Nurse Educator Certificate

Nurse Educator Certificate Overview

The Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit certificate that provides the nurse with the basic educational tools necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The Certificate can be completed in two terms. There is an optional 250 experiential practice hour practicum course for those students who want to apply their teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of an educator preceptor for an additional 3 credits.

Program School

School of Health Sciences

Application Deadline

Rolling

We evaluate applications on a rolling basis; however, we recommend that applicants apply as early as possible.

Credits Required

12

The certificate can be completed in two terms, pending course availability.

Cost Per Credit

$500

Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.

National Recognition

Accreditation

The RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at Chatham University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-463-6930.

Explore the Nurse Educator Certificate:

Completed free online application.
A BSN degree with a minimum 2.8 undergraduate GPA or 3.0 graduate GPA
Proof of active, unencumbered nursing license in your state
Official transcripts showing highest degree obtained

Admissions Materials may be submitted to:

Chatham University
Berry Hall/SCPS Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Email Admissions

International Applicants

International Applicants must submit additional documentation to the Office of Admissions. A list of these documents can be found on the International Admission web page.

FALL SEMESTER COURSES

NUR503 Informatics Foundation and Health Care Technology

This course will assist students within the graduate program to develop a strong foundation of knowledge in understanding the impact technology and informatics has in the delivery of care across various settings. Students will be introduced to current and emerging technologies while exploring the impact on patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.

NUR642 Professional Role and Responsibility of the Nurse Educator

The professional role and responsibility of the nurse educator course focuses on diverse roles and practice environments experienced by nurse educators. The course will provide novice and experienced nurse educators with guidelines for practice in classroom, clinical, staff development, and various educational settings. Academic and institutional policies, protocols and legal aspects will be explored.

SPRING SEMESTER COURSE

NUR632 Curriculum Design and Evaluation in Nursing Education

This course focuses on the processes of curriculum development and evaluation that are critical responsibilities of nurse educators in schools of nursing, patient education programs, or staff development. Course goals include how the curriculum provides guidelines for program delivery and methods for evaluating program effectiveness.

SUMMER SEMESTER COURSE

NUR652 Teaching Strategies and Information Technology for the Nurse Educator

This course will focus on strategies to develop knowledge and skill sets in pedagogy, teaching-learning theories, testing and measurement, and various educational technologies. An in-depth introduction to information technology that supports practice and improves patient care and outcomes will be explored.

Our Faculty

Faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field.

Full Faculty

Diane Hunker

Program Director of Nursing, DNP Program Coordinator & Professor of Nursing

Julie D. Slade

Assistant Program Director/Associate Professor

Rachel Dieterich

Assistant Professor of Nursing and PE Coordinator

Michelle Doas

Associate Professor of Nursing

MaryDee Fisher

Associate Professor

Nicole Hoh

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Emily Hopkins

Associate Professor of Nursing, MSN Program Coordinator, IRB Co-Chair

Tara Orgon Stamper

Assistant Professor, Nursing

Marilu Piotrowski

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Chad Rittle

Associate Professor of Nursing

Ashley Singh

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Lora Walter

Assistant Professor of Nursing, RN-BSN Program and Pathways to Nursing (PTN) Coordinator

Photo of a Chatham University student working at her laptop in Cafe Rachel

Why Earn a Graduate Certificate?

Being a life-long learner is a vital component of the professional role of a registered nurse. However, because of personal demands it's not always the right time to pursue a graduate degree. Another viable option is to complete a graduate certificate. Completing a graduate certificate allows professional nurses to increase expertise in a way that is often a lower cost and lower time commitment than a formal degree.

Two medical professionals work over an operating table together wearing scrubs, caps, and masks.

Stepping Stone to a Master's Degree

In addition to its immediate benefits, a graduate certificate can also be a stepping stone into a Master's degree. Individuals who complete the professional nurse educator certificate can easily transfer their credits into the Master of Science in Nursing program. The benefit of doing so allows for the familiarity with the instructors and general material that make for an exceptionally smooth graduate education experience.

Learn About MSN

Photo of a nurse in green scrubs taking a patient's blood pressure with a stethoscope.

Recommended By Leading Organizations

National nursing organizations, such as the National League of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, have gone on record stating that nurses planning a career in education should enroll in programs that provide discipline-specific pedagogy.

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Nurse Educator Certificate