MSN in Nursing Leadership
Nursing Education Specialty Track
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Nursing Education Specialty Track
Develop the expertise to educate and inspire the next generation of nurses — equipping them with the knowledge and skills to promote the utmost in patient safety, health, and well-being. With this specialized training, you’ll be qualified for roles such as nursing faculty, clinical instructor, and nurse educator. You’ll also play a vital part in addressing the nationwide nursing faculty shortage, helping to shape the future of nursing education and healthcare delivery.
This track is for students who:
- Have a passion for teaching, mentoring, and developing future nurses
- Want to transition from bedside into academic or clinical educator roles
- Are interested in developing nursing curriculum and evidence-based teaching strategies
- Aim to make a broader impact on the profession through leadership and education
27
Average number of months it takes to graduate from the program
15–20
Average number of hours of coursework to expect each week
Certifications and career paths:
What you’ll be prepared to pursue
The MSN-NL curriculum is designed to prepare students for certification exams related to their chosen track. While certifications are not required to complete the MSN-NL program, they are highly recommended — or even essential — for advancing in specialized or leadership roles, particularly in nursing education and professional development.
Common certifications you will be eligible to pursue include:
- Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) — National League for Nursing
- Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl®) — National League for Nursing
- Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) Certification — American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Certified Nurse Manager and Leader Certification (CNML) — American Organization for Nursing Leadership™ (AONL)
- Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC®) — American Nurses Association (ANA)
- Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP®) Certification — AONL
With this track, you’ll be prepared for roles such as:
- Nurse educator
- Nursing faculty/professor
- Clinical instructor
- Curriculum developer
- Clinical nurse educator
- Education program director
Curriculum Highlights for Students
In the education track
- 12 total courses from the nursing leadership curriculum: 8 core and 4 practicums
- 4 additional courses for this track: 3 specialty core and 1 practicum
- 45 total units
- Course load and schedule:
- Online students take one 7-week class at a time. Courses are taken year-round in the spring, summer, and fall terms. Practicums take place over a full 14-week term.
- All courses are instructor-led and asynchronous, enabling you to work on your assignments on your own schedule. If you are balancing coursework with a full-time job or other time commitments, asynchronous learning offers you a great deal of flexibility. Course materials are readily available, so you can complete assignments at your convenience.
Completion of an introductory statistics course may be required. If not completed before starting the program, it must be finished by the end of the first term. (Note: This course is not part of the program curriculum for graduation.)
Online Program Orientation
Before starting your first term, you’ll be required to complete the program orientation course. This self-paced course typically takes about 8–10 hours to finish, depending on your familiarity with online learning platforms. While you can complete it at your own pace, it is mandatory, so please plan your schedule accordingly.
Core Courses – Taken By All Students
The curriculum includes the following courses:
Note: A few course unit values may vary slightly for students pursuing a specialty track in Nursing Education or Informatics. The total number of units for students choosing a specialty track will be 45 units.
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Explore the foundations of advanced nursing practice, including the integration of nursing knowledge, person-centered care, and population h… |
3 |
|
Explore leadership skills, interprofessional collaboration, and the role of nurse leaders in population health.… |
3 |
|
Study disease processes, patient assessments, and treatment plans using an evidence-based approach.… |
4 |
|
Learn how nursing knowledge is developed and has influenced the practice of nursing and clinical decision-making.… |
3 |
|
Gain hands-on experience in advanced patient assessment, care management, and ethical leadership.… |
2 |
|
Explore healthcare technologies, data security, and communication strategies to improve patient care.… |
3 |
|
Study disease prevention, public health policies, and strategies for improving community health.… |
3 |
|
Analyze health data and develop public health interventions with interdisciplinary teams.… |
2 |
|
Learn to identify and improve quality and safety in healthcare systems.… |
3 |
|
Apply quality improvement methods to enhance patient safety and care.… |
2 |
|
Understand healthcare systems, policy, and strategic planning to optimize system effectiveness.… |
3 |
|
Apply healthcare systems, policy, and strategic planning to optimize system effectiveness.… |
3 |
Educational Specialty Track Courses
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Explore teaching theories, curriculum design, and the nurse educator’s role as a leader and change agent.… |
3 |
|
Learn to design and revise nursing curricula that support diverse learners and promote professional growth.… |
3 |
|
Develop evidence-based methods to assess and evaluate nursing students’ knowledge and skills.… |
3 |
|
Apply curriculum design, teaching strategies, and assessment methods in real-world nursing education settings.… |
2 |
Technology Requirement
All students in the MSN-NL program are required to have unrestricted access to a Windows- or Mac-based computer by the start of their first term.
Clinical Practicums
Clinical practicums begin in the second term and span 14 weeks each. Students in a specialty track complete five clinical practicums throughout the program, totaling 500 clinical hours.
Guided by experienced preceptors, students set SMART goals aligned with both program outcomes and personal goals. The final clinical practicum serves as a capstone experience, integrating all competency-based learning and experiences from the program.
Students receive support in securing placements that align with their career path. If you have a preferred site or preceptor—or wish to complete your practicum at your current workplace—our team will help coordinate a fit that meets program requirements.
Degree Plan
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year and begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall. Students typically take two courses per 14-week term, focusing on one 7-week course at a time. Practicums span the full 14 weeks of the term. This program is designed to be completed, on average, in seven terms (27 months).
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term can be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What courses will I take that are unique to the education track?
In addition to the core MSN in Nursing Leadership curriculum, you’ll take specialized courses such as Theory of Nursing Education, Curriculum Development, and Assessment and Evaluation Strategies for Nursing Education.
What careers can I pursue with an education track?
An MSN with an education track can prepare you for a variety of roles such as nurse educator, clinical instructor, nursing faculty, and nursing curriculum developer. You’ll be well equipped to mentor and support the next generation of nurses — whether in academic settings, clinical environments, or staff development programs.
Will I be required to complete a clinical practicum or hands-on experience in education?
Yes, a clinical practicum is required — but it’s flexible and designed with your goals in mind. We’ll partner with you to create an experience that offers hands-on training in nursing education while strengthening your leadership abilities. Whether you’re aiming to advance in your current role or pivot into a new area, your practicum will be customized to reflect your interests and support your professional growth.