Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Nursing Education Online
Meet the high demand to provide nursing education to the next generation of nurses.
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Nursing Education, MSN Overview
Prepare for a career in an academic, community, hospital or agency environment with the online Master’s in Nursing Education from the University of West Florida. Discover how to use your real-world experience to train other nurses in modern healthcare best practices and provide patient and community healthcare education in our online MSN program. You’ll learn advanced nursing skills in clinical care alongside instructional strategies and curriculum design to help you gain a competitive advantage when you seek high-demand teaching opportunities in nursing.
With a curriculum tailored for working nurses, the program’s asynchronous, online format allows you to fit your coursework into your busy schedule. Dedicated to your success, highly qualified nurse educators will provide you with individualized attention throughout the duration of your program.
Topics of study include:
- Curriculum development using learning theories, resources, instructional strategies and technology that’s appropriate for all learning styles
- Developing curriculum that reflects trends in nursing education, modern standards and regulations and conforms to an organization’s mission, vision and values
- Programmatic assessment, accreditation of nursing education and nurse educator scholarship
- Examining, diagnosing and managing a patient’s health issues in a quality, safe and cost-effective approach
- Theoretical and clinical principles for health assessment in advanced nursing practice
- Disordered physiology and the process of the production of the symptoms and signs of various disease states
Our online MSN in Nursing Education includes three practicum courses in which you will gain practical experience through applying complex theories and concepts in classroom and clinical settings.
Accreditation
The master’s degree in nursing at UWF is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Candidates for This Program Include:
- Nurses who want to educate others in a university, hospital or healthcare setting
- Working RNs who seek better employment opportunities
- Nurses who look to increase their salary potential
You Will Be Able To:
- Promote positive health outcomes by encouraging safe and efficient nursing practices within your classroom or organization
- Implement research- and evidence-based practice, advanced healthcare technologies and informatics
- Comprehend the role of a nurse educator as a whole in clinical and classroom environments
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online master’s in nursing education includes a total of 39 credit hours. Through a combination of common core and specialization courses, you’ll gain a well-rounded education in advanced nursing topics and nursing education.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
3 Credit Hours
Foundations of Nursing Science
The course includes the synthesis of concepts, principles and theories of nursing and related disciplines as applied to the role of the nurse in advanced practice.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course explores complex concepts and theories including rapid critical appraisal of evidence in preparation for translation to nursing practice. The course includes the evidence-based practice process and steps in evidence-based quality improvement project implemention. The course prepares the nurse to function as a catalyst for change.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course assists the learner to synthesize organizational theory and leadership to influence health policy within the context of current complex healthcare systems. The learner will analyze policy from a socio-economic, ideological, political, historical and technological perspective while integrating clinical management processes and utilization of community resources. Content will focus on the organizational structure of healthcare systems, healthcare financing and economic implications and the role of the provider in policy making.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
The purpose of this course is to involve the learner in recognizing the span of population health in the healthcare delivery continuum. Learners will explore their role in managing population health by engaging in effective partnerships and advocacy strategies that mitigate health inequities. Emphasis is on the role of the advanced practice nurse in population management through systems thinking, health promotion and illness prevention, to optimize population health outcomes.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6172 - Advanced Pharmacology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pharmacology
This course is designed to expand the advanced practice student's knowledge of pharmacotherapeutics. Broad categories of pharmacological agents are examined. Learning focuses on skills to assess, diagnose and manage a client's common health problems in a safe, high quality and cost-effective manner.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Health Assessment
This course will build upon health assessment skills developed in the professional nurse's basic education program. The theoretical and clinical basis for assessment in advanced nursing practice will be developed. The process whereby the advanced nurse utilizes comprehensive physical, psychological and cultural assessment across the life span to gather specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated.
- NGR 6140 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course is designed to present an orientation to disease as disordered physiology. It is intended to enable those in advanced nursing practice to understand how and why the symptoms and signs of various conditions appear. In approaching disease as disordered physiology, this course analyzes the mechanism(s) of production of the symptoms and signs of different disease states. In doing so, it recognizes that those in advanced nursing practice need to understand the mechanism(s) underlying the disease and its clinical manifestations so that rational therapies can be devised. Thus, appropriate screening and diagnostic laboratory evaluation methods will also be included.
- NGR 6710 - Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
This course builds on prior knowledge in the development of the nurse for advanced practice in the community. The student will begin to explore advanced nursing practice, population health in the delivery continuum, and educational resources appropriate for the community based environment. Healthcare of communities is analyzed in the context of education to improve health outcomes and equity. Principles and theories of education are incorporated into the understanding of the advanced practice nurse role as a part of the interdisciplinary team. Prerequisite: NGR 6002 AND NGR 6111 AND NGR 6140 AND NGR 6172 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803. Co-requisite: NGR 6710L.
- NGR 6710L - Nurse Educator Advanced Clinical Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Nurse Educator Advanced Clinical Practicum
This initial practicum course prepares the student to integrate additional knowledge and skills to promote the advancement of professional clinical nursing practice. The course will focus on the application of evidence-based practice to develop advanced clinical competency in population health. The student will explore areas of interest with practice partners in communities to improve population health outcomes. Prerequisite: NGR 6002 AND NGR 6111 AND NGR 6140 AND NGR 6172 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6710.
- NGR 6715 - Nursing Education Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Seminar I
This course continues the analysis and synthesis of teaching learning and related theories in classroom and clinical settings for the emerging nurse educator. The focus of the course is the application of theories in the development of courses and curricula that reflect the mission, vision and values of the parent organization, current and emerging standards and regulations, as well as issues and trends in nursing education. Emphasis is on institutional purposes, goals, nursing curricula, and designing instruction for classroom and clinical settings. Prerequisite: NGR 6710. Co-requisite: NGR 6715L.
- NGR 6715L - Nursing Education Practicum I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Practicum I
This practicum course continues to immerse the learner in the nurse educator role in clinical and classroom settings. Learners will focus on instructional planning, teaching strategies and curricula development. Learners will have the opportunity to facilitate a learning session in the clinical or classroom environment. Prerequisite: NGR 6710/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6715.
- NGR 6718 - Nursing Education Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Seminar II
This final seminar course focuses on programmatic evaluation, accreditation of nursing education and scholarship of the nurse educator. Synthesis of curriculum, evaluation, accreditation and the nurse educator role are primary course components. Prerequisite: NGR 6715/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6718L.
- NGR 6718L - Nursing Education Practicum II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Practicum II
The final nurse educator practicum course prepares the learner to synthesize the role of the nurse educator. Learners will focus on programmatic evaluation, accreditation of nursing education and scholarship of the nurse educator. Prerequisite: NGR 6715/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6718.
- NGR 6172 - Advanced Pharmacology
Some UWF academic programs prepare students to sit for licensure in Florida. In order to comply with U.S. Department of Education regulations for professional licensure, UWF is required to make the following disclosure with respect to professional licensure outside the state of Florida. UWF cannot confirm whether a particular program meets requirements for professional licensure outside of the State of Florida. Please contact applicable licensure board(s) in any state you may want to pursue licensure prior to beginning the academic program in order to determine whether the program meets licensure requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to confirm program eligibility for licensure in any state outside Florida.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission into UWF’s master’s of nursing education online, you must:
- Have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an NLNAC, ACEN or CCNE accredited nursing program with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA on a 4.0 scale or a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of coursework on the BSN
- Successfully complete an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of C or better
- Possess a current unencumbered U.S. registered nurse license (express admission students are required to become licensed as a registered nurse to practice in a state or territory of the United States by the end of the first semester of enrollment to progress in the program)
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for graduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended
- Submit a copy of your curriculum vitae that includes your work history, educational background and community service involvement
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Tuition | $425 per credit hour | $16,575.00 |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 9) | $425 per credit hour | $12,750.00 |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to six semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
After earning your master’s of nursing education online, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and PayScale.
Nurse Educators
Typically collaborating with hospital administrators, nurse educators manage the continuing educator for an organization’s nursing staff. They develop and implement programs at their institution and perform evaluations of staff. Nurse educators also may have to create educational materials such as training guides and manuals. The average salary for the role is $81,351 per year.
Undergraduate Nurse Instructors
Undergraduate nurse instructors help students improve their knowledge in the field of nursing in classroom and clinical settings. They develop curricula and instructional strategies, and they evaluate student progress through coursework and exams. With employment for postsecondary teachers expected to grow 12 percent through 2031, nurse instructors currently earn a median salary of $79,640 per year.
Clinical Educators
Clinical educators are licensed healthcare professionals who teach others in a specific field, such as nursing. They work with other instructors within the field to develop curricula to provide continuing education for other clinical or nursing staff. Clinical educators earn an average salary of $82,238 per year.