Nursing Education Post-Master's Certificate Programs

Updated: Mar 13, 2024

The online nursing education graduate certificate (often referred to as a post-master’s certificate) is for registered nurses who already have a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) but would like to specialize further. This certification prepares nurses to become nurse educators and incorporates competencies in both medical technology and education.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate Requirements?

The requirements for admission to an online nursing education post-master’s certificate vary from program to program. Some schools give graduates priority over nurses who attended other universities.

Common admissions requirements include:

Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral nursing degree
Official transcripts from Bachelor’s and Master’s programs
3 Letters of Recommendation (at least one professional)
Goal Statement (Why you want to pursue the certification)
Current Resume/CV
Scholastic GPA of 3.0 or better
Interview with faculty (not all schools request an interview)
Proof of unencumbered RN licensure

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate Curriculum?

The online nursing education grad certification curriculum typically includes between 12 to 18 credit hours, based on the school you attend and whether you choose a specialization. At UMass Amherst, you gain the benefit of a prestigious research university along with the convenience of online options for most coursework. The 15-credit curriculum mirrors many other online programs and includes two core nursing courses, two education electives and a teaching practicum that serves as the program capstone. At UMass and other programs, the faculty consists of widely published professionals with a passion for education.

Students choose from the following courses:

Teaching in Nursing *required
Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing *required

Two electives from the following options:

Teaching & Learning in Technology
Organizing Higher Education
Foundations of Higher Education
Managing Higher Education
Creativity, Tech, and Learning
Community College Foundations
Foundations and Theories of Learning
Integrating Tech with Instruction
Social Issues in Education
Community College Leadership
Leading Higher Education
College Impact on Students

Teaching Practicum *required

What Type of Career Can I Pursue with an Online Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate?

Graduates of an online nursing education post-master’s certification program typically hold dual roles. They continue to provide patient care while educating the next generation of nurses. Example jobs for nurse educators include the following:

Nursing School Faculty: Nurse educators teach undergraduate nursing students courses at community colleges and other educational institutions.
Staff Development Coordinator: This role includes developing training materials for nurses in a long-term care facility, hospital or another healthcare setting.
Community Health Educators: These nurse educators work in the community to educate children and adults on public health issues.
Patient Educator: These RNs specialize in explaining healthcare options to patients. When patients are part of their care plan, they gain a sense of control over their health.
Nurse Preceptor: Preceptors set goals for other nurses in their department. They may perform evaluations and conduct coaching sessions for performance improvement.