Nurse Educator Online Program

100% Online » MSN and Post-Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

A Kent State nurse educator demonstrates a simulated birth to a class of BSN students

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:

  • Expert faculty. Students receive faculty mentorship and advising from nationally Certified Nurse EducatorsCM, advanced practice nurses, and active researchers with decades of experience.
  • Excellent online courses. Classes are held 100% online and delivered by expert nurses via leading edge instructional technology.
  • Maximum flexibility. Start in the fall or spring semester and complete the program full or part-time.
  • Affordability. The program costs only $525 per credit hour, no matter where you live.*
  • Credibility. Kent State’s graduate program is recognized by employers and universities around the world for its excellence.
  • 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:

Photo of Tina Saunders

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

Photo of Ann Ancona

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

Photo of Marcy Caplin

Marcy Caplin
Ph.D., RN, CNE
Associate Professor

Proudly CCNE Accredited

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

NLN Center of Excellence Seal

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:

  • Acquire educational eligibility to meet standards for advanced practice certification or other advanced professional distinction.
  • Acquire competencies based on professional standards to assume advanced roles in nursing, and for leadership and career advancement, including doctoral study.
  • 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:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Bachelor's and/or graduate degree from an accredited registered nursing program1 for unconditional admission
  • Minimum 3.000 undergraduate/graduate GPA on a 4.000 point scale2 for unconditional admission
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics course with a minimum C grade.
  • Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which clinical coursework will be completed.
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae.
  • Essay (2-3 pages) describing reasons for seeking the master's degree in the identified specialty and professional goals.
  • Three letters of reference from a health care professional or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities.
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 560 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 83 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 78 MELAB score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 55 PTE score

Admission to the M.S.N. degree is a selective process. In the selection process for applicants, program faculty will consider years of registered nurse experience, professional experience relevant to the specific M.S.N. concentration and evidence of scholarship and involvement in the nursing profession as indicated on the applicant's résumé, along with GPA. Students selected for admission to the nursing program must meet the College of Nursing's Clinical Compliance Policy. For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website. 

  1. Applicants with an RN license and a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field will be considered based on faculty review of a portfolio submitted with the application.

  2. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered for conditional admission according to the University's Graduate Student Admission Policy.

Post-graduate Certificate
  • Master's degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing practice from an accredited nursing program
  • Minimum 3.000 graduate GPA on a 4.000 scale
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Active, unrestricted registered nurse license in the state in which practicum hours will be completed
  • Résumé or vita
  • Transcript(s) of all previous graduate coursework1
  • Syllabi of all courses to considered for transfer in the gap analysis
  • Three letters of reference from health care professionals or faculty members
  • English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning one of the following:
    • Minimum 560 TOEFL PBT score (paper-based version)
    • Minimum 83 TOEFL IBT score (Internet-based version)
    • Minimum 78 MELAB score
    • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
    • Minimum 55 PTE score

Effective for admission in spring 2019 and later, applicants will be required to submit a goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals.

For more information about graduate admission, please visit the Graduate Studies website. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.

  1. Transcript(s) must indicate completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment, with a minimum B grade earned in each course. Applicants who do not meet the grade requirement for advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment may be considered for a conditional admission. For applicants who have not practiced as an advanced practice registered nurse within the two-year period preceding application to the certificate, completion of graduate-level courses in advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment must not be greater than five years old at the time of the student's first semester of course registration in the certificate.

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.

Apply Now

Priority Application Deadlines
Fall 2021: March 1, 2021
Spring 2022: October 1, 2021

Materials to Submit with Application

Applicants should upload all required documents in your application portal:

  • Transcripts
    Copies of official transcripts (front and back) are required at the time of application from all universities where 8 or more credit hours were earned. Admitted students are required to submit official transcripts after they have accepted an offer of admission.
  • Admission Essay
    • MSN: A two to three-page admission essay describing reasons for seeking the master's degree in the identified specialty and professional goals.
    • Certificate: A goal statement (no more than 250 words) describing reasons for seeking the certificate in the identified specialty and professional goals.
  • A resume or curriculum vitae.
  • Proof of RN licensure.
    1. Search for your license on NURSYS.com Quick Confirm License Verification. Find and review the information to ensure that it is you.
    2. Click on “View Report”
    3. Click on "Download Report"
    4. Upload the document to your application portal.
    If your state does not participate in NURSYS, please contact your state’s Board of Nursing to send licensure verification to Kent State University.
  • References
    Three letters of reference from health care professionals or academic faculty who can speak to the applicant's professional and academic abilities
  • Portfolio (for MSN applicants without a BSN)
    If you are an RN with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, you will be considered based on a review of a portfolio submitted with the application. Please contact the Office of Student Services for additional information prior to applying.
    Download Portfolio Requirements (PDF)

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.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) [35 credit hours]

Year 1

Fall - Semester 1

This course will be used to study concepts and theories common to all specialty areas of nursing. It provides a firm basis for advanced clinical nursing practice. Progress in theory development for nursing practice is addressed.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
For master's enrolled or master's prepared nurses learning to teach and facilitate critical thinking in the areas of curriculum planning, design, development, implementation and evaluation in nursing education in the academic and staff development settings. Pre/
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Corequisite: NURS 60015 and NURS 60101.
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
Provides graduate nursing students with a theoretic foundation of human physiology and the phenomena that produce alterations or pathology in human physiologic function; and an understanding of the basis of disease processes across the lifespan.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in nursing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

Spring - Semester 2

(Cross-listed with NURS 80403) Surveys types of research designs and methods that produce evidence contributing to positive patient outcomes. For each design the student learns essential elements, appropriate use and the criteria for rigor within the context of patient outcomes.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
For master's enrolled or master's prepared nurses focusing on theory, history and techniques of evaluation and testing for nurse educators in academic and staff development settings. Faculty and student roles, and legal and ethical issues are addressed.
Prerequisite: NURS 60601; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This course is designed for master's enrolled or master's prepared students with a focus in nursing education. Theory, concepts and evidence are introduced to support the use of technology in nursing education. Students gain an understanding of how to use and integrate a variety of technology tools as they prepare to deliver educational offerings in academic and staff development nursing settings.
Prerequisite: NURS 60601; and graduate standing.
Corequisite: NURS 60602.
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 2 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This course focuses on exploration of pertinent issues applicable to clinical practice. Students will develop in depth knowledge and expertise in their area of clinical specialty as well as analyze how this impacts their role as nurse educators.
Prerequisite: Nursing major; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This practicum course allows students to apply concepts introduced in NURS 6067 to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in a chosen area of clinical specialty. Students will develop in depth knowledge and expertise in their area of clinical specialty as well as analyze how this impacts their role as nurse educators.
Prerequisite: Nursing major; and graduate standing.
Pre-corequisite: NURS 6067
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 10 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

Year 2

Fall - Semester 3

(Repeatable for credit) Prepares students with practical experiences in curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and instruction with a master educator in the academic and or staff development setting.
Prerequisite: NURS 60601 and NURS 60602 and NURS 60605; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture, Practicum or Internship
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 10 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
Advanced Health Assessment comprises foundational skills including the comprehensive history, physical and psychological assessment of the patient. Students apply the diagnostic reasoning process to develop a comprehensive plan of care for patients in a variety of settings.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Pre/corequisite: NURS 60045.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
(Slashed with NURS 80441) A survey course addressing the fundamental principles of medication prescribing and administration necessary for nurses in advanced practice. Course addresses pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapeutics.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

Spring - Semester 4

This course focuses on cost, quality and access as fundamental concepts of health policy. Students will analyze historical and current policy initiatives that influence health care funding and delivery and consider the role of government, organizations, the discipline of nursing, health care leaders, and individuals in setting health policy. The impact of policies on nursing practice, health care delivery, and quality of life for citizens will be explored. Students will examine the concept and practice of advocacy from a nursing perspective.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This course focuses on the role of informatics in advanced nursing practice through examination and application of theories, trends, and policies for generation, storage, retrieval, and analysis of health information. The use of information structures, processes, and technology to support clinical decision-making to achieve patient and healthcare outcomes is examined.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 3 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
Post-Graduate Certificate [14 credit hours]

Year 1

Fall - Semester 1

For master's enrolled or master's prepared nurses learning to teach and facilitate critical thinking in the areas of curriculum planning, design, development, implementation and evaluation in nursing education in the academic and staff development settings. Pre/
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.
Corequisite: NURS 60015 and NURS 60101.
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

Spring - Semester 2

For master's enrolled or master's prepared nurses focusing on theory, history and techniques of evaluation and testing for nurse educators in academic and staff development settings. Faculty and student roles, and legal and ethical issues are addressed.
Prerequisite: NURS 60601; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 4 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This course is designed for master's enrolled or master's prepared students with a focus in nursing education. Theory, concepts and evidence are introduced to support the use of technology in nursing education. Students gain an understanding of how to use and integrate a variety of technology tools as they prepare to deliver educational offerings in academic and staff development nursing settings.
Prerequisite: NURS 60601; and graduate standing.
Corequisite: NURS 60602.
Schedule Type: Laboratory, Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 2 lab
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This course focuses on exploration of pertinent issues applicable to clinical practice. Students will develop in depth knowledge and expertise in their area of clinical specialty as well as analyze how this impacts their role as nurse educators.
Prerequisite: Nursing major; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Contact Hours: 1 lecture
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 
This practicum course allows students to apply concepts introduced in NURS 6067 to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in a chosen area of clinical specialty. Students will develop in depth knowledge and expertise in their area of clinical specialty as well as analyze how this impacts their role as nurse educators.
Prerequisite: Nursing major; and graduate standing.
Pre-corequisite: NURS 6067
Schedule Type: Practical Experience
Contact Hours: 10 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

Year 2

Fall - Semester 3

(Repeatable for credit) Prepares students with practical experiences in curriculum design, implementation, evaluation, and instruction with a master educator in the academic and or staff development setting.
Prerequisite: NURS 60601 and NURS 60602 and NURS 60605; and graduate standing.
Schedule Type: Lecture, Practicum or Internship
Contact Hours: 1 lecture, 10 other
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
 

Summary of Program Requirements

Program Minimum Credit Hours Practicum Hours Timeframe to Complete
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
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

  • Tuition can be paid online using a credit card or check, by mail with a check, or in-person with a check.
  • Monthly payment plan options are available.* Tuition can be spread out over 3, 4, or 5 monthly payments.
  • 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

Learn more about payment options

Online Learning at Kent State

E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.

A laptop sitting on a desk near a bookshelf with the Kent State University logo overlayed on the screenKent 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your program online? Which courses are online?

The Nurse Educator program is 100% online. Every course is delivered online using the latest distance learning technology.

Will I have to come to campus?

No. Kent State does not require online students to come to campus for orientation, intensives, etc. However, you will need to complete your clinical practicums with preceptors in-person at a location near you.

I do not live in Ohio. Can I complete this program in my state?

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 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.

Will I complete my practicum courses where I live?

Yes, you will be completing your practicum courses in the state in which you reside and in which you have a valid RN license.

Will I need to find my own preceptors?

Yes, it is primarily the student's responsibility to locate a preceptor. However, your concentration coordinator and faculty will work closely with you to help you secure a preceptor.

Can I complete the degree part time? Can I work and go to school at the same time?

Yes. In fact, many students attend part-time (4-6 hours) and also work.

However, your concentration may require at least one full-time semester (8 or more hours). Also, intent for full-time study will be considered in the selection process for applicants who meet all admission criteria.

Is work experience as an RN required?

No. However, years of registered nurse experience, professional experience relevant to the specific concentration and evidence of scholarship and involvement in the nursing profession as indicated on the applicant's resume, along with GPA and intent for full-time study, will be considered in the selection process for applicants who meet all admission criteria.

Do I need to take the GRE for admission?

No, students in this program are not required to take the GRE for admission.

Will I be required to attend online lectures at a specific time, or can I complete the course on my own schedule?

Most online courses are asynchronous, meaning that you are not required to log in at a certain time. Some courses are synchronous and may require weekly or monthly scheduled online course meetings.

Request Information

Graduate Information

Apply Now

Phone: 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.edu

For information on all of Kent State’s degrees and majors, go online to www.kent.edu/gps

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