Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Hours: 9 Online
About
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at Fort Hays State University is designed for nurses who already hold a graduate degree and wish to expand their expertise in teaching. This certificate prepares nurses to become effective educators in academic and clinical settings by strengthening their instructional skills and broadening their professional opportunities.
The curriculum features advanced coursework in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and evaluation methods tailored to nursing education. Through online courses and practicum experiences, students gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on teaching experience. Regular curriculum updates ensure alignment with current trends and best practices in the field. Students are well-prepared to teach at the BSN level or serve as clinical instructors.
Why pursue a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at Fort Hays State University?
Pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education provides a unique blend of flexibility and hands-on experience. The fully online format and essential practicum opportunities allow working professionals to enhance their teaching skills without interrupting their careers.
FHSU is recognized for its supportive learning environment and experienced faculty. Instructors in the certificate are seasoned professionals who bring valuable real-world insights to the classroom. Their expertise ensures that students master theoretical concepts and learn to apply them effectively in practical settings. Students are well-prepared to assume educational roles across diverse healthcare environments, making a meaningful impact on the future of nursing education.
Who is this program for?
This certificate targets nursing professionals seeking to transition into educational roles. It supports those who want to strengthen their teaching skills and broaden their career opportunities in nursing.
- Experienced nurses seeking teaching roles
- Nursing professionals aiming to enhance their educational skills
- Individuals looking to contribute to nursing education
- Nurses interested in academic positions
- Healthcare professionals seeking to broaden their career prospects
Real-World Applications
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education equips students with practical skills through integrated practicum experiences. These courses allow students to apply their learning in clinical and academic settings, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This experiential approach helps students navigate the complexities of nursing education while developing effective teaching strategies.
The certificate also emphasizes the application of advanced educational theories and methodologies. Students learn to assess, implement, and adapt these strategies in real-world contexts, a critical skill for successful nursing educators. Professionals who complete the certificate emerge with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in the evolving landscape of healthcare education, positioning them to make a meaningful impact in their roles.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University ensures students remain at the forefront of nursing education by integrating the latest advancements and emerging trends into the curriculum. The certificate features up-to-date content aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Domains, providing students with the most current and effective teaching strategies. Courses are regularly updated to reflect the latest research, best practices, and innovations in nursing education.
Students are also introduced to cutting-edge educational technologies and instructional methodologies, preparing them to implement new teaching strategies and tools in their future careers. This focus on contemporary practices equips them to provide high-quality education and adapt to the evolving demands of healthcare education. They are well-prepared to lead and innovate in a dynamic and rapidly changing industry by staying aligned with industry advancements.
Hands-on Activities
The certificate features two practicum courses that provide students with valuable hands-on experience in nursing education. Under the guidance of experienced educators, students apply their teaching skills in real-world settings, allowing them to put theoretical knowledge and instructional strategies into practice. This experiential approach builds confidence and competence, preparing students for future roles as nurse educators.
The practicum experiences are intentionally designed with flexibility to accommodate the needs of working professionals. This structure ensures that students balance their academic studies with their professional responsibilities while gaining the practical experience necessary for success in educational roles. By engaging in these hands-on activities, students can translate theory into practice, enhancing their academic experience and impact as nursing educators.
What You’ll Learn:
- Advanced teaching strategies
- Curriculum development
- Student evaluation techniques
- Educational theory application
- Nursing education trends
How You’ll Learn:
- Online coursework
- AACN standards adherence
- Flexible online format
- Experienced faculty support
- Practical teaching applications
This is a 9-credit-hour certificate designed to provide a strong foundation in nursing education. Students engage in theoretical and practical coursework, including practicum experiences that offer hands-on teaching opportunities in clinical settings. The combination of online instruction and real-world application ensures that students are thoroughly prepared for educational roles within the nursing profession. Below are a few of the courses included in the certificate:
NURS 866: Teaching Strategies in Nursing
This course is designed to present theories and strategies for learning and teaching. Appropriate materials and methods for effective education in the classroom and the clinical setting are also explored.
NURS 868: Curriculum Planning: Nursing Education
This course analyzes and synthesizes curriculum theory and principles specifically for nursing education. It aims to align these theories with various educational programs, ensuring that nursing curricula meet the diverse needs of students and the healthcare field.
NURS 869: Apprenticeship: Nursing Education Curriculum
This apprenticeship course provides nursing curriculum development experiences, requiring students to complete at least 45 clock hours of practicum with an approved MSN-prepared preceptor in a nursing education role. Clinical clearance is required. For details, contact the Department of Nursing.
Discover the full Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete this certificate are well-prepared to pursue a range of career opportunities in nursing education and related areas within the healthcare field. Its comprehensive curriculum and practical experiences equip students with the knowledge and skills essential for success in educational roles within the healthcare sector.
Nursing Educator
Nursing educators teach BSN-level students, combining clinical and theoretical instruction. They design coursework, assess performance, and mentor future nurses.
Clinical Instructor
Clinical instructors mentor nursing students in clinical settings by supervising their rotations and ensuring they acquire practical experience and essential nursing skills.
Academic Program Developer
Academic program developers design and develop nursing education programs and curricula. Their responsibilities include creating course materials, setting educational objectives, and ensuring programs meet accreditation standards while addressing the needs of both students and the healthcare industry.
Healthcare Education Consultant
Healthcare education consultants advise healthcare institutions on best practices in nursing education. They evaluate and enhance educational programs, develop training materials, and offer guidance on curriculum design and instructional strategies.
Nursing Education Administrator
Nursing education administrators oversee nursing education programs and faculty, ensuring the quality and compliance of all educational offerings. Their responsibilities include managing budgets, coordinating program activities, and leading initiatives to improve the learning experience for nursing students.
Admission to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at Fort Hays State University is competitive and aims to identify well-prepared applicants for the demands of advanced study. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Complete a Fort Hays State University Graduate Student Application.
- Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
- Hold an MSN or DNP degree from an accredited program recognized by CCNE or ACEN.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 based on the BSN degree.
- Professional Experience: Students are encouraged to possess relevant nursing experience to enhance their understanding of advanced program concepts.
- Submit two letters of reference addressing academic ability, current 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
The Department of Nursing does not accept MSN applications from the following states: Alabama, Tennessee, and Utah
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 a degree, course credits, grades, and overall grade point average.
Clinical Clearance Requirements
The MSN programs at FHSU require preceptor-led clinical experiences. For the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, the clinical practicum is completed 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, drug testing, and providing 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 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 $2,385.45* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/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 several related programs complementing the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. These programs provide additional opportunities for professional growth and specialization across various nursing and healthcare education areas.
- Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP)
Students must complete two practicum courses involving hands-on teaching experiences in approved clinical and academic settings.
The program's completion depends on the student's pace and course load, typically taking one year.
Yes, financial aid options are available for eligible students. Prospective students should contact the Office of Financial Assistance for more information.
The program accommodates working professionals with a flexible online format and locally arranged practicum experiences.
Graduates can pursue roles such as nursing educator, clinical instructor, academic program developer, healthcare education consultant, and nursing education administrator.
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.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Fort Hays Association of Nursing Students (FHANS): The FHANS is a professional organization that provides both pre-nursing and nursing students with opportunities to build connections with classmates, apply leadership skills, and explore various nursing career paths. Members can also attend national conferences and participate in meaningful service projects, such as creating Christmas gifts for nursing home residents.
- Nursing Christian Fellowship (NCF): The NCF is both a professional organization and a ministry dedicated to supporting nurses and nursing students. Fort Hays State University’s NCF chapter aims to provide Christian-based encouragement and community for nursing and pre-nursing students. The group meets biweekly to learn, share, support, and pray together. Members also engage in local service projects, such as collecting and donating items to the Fresenius Dialysis Center.
- Sigma Theta Tau: Sigma Theta Tau is the international honor society of nursing, recognizing students for high academic achievement within their nursing programs. The organization is dedicated to advancing knowledge and excellence in professional nursing practice and actively engages in a variety of service initiatives. Nu Zeta, the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, regularly participates in fundraising efforts to support research on Alzheimer’s disease and other health conditions. The chapter also contributes to continuing education by supporting workshops and organizing social events that foster professional growth and community among nursing students.
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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