Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)
Hours: 36 Online
About
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) program at Fort Hays State University is tailored for experienced nurses who wish to transition into academic or clinical education roles. This fully online, 36-credit-hour program offers the flexibility needed by working professionals. The curriculum integrates nursing theory, clinical practice, and educational principles to prepare graduates for success as competent nurse educators.
Students will develop advanced skills in curriculum development, instructional design, and assessment strategies specifically for nursing education. The program also includes hands-on teaching experiences through targeted clinical practice, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to nursing education across diverse healthcare settings.
Why pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) at Fort Hays State University?
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) program distinguishes itself through a comprehensive curriculum, flexible online format, and a strong emphasis on practical teaching experience. The program aims to cultivate leadership skills and promote evidence-based teaching, enabling students to integrate the latest advancements in healthcare and education into their professional practice. Supported by experienced faculty and personalized training aligned with individual career goals, graduates are well-prepared to excel in the evolving field of nursing education.
Who is this program for?
This program serves experienced registered nurses who are passionate about shaping the future of nursing education. Whether they are seasoned professionals pursuing leadership roles or recent BSN graduates looking to specialize in education, this fully online program provides the flexibility and practical experience needed to advance their careers. The program is particularly well-suited for:
- Registered nurses with a passion for teaching and mentorship
- Nurses aiming to transition into academic roles or clinical education
- BSN graduates seeking specialization in nursing education
- Practicing nurses looking to advance their careers in healthcare quality and leadership
- Family nurse practitioners and pediatric nurse practitioners interested in education
- Healthcare professionals aiming to become nurse educators in diverse healthcare
Real-World Applications
The program equips graduates with the skills to excel in a variety of educational roles within the nursing field. Students gain the skills to develop and deliver effective nursing education through a curriculum focused on instructional design, innovative teaching strategies, and student assessment. These skills can be applied in academic settings, healthcare organizations, and continuing education programs.
The practicum experience provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain hands-on teaching experience in academic or clinical environments. This practical component supports the development of professional teaching portfolios. It offers constructive feedback from experienced nurse educators, ensuring students are fully prepared to enter educational roles upon completing the program.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The program's curriculum incorporates the latest advancements in nursing education, including simulation-based learning, online instructional design, and evidence-based assessment strategies. Students explore emerging trends such as interprofessional education, technology-enhanced learning, and competency-based assessment, ensuring they remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
Guided by faculty with extensive clinical experience and academic expertise, students conduct research projects addressing contemporary nursing education challenges. This blend of real-world experience and academic learning prepares graduates for teaching roles today and helps them lead future improvements in healthcare education.
Hands-on Activities
The program emphasizes experiential learning through practicum experiences and project-based coursework. Students have an opportunity to tailor their practicum to align with their career goals, working under the guidance of experienced nurse educators in academic or clinical settings. This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation in teaching and assessment practices.
In addition, students engage in simulation-based learning activities, collaborative projects, and interactive seminars that bridge theory and practice. Through the evidence-based practice project, students design, implement, and evaluate an education-related intervention, showcasing their knowledge and skills in nursing education.
What You’ll Learn:
- Curriculum development for nursing education
- Innovative teaching strategies for nursing students
- Leadership in academic and clinical settings
- Assessment and evaluation in nursing education
- Advanced clinical skills to enhance teaching
How You’ll Learn:
- Flexible online coursework tailored for working nurses
- Practicum experience guided by expert nurse educators
- Instructional design projects for healthcare settings
- Interactive seminars on assessment and evaluation
- Research-based, evidence-based practice project
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) program provides a comprehensive foundation in advanced nursing practice and education strategies. Core courses enhance clinical expertise and teaching proficiency, while a personalized practicum offers hands-on experience in real-world educational settings.
Coursework in research and evidence-based practice supports the development of a capstone project, enabling students to address current challenges in nursing education. This curriculum prepares graduates to become effective, innovative nurse educators ready to lead in academic and clinical environments.
NURS 866: Teaching Strategies in Nursing
This course presents theories and strategies of learning and teaching while exploring appropriate materials and methods for effective education in both classroom and clinical settings.
NURS 868: Curriculum Planning: Nursing Education
This course analyzes and synthesizes curriculum theory and principles of nursing curriculum development to align with diverse educational programs.
NURS 872: Informatics in Healthcare Systems
This course explores technological methods to improve patient care, including data mining, patient safety, privacy, and security. It examines point-of-care applications to enhance quality care and covers applications for improving student learning and implementing evidence-based practice.
Discover the full Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog. A comprehensive written examination is required for the MSN program during the student’s final semester. Fall and spring semesters consist of 16-week courses; summer courses are delivered in an accelerated 8-week format.
Graduates will find a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. With a strong foundation in nursing education and advanced clinical skills, they are prepared to shape nursing practice across various settings. Whether teaching, leading staff development, or influencing healthcare education policy, this accredited Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) program opens doors to meaningful and impactful careers.
Academic Nurse Educator
Academic nurse educators teach and mentor nursing students in undergraduate and graduate programs. They develop curricula, design assessments, and provide clinical instruction to prepare students for nursing practice. These roles are found in universities, colleges, and community colleges.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Clinical nurse educators lead staff development and training in healthcare settings. They design programs to improve skills, patient outcomes, and care quality, working in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.
Staff Development Specialist
Staff development specialists organize training and workshops to update nursing staff on the latest healthcare practices, ensuring teams deliver high-quality care.
Nursing Program Director
Nursing program directors manage nursing programs, overseeing curriculum, faculty, budgets, and accreditation to ensure quality education that prepares students for nursing practice.
Fort Hays State University’s Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) program values the dedication of nursing professionals and aims to streamline the admissions process. The key requirements for prospective students are as follows:
- Complete the Fort Hays State University Graduate Student Application.
- Submit all official academic transcripts.
- Hold a BSN from an accredited program, either CCNE or NLNAC.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based on the BSN degree, or a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the last 60 credit hours of the BSN coursework.
- Possess a current, active RN license.
- Submit two letters of reference addressing academic ability, professional competency, or personal character.
- Personal Statement: Provide no more than 500 words outlining an applicant’s motivation for pursuing an MSN. The statement will be evaluated for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
- Complete an MSN Clinical Acknowledgement Form
- International Students: This program does not meet the requirements for international students who require on-campus courses.
The Department of Nursing does not accept MSN applications from the following states: Alabama, Tennessee, Utah, and the District of Columbia
All nursing courses and transcripts from institutions outside the United States require additional evaluation by the Commission of Graduates Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). A detailed course-by-course assessment is required to verify the degree, course credits, grades, and overall grade point average.
Clinical Clearance Requirements
The MSN programs at FHSU require preceptor-led clinical experiences. For the MSN (Nursing Education) program, the clinical practicum is associated with NURS 867 in the Fall semester and NURS 869 in the Spring semester, totaling 135 practicum hours. Clinical clearance requirements include obtaining student liability insurance, completing a background check and drug testing, and submitting immunization records.
Fort Hays State University actively assists students in securing clinical contracts across the United States. However, in rare cases where a contract cannot be arranged due to location, state, or facility restrictions, and no alternative site is available locally, students will be assigned a clinical site in Hays, Kansas. In such cases, students must hold a Kansas nursing license and be able to attend their practicum in Kansas. Students are encouraged to begin the preceptor selection process early in their program. They should contact the Department of Nursing for any questions or guidance regarding clinical placements.
Fort Hays State University has received approval to offer the MSN program from the Kansas State Board of Nursing, the Kansas Board of Regents, and the Higher Learning Commission.
The Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education) program at Fort Hays State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Fort Hays State University offers a range of nursing programs to support students at every stage of their educational journey, from undergraduate degrees to certification and advanced degrees. Students are encouraged to explore these programs to identify the path that best aligns with their professional goals.
- Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Administration)
- Master of Professional Studies (Public Health Administration)
This program is distinguished by its flexible, fully online format, rigorous accreditation, and customized practicum experiences tailored to individual career goals.
The online format allows students to study independently with asynchronous courses and interactive discussions. Virtual office hours, a comprehensive online library, and technical support make learning seamless.
Yes, students take core courses and complete a final evidence-based practice project to address real-world challenges.
Information about the Department of Nursing
The Department of Nursing at FHSU offers programs and courses that integrate the latest technology in a student-centered, feedback-driven learning environment. Students benefit from close interaction with highly qualified faculty who bring extensive clinical and nursing experience to the classroom. This supportive and engaging atmosphere ensures that graduates are well-prepared to earn an in-demand degree and pursue a rewarding career in nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at FHSU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791.
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