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
This course emphasizes the synthesis of concepts, principles, and theories from nursing and related disciplines for advanced practice roles. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge with clinical judgment to navigate complex healthcare scenarios. The course will enhance students' ability to analyze patient care, refine decision-making skills, and develop the advanced practice competencies required for effective healthcare delivery.
- NGR 6803 - Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
3 Credit Hours
Integration of Evidence in Advanced Nursing Practice
This course prepares students to critically appraise and integrate evidence into advanced nursing practice, focusing on translating research into clinical practice. Students will learn advanced methods for evaluating research, applying evidence to improve patient outcomes and leading evidence-based initiatives. The course includes formulating clinical questions, conducting systematic literature reviews, developing evidence-based intervention plans, and exploring ethical considerations in healthcare policy and practice.
- NGR 6893 - Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Health Systems Leadership and Policy Strategies
This course emphasizes the organizational structure and leadership within healthcare systems, with a focus on healthcare financing, economic impacts, and the role of advanced practice providers in advocating for systemic change and quality improvement. Students will critically analyze and integrate organizational policies, considering socio-economic, ideological, historical, and technological factors. Through practical application, students will develop competencies in aligning processes with strategic organizational goals to enhance healthcare delivery and drive effective change.
- NGR 6638 - Population Health Promotion and Management
3 Credit Hours
Population Health Promotion and Management
This course focuses on complex concepts and theories relevant to population health within the healthcare delivery continuum. Students will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills, applying systems thinking throughout the four spheres of care to optimize population health outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the role of the advanced practice nurse in optimizing population health outcomes, engaging in effective partnerships, and advocating for strategies that mitigate health inequities.
- NGR 6111 - Foundations of Nursing Science
- NGR 6172 - Advanced Pharmacology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pharmacology
This course provides an in-depth study of pharmacology, covering advanced pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions, adverse effects, and evidence-based prescribing, along with ethical, legal, and pharmacogenomic considerations in advanced nursing practice. Students will gain knowledge to manage patients safely and effectively across the lifespan, implementing safe, quality care, cost-effective pharmacotherapeutic interventions, and prescribing practices to optimize patient outcomes.
- NGR 6002 - Advanced Health Assessment
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Health Assessment
This course advances foundational health assessment skills by deepening theoretical knowledge and clinical expertise that are crucial for advanced nursing practice. Students will conduct comprehensive physical, psychological, and cultural assessments across the lifespan, emphasizing the collection and analysis of critical data related to common health issues. By integrating advanced assessment techniques with a strong theoretical foundation, students will enhance their health assessment capabilities and skills.
- NGR 6140 - Advanced Pathophysiology
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Pathophysiology
This course offers an in-depth study of disease as disordered physiological function, emphasizing the mechanisms behind signs and symptoms. Students will explore genetic, biochemical, and environmental influences on pathophysiology, refining their diagnostic reasoning and critical thinking for effective clinical decision-making. The course equips students to identify disease mechanisms, develop rational therapies, and apply diagnostic tools proficiently in advanced practice.
- NGR 6710 - Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator
Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator+ New Course Description: This course explores the multifaceted role of the advanced nurse educator within diverse educational and healthcare settings. Through the application of advanced nursing knowledge and educational methodologies, the students will design, implement, and evaluate innovative educational experiences that enhance learner outcomes to support the evolving needs of the healthcare profession. Prerequisite: NGR 6002 AND NGR 6111 AND NGR 6140 AND NGR 6172 AND NGR 6638 AND NGR 6803 AND NGR 6893. Co-requisite: NGR 6710L.
- NGR 6715 - Nursing Education Seminar I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Seminar I
This course equips emerging nurse educators with the ability to analyze and synthesize teaching and learning theories, applying them in both classroom and clinical settings. Students will demonstrate competency in developing curricula that align with the mission, goals, and values of the parent organization, while also adhering to current and emerging standards, regulations, and trends in nursing education. The student will gain experience in aligning institutional purposes and goals with nursing curricula, and in designing effective instructional strategies for diverse educational environments. Prerequisite: NGR 6710/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6715L.
- NGR 6715L - Nursing Education Practicum I
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Practicum I
This course immerses learners in the comprehensive role of the nurse educator across clinical, classroom, and service-learning settings. Students will develop proficiency in course and curriculum design by applying effective learning strategies and instructional technologies. The course emphasizes assessing learning styles, implementing appropriate instructional strategies, and critically analyzing curricular components essential to the nurse educator role. Prerequisite: NGR 6710/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6715.
- NGR 6718 - Nursing Education Seminar II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Seminar II
This course advances learners' abilities to critically assess and manage key issues and trends in nursing education, with a focus on their impact on teaching and learning. Students will enhance their expertise in evaluating nursing curricula, ensuring alignment with certification and accreditation standards, and applying evidence-based strategies to support best practices in nursing education. Prerequisite: NGR 6715/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6718L.
- NGR 6718L - Nursing Education Practicum II
3 Credit Hours
Nursing Education Practicum II
This practicum enables learners to synthesize advanced skills by critically evaluating nursing curricula, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards, and implementing updates based on current trends. Students will create and implement instructional strategies that integrate research into advance educational practices, and actively contribute to fostering a culture of continuous improvement in nursing education. Prerequisite: NGR 6715/L. Co-requisite: NGR 6718.
- NGR 6710L - Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator Practicum
3 Credit Hours
Advanced Nursing Practice for the Nurse Educator Practicum
This practicum explores the multifaceted role of the advanced nurse educator within diverse educational and healthcare settings. Students will apply evidence-based educational methodologies to enhance learner outcomes by addressing the evolving needs of the healthcare profession. 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 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
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Online 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.