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).
The online program prepares nurses for the role of nurse educator with competencies in three educational areas:
Location: Online
App Deadline: April 1, Oct. 1
Semester Hours: 38-39
Part Time, 18 months
Practicums completed locally
The program admits twice per year, the Fall deadline is April 1, the Spring deadline is October 1.
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. Information session attendees who apply to the program by April 1 will be eligible for an application fee waiver!
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.
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:
Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate Program Option
Admission requirements are the same as for the applicants for the MS(N) Program except for the following criteria:
Application to the MS(N) Program requires application to the Graduate School.
Required courses are laid out in six semesters. Nurse Educator Curriculum
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
Along with the Information session offered by the Graduate School, the School of Nurisng is offering virtual information sessions for our MSN Nurse Educator Program. To reserve your seat and or/ receive the Zoom Link, please sign-up in the link below. There will be a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session.
Session Dates:
Monday, August 24th, 2020 at 6:30pm
Wednesday, August 26th, 2020 at 6:30pm
Friday, August 28th, 2020 at 9:00am