Online Nursing Education

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.

For the eighth consecutive year, 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 and World Report.*

* CTU programs are ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Online Programs.

Program Credits

5 Weeks

Course Length

Online

Location

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date.

Estimate Your Tuition

Request Information

Fill out this brief form and a CTU Admissions Advisor will contact you and help with your degree questions.

*All fields are required

Are you affiliated with the military?*

Yes No

By clicking the “I AGREE & SUBMIT” button below, I consent to CTU using automated technology and/or pre-recorded means to email, call, and text me at the phone number above regarding educational services. I understand that my consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or services. I am providing an e-signature confirming my consent and my agreement to CTU’s "Terms of Use" and "Privacy Policy". Msg and data rates may apply.

Program Overview

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.

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.

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

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)

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date

Get an estimate of your degree program costs and graduation date in as little as five minutes.

Calculate Now

Courses

Courses-Core		Credits
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
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

View Less

Learning Outcomes

MSN Program Learning Outcomes:

Synthesize knowledge from nursing and a variety of sciences in diverse settings for the purpose of improving nursing care
Apply organizational and systems leadership concepts to promote quality patient care
Evaluate performance improvement processes designed for the purpose of providing quality patient care
Apply research outcomes and evidence-based practice to recommendations for improved patient care
Synthesize health policy processes established for the advocacy of quality healthcare
Integrate interprofessional collaboration to the management of patient and population health outcomes
Apply organizational, client-centered, and culturally appropriate concepts to clinical prevention and population care to identified populations

MSN - Nursing Education Concentration Learning Outcomes:

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.
Critique curricular assessment and evaluation strategies to ensure optimal learner outcomes are achieved.
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.

Faculty

Dr. Rose Nieves

University Dean

Dr. Rose Nieves is the Dean of the College of Nursing for Colorado Technical University. In this role, she leverages her vast experience as a nursing leader, educator and healthcare provider to help assess, mold, develop and direct the College of Nursing.

Dr. Kelly White

Executive Program Director

Dr. Kelly White is the Executive Program Director of Nursing and Health Studies at Colorado Technical University. With more than 25 years of experience in nursing education and leadership, she has actively participated in the changing needs of nursing students, faculty and in the transforming healthcare arena.

For more faculty profiles please visit our Leadership and Faculty page.
For more information visit the College of Nursing.

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.

At this time, Colorado Technical University cannot accept inquiries for the MSN-NE program from residents of the states of Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.

Related Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Compare

MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

Compare

MSN in Nursing Administration

Compare

Compare up to three additional degrees

FAQs

What will I study in this MSN degree program?

In this Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, candidates study program core and nursing concentration courses, including but not limited to, Integrating Theory and Research for Evidence-Based Practice, Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare, Advanced Pathopharmacology & Physical Assessment for the Nurse Educator, and Curriculum Development and Design.

In the Nursing Education (MSN-NE) concentration, candidates will explore nursing education principles such as the use of innovative teaching strategies, curriculum design and development, assessment and evaluation, and the application of these concepts in nursing practice and virtual environments.

Candidates will participate in practicum experiences (immersion experiences) under the direct supervision of a preceptor. Students in the MSN-NE are required to participate in two practicum courses, 60 hours each, for 120 hours total. Students may be able to complete their practicum with their place of employment (if appropriate). Students may not complete practicum hours in their current department or with in-line supervisors.

When and where can I begin my nursing master’s degree program classes?

This MSN degree program is offered online and starts every 5 weeks. For more information, you can speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-855-230-0555) or request it online. Once you’ve completed the online request, you can expect to hear from an advisor within 24 hours to answer any questions you may have and to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to graduate from this nursing degree program?

This Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program is comprised of 48 credit hours. Candidates may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a Concentration in Nursing Education at CTU?

At CTU, our nursing courses are built around our proprietary intellipath® learning system, an adaptive learning technology that recognizes what candidates already know, anticipates what they’re ready to learn, and tailors the course materials accordingly so they can move quickly over the content they already know. This technology is similar to the computerized adaptive testing nurses use for entrance to the profession.

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. We provide registered nurses the flexibility to attend classes while working with 100% online courses and access to our handy mobile app. There is no waitlist, no GMAT/GRE, and MSN-NE learners may be able to complete their practicum hours within their local community.

Is the Master of Science in Nursing degree program at CTU accredited?

Yes, The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Master of Science in Nursing degree, Post Graduate APRN Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree programs at Colorado Technical University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

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.

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.

To speak with an advisor, request information here.