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About This Nursing Education Certificate Program
American Military University (AMU) offers a nursing education certificate at the graduate level. AMU's program is specifically a post-master's program for those already holding an MSN or bachelor's-prepared nurses who hold a master's degree in a closely related field. It is designed to address the acute shortage of master’s-level nurses prepared to educate the next generation of nursing professionals.
Your learning focuses on these essential areas:
- Curriculum design
- Assessment
- Teaching and learning practices
The certificate program is appropriate for those wishing to teach at both the community college and university level.
This online nursing certificate provides the academic preparation required as part of the eligibility requirements to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator professional certification available from the National League for Nursing.
NOTE: This program has specific admission requirements and is currently not open for admission to residents of Washington, D.C., or Washington state. Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications.
What You Will Do
- Learn to apply program objectives to the role of a nurse educator in clinical or academic settings
- Create effective educational and curricular materials for various audiences
- Evaluate teaching strategies and methods for their effectiveness
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5011
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4843
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4797
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4798
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 | Summer 2025 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5012
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/27/25 - 07/04/25 | 07/07/25 - 10/26/25 | Summer 2025 Session A | 16 Week session |
| 03/31/25 - 08/29/25 | 09/01/25 - 12/21/25 | Summer 2025 Session C | 16 Week session |
A Need for Nurse Educators
The growing need for nurse educators is a pressing issue in the healthcare world today. With the rising demand for nurses, nursing schools are struggling to keep up with the influx of students seeking an education – and that means there is an increasing need for more nurse educators.
As healthcare needs continue to increase due to the aging population, longer life expectancies, and medical advances, universities must expand their programs and bring on additional nursing faculty members to educate the next generation of nurses. This need has only become more pressing as classrooms across the country suffer from overcrowding due to increased enrollment.
Nurse educators serve as both clinical experts and teachers: They provide students with hands-on experience while also teaching them theory and evidence-based practice. They oversee instruction, develop curricula, conduct research, maintain academic standards, mentor students, and evaluate student performance.
While most nurse educators have a background in clinical experience or healthcare administration, there is an increasing call for those with additional qualifications such as master's degrees or doctoral degrees in nursing. In addition to earning degrees from accredited universities, this helps prepare them for responsibilities as nurse educators.
Online certificates, like the graduate certificate in nursing education, are specifically designed for aspiring nurse educators. These programs provide individuals with the skills often needed to teach curriculum including patient care simulations, data interpretation methods, and assessment strategies while conforming to current educational standards.
MSN in Nursing Education vs. Graduate Nursing Education Certificate
American Military University offers certificates and degrees to address the goals of nursing professionals looking to advance their knowledge. When it comes to deciding between earning a degree or a certificate in nursing education, it’s important to consider career paths, expectations, and time-to-completion matters.
Investing in furthering one's education can be a worthy endeavor. American Military University offers a variety of options that allow nursing professionals to choose the program that best suits their learning goals and timeframe. A certificate program may be a better option if time is limited, while an MSN degree combined with a graduate certificate in nursing education can provide more comprehensive training that may support long-term development. AMU provides resources and guidance to ensure nurse professionals find the path towards success.
Benefits of Earning the Nurse Educator Certificate Online
Earning a graduate certificate in nursing education online allows aspiring nurse educators to gain the skills and knowledge needed for their profession. With online programs, nurses can learn at their own pace and practice the craft of teaching with the help of current technology. Here are some of the key benefits of pursuing a graduate certificate in nursing education online:
Flexibility
Online courses provide maximum flexibility – they allow learners to take classes from different locations and access lectures, notes, and assignments from any device with internet connection. This makes it easier for busy nurses to fit coursework into their schedule without sacrificing time spent at work or on other commitments.
Access To Resources
Many online programs offer access to resources such as virtual labs and libraries – making it easier for students to get hands-on experience with technology used in the field. Online discussions, forums, and chat rooms can also provide additional support for students who need more assistance from instructors or other classmates.
Improved Professional Practice
Once armed with the knowledge gained from a nursing education certificate, individuals can apply what they learn directly to their professional practice. By staying up-to-date on developments in nurse education, they will be better prepared to answer questions and provide guidance when interacting with colleagues or mentoring younger professionals.
Cost Effectiveness
For those looking to save money while gaining credentials, completing a graduate certificate program online may be more cost effective than traditional classroom learning due to savings from commuting time and expenses.
Class Format FAQ
Are there any in-person requirements for this certificate program?
Yes. This program includes 160 hours of an in-person practicum. Students work with the practicum coordinator and faculty to identify a qualified preceptor and select a practicum site offering an opportunity for clinical practice settings consistent with AACN’s standards.
Programs Related to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
MSN-prepared nurses may choose to explore these other related programs offered by American Military University.
This online nursing certificate program helps to respond to the need for nurse leaders to fill professional voids being created by an aging nursing workforce. The curriculum focuses on Leadership, HR Management, Operational Quality, and Legal and Ethical Practices. Graduates of this program may be eligible to sit for the American Nurse Credentialing Center’s Nurse Executive certification.
With this degree, students may be prepared to manage day-to-day operations and optimize performance at a healthcare facility—hospitals, medical practices, or even entire systems. Dive into courses such as Legal/Ethical Issues for Healthcare Administrators, Operational Management, Organizational Behavior, and Financial Management. Real-world scenarios through our simulation software can help build your decision-making abilities related to finance, healthcare delivery systems and ethical matters—essential skills often required by today’s leading professionals.
AMU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) guides students through the scientific, psychological, and sociological elements that impact current public health policy and practices. Accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, the program explores topical areas of study such as Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Health Policy and Management. Students learn to evaluate screening methods using statistical analysis, discuss the ability of policy to prevent and manage environmental hazards, and develop programs that effectively address population health.
The mission of the American Public University System (APUS) Master of Public Health (MPH) program is to prepare and educate students to promote health and well-being as public health practitioners through excellence in teaching, research, and service in preparation for leadership opportunities in a diverse and global society through a student-focused learning environment.
Curriculum Highlights
This certified nurse educator program requires completion of 18 credit hours or six courses, each worth three credits. The courses include Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, Nursing Curriculum Development, Assessment and Evaluation, Learner-Centered Teaching Methodologies, Educational Assessment and Evaluation for Nurse Educators, and a Practicum in Nursing Education, which is the only in-person requirement of the program.
Each of the courses lays the groundwork for nurse educators to become confident in their face-to-face assessments of diverse populations across various age groups and equips students with the critical skills and knowledge to develop effective curriculum, assessment strategies, and evaluation methods in nursing.
Students also gain valuable insight into how economic trends, social regulations, technology advances, and ethical considerations shape current approaches for teaching and optimizing patient care outcomes. At the end of the program, including the hours of clinical experience completed for the practicum, students will be better prepared for nurse educator certification available through the National League for Nursing.
Note: The practicum course requires the use of Typhon student practicum tracking software, to be purchased prior to the start of the practicum.
Difference Between A Nursing Education Certificate and Nursing Education Certification
Earning a certificate in nursing education is not the same as gaining certification as a nurse educator. A certificate program provides coursework to help prepare students to teach those entering or continuing in the nursing profession. Certification, on the other hand, requires completion of an exam, and the courses in a certificate program can be preparation for this exam.
Upon completion of this program, graduates may be eligible to take the optional national exam to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®), an Academic Novice Nurse Educator (CNE®n), or – after three years of professional practice in any area of nursing – a Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE®cl).
Obtaining certification is not a guarantee after this nursing education certificate program, nor is it required to graduate. But students may decide to take the exam to explore opportunities for professional recognition and advancement within nursing education.
CNE® is a registered trademark of the National League for Nursing, Inc.
Transitioning from Military to Civilian Nursing Roles
Earning a certificate in nursing education is not the same as gaining certification as a nurse educator. A certificate program provides coursework to help prepare students to teach those entering or continuing in the nursing profession. Certification, on the other hand, requires completion of an exam, and the courses in a certificate program can be preparation for this exam.
Transitioning from military to a civilian nursing role can feel challenging, but with the right preparation it can also be rewarding. For instance, military nurse officers should take advantage of any available education they can access while still in the armed forces. This could include taking courses related to nurse education or obtaining additional qualifications that will help them when transitioning into civilian roles. It is also important for them to stay up to date on developments in the field of nursing so that they are well prepared for their new role.
Additionally, former military nurses should research how their experience from the service may apply to civilian career pathways and look for opportunities in which they could build upon their existing skills. Doing so may help provide an easier transition from being a military nurse officer to a civilian nurse educator by leveraging the knowledge and skills acquired during service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nurse educators have an important role in the nursing field, as they are responsible for teaching and preparing future generations of nurses. To succeed as a nurse educator, they must be knowledgeable not only in medical science, but also in instructional methods and technology related to teaching. Nurse educators must have excellent communication skills and be able to adapt their teaching style to diverse student needs. Furthermore, they must stay up to date on developments in the field of nursing and show strong organizational skills. Finally, they should possess the ability to manage classrooms effectively and mentor students with dedication.
Becoming a certified nurse educator is a way to prove expertise in nursing education. The certification demonstrates that its bearer has developed proficiency across several roles, including curriculum planning and evaluation of student learning results. To achieve certification, one must pass a national certification exam administered by the National League for Nursing.
To become a certified nurse educator, individuals must first hold an active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license and have completed an MSN or DNP program. After meeting the qualifications, one must pass the certification exam administered by the National League for Nursing, Inc. The exam evaluates knowledge on topics such as healthcare assessment, nurse education foundations, and design of teaching/learning experiences. Once certified, renewal is required periodically with either re-examination or continuing education courses related to nursing education.
Enrollees to this online nurse educator certificate program must possess either an MSN or a BSN with a master’s degree in a closely related field.
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, D.C., or 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 AMU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].
Quality Education Should Be Affordable
So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.
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Disclosures
Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021
Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.
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 AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.
