Nurse Educator

Help shape the next generation of nursing professionals. Our Nurse Educator tracks can help you develop the skills you need to make an impact in the classroom or on the training floor.

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Nurse Educator

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

Flame

Coursework that covers the principles of teaching, curriculum design, and assessments in nursing education

Stethoscope

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

Your Success

Precepted clinical hours for hands-on practice at a healthcare facility near you

Why Choose the Nurse Educator Track?

Teachers shape the future of the world. As a nurse educator, you can help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals, either in the classroom or in clinical units.

If you have a passion for teaching and helping others, our specialized Nurse Educator track can help you gain the skills you need to pursue this path. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum design, and assessments in nursing education.

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Start Your Journey

  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Explore the Nurse Educator Track program at WCU!

Overview: Online Nurse Educator Track

Program Details: RN to MSN – Nurse Educator

Accelerated Plus Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

16 Months

4 Trimesters

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

20 Months

5 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

32 Months

8 Trimesters

Curriculum
Course NumberCourse NameTotal Credit Hours
NumberNameHours
ELECT 199Awarded for College-Level General Education Coursework:
Up to 39 credits of transfer coursework:- Effective Spring II 2023(For Spring I 2023 Enrollment use Winter 2023 Catalog for Curriculum Information)

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

    • * College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    • * Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)
    • * Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)
    • * Advanced Placement (AP)
    • * International Baccalaureate (IB)
    • * American Credit Evaluation (ACE)
    • * National College Credit Recommendation
      Service (NCCRS)
    • * Challenge exams
39.0
BSNR 300Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations3
BSNR 305Pathophysiology3
BSNR 315Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice3
BSNR 400CCommunity & Public Health Nursing I3
BSNR 405CCommunity & Public Health Nursing II3
MSNC 500Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance3
MSNC 505Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice3
MSNC 510Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care3
MSNC 515Health Promotion and Disease Management3
MSNE 540Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, & Pharmacology for Nurse Educators3
MSNE 600Nurse Educator Roles: Scholarship, Service, and Leadership2
MSNE 605Curriculum Design I2
MSNE 610Accreditation & Regulatory Requirements2
MSNE 615Curriculum Design II2
MSNE 620Program Assessment & Evaluation2
MSNE 625Innovative Teaching Strategies & Learning Styles2
MSNE 635CNursing Education Practice Integration Experience3
Total Credit Hours:45.0
Required At WCU45.0
Awarded for College-Level General Education Courses39.0
Awarded for Unencumbered RN Licensure and Lower Level Nursing Courses51.0
Degree Total135.0
Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the RN to MSN – Nurse Educator Track 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 RN to 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 RN to MSN Nurse Educator track costs at West Coast University.

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.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator Track

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution with a 3.0 CGPA or better.
    1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into 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.
  4. 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.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
  5. Submit official transcripts from one of the programs below approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) (including any prior courses taken to be considered for transfer of credit).
    1. Associate of Science in Nursing
    2. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
    3. Diploma in Nursing
    4. State-approved nursing with evidence of an earned RN license
    5. Foreign nursing equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States
    6. Associate of Science with evidence of an earned RN license
    7. Associate of Applied Science with evidence of an earned RN license
    8. Non-nursing bachelor’s degree with evidence of an earned RN license*
    9. Foreign-Foreign equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States*

* Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.

For more information, please visit our catalog.

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 NumberCourse NameTotal Credit Hours
NumberNameHours
MSNC 500Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance3
MSNC 505Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice3
MSNC 510Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care3
MSNC 515Health Promotion and Disease Management3
MSNE 540Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, & Pharmacology for Nurse Educators3
MSNE 600Nurse Educator Roles: Scholarship, Service, and Leadership2
MSNE 605Curriculum Design I2
MSNE 610Accreditation & Regulatory Requirements2
MSNE 615Curriculum Design II2
MSNE 620Program Assessment & Evaluation2
MSNE 625Innovative Teaching Strategies & Learning Styles2
MSNE 635CNursing Education Practice Integration Experience3
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 West Coast University.

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

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the program must meet the following requirements (MSN All Track Option):  

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
  4. 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.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
  5. 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 the International Admissions section of the catalog

For additional requirements, please visit our catalog.

 

Program Details: Post-Master’s Certificate – Nurse Educator

Accelerated Plus Pace

Distance Education/Online

18 Credits

8 Months

2 Trimesters

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

18 Credits

16 Months

4 Trimesters

Curriculum
Course NumberCourse NameTotal Credit Hours
NumberNameHours
MSNE 540Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, & Pharmacology for Nurse Educators3
MSNE 600Nurse Educator Roles: Scholarship, Service, and Leadership2
MSNE 605Curriculum Design I2
MSNE 610Accreditation & Regulatory Requirements2
MSNE 615Curriculum Design II2
MSNE 620Program Assessment & Evaluation2
MSNE 625Innovative Teaching Strategies & Learning Styles2
MSNE 635CNursing Education Practice Integration Experience3
Total Credit Hours:18
Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the Post-Master’s 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 post-master’s 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 post-master’s Nurse Educator certificate program costs at West Coast University.

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.

Post Master's Nurse Educator Certificate

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following requirements (Post-Master’s Certificates All Track Options):

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of a Master of Science (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from an ACEN-, CCNE-, or CNEA-accredited program, with a 3.0 GPA or better.
    1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into 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.
  4. 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.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.

*Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.

For additional requirements, please visit our catalog.

 

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

Clinical Placement Nurse Educator

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. West Coast University 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

George-Peraza-Smith

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 Nurse Educator track right for me?

Our Nurse Educator tracks are 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?

We offer the Nurse Educator track in three of our programs. Time to completion will vary depending on which program and program pace you choose.

  • MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 8 months
    • Accelerated pace — 12 months
    • Working Professional pace — 24 months
  • RN to MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 16 months
    • Accelerated pace — 20 months
    • Working Professional pace — 32 months
  • Post-Master’s Certificate:
    • Accelerated Plus pace – 8 months
    • Accelerated pace – 16 months
Can I get a degree in nurse education online?

With WCU, you can complete your education with the flexibility of online learning! You access your coursework through your virtual classroom and complete all coursework remotely. When it comes to completing your clinical hours, our Clinical Placement team can help you find a facility near you.

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 scholarships and grants page 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 West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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 West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.