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Online MSN Nurse Educator
Pursue your MSN in nursing education and help provide meaningful training and classroom experience to a new wave of nursing professionals.
8 Weeks
8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year
24/7 Access
All-hours access to your coursework, online library, and tech support
CCNE-Accredited
This nursing track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1 (for the MSN and RN to MSN programs only)
Nurse Educator Track Highlights
Coursework that covers the principles of teaching, curriculum design, and assessments in nursing education
Skills to help prepare you to work in classrooms so you can shape the next generation of nurses
Online classes you can access anytime, anywhere from your mobile device or computer
Precepted clinical hours for hands-on practice at a healthcare facility near you
Why Choose an MSN - Nurse Educator?
As a nurse educator, you’ll be empowered to shape the future of nursing practice. If you’re driven by a passion for teaching and a commitment to making a lasting difference, WCU’s online MSN – Nurse Educator specialization can help you build on your current knowledge and set you up for a rewarding career path.
An MSN in nursing education helps prepare you to inspire nursing professionals in a range of settings including classrooms and hands-on clinicals. The evidence-based curriculum at WCU helps you learn about the core principles of teaching, curriculum design, assessment strategies, and more.
Explore the Nurse Educator Track program at WCU!
Overview: Online Nurse Educator Track
Program Details: MSN – Nurse Educator
Accelerated Plus Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
8 Months
2 Trimesters
Accelerated Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
12 Months
3 Trimesters
Working Professional Pace
Distance Education/Online
30 Credits
24 Months
6 Trimesters
Curriculum
Course Number | Course Name | Total Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Number | Name | Hours |
Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance | 3 | |
Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice | 3 | |
Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care | 3 | |
Health Promotion and Disease Management | 3 | |
Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, & Pharmacology for Nurse Educators | 3 | |
Nurse Educator Roles: Scholarship, Service, and Leadership | 2 | |
Curriculum Design I | 2 | |
Accreditation & Regulatory Requirements | 2 | |
Curriculum Design II | 2 | |
Program Assessment & Evaluation | 2 | |
Innovative Teaching Strategies & Learning Styles | 2 | |
Nursing Education Practice Integration Experience | 3 | |
Total Credit Hours: | 30.0 |
Tuition & Financial Aid
How Much Does the MSN – Nurse Educator Program Cost?
We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.
Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of MSN – Nurse Educator online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the MSN – Nurse Educator track costs at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥.
We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.
Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator Track
Tuition and Fees
Accelerated Plus*
Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
Program Length(full time) | 2 trimesters | 2 trimesters |
Tuition Cost(per credit) | $680 | $680 |
Total Tuition Cost | $20,400 | $20,400 |
STRF1 | $55 | $0 |
Technology Fee2 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $525 | $525 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $21,925 | $21,925 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $21,980 | $21,925 |
Accelerated*
Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
Program Length(full time) | 3 trimesters | 3 trimesters |
Tuition Cost(per credit) | $680 | $680 |
Total Tuition Cost | $20,400 | $20,400 |
STRF1 | $55 | $0 |
Technology Fee2 | $1,500 | $1,500 |
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $525 | $525 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $22,425 | $22,425 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $22,480 | $22,425 |
Working Professional*
Degree Type | Master of Science (Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024) | Master of Science (Enrolling after April 1, 2024) |
Total Program Credits | 30 | 30 |
Program Length(full time) | 6 trimesters | 6 trimesters |
Tuition Cost(per credit) | $680 | $680 |
Total Tuition Cost | $20,400 | $20,400 |
STRF1 | $60 | $0 |
Technology Fee2 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 | $525 | $525 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) | $23,925 | $23,925 |
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) | $23,985 | $23,925 |
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year4 | ||||
Prior to Fall I 2024 | Starting Fall I 2024 | |||
with parents | off campus | with parents | off campus | |
Federal Student Loan Fee | $220 | $220 | $220 | $220 |
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $2,384 | $7,936 | $2,496 | $8,329 |
Transportation | $1,648 | $1,648 | $1,728 | $1,728 |
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $5,392 | $5,392 | $5,656 | $5,656 |
Total | $9,644 | $15,196 | $10,100 | $15,932 |
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.
1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.
However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.
2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.
3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.
4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements (MSN All Track Option):Â Â
- Completion of the application for admission.
- Completion of all university admissions requirements.
- Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
- A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
- Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
- An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
- A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
- Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the first week of the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to theÂ
For additional requirements, please visit our .
Academic Calendar
New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the Nurse Educator track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.
Clinical Placements
Find a Clinical Facility that Meets Your Needs
Need help getting placed with a preceptor and site for your clinical practicum? Our Clinical Placements team can help.
We have the resources to assist with your preceptor search and through every step in the process of setting up an agreement. You’ll have access to an assigned coordinator of clinical relations who can provide you with coaching calls, so you’re fully prepared for your clinical practice journey. ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ has partnerships with healthcare organizations, which is extremely valuable for our clinical placement efforts.
Career Services
Support Through Your Job Search
Once you’ve completed the Nurse Educator track, you’ll need to find a position that helps you utilize your newly developed teaching skills. That’s where our Career Services department comes in.
Providing no-cost resume workshops, interview coaching, and professional development opportunities, Career Services is here to support you. Our dedicated team can help you find open roles in your field, revise applications, and reach your full potential.2
Featured Faculty
Meet the Dean
Dr. George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, RN, AGNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP
Dean/Director, DNP, RN to BSN, AGPC-NP & Graduate Specialty Programs
Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.
Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.
Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as professor, program director, department chair, and associate dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.
FAQs
Is the MSN - Nurse Educator track right for me?
Our MSN – Nurse Educator track is designed for students who are interested in teaching nursing in either the classroom or the clinical setting. You will take courses in the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum design, and assessment in nursing education.
Will my previous coursework transfer into the Nurse Educator track programs?
We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine which credits can transfer into your chosen program.
How long does it take to complete the Nurse Educator tracks?
Time to completion will vary depending on which pace you choose:
- Accelerated Plus — 8 months
- Accelerated — 12 months
- Working Professional — 24 months
Do you need an MSN to be a nurse educator?
To be considered for a certified nurse educator role, you will need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. WCU offers three programs with Nurse Educator tracks to help you earn your certification: an MSN, an RN to MSN, and a post-master’s certificate program.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. During the application process, you can talk to a dedicated financial aid advisor to review your options and find the financing solution that’s right for you. Our financial aid office is here to support you every step of the way.
WCU institutional scholarships include the WCU Performance Scholarship, WCU Health Services Partner Grant, and the Alumni Pathway Grant for WCU alumni. For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit our on our online catalog.
How will WCU support me in my online journey?
When you study to become a nurse educator at WCU, you get one-on-one support every step of the way. This includes access to no-cost tutoring and online resources such as LinkedIn Learning. You also have a Student Success advisor you can contact whenever you need support.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at ¹ú²úÖ÷²¥ are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 ().
2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.