What is a MSN Nurse Educator?
An MSN, or Master of Science degree in Nursing Education is a much sought-after degree by those in the medical field. In fact, the degree is so popular and so in-demand that 55,000 qualified applicants out of the 605 bachelor nursing programs were turned away according to 2011 American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Insufficient faculty members were the top reason cited for not being able to accept qualified applicants.
Featured Top Ranked Nursing Programs
- 1. Georgetown University
- 2. Drexel University
- 3. Northeastern University
- 4. Western Governors University
What Do Nurse Educators Do?
An MSN in Nursing Education will help students create curricula and evaluate, implement, revise, and plan programs. Additionally, nurse educators often work both in practice settings and in educational settings and help educate the community on health concerns or best practices, as well as teach other nurses. Students not only get the traditional nursing training but they learn about evaluation processes, financing, human resources, and information processes. Graduates of the MSN in Nursing Education programs will go on to use the theories and concepts of nursing to further nursing education. Moreover, they will help other students evaluate curriculum, create curriculum, and reach educational goals. Graduates often work with students by advocating for health care programs and services that students need.
How To Become A Nurse Educator
In order to be accepted into an MSN Nursing Education program, candidates typically have both a current Registered Nurse (RN) license and a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Reasons for application to the program and career goals after the program are part of the application essay that is required of all students. Passing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) examination is required of all international students.
The program itself consists of 36-42 credit hours. A combination of a completed thesis, participation in a specialty practicum or supervised teaching activity, and coursework make up the program. The program will have different topic options for students including health care financing, roles in health care organizations, curriculum development, and information systems. Students can also find health science statistics, psycho-educational intervention, data analysis, nursing research, and advanced practice nursing courses as well.
MSN Nursing Education graduates are often educators in health care and clinical settings or teach in nursing schools. The program prepares students to work as nursing educators in community education programs, continuing education programs, health care staff development, or bachelor and associate degree programs. There are plenty of possible career options for graduates of this program that include Home Health Agency Educator, Public Health Educator, and Hospital Staff Educator. Some graduates also choose Staff Development Coordinator or In-Service Educator as their profession.
Many people work full-time, have families to take care of, or other personal duties to attend to, going to a traditional, brick and mortar school may not be the best option. Since online programs offer schedule flexibility and the ability to take classes from home or any available computer, many individuals interested in obtaining their MSN in Nursing Education degree choose online schools.
Online programs offer the same quality education as traditional schools, and staff highly qualified professors who are currently working in their field and have years of experience. Moreover, online programs allow students to choose when they want to study and set their own learning pace. Students can take classes in the morning, afternoon, or evening depending on their own personal schedules. This freedom lets potential MSN graduates plenty of flexibility to earn their degree.