The Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate requires successful completion of three 3-credit graduate-level nurse educator courses. The program also includes an optional 4-credit practicum course designed to give you the opportunity to apply the knowledge you gained in the three required courses.
The curriculum in the 9-credit certificate can help prepare you to teach in a variety of educational and clinical settings, by covering such main topics as:
- nursing education theories and strategies
- assessment and evaluation in nursing education
- curriculum and program development in nursing education
This certificate is designed as a "stand-alone" certificate or can serve as a "step up" to the Nurse Educator option in the Master of Science in Nursing program.
Course List - Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Education Theories and Strategies | NURS 840 | This course provides a foundation in the role of the nurse educator and evidence-based strategies for nursing education. Students will explore various theoretical perspectives of teaching and learning, as well as practical application of strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners. The course is intended to prepare students to employ effective teaching strategies in classroom, clinical, and online educational settings. Discussion of managing various challenges related to nursing education will be included throughout the course. | 3 credits |
| Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education | NURS 841 | This course provides a foundation in assessment, measurement, and evaluation strategies for nursing education. Students will explore the theoretical basis for evaluation, as well as practical application of the strategies. The course is intended to prepare students to utilize strategies of measurement and evaluation in developing tests, interpreting test results, assessing clinical performance, and evaluating written assignments. Discussion of legal and ethical issues related to evaluation in nursing education will be included throughout the course. | 3 credits |
| Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education | NURS 842 | This course provides a foundation in curricular design, program development, and curriculum evaluation in nursing education. Students will explore internal and external contextual factors influencing curriculum design and implementation. This course is intended to prepare students to utilize foundational principles and concepts for the development and evaluation of nursing curricula in academic settings. This course will also prepare students for program development and evaluation in nursing education. | 3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synthesis and Application of the Nurse Educator Role | NURS 843 | This course involves the practical application of knowledge acquired in previously completed courses related to nursing education. Students will work with a preceptor in an educational setting to demonstrate multiple aspects of the nurse educator role. The practicum experience will be developed to fulfill mutually agreed-upon objectives based on students' previous experiences and identified learning needs. | 4 credits |
Course Schedule
See course start and end periods and semesters offered on the Penn State World Campus student resources website.