MSN in Nursing Education

The Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Education specialty track is designed to expand the knowledge of the registered nurse to include the design, implementation, and evaluation of nursing education. The focus on evidence-based practice, quality outcomes, clinical expertise, educational principles, and advancement of the individual nurse and profession will prepare the registered nurse for an advanced level of practice. Students complete a total of 120 practicum hours with 60 hours with a nurse educator in their community and 60 hours with a direct-care provider in their community.

This program does not lead to additional licensure or certification. As such, CTU has made no determination regarding prerequisites for licensure or certification in any state or jurisdiction.

Advantages to CTU's Nursing Education Program

Can be completed in as little as 19.5 months
Curriculum offered 100% online excluding practicum
Potential to complete your practicum hours at employment site
Aligned to nursing industry standards and competencies
Tuition cost of $17,760

MSN program goals:

Employ leadership skills to improve the quality of care in a variety of healthcare settings
Integrate advanced nursing and science knowledge into practice

Ranked Among the Best Online Nursing Programs

CTU’s online Master of Science in Nursing degree programs are ranked among the Best Online Master's in Nursing Programs by U.S. News & World Report for the fifth consecutive year.*

* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Online Programs.

CTU is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission www.hlcommission.org
The Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org)

Nursing Education Program FAQs

What can I expect as a nursing student?

The College of Nursing & Health Studies at CTU understands that licensed practicing nurses possess varying knowledge levels upon returning to school. To address these differences, we have designed our nursing curriculum using adaptive technology.

Intellipath^®, CTU’s adaptive learning technology, lets you quickly move through the content you have already mastered to focus on what you still need to learn. This technology is similar to the computerized adaptive testing nurses use for entrance to the profession.

Our faculty-led nursing courses incorporate intellipath^® assignments, writing assignments, discussion boards, virtual simulation, clinical experiences, and journaling, among others. However, we do not assign group projects. Instead, you experience interdisciplinary collaboration throughout your clinical courses as well as traditional assignments.

Can I complete my clinical/practicum hours at work?

Students must disclose if they are requesting to do their practicum with their employer.

Students may not complete practicum hours in their current department or with in-line supervisors.

Are campus visits required?

For the MSN Nursing Administration and Nursing Education programs, campus visits are not required.

Can I work and go to school?

The structure of the MSN-Nursing Education and MSN-Nursing Administration concentrations are designed to allow the working nurse to advance in his/her MSN degree while continuing to work within the community. With an asynchronous (any time of day) classroom format, this allows students to formulate a study schedule that can be incorporated into their professional life. Instructors also provide synchronous chats to support varied adult learning needs.

Where can I find information about the practicum requirements?

Information about the practicum requirements can be found in the Nursing Learning Center where the Master of Science in Nursing Practicum Guide is located. The Clinical Coordinator also partners with students to assist with practicum related questions.

To speak with an advisor, request information here.

What are my responsibilities in preparing for practicum?

Students work with the Clinical Coordinator to prepare for practicum courses. Students receive emails with instructions about practicum preparation starting in the first session with CTU.

How many practicum hours do I need to complete for the MSN-Nursing Administration or MSN-Nursing Education concentrations?

Each concentration has two practicum courses built into the degree plan. Practicum courses are 5 weeks in duration and require 60 clinical hours each for a total of 120 hours. Students receive individual support from the Clinical Coordinator to help them prepare for the practicum experiences.

How do I go about securing a preceptor and practicum site for my practicum courses?

Students receive communication each session with instructions about how to prepare for practicum. The Clinical Coordinator also provides individual guidance. Student engagement in the placement process is important as it promotes a positive, educational experience for adult learners.

Does my MSN Capstone course require clinical/practicum hours and a project?

The MSN Capstone course does not require clinical hours. There are a variety of weekly deliverables that measure a student’s progress toward meeting programmatic outcomes. The MSN Capstone does not require the student to conduct research.

CLASSES START

October 03, 2023
November 14, 2023
January 02, 2024

TOTAL CREDITS

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

Online

Program Details

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Total tuition for the MSN-NE will vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and many other factors.
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Program Overview
With Colorado Technical University's MSN program, you will not only take advanced courses in evidence-based practice, health promotion and health policy, and informatics, but you will also have the opportunity to learn about innovative teaching practices in the practice and virtual learning environments.

Choosing Nursing Education

CTU offers MSN concentrations in nursing administration and nursing education. The MSN-NE is geared toward those who want to pursue a career in teaching. Reports of shortages in the nurse education community began in 2002² and since then, due to the lack of nursing educators, nursing programs have had limited growth.³ That said, job opportunities for nurse instructors and teachers at the post-secondary level are expected to grow by 19.3 percent (that’s 13,200 new positions) from 2014 to 2024.⁴

Expanding Your Nursing Knowledge

To take the first steps toward MSN enrollment at CTU, you'll need to have an unencumbered US RN license as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Core education. In the core nursing courses of your graduate-level degree, you will have the opportunity to learn about informatics, health promotion, evidence-based practice, theory and more. There are six courses to be taken as part of the core education, which include:
- Advanced Nursing Practice
- Integrating Theory and Research for Evidence-Based Practicee
- Healthcare Informatics and Technologies
- Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare
- Promoting and Preserving Health in a Diverse Society
- MSN Capstone
Concentration. In the nursing education concentration, you will complete seven courses designed to help you learn more about how to instruct students in their nursing education and how to assess them on their learning. Some of these classes include:
- Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
- Curriculum Development and Design
- Innovative Teaching Strategies
There also are two practicum courses to complete as part of the area of concentration. These experiential learning experiences are 60 hours each, for a total of 120 hours in total, and provide the opportunity to try out your teaching skills, including in a virtual environment.

College of Nursing Mission Statement

Through an innovative curriculum and student-centered teaching, the nursing faculty teaches, supports, and inspires students to become competent, caring, and accountable professionals who serve a diverse client population within a dynamic health care environment.

Degree Requirements

Courses-Core

Credits

Course Title	Course Description	Credit Hours
NRSG610 This course provides an overview of the skills needed for the nurse to achieve competency in advanced nursing practice. Advancements in science with organizational science will be examined for the contribution towards the transformation of nursing practice. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Advanced Nursing Practice	4
NRSG612 This course provides an overview of the development and relationship of nursing theory, research, and practice. Students will explore the process by which theory and research is critically appraised and translated into evidence-based practice in the development of clinical outcomes. An appreciation for diverse research methods and research appraisal is integrated into the course. Course assignments focus on evidence-based practice applications. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Integrating Theory and Research for Evidence-Based Practice	4
NRSG615 This course is designed to establish the foundational knowledge for understanding and practicing nursing informatics in healthcare settings. This course will also examine other technologies to deliver and enhance care. Consideration is given to the use of information technology to support decisions that promote safety and quality in patient-centered care, and concerns about protecting information and system integrity are addressed. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Healthcare Informatics and Technologies	4
NRSG617 This course provides a critical analysis of socioeconomic, political, legal, ethical, and global factors that affect nursing and healthcare delivery. Issues of cost, quality, and access are considered with emphasis on healthcare reform, including financing and payment systems, delivery models, health information management, and the integration of healthcare services to affect safety and quality. The means of influencing policy making will be discussed. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare	4
NRSG625 This course is based on a multifaceted definition of community. The promotion of healthy societies worldwide, through health improvement and disease management/prevention activities, is explored through an interprofessional approach. Additionally, the impact of genomics and genetics relative to health promotion/disease mitigation is studied. The effects of social, political, and environmental conditions are examined in relation to healthcare access, quality of care, patient values and preferences, and cultural relevance. The contributions of advanced nursing providers to improving patient and population health outcomes are analyzed. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Promoting and Preserving Health in a Diverse Society	4
NRSG640 This course is the culmination of the concepts developed in the MSN program. Students complete individual assignments that encompass program competencies and reflect a synthesis and application of prior coursework. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	MSN Capstone	4
	Total Credit Hours:	24

Courses-Concentration

Credits

Course Title	Course Description	Credit Hours
NRSG631 This 2 credit course is the first in a two part series. This course builds on prior undergraduate knowledge to help the nurse educator prepare to integrate and apply evidence-based pathophysiology and pharmacology into a holistic comprehensive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Advanced Pathopharmacology & Physical Assessment for the Nurse Educator A	2
NRSG631 This 2 credit course is the second in a two part series. This course builds on prior undergraduate knowledge to help the nurse educator prepare to integrate and apply evidence-based pathophysiology and pharmacology into a holistic comprehensive assessment of individuals across the lifespan. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Advanced Pathopharmacology & Physical Assessment for the Nurse Educator B	2
NRSG633 This course examines innovative teaching strategies in an age of technology. Adult learning principles will be explored to promote the appropriate selection of teaching strategies and media to enhance learner engagement and outcomes. The role and responsibilities of the nurse educator will be explored. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Innovative Teaching Strategies	4
NRSG634 This course explores best practices for nursing curriculum development and design. Students will analyze factors that influence program development, curriculum design, implementation and evaluation, both in the academic and hospital environment. Emphasis will be placed on accreditation standards and programmatic development. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Curriculum Development and Design	4
NRSG635 This course explores assessment and evaluation strategies in nursing education to include traditional academic and clinical settings, as well as the virtual environment. Students are introduced to programmatic evaluation within the context of the institutional and program mission, philosophy, nursing framework, and accreditation standards. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Assessment and Evaluation Strategies	4
NRSG636 This course allows the student to integrate nursing education theory and principles into the nursing education setting. Application experiences will focus on traditional nursing education delivery as well as the online environment. Sixty hours of experiential learning is required for this course. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Applying Nursing Education Principles in Practice & Virtual Environments	4
NRSG637 This direct care practicum course is designed to integrate Quality and Safety Education for Nurses’ (QSEN) competencies and evidence-based principles into the context of advanced nursing care. This course provides the student with the opportunity to apply QSEN knowledge and skills into advanced nursing practice. Sixty hours of experiential learning is required for this course. Students must earn a grade of B- (80%) or higher in all core and concentration courses to pass the course in the program.	Application of QSEN in the Advanced Nursing Role	4
	Total Credit Hours:	24

Total Credit Hours: 48

Compare Related Areas of Study
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- MSN in Nursing Administration
Compare up to three additional degrees
Ways to Save
Cost of this degree may be reduced based on one or more of the following:
- Active duty military status (see the tuition tab for details)
- Number of credits transferred and accepted from other institutions
- Eligibility for a Corporate Alliances Grant (check with your CTU Admissions Advisor)
- Tuition Reimbursement (talk to your HR Manager)
- Grants or scholarships at CTU
Outcomes
MSN Program Learning Outcomes:
1. Synthesize knowledge from nursing and a variety of sciences in diverse settings for the purpose of improving nursing care
2. Apply organizational and systems leadership concepts to promote quality patient care
3. Evaluate performance improvement processes designed for the purpose of providing quality patient care
4. Apply research outcomes and evidence-based practice to recommendations for improved patient care
5. Synthesize health policy processes established for the advocacy of quality healthcare
6. Integrate interprofessional collaboration to the management of patient and population health outcomes
7. Apply organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts to clinical prevention and population care to identified populations
MSN - Nursing Education Concentration Learning Outcomes:
1. Utilize pedagogical principles to develop, design, and revise an innovative nursing curriculum that promotes quality and safety in the delivery of nursing care and education.
2. Critique curricular assessment and evaluation strategies to ensure optimal learner outcomes are achieved.
3. Demonstrate clinical expertise through the synthesis of evidence from nursing and other sciences in preparation and delivery of nursing education to a diverse population of learners.
Admission Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Admission to this program requires an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. All students must maintain this licensure throughout the program of study.

Students must have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an institutionally accredited institution. A cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 for the last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours of study undertaken for full acceptance into the program.

Prior to starting the nursing program all applicants must submit an unofficial or official copy of college transcript from their BSN degree for review. Applicants to the Master of Science in Nursing degree program who meet all general admission requirements, but who have a CGPA for the BSN degree between 2.75 to 2.99 for the last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours of study, may be granted provisional admission. Students must successfully complete their first two MSN courses with a minimum of 3.0 GPA to be granted full admission to the nursing program or be administratively withdrawn.

Students must successfully complete NRSG610 first before advancing to other courses in the MSN program. No other program courses may be taken prior to NRSG610.
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MSN in Nursing Education

Nursing Education Program FAQs

CLASSES START

TOTAL CREDITS

PROGRAM AVAILABILITY

Program Details

Estimate Tuition and Grad Date

Program Overview

Degree Requirements

Courses-Core

Courses-Concentration

Compare Related Areas of Study

Ways to Save

Outcomes

MSN Program Learning Outcomes:

Admission Requirements

Next Steps

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