Western Carolina University’s graduate studies in nursing provide students with academic
and field-based experiences that lead to a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN).
100% Online Program for Working Professionals
The online program prepares nurses for the role of nurse educator with competencies
in three educational areas:
Academic Educator
Staff Educator
Patient Educator
Apply Today: Application Fee Waived through April 1!
The program admits twice per year, the Falldeadline is June 30, the Spring deadline is October 1.
Online Information Session
Tuesday June 8, 2021 at 7pm
Register for an online info session about our online master's program for working
professionals. Join us for one of our upcoming online information sessions to learn
more. We will share exciting information about each program including application
information, program highlights and an opportunity to ask questions of the program
director or faculty member. Be sure to register in advance for this session.
A Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education is also available to students
who have earned an MSN or master’s degree in a related discipline. All academic courses
are taught online. Practicum placements are available in a variety of settings in
or near the students' communities.
About the Program
Degree Requirements: The MS(N) Nurse Educator Program requires 38 to 39 semester hours of coursework,
depending on whether the thesis or project option is selected. New students are admitted
for the fall or spring semesters. The typical course load is six to nine credit hours
per semester (part-time).
Certificate Requirements: The Post-Graduate Certificate Program requires 19 semester hours of study and can
be completed in five semesters. The number of nurse educator students admitted is
based on available faculty and clinical resources.
In order to be eligible for admission MS(N) Nurse Educator Program, applicants must
meet the following criteria:
BSN from a regionally accredited college or university and nationally accredited nursing
program
Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on 4.0 scale on the last 60 hours of undergraduate
coursework
Statistics course, undergraduate or graduate level
Nursing Research course, undergraduate
Registered nurse eligible for licensure to practice in the state in which the student
intends to practice
Minimum of one year of clinical experience as a registered nurse within the last five
years
Three professional references: one must be from current or recent immediate supervisor
Visit the Graduate School’s tuition and fee rates page for current cost information. Admitted students are required to be computer
literate and either own or have regular access to a computer with a CD writer and
high-speed Internet. Nurse Educator students are required to purchase a microphone
and webcam for their computers. Additional expenses include textbooks at approximately
$800 per year.
Program Director: Ramona Whichello, DNP, RN, NEA-BC Associate Professor
Core Faculty: Amy Putnam, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE
Join us for one of our upcoming online information sessions to learn more. We will
share exciting information about each program including application information, program
highlights and an opportunity to ask questions of the program director or faculty
member. Be sure to register in advance for this session.
