Nursing Education

Overview

You already save lives. Now change them.

Take your nursing career to the next level with the Notre Dame College Master of Science in Nursing Education online. Designed for working nurses who wish to become educators in the field, our online master’s in nursing education emphasizes leadership, ethics and advocacy.

Our nursing program is taught by doctorally-qualified faculty with exceptional experience in college classrooms and backgrounds in nursing as RNs, nurse educators and more.

Topics of Study

With a comprehensive curriculum, our online MSN will train you in topics crucial to the field such as:

• Advanced practice in pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment
• Research and informatics
• Health promotion
• Learning evaluation
• Ethics of health care
• Health care systems

Additionally, you will be required to complete a 120 hour practicum, allowing you to gain hands-on experience you can immediately apply to the real world.

Learning Outcomes

The program strives to ensure you graduate ready to take on the following competencies:

1. Embody the role of educator within the nursing profession, the community and the health care system.
2. Communicate effectively with the health care professionals to develop and nurture collaborative relationships.
3. Demonstrate clinical reasoning in the application of nursing and multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to foster optimal client health outcomes.
4. Analyze personal and organizational decision making utilizing an understanding of how ethics and values influence health care delivery.
5. Demonstrate cultural competence that reflects sensitivity to human diversity in a dynamic academic and health care environment.
6. Demonstrate competence in leadership roles and a commitment to ongoing professional development for the provision of quality, cost-effective health care and the advancement of nursing practice.
7. Utilize nursing research for the promotion of high quality nursing education, health care and evidence based practice.

A School Designed With You in Mind

You will study in a supportive environment where our faculty are truly invested in your success. Our faculty have expertise as clinicians and educators and are committed to supporting you in your personal and professional development.

Because the program is offered fully online, you will earn your degree on a schedule that works around your life. The degree can be completed in two years.

The online MSN is designed for:

• Currently licensed RNs
• Working nurses who want to become nurse educators in a hospital/clinical setting

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Notre Dame College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Courses & Requirements

The curriculum builds upon each student’s professional knowledge, skills and abilities to enhance awareness of the globalization of health care and the impact of nursing education to prepare professional practice nurses for 21st century health care. Our online MSN program requires 39 credit hours and 120 hours of a clinical practicum.

Master of Science in Nursing Education (39 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
NR 500	Nursing Theory Introduction to the theoretical foundations of advanced practice nursing. Emphasis on the historical, cultural, philosophical, ontological and epistemological foundations of nursing theoretical knowledge. Analysis of the relationship between nursing theory and nursing education, practice and research. Evaluation of the nursing concepts, models and theories for their use in nursing practice. Critical analysis of selected theories that are used to support nursing education, practice and research and application of selected theories to advanced nursing practice roles.	3
NR 510	Advanced Pathophysiology This course focuses on developing an advanced knowledge base of pathophysiology of the human body and the impact of this knowledge based on evidence-based practice. It prepares advanced practice nurses to understand the mechanism underlying the disease process, its clinical manifestations and rational therapies. Appropriate screening and diagnostic testing methods are also be included. Students apply this knowledge to patients in their clinical area of focus.	3
NR 520	Principles of Education in Nursing This course presents perspectives related to teaching and learning with an emphasis on evidence-based teaching theories, technologies and skills. The focus of this course is the characteristics of different learners and contemporary approaches to educating nurses in various settings. Nurse educator roles especially as clinical teacher and mentor are presented and discussed.	3
NR 530	Research/Informatics This course builds upon undergraduate statistics and research courses and will focus on the relationship between nursing theory, research, informatics and practice for evidence-based practice. This course will focus on issues such as the identification of practices and system problems, evaluation of research studies and systematic reviews, development and implementation of evidence-based and value based approaches to practice. Students are expected to integrate an evidence-based approach into their practice.	3
NR 535	Advanced Pharmacology This course builds upon principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism and transport, assessment of drug effects and drug therapy in special populations. Contemporary drug development is discussed as a foundation for the use of medications in the clinical management of diseases. Major classes of drugs are discussed in terms of actions; therapeutics and other effects; adverse, allergic and idiosyncratic reactions; and indications and contraindications. In the clinical application of this course, students apply pharmacology principles to patients in their identified clinical area of focus.	3
NR 540	Advanced Health Assessment This course provides the master’s level student with advanced assessment tools that prepare the student to conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment that includes physical, psychosocial and cultural assessment across the lifespan. Specific data relevant to common health problems is demonstrated. Utilization of information technology to enhance interdisciplinary communication is addressed. Focus on comprehensive as well as focused assessments for a variety of patient scenarios.	3
NR 550	Teaching and Learning This course is an overview of a variety of learning and instructional strategies to assist in the implementation of teaching plans. General principles and methodologies related to learning and instruction are integrated into face-to-face and technology-enhanced techniques.	3
NR 560	Curriculum Development Students engage in scholarly inquiry related to the ongoing development of relevant and dynamic nursing education curricula. A context-relevant curriculum, geared to the professional, societal, health care and educational situations to which the curriculum must respond, is the focus. Students investigate the elements of curriculum development necessary to create a program of study that meet the contextual needs of unique individual settings while meeting the learning needs of diverse students.	3
NR 570	Health Promotion This course presents a variety of clinical interventions that influence the goal of achieving health at the primary, secondary or tertiary levels of health care. Goals of Healthy People 2020 will be examined. Key concepts include healthy lifestyles, selfcare, nursing therapeutics, caring, critical thinking, multicultural issues and risk reduction. Principles of Health Promotion will be applied to patients in student's area of clinical focus.	3
NR 580	Evaluation of Learning This course provides methods of assessing learning outcomes for individuals and groups in academic and clinical settings. Emphasis is place on theoretical reflections and empirical methods used to evaluate educational programs, institutions, personnel and students.	3
NR 590	Health Care Systems and Ethics Health care policy and nursing’s role in affecting policy decisions and professional practice within the context of ethics and advocacy in an evolving global environment are addressed. The effects of legal and regulatory processes on nursing practice, health care delivery and outcomes are examined.	3
NR 600	Capstone Project This course provides the student near the end of the program of study the opportunity to synthesize knowledge gained from the overall program. The student delineates a contemporary question related to the practice of education within the profession of nursing, searches for academic evidence that sheds light upon or helps to answer the question, synthesizes the evidence and presents the best answer to the question at this time. Each student will works on an individual project. This course project meets the university requirements for the comprehensive examination/thesis for the master’s.	3
NR 610	Practicum This clinically-based course provides the opportunity for students to operationalize the theoretical principles and concepts studied in previous courses. Students have the opportunity to assume the role of educator within a selected specialty area. This practicum provides the student with 120 precepted hours.	3

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the online Master of Science in Nursing Education must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree with an upper division major in nursing from a program accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation authority (CCNE or NLNAC)
2. Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Potential candidates may be considered with a 2.75 GPA for provisional acceptance for one term only with specific stipulations.
3. Hold a current unencumbered license as a registered nurse in good standing to practice professional nursing in the United States
4. Have one year of experience as a registered nurse

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online MSN program must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official transcripts from your degree granting institution
3. Three professional letters of recommendation completed by persons familiar with the applicant’s work experience, clinical skills and educational goals
4. A two-page essay that describes the applicant’s reasons for pursuing graduate study
5. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV)

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Careers

Learn more about potential careers available after you graduate. Some include:

• Correctional Nurse
• Informatics Nurse
• Hospital staff development officer

Related Programs

Learn more about similar programs of study offered by Notre Dame College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be a successful online student?

Online students are exceptionally self-motivated. They demonstrate determination, discipline and a willingness to fulfill their commitments. Be prepared to devote a significant amount of time each week to your classes. Engage in discussion, meet your deadlines and communicate with your advisor if you have questions or concerns. These habits will help you move successfully through our programs.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.