Nursing Education Certificate

With today's nursing shortage, skilled nursing educators are needed more than ever. A nursing education program provides valuable teaching and evaluation skills and trains students to enter this rewarding field. Qualified nurses who have a master’s degree and are looking to further their careers should consider earning a nursing education certificate.

Requirements for Nursing Education Certificate Programs

Many universities offer a nursing health care education certificate. Typically, these certificates are earned after completing a 15-credit program, which is ideal for the nurse who already has a master’s degree in nursing and wants to become a nurse educator.
 
Nursing education courses will prepare the graduate for teaching positions in continuing education and undergraduate nursing programs.
 
The following are mandatory requirements for admission in nursing education certificate programs:
  • a master's degree in the health field or from a nursing program
  • completion of three graduate nursing education courses
  • references from at least two professionals
  • RN license
  • three-hour role development graduate nursing course that includes field experience
  • transcripts from college.

Courses for a Nursing Health Care Education Certificate

The typical course for school nurse certification is four semesters in length or 16 months. Nursing education students can center their education in the following areas:
  • college education
  • continuing education
  • staff development.

Certificate Requirements

Typically, there are four graduate-level courses that are required in nursing education certificate programs, adding up to approximately 12 semester credits:
  • Course and Curriculum Design: Students examine theories of teaching, learning and the development of curriculum. This includes learning about teaching philosophy and covers current issues and trends in nursing education.

  • Role Development in Advanced Nursing: Students explore role development and evaluation through nursing education seminars.

  • Teaching/Learning Strategies and Evaluation: Students have the opportunity to use teaching and learning tactics to boost learning in the classroom and in the clinical environment.
  • Technology in Education: Students learn effective ways to use technology in various educational settings. The course centers on nursing educational strategies, curriculum design, computer functions and nursing.
In most cases, nursing education students get additional field experience hours in nursing education and will work closely with established nursing educators and professionals.

Cost of a Nursing Education Certificate

Typically, a nursing education certification is about $400 per semester credit hour, which adds up to about $5000 for the entire course. Financial aid, including loans and scholarships, is generally available for students who qualify.

Possible Jobs

Nurse educators work in both the classroom and in professional environments. Since there is a great need for trained nurses, the career opportunities for nurse educators is seemingly unlimited.
 
Nurse educators can work in:
  • colleges and universities
  • community colleges
  • community health centers
  • home care facilities
  • hospitals
  • nursing schools
  • long-term care facilities.
Nurse educators are highly educated, skilled professionals who play essential roles in preparing future nurses to enter the workforce by guiding them through the learning process.
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