Information on Master’s Degree in Nursing Education Programs
Majors Overview August 13, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in nursing education and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Programs in Nursing Education
Coursework in master’s degree programs in nursing education is usually a combination of supervised clinical field experiences and classroom instruction. The primary focus of the curriculum is on the process involved in assessing, measuring and evaluating, developing curriculum, and working with different learning styles. Schools typically offer the program in both on-campus and online formats. While there can be various program lengths, most master’s degree programs in this field can be completed in about eight semesters.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to be registered nurses (RNs) and hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Coursework
Program coursework in master’s degree programs in nursing education can vary by program type as well as by the institute of higher learning that offers the program. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Evaluation and assessment in nursing education
•Leadership in nursing education
•Curriculum and program planning and organization
•Designing a student learning environment
•Theories and methods of teaching with technologies
Career Choices
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, a job growth of 19% has been predicted for postsecondary teachers, in general (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, postsecondary nursing instructors brought in an average annual wage of $68,970 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates who seek continuing education can enroll into doctorate programs in education administration or other similar postsecondary teaching opportunities. They can also seek professional certification offered through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the National League for Nursing (NLN).
