum. On the other, you can plan ahead on when you have week-long breaks between terms to get ready for the next term, or assess whether one course or two is best for your upcoming term.
Is it worth it to get a MSN in nursing education?
Only you can decide if an MSN in nursing education aligns with your professional goals. That said, if your goal is to enter a role that is personally rewarding, with promising prospects for the future, this program could be an excellent pathway to your goals.
The MSN in Nursing Education at SNHU, for example, reflects "innovative teaching and learning practices, best practices in designing curriculum, individualized assessments and the ins and outs of learning through simulation," said Crissy Hunter, clinical faculty of nursing programs at SNHU.
The program also "prepares students for the Certified Nurse Educator exam by the National League for Nursing, which is a true mark of a prepared nurse educator," she said.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job prospects for postsecondary teachers will grow 8% through 2022 – faster than the national average for all occupations.1 In addition, the BLS reports postsecondary teachers earned a median annual salary of $80,840 in 2020 — higher than the median annual salary for all workers the same year at $46,310.1
Nurse educators will be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare. As the needs of the industry evolve, so do the roles and responsibilities of teachers.
Related Articles
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Why Ethics in Nursing Matters
What are the 5 Most Influential Leadership Styles in Nursing?
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3)
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791. (viewed June 7, 2021)
3National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982. (viewed June 7, 2021)
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.