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Nursing Education Online Master's Track Within the MSN Program

Bonnie Fecowicz, who earn her degree from SNHU, wearing a white lab coat, working on a desktop computer at a desk with her framed SNHU diploma on the wall behind her.

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Total courses 7 (of 12)

Term length 10 weeks

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Track Overview Why focus on nursing education?

As part of your Master of Science in Nursing program, choosing a specific track adds focus to your degree in a particular area of study. So, if training the next generation of nurses is your passion, the nursing education track can prepare you to lead and teach upcoming nursing professionals and have a lasting impact on the future of healthcare.

In the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing Education track at Southern New Hampshire University, you'll focus on developing the skills needed to design a curriculum, plan lessons and assess nursing students, so you can deliver innovative learning experiences that meet professional nursing standards. Upon completion, you'll meet the educational requirements for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

Skills you'll learn:

  • Leadership and collaboration 
  • Advanced communication and advocacy
  • Teaching and learning strategies
  • Healthcare technology integration
  • Modeling professional practices
  • How to deliver high-quality education
Bonnie Fecowicz, who earned her degree from SNHU, wearing a white lab coat in a hospital reading papers in an open folder she's holding

Courses & Curriculum Career-focused nursing education courses

The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing Education track is aligned to the core competencies defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. Your coursework will focus on helping you develop essential skills required for you to transition from an RN into a nurse educator role. Your nursing education courses also focus on hands-on learning, helping you apply your skills directly to an authentic healthcare setting.

Track Course Descriptions

Your 7-course nursing education track explained

Your entire MSN degree consists of 12 courses (36 credits). For 5 of your courses, you’ll take the Master of Science in Nursing core (15 credits). If you choose the nursing education track, the remaining 7 courses (21 credits) will focus specifically on nursing education coursework to help prepare you for success as a practicing nurse educator. Part of that coursework includes a required practicum experience.

Courses may include:

Course ID: NUR 557
In this course, students will build on prior learning of biological sciences to explore normal and pathological conditions and pharmacological treatment options. Students will use a person-centered approach to investigate alterations of various health states across the lifespan incorporating the use of clinical reasoning skills, best practice, current practice guidelines, and technologies. Students will gain this advanced knowledge by evaluating the impact of disease conditions and pharmacotherapies to support holistic, collaborative treatment options.
Course ID: NUR 560
In this course, students will build on previous clinical experience and prior knowledge to master health assessment skills and advanced communication strategies. Students will conduct comprehensive health assessments incorporating environmental, genetic, multicultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors. Students will gain mastery of the advanced history and physical exam, formulate plans to ensure effective patient-centered care, and adapt their communication style to meet the specific needs of individuals and families.
Course ID: NUR 634
In this course, students explore the use of teaching and learning assessment strategies for nurse educators. Emphasis is placed on application of evidence-based practice to enhance student learning in clinical, didactic, and online learning environments. Students will examine various teaching and learning methods, including using innovative education technologies. Topics in this course include feedback strategies, test construction and item analysis, and developing and using rubrics.
Course ID: NUR 653
In this course, students will build upon previous health promotion and disease prevention knowledge and gain additional management skills to improve the health of populations. Students will assess health risks, services and needs of populations, analyze data to drive the improvement of care, and investigate funding resources to address deficiencies. Students will demonstrate the ability to coordinate care through the establishment of interprofessional partnerships to address gaps in care and develop, implement and evaluate improvement plans.
Course ID: NUR 654
In this course, students will explore the role of the nurse educator in curriculum design and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the process of developing curricula to include evaluation of program outcomes. Students will examine policies, accreditation, professional standards, and regulations that are designed to ensure program compliance and the achievement of learner outcomes. Students will explore learning strategies that guide the development and revision of programs and outcomes.
Course ID: NUR 675
In this course, students will examine topics in preparation for practicum experiences such as the best practice for leadership, education, information technologies and management, and healthcare quality and safety. They will gain skills in the application of leadership, the use of informatics, and address a range of safety and quality considerations. Students will utilize data to guide decisions, evaluate safety and quality, while integrating leadership skills into the role of the MSN professional.
Course ID: NUR 690
In this practicum, students will synthesize prior learning and theoretical foundations of nursing education in the development of an implementable nursing education improvement project or change initiative. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through an assessment of a knowledge gap in nursing education, the development of recommendations, and the dissemination of a nursing education plan to a targeted audience. Students will engage in 135 hours of supervised, direct clinical practice experiences, divided between an academic and advanced nursing practice setting, to demonstrate synthesis and application of knowledge, skills, and behaviors of the nursing education role.

Visit the course catalog to view the full Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing Education track curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: July 6, 2026 | September 21, 2026

Next term starts:
April 20, 2026

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.

What to expect:

10-week terms

Learn around your schedule

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Faculty Profile

Learn from dedicated instructors

In Southern New Hampshire University's online MSN programs, you'll learn from instructors with real-world experience. All of our full-time faculty members are doctorally prepared and come to the classroom with healthcare experience.

Featured Faculty

Dr. Crissy Hunter, RN, CHSE, CNE
Dr. Crissy Hunter, a clinical faculty member in SNHU's graduate nursing program.

Dr. Crissy Hunter brings over 15 years of higher education experience, having taught at both Boise State University and Sheridan College. Beyond the classroom, she’s deeply involved in volunteer service, working as an RN with Kanakuk Ministries since 2015 and as a disaster health services lead for the American Red Cross since 2020.

Position
Clinical faculty member of graduate nursing programs

Joined SNHU
2019

Education

  • DNP in Educational Leadership from American Sentinel College
  • MSN in Nursing Education from the University of Wyoming
  • BSN from the University of Phoenix
  • ADN from Maric College

"Nurse educators play a vital role in the profession of nursing. Regardless of the setting, our primary role is advancing the profession of nursing through education."

Dr. Robin Kirschner, EdD, DNP, RN, CNE, CNL, NEA-BC
Dr. Robin Kirschner, director of SNHU's online master's in nursing program.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Robin Kirschner has served as a heart critical care nurse, director of nursing, clinical nurse educator, academic nurse faculty, senior clinical manager, director of assessment and curriculum for healthcare, and national dean of MSN nursing. She’s received several awards, including the Adda Alexander Leadership in Action Award sponsored by the Arizona Organization for Nurse Leaders and Arizona Action Coalition.

Position
Program Director, MSN

Joined SNHU
2021

Education

  • DNP in Nursing Education from Touro University Nevada
  • EdD in Administrative Leadership from Argosy University Phoenix
  • MA in Critical Care Nursing from New York University
  • MSN from the University of Oregon
  • BSN from the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center
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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

MSN Admission Requirements:

  • Must maintain an active unencumbered registered nurse license. Licensure exam must be equivalent to NCLEX-RN examination. (If a student holds active licenses in more than one state/jurisdiction all licenses must be unencumbered.)
  • Must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program (ACEN, CCNE, and CNEA) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Applicants with a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.99 may be eligible for provisional acceptance into the BSN program.
  • Completion of the MSN acknowledgement form.
  • Provisional acceptance may be extended to applicants with an undergraduate GPA between 2.67 and 2.99.

No BSN yet? No problem! SNHU offers an accelerated online RN to MSN pathway option that allows eligible registered nurses to achieve their MSN faster and for less money. The RN to MSN accelerated pathway can be applied to all 5 specialty tracks.

SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or U.S. territories, and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or U.S. territories into nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a U.S. territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the U.S. territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact an admission counselor, and current students should contact their academic advisor, for more information.

Applicants and students are advised that their success in their chosen program may be dependent on an ability to meet the Nursing Program Health and Technical Requirements (PDF).

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master’s degree program in nursing at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791.

NECHE Logo CCNE Accredited Logo

Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online graduate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$23,724
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$1,977 $3,954 $5,931 $7,908
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $21,747

If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770

If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do when I finish my nursing education track?

With your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing Education track, you'll meet the educational requirements to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam offered by the National League for Nursing (NLN). You'll also be prepared to pursue roles like education preceptor or simulation coordinator. As an educator, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of a changing healthcare system.

Industries

As a nurse educator, you'll be qualified to work in a variety of settings in healthcare, education or the public sector, including:

Teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to experienced nurses and nursing students.

Coordinate and manage the nursing program's simulation and skills lab.

Instruct and evaluate the clinical training of health sciences students.

Evaluate the effectiveness of curriculums established by school boards, states or federal entities.

Oversee student services, academics and faculty research in a specific education department.

Represent the educational needs of nurses and their impact on healthcare equity.

17%
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Job growth projected nationally for nursing instructors and teachers (postsecondary) through 2034, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

$79,940
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Median annual wage nationally for nursing instructors and teachers (postsecondary) in May 2024, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Tara Donovan, who earned her master's in nursing from SNHU in 2023, wearing her cap and gown.
Tara Donovan, who earned her master's in nursing from SNHU in 2023, wearing her cap and gown.

This degree will change my life because all I have ever wanted to do was give back to students what was so feely given to me by my professor. I will be able to be that person that goes above and beyond for a student to make that difference that may allow or encourage them to continue on with their education.

Tara Donovan '23G

Frequently Asked Questions

Primarily, nurse educators can teach in academic or hospital settings. Those who enter the field will educate nurses on the newest processes, standards, technology and safety measures that uphold regulatory requirements and improve patient care.

In the hospital setting, nurse educators support working nurses through on-the-job training. Within academic settings, nurse educators can be found teaching pre-licensure or post-licensure students, helping prepare them for a rewarding career. 

Read more: How to Become a Nurse Educator

At SNHU, most of our online MSN tracks require 36 credits, which is 12 total courses. (The one exception is the family nurse practitioner track, which requires 51 credits.)

That said, students have the option of taking 2 courses per term, which is considered full time, or 1 course per term, which is considered part time. Only you can decide which workload is right for you, but if speed is important to you, the full-time option could be the way to go.

At SNHU, we also understand that your schedule may change term by term, so you can decide as you go what the right balance is for you.

Adding to the flexibility of our programs, our graduate terms are 10 weeks long with 5 term starts per year. The benefits here are two-fold. On one hand, you can keep going with minimal gaps from one term to the next, to keep the momentum. On the other, you can plan ahead when you have week-long breaks between terms to get ready for the next term, or assess whether one course or two is best for your upcoming term.

Learn more about how long it takes to get a master's degree.

Only you can decide if an MSN aligns with your professional goals. That said, if your goal is to enter a role that is personally rewarding, with promising prospects for the future, this program could be an excellent pathway to your goals.

The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing Education track from SNHU, for example, reflects "innovative teaching and learning practices, best practices in designing curriculum, individualized assessments and the ins and outs of learning through simulation," said Dr. Crissy Hunter, clinical faculty of graduate nursing programs at SNHU.

The program also allows students to take the Certified Nurse Educator exam by the National League for Nursing, which Hunter notes "is a true mark of a prepared nurse educator."

Nurse educators will be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare. As the needs of the industry evolve, so do the roles and responsibilities of teachers.

At colleges and universities, a track is a focused area of study within a larger degree program. A track can replace elective coursework in the major or discipline, allowing you to focus your studies in a specific area of interest. At SNHU, our online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers 5 specialized tracks to choose from — nursing executive leadership, healthcare quality and safety, family nurse practitioner, population healthcare and nursing education.

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Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm (viewed March 11, 2026). 

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.