Improve Nursing Education
Are you passionate about improving the quality of nursing education? This 9-credit program is for working, master’s-prepared nurses who are currently teaching and would like to improve their skills, or for those who’d like to begin their teaching careers.
The Nurse Educator Certificate Program is for students currently enrolled in one of our nursing doctoral programs (DNP or PhD). Students who complete the certificate are eligible to sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator Examination. NLN recognizes the nurse educator role as a specialty area of practice. With a Nurse Educator Certificate, you’ll be recognized in the field for your specialized skills and knowledge. It signifies your commitment to professional development and to continuously improving the science of nursing education.
Application Documents
Delivery: Online/blended
Credits: 9, graduate level
Time Frame: 1-2 years
Audience: Students enrolled in the DNP or PhD program
Certification & Curriculum
Certification
Students who complete the certificate are eligible to sit for the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator Examination. NLN recognizes the nurse educator role as a specialty area of practice.
Distance Education State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) Notice
All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website for contact information for state licensing boards.
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Curriculum Overview
This 9-credit program of study includes graduate-level foundational and practicum work. The three required courses cover the foundation of teaching/learning and curriculum in nursing education, with an emphasis on evidence-based teaching. Courses are delivered in a blended learning format—coursework is completed primarily online, with regularly scheduled class sessions on campus.
The program can be completed in one year, January–December, during a spring, summer and fall terms.
Courses graded Credit/No Credit are not included in the nurse educator certificate, and no courses may be taken pass/fail.
The curriculum and requirements for the Nurse Educator Certificate Program are prescribed; few exceptions or course substitutions permitted. Exceptions must be approved by the certificate program director.
N785 Foundations of Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)
Examination and application of knowledge and skills related to curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation for nursing education. Emphasis on history and philosophy of nursing curricula, models of curriculum and evaluation, and strategies for change and innovation.
N786 Foundations of Teaching and Learning in Nursing (3 credits)
The focus of this course is the planning, implementation, and evaluation of teaching and learning strategies for nursing education within diverse settings and student populations.
N787 Nursing Education Practicum (3 credits)
Application of knowledge and skills in the nurse educator role in selected educational environments (classroom, clinical, laboratory and/or communities). Seminar component included for discussion of instructional experiences and issues. Course work is arranged and directed in collaboration with expert preceptors. Students are required to complete a practicum.
Program Plan
How to Get In
- Currently enrolled in the UW–Madison DNP or PhD in nursing program
- RN license
- MS GPA of 3.0
Students enrolled in the PhD or DNP program at the School of Nursing can meet the requirements for certification during their course of study. Students pay for all credits at the tuition rate of the program in which they are enrolled.
Visit the Costs & Financial Aid page for full information about financial support for enrolled students.
If you are in a doctoral program (DNP or PhD) at the UW–Madison School of Nursing, communicate your interest in the certificate to your program director or student services coordinator.
Why is the Postgraduate Education Statement important?
This portion of the application is your opportunity to expand on your academic and professional background, as reflected in your transcript and CV, and to share your motivation and goals for pursuing postgraduate education.
The statement also provides evidence of your ability to communicate your ideas in writing.
What should the Postgraduate Education Statement contain?
Your statement should address the following topics and be limited to 1,000 words or less.
1. Your interest in postgraduate education. Questions you might address:
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- Why is postgraduate education important to you at this point in your career?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience?
- Do you have past professional experiences that will motivate or frame this educational experience?
2. Your preparation for successful achievement of our program learning outcomes. Questions you might address:
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- How will your learning style impact your success in our program?
- Will distance be an important factor to you?
- Have you identified a support network?
3. Your potential to make major contributions to the specialty. Questions you might address:
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- How will your completion of this program affect your workplace and patient care?
- How will you interact with and support other nurse educators?
- What is your anticipated scope of impact—for example, your home community, the academic community, or perhaps even the global community?
What do I need to know about getting letters of recommendation?
It is very important that you select appropriate recommenders.
- Your recommenders should be qualified to comment on your ability to succeed academically in this program as well as professionally.
- We advise that you seek recommendations from individuals who understand the demands and rigor of graduate education in nursing. At least one recommendation letter should be completed by a nurse with a master’s or doctoral degree.
- Make it as easy as possible for your recommenders. Provide them with a copy of your resume and a draft of your Postgraduate Education Statement so they can better address your interests and background. Instruct your recommenders to write the letters on letterhead, if possible.
Do you require the GRE?
No. We do not require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Do you interview applicants?
No. Interviews are not a part of the admission process for this program.
Do I need to submit a transcript from UW–Madison?
No. We can obtain transcripts for all coursework completed at UW–Madison.
I have applied to the same program in the past. Do I need to submit transcripts again?
Yes. You need to submit a new set of official transcripts for each application to the School of Nursing.
My transfer credits from one institution show on my transcript from another school. Do I need to submit both transcripts?
Yes. You need to submit a transcript from each institution where you took college-level courses.
When do you need to receive my transcripts?
We need to receive your transcripts by the application deadline.
