MS Nurse Educator

The School of Nursing offers the Master of Science degree with a major in nursing concentration Nurse Educator. Master’s-prepared nurses may complete a post graduate certificate in the nurse educator concentration. This program prepares the nurse to practice as faculty in colleges, universities, hospital -based schools of nursing or technical schools, or as staff development educators in health care facilities. Nurse educators serve as role models and provide leadership needed to implement evidence-based practice. These leaders document the outcomes of educational programs and guide students through the learning process. The shortage of nurse educators may enhance career prospects since it affords job security and provides opportunities for nurses to maintain dual roles as educators and direct patient care providers. The graduate will be eligible to apply for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator Examination. Master’s-prepared nurses may complete a post graduate certificate in the nurse educator concentration.

Nursing Mission

The mission of the School of Nursing is to prepare graduates for professional positions as safe, competent and caring nurses to meet the healthcare needs of diverse populations.

Acceptance of Transfer Credits

Transfer credit will be awarded per the published Graduate Programs section of the University catalog.  Up to nine semester hours of transfer credits from an accredited institution may be applied to the degree with approval of the graduate program coordinator.

Time Limits

Courses completed 6 or more years before the date of graduation will not be accepted as satisfying graduation requirements without the approval by the graduate nursing program coordinator.

Specific Admission Requirements

Students are responsible for following all admission policies and procedures as outlined in the Graduate Studies section of the University catalog.

1. Complete application to the nursing program.
2. Proof of active, unrestricted Colorado or Colorado Nursing Compact State Registered Nurse license for all MS and MS-DNP emphasis options or by the end of the first semester for the BSN-DNP emphases options).
3. Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited university with a 3.0 GPA, or higher (MS, BSN-DNP and associate post-masters certificate options).
4. All prerequisites must be passed with a C or better (C- is not acceptable) including statistics, microbiology and chemistry. Students receiving a grade less than C in a nursing prerequisite course are not eligible for admission.

MS-DNP Program and associated post-masters certificate options. Master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited university with a 3.0 GPA, or higher is required.

Program Outcomes

1. Eighty percent of graduates will:
   • Express satisfaction with the program
   • Pass national certification exam the first time
   • Be employed in role-related professional practice within six months to one year
2. Seventy percent of graduates will complete their program on-time starting from enrollment day one of the first class of their nursing option. 
3. Eighty percent of employers’ will express satisfaction with graduates’ job performance.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes for Masters Programs

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

1.     Integrate evidence-based practice, ethical decision making and technology into advanced nursing practice.

2.     Utilize interprofessional collaboration to provide safe, quality patient-centered care.

3.     Explore quality improvement initiatives that affect delivery of advanced nursing practice and health care services.

Specific Program Requirements

Optional Thesis Elective

²

NSG 593 Thesis Seminar (3 c.h.) and NSG 599 Thesis Research (1-6 c.h.): Thesis is one of three options to complete graduation requirements.

The graduate degree will be granted to candidates who meet all of the University catalog requirements plus the following:

1. Graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. All courses must be passed with a B or better.
3. Completed oral comprehensive exam or directed research or thesis. If choosing to complete a directed research project or thesis you will need to contact the Graduate Nursing Program Coordinator by the end of your second semester.

Planning Sheet

Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.