Nursing Education Specialty

The Nursing Education Specialty Education Classroom prepares nurses to teach in schools of nursing, hospital education settings; and training positions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies and patient education programs. This program was developed in response to interest from nurses who want to make a positive contribution to patient outcomes and service delivery other than through direct patient care.The four major courses in Nursing Education are offered in an online, distance-based format (other courses in the MSN degree program, however, may require classroom attendance). The curriculum emphasizes the development of expertise in teaching clinical nursing, didactic, online simulation and research-based teaching. Through a variety of experiences in the classroom and in practicums, students have an opportunity to apply theories of instruction and to teach content to nursing students, to practicing nurses and to patients. The program also stresses the development of leadership in nursing. Faculty expertise and research include patient education, curriculum, management and evaluation of nursing education programs, psychometrics, and educational research.

Competencies At Completion

• Design current, progressive nursing education programs using research and theories of learning instruction, curriculum, evaluation and measurement.
• Utilize a variety of teaching strategies and media appropriate to learner characteristics, instructional objectives, and nursing or health-related content.
• Plan the learning activities of individuals and groups of students in classroom, clinical, and community settings.
• Guide the performance of learners in settings where nurses function as educators for nurses, students, patients, families, and communities.
• Apply principles of measurement and evaluation to the development of evaluation procedures for classroom, clinical, and program activities.
• Utilize computer technology and informatics as an integral component of nursing education programs.
• Articulate the role of the nurse educator within the health professions, schools of nursing, and the community.
• Fulfill the role of education consultant in settings where nurses, patients, families, and communities participate in education activities.