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About This Nursing Education Certificate Program
Prepare to support the critical need for nurse educators by earning your graduate certificate in Nursing Education online from American Public University (APU).
This 18-credit nursing education certificate program focuses on curriculum design, assessment, and teaching and learning practices. It is intended for master’s-level nursing professionals who wish to teach at community colleges or universities or become a clinical nurse educator. Study in the program concludes with an on-site practicum in nursing education.
If you already hold an MSN in another specialty area, this graduate certificate is designed to assist in meeting eligibility criteria to seek professional certification as a Certified Nurse Educator or Certified Clinical Nurse Educator.
NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements and is currently not open for admission to residents of Washington state. Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications.
What You Will Do
This graduate certificate in nursing education program provides students with the opportunity to develop essential skills to help with preparation for an academic or clinical nurse educator role. As a student, you will:
- Learn to apply program objectives to the role of a nursing faculty member in healthcare and academic settings
- Create effective educational and curricular materials for various audiences, meeting all relevant standards for quality care
- Evaluate teaching strategies and methods for their effectiveness within the context of healthcare and higher education
Program at a Glance
$386.75** | $409.50***
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Want to Learn More?
Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 4794
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/29/24 - 01/03/25 | 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 | Winter 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 09/30/24 - 02/28/25 | 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 | Winter 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5011
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/29/24 - 01/03/25 | 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 | Winter 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 09/30/24 - 02/28/25 | 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 | Winter 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4843
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/29/24 - 01/03/25 | 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 | Winter 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 09/30/24 - 02/28/25 | 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 | Winter 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4797
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/29/24 - 01/03/25 | 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 | Winter 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 09/30/24 - 02/28/25 | 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 | Winter 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4798
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/29/24 - 01/03/25 | 01/06/25 - 03/02/25 | Winter 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 09/30/24 - 02/28/25 | 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 | Winter 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5012
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/29/24 - 01/03/25 | 01/06/25 - 04/27/25 | Winter 2025 Session A | 16 Week session |
| 09/30/24 - 02/28/25 | 03/03/25 - 06/22/25 | Winter 2025 Session C | 16 Week session |
Attaining Certification as a Certified Nurse Educator
The need for nurse educators has been growing since the pandemic and according to studies by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and other research bodies, this trend will continue. To ensure the quality of future nurse educator training programs, the National League for Nursing developed the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) exam.
The exam is not a requirement for nurse educators, but successfully completing it can help demonstrate the training, qualifications, and expertise learned through master’s and post-master’s programs such as this online nursing education certificate.
CNE® is a registered trademark of the National League for Nursing, Inc.
Programs Related to This Nursing Education Certificate
Still considering your options for next-level learning in nursing?
For registered nurses and BSN-prepared nurses who are considering nurse faculty roles in either the clinical or academic setting, advancing to an MSN with a concentration in nursing education may be an option.
For nursing professionals with their MSN or DNP, a graduate certificate in nurse leadership may provide the foundation needed for important administrative roles.
For those with a bachelor’s degree looking to learn and understand what it takes to lead in the healthcare industry while exploring legal, ethical, technical, and financial applications in healthcare administration, this program may be an option.
For RNs and BSN-prepared nursing professionals who may want to transition from clinical practice to a role that can help shape public health policy and practices, the MPH may be an option.
For those with a bachelor’s degree looking to advance their knowledge of public health assessment, policy development, and assurance, this MSN concentration may be an option.
Pathways to Becoming a Nurse Educator
There is no singular, set pathway to becoming a nurse educator, which is good news for nursing professionals who are looking to shift their focus but fear they may have missed a step in their education. Some choose to earn a master of science in nursing with a concentration in nursing education while others may opt for earning a graduate certificate in nursing education after earning an MSN or other master’s degree in a closely related field. American Public University’s program is specifically for those who hold an MSN degree.
Other options include enrolling in a more accelerated program such as an RN to MSN or BSN to DNP. (American Public University offers an RN to MSN for those who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing.) While not explicitly geared toward students who may wish to become nurse educators in academic or clinical settings, both of these options work well for students who may be looking to save time and money while learning the necessary skills that may prepare them for such roles.Completion of American Public University’s program does not award any professional certifications, but may be helpful in preparing to earn such certifications.
Can I Earn This Nurse Educator Certificate Online?
APU's online format provides a convenient, flexible way for students to obtain a graduate certificate in nursing education. The ability to study from anywhere and have access to course lectures, readings, and discussions can be extremely beneficial for those who may have limited time but still want to further their education.
The online program is designed to give students the specialized knowledge and skills they may need to pursue a role as a nursing educator while diving deeper into the complexities that are inherent in healthcare today.
In addition to being convenient and flexible, the online format enables course content to stay up to date with nursing regulations, shifting trends, and evolving technology. Additionally, this certificate program is taught by knowledgeable faculty with real-world experience as clinical and/or academic nurse educators.
Note: American Public University’s nursing education certificate involves online coursework, plus an in-person practicum for which students must log 160 hours of practice in a clinical setting. Program requirements also include the use of Typhon student practicum tracking software, to be purchased for $100 prior to the start of the practicum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earning a nurse educator certificate and obtaining certification as a nurse educator are two different things.
The National League for Nursing oversees the process for gaining certification as a nurse educator (CNE®). Successful completion of an exam is required to attain certification.
A nurse educator certificate is designed to prepare nurses to build the knowledge and skills necessary to teach in community colleges and university settings. A certificate may provide many unique benefits, including access to cutting-edge knowledge and the opportunity to:
- Conduct research and publish articles in professional journals
- Speak at nursing conferences and serve as consultants to healthcare institutions
- Write grant proposals, shape public policy, and participate in community service
- Design and teach nursing education courses
- Oversee assessment and evaluation strategies for curriculum development
The number of years required to earn a nursing certificate depends on many factors. For students who are just starting down the professional nurse path, it could be two to three years before they are eligible to enroll in a post-master’s nursing certificate program. However, bachelor’s- or master’s-prepared nursing professionals may be able to earn a nursing certificate much faster. Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each session.
Finishing a certificate program in nursing means you have successfully completed courses that are geared toward those wishing to explore roles as a clinical or academic nurse educator or other nursing faculty roles.
The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) certification is a designation that was developed by the National League for Nursing to establish nursing education as a distinct professional specialty and provide an avenue for faculty to showcase their expertise in this area.
CNE® or Certified Nurse Educator is a certification that can be obtained by successfully completing an exam developed by the National League for Nursing. In nursing, CNE may also refer to Continuing Nursing Education, which the American Nurses Credentialing Center defines as education that “builds upon the educational and experiential bases of the Registered Nurse for the enhancement of practice, education, administration, research, or theory development, to the end of improving the health of the public.”
CNE® is a registered trademark of the National League for Nursing, Inc.
Admission Requirements
In order to be eligible for this post-master's certificate, the following documentation is required and must be provided prior to course registration:
- Official transcripts showing a conferred Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program or a BSN degree in nursing and master’s degree in a closely related field
- Current and active unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license in state where practicums will be conducted
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for the Master of Science degree
- Current resume/CV
- Signed statement of understanding (SOU)
NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements and is currently not open for admission to residents of Washington state. Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications.
Materials Cost
Most courses in this program use Open Educational Resources (OER). These teaching, learning, and research materials are made available to you at no cost, meaning there are minimal book costs associated with earning this certificate. There will be a one-time fee for the Typhon student practicum tracking software. This fee will be paid directly to the Typhon group. Technology fee: $85 per master's-level course.
Need Help?
Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].
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Disclosures
Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.
