RN to MSN Nurse Educator

An RN to MSN nursing education specialization helps set you up to make a meaningful difference in the future of nursing.

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RN to MSN – Nurse Educator RN to MSN – Nurse Educator

8 Weeks

8-week terms allow for start dates throughout the year

24/7 Access

All-hours access to your coursework, online library, and tech support

CCNE-Accredited

This nursing track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1 (for the MSN and RN to MSN programs only)

Nurse Educator Track Highlights

Flame

Coursework that covers the principles of teaching, curriculum design, and assessments in nursing education

Stethoscope

Skills to help prepare you to work in classrooms so you can shape the next generation of nurses

Online classes you can access anytime, anywhere from your mobile device or computer

Your Success

Precepted clinical hours for hands-on practice at a healthcare facility near you

Why Choose an RN to MSN - Nurse Educator?

As a nurse educator, you have the opportunity to inspire and guide the next generation of nursing professionals. If you’re driven by a passion for teaching and a desire to make a lasting impact, WCU’s RN to MSN in nursing education can help provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this rewarding career path.

Through WCU’s forward-thinking curriculum, you’ll delve into the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum development, and assessment techniques specifically tailored to nursing education. Whether you aspire to lead in the classroom or guide students through clinical practice, the online RN to MSN – Nurse Educator track offers the foundation to help you achieve your goals as a nurse educator.

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  • Flexible online and campus programs
  • 58,000 alumni across the globe
  • Experienced faculty and staff

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Explore the Nurse Educator Track program at WCU!

Overview: Online Nurse Educator Track

Program Details: RN to MSN – Nurse Educator

Accelerated Plus Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

16 Months

4 Trimesters

Accelerated Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

20 Months

5 Trimesters

Working Professional Pace

Distance Education/Online

135 Credits

32 Months

8 Trimesters

Curriculum

Course Number Course Name Total Credit Hours
Number Name Hours
ELECT 199 Awarded for College-Level General Education Coursework:
Up to 39 credits of transfer coursework:- Effective Spring II 2023(For Spring I 2023 Enrollment use Winter 2023 Catalog for Curriculum Information)

  • Applicants who do not have enough previous credits to complete this requirement will have the following
    options:

    • * College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    • * Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)
    • * Prometric DSST Exams (DANTES)
    • * Advanced Placement (AP)
    • * International Baccalaureate (IB)
    • * American Credit Evaluation (ACE)
    • * National College Credit Recommendation
      Service (NCCRS)
    • * Challenge exams
39.0
BSNR 300 Principles of Leadership for Healthcare Organizations 3
BSNR 305 Pathophysiology 3
BSNR 315 Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice 3
BSNR 400C Community & Public Health Nursing I 3
BSNR 405C Community & Public Health Nursing II 3
MSNC 500 Nursing Roles in Policy, Ethics, & Finance 3
MSNC 505 Scholarship for Advanced Nursing Practice 3
MSNC 510 Advanced Nursing Technologies & Collaborative Care 3
MSNC 515 Health Promotion and Disease Management 3
MSNE 540 Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, & Pharmacology for Nurse Educators 3
MSNE 600 Nurse Educator Roles: Scholarship, Service, and Leadership 2
MSNE 605 Curriculum Design I 2
MSNE 610 Accreditation & Regulatory Requirements 2
MSNE 615 Curriculum Design II 2
MSNE 620 Program Assessment & Evaluation 2
MSNE 625 Innovative Teaching Strategies & Learning Styles 2
MSNE 635C Nursing Education Practice Integration Experience 3
Total Credit Hours: 45.0
Required At WCU 45.0
Awarded for College-Level General Education Courses 39.0
Awarded for Unencumbered RN Licensure and Lower Level Nursing Courses 51.0
Degree Total 135.0

Tuition & Financial Aid

How Much Does the RN to MSN – Nurse Educator Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of RN to MSN – Nurse Educator online tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the RN to MSN – Nurse Educator track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several financial aid options — including scholarships, grants, and loan access — to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses. For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type

Master of Science

(Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024

Master of Science

(Enrolling after April 1, 2024)

Total Program Credits 1351 1351 
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters 4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425
Tuition Cost MSN Level (per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400 $20,400 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825 $27,825 
STRF2 $75 $0 
Technology Fee3 $2,000 $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,350 $30,350 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,425 $30,350 

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Master of Science

(Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024)

Master of Science

(Enrolling after April 1, 2024)

Total Program Credits 1351 1351
Program Length(full time) 5 trimesters 5 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400 $20,400 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825 $27,825 
STRF3 $77.50 $0 
Technology Fee4 $2,500 $2,500
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,850 $30,850 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,927.50 $30,850 

Working Professional*

Degree Type

Master of Science

(Enrolling prior to April 1, 2024)

Master of Science

(Enrolling after April 1, 2024)

Total Program Credits 1351 1351 
Program Length(full time) 8 trimesters 8 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680 $680 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400 $20,400 
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825 $27,825 
STRF2 $80 $0 
Technology Fee3 $4,000 $4,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525 $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $32,350 $32,350 
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $32,430 $32,350 
 
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year5    
  Prior to Fall I 2024 Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 
 
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Includes 51 credits for unencumbered RN License, assumes 39 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 45 credits are required to be taken at WCU.

2 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check. 

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet the following standards (RN-MSN All Track Options):

  1. Completion of the application for admission.
  2. Completion of all university admissions requirements.
  3. Completion of an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited collegiate institution with a 3.0 CGPA or better.
    1. Applicants can be conditionally admitted into the program by providing unofficial transcripts or a copy of the conferred nursing degree. Official transcripts which meet the requirements set forth must be received by the end of the add/drop period to be admitted to the program.
  4. A valid and unencumbered license as a registered nurse in any U.S. state or territory in which the student is licensed, including the state in which the student completes all assignments for the program.
    1. Military, federal, and foreign-educated nurses must meet this state requirement for nursing licensure.
    2. An active and unencumbered RN license(s) must be maintained throughout the program.
    3. A domestic or foreign medical degree is not equivalent to a nursing degree.
  5. Submit official transcripts from one of the programs below approved by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) (including any prior courses taken to be considered for transfer of credit).
    1. Associate of Science in Nursing
    2. Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
    3. Diploma in Nursing
    4. State-approved nursing with evidence of an earned RN license
    5. Foreign nursing equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States
    6. Associate of Science with evidence of an earned RN license
    7. Associate of Applied Science with evidence of an earned RN license
    8. Non-nursing bachelor’s degree with evidence of an earned RN license*
    9. Foreign-Foreign equivalency with evidence of an earned RN license in the United States*

* Applicants submitting non-U.S. or non-English transcripts should refer to the International Admissions section of the catalog.

For more information, please visit our catalog.

Academic Calendar

New academic sessions begin, on average, every eight weeks. The number of trimesters needed depends on the program and pace selected for the Nurse Educator track. For the most updated start-to-completion schedule, view the Academic Calendar.

Clinical Placements

Clinical Placement Nurse Educator

Find a Clinical Facility that Meets Your Needs

Need help getting placed with a preceptor and site for your clinical practicum? Our Clinical Placements team can help.

We have the resources to assist with your preceptor search and through every step in the process of setting up an agreement. You’ll have access to an assigned coordinator of clinical relations who can provide you with coaching calls, so you’re fully prepared for your clinical practice journey. West Coast University has partnerships with healthcare organizations, which is extremely valuable for our clinical placement efforts.

Career Services

Support Through Your Job Search

Once you’ve completed the Nurse Educator track, you’ll need to find a position that helps you utilize your newly developed teaching skills. That’s where our Career Services department comes in.

Providing no-cost resume workshops, interview coaching, and professional development opportunities, Career Services is here to support you. Our dedicated team can help you find open roles in your field, revise applications, and reach your full potential.2

Featured Faculty

George-Peraza-Smith

Meet the Dean

Dr. George Byron Peraza-Smith, DNP, RN, AGNP-C, GNP-BC, GS-C, CNE, FAANP

Dean/Director, DNP, RN to BSN, AGPC-NP & Graduate Specialty Programs

Dr. George Peraza-Smith is a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). He obtained his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Case Western Reserve University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in nursing administration from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has both a gerontological nurse practitioner post-master’s certificate from the University of South Florida and an adult nurse practitioner post-doctoral certificate from Brandman University.

Dr. Peraza-Smith is board-certified as an adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP), a gerontological nurse practitioner, an APRN gerontological specialist, and a certified nurse educator. He is the immediate past president of the Florida Nurses Association and the immediate past inaugural president of the Gerontology Nursing Certification Commission (GNCC) for which he remains a trustee on the board. The GNCC offers an APRN gerontological specialist certification to distinguish APRNs who possess expert knowledge, experience, and skill in managing the complex health needs of older adults.

Dr. Peraza-Smith has been teaching in MSN and DNP online and hybrid programs for over 10 years. He has held academic leadership positions such as professor, program director, department chair, and associate dean. Dr. Peraza-Smith resides in Zephyrhills, Florida with his husband and two children.

FAQs

Is the Nurse Educator track right for me?

Our Nurse Educator tracks are designed for students who are interested in teaching nursing in either the classroom or the clinical setting. You will take courses in the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum design, and assessment in nursing education.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the Nurse Educator track programs?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine which credits can transfer into your chosen program.

How long does it take to complete the RN to MSN - Nurse Educator track?

Time-to-completion will vary depending on your chosen pace. Consider the following timelines:

  • Accelerated Plus pace — 16 months
  • Accelerated pace — 20 months
  • Working Professional pace — 32 months

Can I get a degree in nurse education online?

With WCU, you can complete your education with the flexibility of online learning! You access your coursework through your virtual classroom and complete all coursework remotely. When it comes to completing your clinical hours, our Clinical Placement team can help you find a facility near you.

Do you need an MSN to be a nurse educator?

To be considered for a certified nurse educator role, you will need to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. WCU offers three programs with Nurse Educator tracks to help you earn your certification: an MSN, an RN to MSN, and a post-master’s certificate program.

Is financial aid available?

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify. During the application process, you can talk to a dedicated financial aid advisor to review your options and find the financing solution that’s right for you. Our financial aid office is here to support you every step of the way.

WCU institutional scholarships include the WCU Performance Scholarship, WCU Health Services Partner Grant, and the Alumni Pathway Grant for WCU alumni. For additional information and eligibility requirements, please visit our scholarships and grants page on our online catalog.

How will WCU support me in my online journey?

When you study to become a nurse educator at WCU, you get one-on-one support every step of the way. This includes access to no-cost tutoring and online resources such as LinkedIn Learning. You also have a Student Success advisor you can contact whenever you need support.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the California and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master’s certificate programs.

1 The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at West Coast University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education 655 K Street, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202) 877-6791 (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

2 WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.