The US Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that job opportunities for certified nurse educators will increase by 18% through 2033. Niagara University’s College of Nursing has launched a new online master’s degree program to prepare nurses for this growing career.
Designed for nurses who want to transition into a role that supports and advances the nursing profession, the Master of Science in Nursing Education program develops exceptional educators who are able to address the needs of a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape by preparing the next generation of skilled, compassionate nurses.
The 18-month program, created with input from clinical partners and nurse educators, provides flexibility through online asynchronous classes complemented with experiential learning opportunities.
Courses focus on the role of the healthcare educator, instructional design, educational theory, simulation strategies, educational leadership, assessment, and research to prepare students to meet the educational needs of health systems and academic institutions.
“Niagara University’s new master of science in nursing education program develops exceptional educators for clinical and academic settings,” said Dr. Christine Verni, dean of the College of Nursing. “Students will elevate their potential in teaching, scholarship, research, and practice as they hone their ability to address the needs of a wide range of populations, nurses, and other stakeholders to become change agents and effective collaborators.”
Niagara’s College of Nursing, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, offers a four-year bachelor of science degree, an accelerated second-degree B.S. in nursing, an RN-to-BS completion program, and a master’s degree in family nurse practitioner. The college also maintains a state-of-the-art nursing simulation center, which provides hands-on opportunities for students while supporting traditional classroom learning and clinical practice experiences, and a skills lab.
The college has long-standing relationships with regional healthcare partners, including but not limited to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Catholic Health, Erie County Medical Center, Roswell Park, and Kaleida Health, who train and subsequently hire NU nursing graduates into nursing roles upon program completion. Niagara University continues to deepen and strengthen its commitment to community and public health in and around Western New York.