- Additional Graduate
Admission Resources - Graduate Admissions
Office ContactPhone: 330-672-2661
Toll Free: 855-277-6952
Fax: 330-672-6262
www.kent.edu/graduatestudies
Domestic Email: gradapps@kent.edu
International: www.kent.edu/admissions/international
intladm@kent.eduFor information on all of Kent State’s degrees and majors, go online to www.kent.edu/gps
Nurse Educator Online Program
100% Online » MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate
Program Overview
Kent State's Nurse Educator program will prepare you to teach, mentor, and develop both nursing students and practicing nurses.
There has never been a greater need for nurse educators. Currently, a nationwide shortage of nursing faculty is compounding the overall nursing shortage. According to a fact sheet released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing schools denied over 75,000 qualified applicants in 2018, in part due to the faculty shortage.
The Nurse Educator program gives students the advanced nursing knowledge in curriculum development, instruction and evaluation for traditional and online learning in academic and staff development settings. Emphasis is placed on the application of educational theories and principles in curriculum development and evaluation and acquisition of skills in role development as a nurse educator.
Students complete a total of 300 practicum hours which provide them with opportunities to build in-depth knowledge and expertise in curriculum development, instruction, and evaluation for traditional and online learning in academic and staff development settings (150 hours) as well as within their specialty area of nursing practice (150 hours).
Employment opportunities are available to graduates in academic settings, as well as the practice setting in areas such as professional staff development.
Why Kent State? We offer you:
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Expert faculty. Students receive faculty mentorship and advising from nationally Certified Nurse EducatorsCM, advanced practice nurses, and active researchers with decades of experience.
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Excellent online courses. Classes are held 100% online and delivered by expert nurses via leading edge instructional technology.
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Maximum flexibility. Start in the fall or spring semester and complete the program full or part-time.
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Affordability. The program costs only $525 per credit hour, no matter where you live.*
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Credibility. Kent State’s graduate program is recognized by employers and universities around the world for its excellence.
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Hands-on learning. Students complete 300 practicum hours with qualified nurse educator preceptors in the state in which they reside.
Meet the Faculty
Learn more about the Nurse Educator course instructors:

Tina Saunders
MSN, RN, CNE, GCNS-BC
Coordinator

Ann Ancona
Ph.D., APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE
Associate Professor

Marcy Caplin
Ph.D., RN, CNE
Associate Professor
Proudly CCNE Accredited
The Master of Science in Nursing at Kent State is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education†. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Kent State: An NLN Center of Excellence
Kent State University is a two-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022). We are recognized in the "Advancing the Science of Nursing Education" category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
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Acquire educational eligibility to meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
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Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing, and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
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Communicate, integrate and apply advanced nursing knowledge and skills to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive nursing care and promote quality outcomes in nursing and health care.
* This program is only offered in select states. See the Admissions section for more information.
† The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Admission to the Nurse Educator Program
We invite you to apply if you meet the criteria for the degree in which you are interested:
Is the GRE required? The GRE is not required for this program.
International applicants: Under most student visas, international applicants are not eligible to complete online-based programs. We strongly encourage international applicants to discuss their eligibility with the Office of Global Education at +1-330-672-7980 or intladm@kent.edu prior to applying.
Priority Application Deadlines
Fall 2021: March 1, 2021
Spring 2022: October 1, 2021
Approved States for Online Learning
Kent State University is authorized to offer the Nurse Educator program in the following states:*
* In order to be compliant with federal and state laws related to online education and consumer protection, as well as State professional licensure/certification regulations, Kent State University may not be able to offer online programs to students residing in certain states. In addition, some state laws may impose limitations that could affect a program of study, including inability to offer clinical practicum courses. Since these regulations undergo continuous updates (1) non-Ohio residents interested in pursuing any College of Nursing online program are advised to consult with their State licensing/certification agency and official Kent State information on state authorization before applying to this program (2) any student that is planning to move or practice in a different state after having been admitted to either the RN BSN, MSN or DNP programs must immediately inform the Office of Student Services at 330-672-7911 to determine whether or not he/she can continue in the program.
Required Courses
Courses are 100% online – students are never required to come to campus.
Summary of Program Requirements
Program | Minimum Credit Hours | Practicum Hours | Timeframe to Complete |
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MSN | 35 credit hours | 300 practicum hours | 2-3.5 years |
Certificate | 14 credit hours | 300 practicum hours | 1-2 years |
Tuition & Aid
A top-tier education at an affordable price.
Tuition & Costs at a Glance
Program | Residential Status | Cost per Credit Hour | Distance Learning Fee | Out-of-State Surcharge | Total Hours | Estimated Cost |
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MSN | Ohio Resident | $525 | $12 per hour | N/A | 34 | $18,258 |
Non-Ohio Resident | $10 per hour | $18,598 | ||||
Certificate | Ohio Resident | $525 | $12 per hour | N/A | 14 | $7,518 |
Non-Ohio Resident | $10 per hour | $7,658 |
Costs are as of the 2019-2020 academic year. Totals are estimates and do not include books, practicum fees, or other incidental fees. Rates are subject to change at any time by the Board of Trustees. For more information about Kent State's tuition and fees, see the university fee register.
Financial Aid
At Kent State University, we try to make the financial aid process as simple as possible. Our financial aid services and scholarship programs help a wide range of students make their goals affordable. Financial aid options for Nurse Educator students include:
- Tuition Reimbursement: Many employers will pay some or all of the cost of a graduate degree program. Talk with your human resources department to find out if you qualify.
- Scholarships: Kent State University, the College of Nursing, and many nursing and health care organizations provide scholarship support for nursing students. See our Financial Aid & Scholarships page for more information.
- Federal Loans and Grants: You may be eligible for federal and/or private loans and federal/state grants. Contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000 for more information.
Payment Options
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Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
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Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
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Students who are receiving tuition reimbursement through their employer can apply to defer tuition payment to after the semester ends.*
* Fall and spring semester only
Online Learning at Kent State
E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.
Kent State online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, without ever stepping foot on campus. From applying to the program to applying for graduation, Kent State provides the tools to complete these tasks online.
Although there are no on-campus requirements, online students are more than welcome to visit our campus in Kent, Ohio (or take a virtual tour online). You will be invited to various events throughout your time at Kent State, including our pinning (Convocation) and graduation (Commencement) ceremonies.
Some of the benefits to earning your graduate degree online from Kent State include:
- Courses developed by expert faculty and delivered via Blackboard Learn, the industry-leading learning management system (LMS).
- Small class sizes and individualized attention from nurse educators with decades of practical experience.
- Innovative learning activities tailored to the online environment.
- 24/7 technical support through Kent State’s TechHelp.
- Tests and exams proctored virtually – no need to go to a testing center.
- FlashLine, the university’s centralized portal system, will allow you to schedule classes, track your degree progress, schedule advising appointments, pay your tuition, and more right from your computer.