Online Master's Programs in Nursing Education
Professionals with an online master's in nursing education can pursue lucrative careers teaching others in the healthcare field. In addition to preparing students for doctoral degrees and management positions in nursing, master's degrees can qualify healthcare professionals for more specialized roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), midwives, and nurse anesthetists require master's degrees in nursing at minimum.
Consequently, nursing students pursue graduate degrees in large numbers; according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 15% of all graduate degrees conferred in 2016-17 were in health professions. Demand certainly helps drive interest as well, with the BLS projecting the nursing field to grow 26% between 2018-2028.
A specialization in nursing education provides skills in curriculum design and delivery, mentorship, and the pursuit of academic research. Learners can acquire skills in communication, assessment, and evaluation. Continue reading for more information about this advanced degree, the promising careers it can lead to, and the financial aid available.
What Can I Learn in an Online Master's in Nursing Education Program?
The skills students acquire through an online master's in nursing education can vary by school, program, and student choices. In general, enrollees can expect to learn how to design educational programs and training courses for current and aspiring nurses. Students also explore how to provide specialized care and improve the delivery of care in healthcare organizations. Additionally, degree-seekers may undergo leadership training and learn how to integrate and connect the various departments and facets within the healthcare system.
These programs often use clinical work to explore the practical application of research, and online students can often complete clinicals at locations near their home or workplace.
What Common Courses Are Offered in a Master's in Nursing Education Program?
While every school and program features a unique curriculum, the following list highlights some of the more common courses students can expect to find in a master's in nursing online. Readers should note that course titles and descriptions may vary by program.
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Foundational Skills for Nurse Educators in Academic and Healthcare Environments: This course gives students an introduction to education in the nursing profession, including the best way to teach current and aspiring nurses about best practices, new technologies, and healthcare concepts. Topics include adult learning theories, outcome measurement, and clinical activities for nursing students. -
Healthcare Policy: Students in healthcare policy courses analyze and assess current laws and procedures in healthcare. Learners may explore how these approaches are created, along with their ethical and financial implications. This class prepares aspiring managers to apply best practices and ensure compliance with the law.
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Healthcare System Organization: In this course, students can learn about the American healthcare system, including its different roles, departments, and responsibilities. These courses also tend to cover healthcare finance information and system challenges. This training helps nurses to acquire management positions and better provide improved delivery of care.
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Healthcare Informatics: Healthcare informatics courses teach learners to collect, store, and use data to improve care delivery and healthcare solutions. Students complete training on the technology used in healthcare informatics. This knowledge and training can help prepare graduates for careers in healthcare technology, administration, and management. This course also prepares students to train other nurses on such technologies.
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Current Issues in Nursing: In this course, learners can explore the different issues facing the nursing profession and professionals, including social, legal, political, and organizational challenges. Students analyze ethical issues in treatment and delivery of care to examine the possible future of the industry.
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Nursing Leadership: Students in these courses explore positive training programs and performance evaluation techniques. Learners discuss how to demonstrate leadership and work as part of a team.
What Exams or Projects Should I Expect?
At the end of an online master's in nursing, students may encounter several types of final projects. In addition to the extensive projects required in thesis programs, non-thesis programs may include in-depth research projects or lengthy clinicals or practicums. Some programs may feature final exams.
For many students, a master of nursing education serves as a preparatory program for specialty nursing examinations and certifications. These graduate degrees often help qualify students to take exams for certification as a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner.
What Can I Do with a Master's in Nursing Education Degree?
An online master's in nursing education can provide learners with advanced and specialized training, along with a diverse skill set that many healthcare settings and organizations desire. While these programs train students to work in healthcare education, graduates may shift focus and work in a number of other positions, as well.
- Nurse Educator: These professionals work in colleges, clinics, and universities, training the next generation of nursing students. To provide advanced training and skills to students, these teachers typically need skills in both healthcare and teaching.
- Nurse Practitioner: NPs work in hospitals and clinics, acting as primary and specialty caregivers. They often prescribe medication and design treatment plans. For certification as an NP, candidates need a nursing license, a master's degree in nursing, and a completed NP certification examination.
- Nurse Anesthetist: Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia and pain management treatments to patients during medical procedures. These professionals typically work in hospitals and clinics, equipped with the knowledge of how to administer treatments safely. Aspiring anesthetists needs nursing licensure, a master's degree, and passing scores on the certification exam.
- Nurse Midwife: Nurse midwives work with female patients before, during, and after they give birth. Midwives assist with delivery and prenatal care, and also provide primary care to newborns. For certification as a nurse midwife, professionals need a valid nursing license, a master's degree, and passing scores on the certification exam.
- Physician Assistant: Physician assistants can work in all areas of healthcare as part of a larger team of professionals. They may assist in surgery, help provide nursing care in a physician's office, or even perform primary care services. For employment, physician assistants need a master's degree and must pass the certification examination.
How Much Can I Make with a Career in Nursing Education?
Earning an online master's in nursing can provide each learner with access to desirable and promising careers. While the following table outlines some of the most common career paths that a nursing graduate with master's degrees can take, the attached median annual wages are not guaranteed and only serve as an example of what professionals might earn in the field.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth 2018-2028 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist | $167,950 | 26% | Nurse Practitioner | $107,030 | 26% |
| Nurse Midwife | $103,770 | 26% | Nurse Educator | $74,760 | 11% |
| Physician Assistant | $108,610 | 31% |
Online Master's in Nursing Education Program Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important considerations for any degree, but nursing students' future careers might depend on it. At the institutional level, accreditation can come from one of the six accrediting agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Regional accreditation ensures that the school and program meet rigorous standards. Nursing students should always attend a regionally accredited school in order to meet licensing requirements.
At the program level, students should look out for accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.(CCNE). While this national accreditation may not be mandatory for all types of employment, many employers and most certification agencies require candidates to come from CCNE-accredited programs. Like regional accreditation, programmatic accreditation assures students that the program meets the national industry standards.
How to Pay for a Master's in Nursing Education Degree
Paying for a degree can add a great deal of stress for aspiring students, but there are a few options available to help finance an education. The following section outlines some of the main avenues students can take when financing their degrees.
Techniques for Financing a Master's in Nursing Education
- Fellowships: Due to the advanced training nursing students can receive at the graduate level, they often make strong candidates for fellowships. These opportunities typically involve taking on positions within healthcare organization agencies, providing professional services in return for funding.
- Research and Assistantships: Many schools offer research opportunities and assistantships to deserving students within nursing departments. These opportunities usually require learners to provide teaching or research assistance in return for financial support.
- Student Loans: Financial aid loans can come from a variety of sources, but students should prioritize low-interest loans from federal sources. Students can see which loans they qualify for by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can also consider other loans for financial support, including Sallie Mae or their own banks.
Scholarships for Master's in Nursing Education Students
- AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund
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Who Can Apply:
This scholarship rewards applicants in nursing programs at various levels, though special consideration is given to those pursuing nurse education degrees at AACN member institutions.
Amount: $10,000
- Oncology Nursing Foundation Master's Scholarships
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Who Can Apply:
To promote the field of oncology nursing and encourage students to enter the profession, the Oncology Nursing Foundation offers scholarships to deserving master's applicants.
Amount: $5,000
- Nurses Educational Funds Scholarships
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Who Can Apply:
The Nurses Educational Funds organization supports the pursuits of nursing students at the graduate level. For eligibility, each applicant must be enrolled in a graduate nursing program, possess a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a valid nursing license.
Amount: Varies
- Nursing Economics Foundation Scholarship
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Who Can Apply:
The Nursing Economics Foundation Scholarship assists nursing students in a graduate program with an emphasis in administration or management. Eligible candidates must possess an RN license.
Amount: $5,000
- A Nurse I Am Scholarship
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Who Can Apply:
Presented by Cherokee Uniforms, this award provides financial support to the applicants who best answer the question, "Why do you want to be a nurse?" in a short essay. Applicants must be current nursing students.
Amount: $2,000
Professional Organizations and Resources
Nursing students should explore the different available resources that can help them along their educational and professional journey. The list below highlights some of the best organizations and websites that can help nursing professionals take the next step in their careers.
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American Nurses Association:
ANA seeks to advance the profession of nurses through engaging in advocacy, developing a code of ethics, and improving industry leadership. Members can browse resources for certification, continuing education, and nursing excellence.
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American Association of Colleges of Nursing:
AACN acts as a unified voice for the academic world of nursing. The association strives to improve the educational standards of nursing schools and programs.
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American Association of Critical Care Nurses:
This organization supports the professionals who make up the critical care profession. The association offers its members access to industry events, educational opportunities, and professional certification.
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American Association of Nurse Anesthetists:
AANA strives to improve industry standards and policies through advocacy and professional development. Members can receive access to continuing education, industry publications, certification, and networking conferences.
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American Academy of Physician Assistants:
AAPA unites and advocates for physician assistants across the country in an attempt to better the standards of the profession. The association supports its members through educational and professional development opportunities.
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American Association of Nurse Practitioners:
Through AANP, members and visitors can pursue industry news and information, a large professional network, and professional development support. The association offers certifications, educational opportunities, and access to various events.
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American College of Nurse Midwives:
By representing certified nurse midwives across the country, ACNM helps strengthen the profession and industry through unification, professional development, and advocacy. Members can explore certification and educational opportunities.
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National Health Council:
The NHC is the unified voice of patient-care advocates, patients with chronic diseases, and caregivers. The council works to improve care delivery across the country and provides visitors with access to health policies, conferences, and publications.
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Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion:
Dedicated to improving the health of Americans, ODPHP is a valuable resource for visitors looking for information on health programs across the country, various health-related services, and educational programs.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
HHS is the federal department in charge of protecting the health of Americans. Visitors can access information on federal decisions and policies regarding medicine, social services, and public health.
