nursing students walking

The Certificate in Nursing Education program consists of four theory courses (total of 10 credits) that prepare students for careers in nursing education.  These courses are delivered via distance and open to all current graduate nursing students seeking to augment their graduate nursing education for future roles as a nurse educator.  The program is also available to interested BSN prepared Registered Nurses for personal enrichment or professional advancement.

Nursing educators work in a variety of settings, the most common being schools/colleges of nursing or larger health care agencies.  If you are planning a career with an educational focus, or if you just want to expand your options for later in your career, these electives will get you started. 

Students completing the Nursing Education Certificate program are eligible to sit for Certified Nurse Educator national certification exam through the National League of Nursing.  Two eligibility options are currently available as listed below.

Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Certification Requirements

Option A: Must meet criteria 1 & 2 

  1. Licensure - Documentation of valid licensure/certificate or other documentation of unencumbered practice in the country of residence. 
  2. Education - 
    1. a master's or doctoral degree in nursing with a major emphasis in nursing education or
    2. a master's or doctoral degree in nursing plus a post-master's certificate in nursing education or
    3. *master's or doctoral degree in nursing and nine or more credit hours of graduate-level education courses

Option B: Must meet criteria 1, 2 & 3

  1. Licensure - Documentation of valid licensure/certificate or other documentation of unencumbered practice in the country of residence. 
  2. Education - A master's or doctoral degree in nursing (with a major emphasis in a role other than nursing education). 
  3. Experience - Two years or more employment in a nursing program in an academic institution within the past five years. 

To take the exam, "all eligibility criteria for initial certification must be met at the time of application" (NLN, 2022). 

 

References

National League of Nursing. (2022). CNE eligibility. https://www.nln.org/awards-recognition/cne/Certification-for-Nurse-Educatorscne/cne-eligibility

 

Apply for the Certificate in Nursing Education here

For More Information

Please contact the Graduate Program Manager at 406-994-3500 or [email protected].