Getting a master’s degree in nursing education will prepare you for a rewarding career training the next generation of skilled and compassionate nurses.

As a registered nurse, you already have extensive clinical knowledge. Pursuing your advanced nursing education degree online will help you learn how to be a teacher and could change the course of your career.

The Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Nursing Education Online

Earning a master’s degree in nursing education allows you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to teach nursing students.

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a nurse educator track. 

"Our aging population and changes in healthcare continue to escalate the demand for more nurses. We need nurse faculty to provide that education," said Marla Kniewel, director of the MSN program.

The nurse educator track provides students with the academic framework needed to truly excel within an academic setting. 

“The core courses compliment and elaborate upon the bedside knowledge of the nurse,” said Tracy Ozzello, associate professor and coordinator for the MSN nurse educator track. “An MSN within the educator track allows students to work both within higher education or in an acute care setting as an educator.”

Some of the benefits of an online master’s in nursing education include:

• Completing your degree 100% online.
• Having flexibility of asynchronous course.
• Increasing your impact as a nurse.
• Expanding your role as a nurse.
• Becoming a leader in nursing.

Read more: Should You Get Your Master’s in Nursing

Flexibility and Convenience of Online Learning

The nurse educator master’s degree program at NMC is 100% online, which means students can access courses on their own time. The online program allows students to balance their work schedule and personal responsibilities with their coursework. The practicum is completed in person.

Courses are five to 10 weeks long with a one week break in between courses. The program can be completed in 24 months.

There’s also an option for registered nurses with associate degrees. The RN to MSN program can be completed in 36 months. 

“The flexibility of an online experience truly helped my work-life balance. The teachers are very accommodating and, with just a little communication, they do whatever they can to work with their students because they want to see success,” said Payton Flowers, an MSN Nurse Educator graduate.

Customizable Learning Experience

To help you stand out and increase your career options, you should get an advanced degree in an area you’re passionate about.

In addition to the nurse education track, NMC offers three other advanced nursing specializations - care coordinator, nurse executive and nursing informatics.

Whether you want to work in higher education, healthcare leadership, community healthcare or data analysis, you can find an advanced nursing education online at NMC.

Read more: 7 Reasons Why Now is The Time to Get Your MSN

Accredited Online Nursing Education

As you’re looking for an online MSN in nursing education, finding a high quality, accredited program is important.

NMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Coordinating Commission on Postsecondary Education (CCPE) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Experienced and Qualified Instructors

You can get a graduate education online from experienced and qualified faculty.

Most nursing faculty at NMC still work as nurses at local hospitals and clinics. It ensures that faculty understand the challenges of modern healthcare.

In addition to providing a high quality education, faculty at NMC also give students the support they need to succeed.

“The faculty at NMC was fantastic. From the first class to the last class, the faculty was supportive and kind. I can honestly say the instructors at NMC make the program,” said Jennifer Speth, a graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing nurse educator program.

Rigorous and Relevant Curriculum

Students learn about pedagogy, instructional methods and curriculum development, and complete a practicum in nursing education.

“The educator track focuses on skills and tools that the student can take with them to their educational career. Students learn about the individual traits of learners, instructional methods for all learning environments as well as pertinent curriculum and program knowledge. I provide personal availability through phone calls and meetings, and flexibility for the working adult,” Ozzello said.

Some of the courses included in the curriculum are, population health, teaching-learning principles, instructional methods, curriculum development and evaluation, health policy and leadership. 

“I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NMC. I felt as if the education I received during my undergraduate career is the reason why I feel so successful as a nurse today. I knew that if I went back for further education, that I would want to complete it at NMC,” said Flowers.

“The faculty at NMC strive to set their students up for success. The curriculum is challenging, but it sets students up for such a rewarding, fulfilling and confident career.”

Career Advancement Opportunities

Whether you want to begin a teaching career at a higher education institution or you want to become an educator within a healthcare system, getting your MSN will give you opportunities for career growth. 

After students complete online graduate nursing programs, they often begin working as faculty members at a college or university. They work full-time or part-time as adjunct faculty while continuing to provide direct care as a nurse.

Some graduates take on educator roles in acute care settings, providing continuing education to patient care staff.

Teaching and Educator Positions

Teaching and educator positions are in demand.

The projected job growth for postsecondary teachers is expected to be 8% between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That job growth is faster than average for all occupations.

As nursing shortages continue, there is a specific need for postsecondary teachers who can teach future nurses.

Financial Considerations and Support

As you’re considering colleges for your online nursing education degree, the cost of tuition and financial aid is important.

At NMC, the cost of tuition is $588 per credit hour. Students must earn 36 credit hours to receive an MSN.

The cost of your program will change based on scholarships and grants you receive or interest you pay on loans.

Calculating ROI on Your Degree

Earning an advanced nursing degree may increase your salary earnings throughout your career.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for postsecondary teachers is $84,380. 

For clinical nurse educators, the average annual salary is $99,701, according to Indeed.

You should research salary offers for nurse educators in your area to determine your potential return on your investment.

Available Financial Aid and Scholarships

There are many opportunities for financial aid as a graduate student.

You may also qualify for employer tuition assistance or tuition discounts from your employer.

NMC is affiliated with Methodist Health System (MHS) hospitals and clinics. 

Qualifying MHS employees may be eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program or a 20% tuition discount for the Master of Science in Nursing program at NMC. 

The health system’s Tuition Assistance Program allows employees to receive up to $3,500 a year in tuition assistance if they’ve worked for MHS for at least six months at a minimum of 16 hours per week prior to the beginning of the semester.

MSN students in the nurse educator track may also qualify for the Diverse Nurse and Men in Nursing Education Faculty Scholarship or the Nurse Faculty Loan Program.

To qualify for the Nurse Faculty Loan, you must begin work as a full-time faculty member at an accredited nursing college within 12 months following graduation.

However long you work full-time directly impacts how much of the loan is canceled. For example, if you work for four years, 85% of your loan will be forgiven.

Read more: In Depth Guide to the Nurse Faculty Loan Program

There are also scholarship opportunities at NMC, which include:

• NMC Legacy Grant
• Ruth Freed Leadership Scholarship
• Carolyn Scott “Spirit of Excellence” Scholarship
• Employee Development Grant
• MHS Academy Program
• External scholarships

Students can make an appointment with a financial aid advisor to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

How to Get Started with Your Online Master’s in Nursing Education

One of the advantages of online nursing degrees is that some graduate programs don’t require the GRE. This makes the application process more accessible.

Applicants to the MSN program at NMC are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a state-approved nursing program.
• BSN program GPA of 3.0.
• Current licensure as a registered nurse.
• Resume.
• Professional consultations with an admissions coordinator.

If you’re ready to apply to the MSN program at NMC, you can apply at any time. Applications are reviewed upon receipt and students are accepted from deadlines throughout the year.

If you have questions about the MSN nurse educator program, contact an NMC admissions coordinator at admissions@methodistcollege.edu or (402) 354-7200.

Preparing for Success

Before you begin your graduate studies, you’ll want to make sure you’re set up to succeed as an online learner.

Graduate students experience unique challenges as they balance working full-time with coursework.

In order to succeed in an online learning environment, you’ll need to:

• Have effective time management skills.
• Utilize the college’s online learning resources.
• Have a dedicated study space to eliminate distractions.
• Engage with your classmates and participate in discussion forums.
• Have your own support systems to help with childcare, household tasks, etc.

At NMC, students can schedule virtual meetings with NMC’s librarian for assistance researching a topic, writing in APA style and more. NMC’s Center for Research, Education and Teaching Excellence (CREATE!) provides students with help navigating Brightspace, the online learning platform used by the College.

“Throughout the program, I was often working three jobs equating to over 60 hours per week. My husband was also working full-time as a teacher and coach while working towards his master’s degree. Why we ever thought that was a good idea to have both of us enrolled full-time in grad school at the same time is beyond me! We also have four kids ranging in age from three to 13. But, we made it,” said Erica Faulkner, a graduate of the MSN nurse educator program.

“I think the key for me was prioritizing my time and figuring out what needed to be done now versus what could wait. At the beginning of each course, I made lists on the ‘notes’ section of my phone with all of the assignments and due dates. If I was in more than one course at a time, I would combine the list of assignments and put them in chronological order. Doing so allowed me to see all of the assignments at once and best manage my time. I had to specifically plan out blocks of time to work on each assignment and try my best to stay on schedule. Overall, it worked well. I just had to be organized and disciplined.”

Read more: Steps to Succeed in Online Learning as a Graduate Student

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career

There are many benefits of an online nursing education for your graduate degree. 

From asynchronous online classes to supportive faculty that become mentors, you’ll be able to balance work and classes.

In the end, you’ll have an advanced nursing degree that will demonstrate your skills, knowledge and leadership.

“An MSN signifies a commitment to the nursing field and equips nurses with the skills necessary for critical decision-making, team leadership, and strategic planning,” said Jill Scott, associate professor of nursing. “This degree demonstrates readiness for advanced roles as well as the capability to impact healthcare positively across multiple settings.”

At NMC, we know that graduate students need flexible nursing education programs. That’s why faculty will give you the support you need to succeed.

Apply today to the Master of Science in Nursing nurse educator program at NMC.