Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education

The Aspen University School of Nursing and Health Sciences is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities at the local, state, and national levels. This is achieved through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice. The Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education program equips nurses with the skills to assume leadership roles in various fields, including management, education, forensics, public health, informatics, and clinical practice, within a diverse society and across various healthcare settings.

The program combines foundational nursing education with the convenience of a distance-learning format, allowing practicing nurses to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals. Theory courses are delivered online, while practicum courses are conducted in clinical settings, enabling students to apply learned concepts under the supervision of a Master’s-degreed RN preceptor.

MSN Specialization in Nursing Education

The Nursing Education emphasis is designed for students who aspire to teach in academic nursing programs or staff development units. Given that accreditation bodies require an MSN for didactic instructors in both online and on-ground nursing programs, this specialization prepares students to create engaging lesson plans, utilize technology effectively, assess educational outcomes, and continually evaluate educational activities. The program lays a strong foundation for a career as a nurse educator and provides the necessary preparation for certification as a nurse educator.

Degree Requirements:

Total Credits: 36
Practicum Hours: 120

Aspen MSN Nursing Education Program Learning Goals

Graduates of the Aspen University Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nursing Education program will develop the following skills and competencies:

Background for Practice from Sciences and Humanities

Integrate scientific findings from nursing, biopsychosocial fields, genetics, public health, quality improvement, and organizational sciences to enhance nursing care across diverse settings.

Organizational and Systems Leadership

Demonstrate leadership skills that emphasize ethical and critical decision-making, effective working relationships, and a systems perspective to promote high-quality and safe patient care.

Quality Improvement and Safety

Apply methods, tools, performance measures, and standards related to quality improvement within an organization.

Translating and Integrating Scholarship into Practice

Utilize research outcomes in practice settings to resolve complex practice problems, act as a change agent, and disseminate results effectively.

Informatics and Healthcare Technologies

Leverage patient-care technologies to enhance care delivery and utilize communication technologies to integrate and coordinate care.

Health Policy and Advocacy

Engage in policy development and advocacy strategies to influence health and healthcare at the system level.

Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes

Collaborate and communicate effectively with interprofessional teams to manage and coordinate patient care.

Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving Health

Apply broad, organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, management, and evaluation of evidence-based clinical prevention and population health services.

Master’s-Level Nursing Practice

Integrate advanced nursing and relevant sciences knowledge into nursing practice to develop and implement effective nursing interventions.

Nursing Education

Apply advanced theoretical, research-based, scientific, and clinical knowledge to nursing education, including nursing care planning, teaching strategies, and curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation.

This program is designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles in nursing education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to educate the next generation of nursing professionals.

FAQ

What career opportunities are available after completing the MSN with a specialization in Nursing Education?

Graduates of this program are prepared for various roles, including academic nursing instructors, staff development educators in healthcare settings, clinical educators, and nurse educators in community health organizations. The program also lays the groundwork for pursuing certification as a Nurse Educator (CNE).

What is the structure of the MSN program, and how long does it typically take to complete?

The program requires the completion of 36 credits, including 120 practicum hours. The length of time to complete the program varies depending on the student’s pace, but it typically takes 2 to 3 years for part-time students.

Can I transfer credits from another institution into the MSN Nursing Education program?

While this program generally does not accept transfer credits, it is always best to consult with an academic advisor to review any previous coursework and determine if exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

What kind of support can I expect during my practicum?

Students will be guided by a Master’s-degreed RN preceptor during their practicum. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical setting while receiving direct supervision and support. Additionally, the university provides academic and professional support throughout the practicum experience.

How does the distance-learning format of this program work?

The distance-learning format allows students to complete coursework online at their own pace, making it flexible for working nurses. Courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, with access to a variety of resources, including online discussions, multimedia materials, and virtual collaboration tools. Practicum courses are completed in a clinical setting, providing a blend of online learning and hands-on experience.

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