MS(N) Nurse Educator
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
Program Overview
Location: Online
App Deadline: July 1, December 1
Semester Hours: 38-39
Part Time, 18 months
Practicums completed locally
Post-Graduate Certificate Option Available
Virtual Open House
Wednesday, November 6: 5-6:30pm
Join us at one of our upcoming virtual Graduate School Open House events on Zoom! You'll have the opportunity to learn more
about Western Carolina University, understand the Graduate School application process,
and meet key program representatives.
Application Deadlines
The program admits twice per year, the Fall deadline is July 1, the Spring deadline is December 1.
Certificate Program
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 12 semester hours of study and can be completed in three 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
- Submit a resume and professional statement with the online Graduate School application (see the Nurse Educator Professional Statement and Resume Guidelines for details)
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:
- The candidate must have graduated from a nationally accredited master's program in nursing (MSN) or a related discipline
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
