Saint Xavier University - Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificate

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Saint Xavier University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Post-Master’s Certificate, each with a Nurse Educator specialization.

The MSN Nurse Educator track is designed for nurses who want to educate the next generations of nursing students. Topics covered include curriculum design and evaluation, creating lesson plans, development of course objectives, evaluation techniques, and how to present in the classroom. The Nurse Educator Certificate is designed for nurses who hold their MSN and would like to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Topics covered may include learning theory, roles and responsibilities, conceptual frameworks, curriculum design, learning strategies, and the teacher-student relationship. Graduates of both programs are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.

The Nurse Educator MSN track comprises 38 credits while the certificate comprises 11 credits. Students may begin in the fall, spring, or summer. The MSN degree can be completed in two years and the certificate in one year. Coursework is 100% online with no campus visits required. Both the MSN and Post-Master’s Certificate require three practicums.

Saint Xavier University online courses are delivered asynchronously through the with set deadlines for assignments and assessments. Assignments may include readings, papers, projects, and online discussions in the discussion forums. Students may email, phone, or chat with faculty and staff for support. Xavier offers a Personal Support Center with 24/7 technical support, a Student Services Coordinator, and library and career services.

MSN students must complete the following courses: Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice; Nursing Inquiry; Health Care Systems and Financing; Epidemiology and Population Based Health Care; Communication, Culture, Collaboration, and Conflict in Health Care; and Information Technology and Health Care Outcomes. The Nurse Educator and Clinical Leadership tracks include the courses Advanced Health Assessment; Advanced Pathophysiology; and Advanced Pharmacology.

Specialty courses for the Nurse Educator track as well as the four courses for the Nurse Educator Certificate include Nurse Educator Role; Nurse Educator Clinical Practice Practicum; Learning Principles and Instructional Methods for the Adult Learner; and Nurse Educator Role Practicum.

Saint Xavier University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The MSN program and certificates are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).