Certificate Title and Number: Nurse Educator – CTNEDG

Department/Unit: School of Nursing

Delivery Mode: Online, Hybrid

Terms of Entry: Fall | Spring | Summer

Program Overview: The Nurse Educator graduate certificate consists of both didactic and practice-based clinical performance courses. The didactic courses present the nursing knowledge, theoretical concepts, models, and research that inform patient care and evidence-based practice. The practice-based course provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge; practice skills; plan, implement and evaluate interventions and programs; and learn the full scope of the role for which they are preparing. The Nurse Educator certificate prepares students to be eligible for certification as a National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Graduates of this track may teach in academic, clinical, or healthcare education settings. 

Graduation Requirements: You must complete 15 credit hours of the required courses including an approved practicum teaching experience. To be awarded the certificate, you must complete the required courses with an overall GPA of at least 3.0 and no grade in an individual course lower than a “C” (2.0).  Degree-seeking students who complete the program are awarded the gerontology certificate upon graduation, and a notation of the certificate is recorded on the student’s transcript. Non-degree students receive a notation of the certificate on their transcripts upon completion of certificate requirements. Upon applying for graduation (for degree-seeking students) or completion of the certificate requirements (for non-degree students), you must contact the program Associate Director for verification of completion and the awarding of the certificate. For more information on course offerings or other concerns, contact the graduate nursing office.

The courses specific to the NE track option are: NRSE 6610, NRSE 6620, NRSE 6630, NRSE 6928, NRSE 6934

Teaching practicum experiences occur in academic settings with qualified preceptors for a total of 200 hours.

Culminating Experience: Nurse Educator certificate students complete NRSE 6934 in which a comprehensive portfolio documenting achievement of specific national standards is developed. In addition to the portfolio completion, the culminating experience for this certificate includes a a teaching simulation and a certification predictor exam.

Admission Requirements: In addition to the standard Graduate College admission requirements, potential MSN students must also supply/document the following:

• Specified health status requirements (immunization status, Tb screening, etc. as delineated in the current Graduate Nursing Handbook)
• Awarded Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from regionally accredited institution.
• FBI/BCI background checks free from disqualifying offenses under Senate Bills 38 and 160.
• Minimum grade point average of 3.20 for unconditional admission
• Statement of professional goals
• Resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to complete graduate-level coursework and practice abilities. A minimum of 2 of these must be from individuals prepared at or above the Master’s level. One must be from an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse.
• Evidence of the equivalent of two years full-time experience working as an RN within the past five years.
• Residents of and evidence of valid, unencumbered RN licensure in one of the following states: Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia.
• An admission interview with faculty (may be face to face or web-based).