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Master's Degree

RN to MSN
Online Nursing Education Program

Program Length

20 Mo.

Credits

52

Format

Online

Required

ADN/ASN
calendar

NEXT START March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

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Bridge to the next level in your nursing career

AccreditationCCNE accredited,1 Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Paying for schoolYou can earn up to 85% in loan forgiveness through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)2
ClinicalsHands-on clinicals—we pledge your clinical placement!
Format100% online classes
PathwaysGo from ADN to MSN in Nursing Education in our accelerated RN to MSN program, or earn your BSN on the way in our RN to BSN to MSN track
Dual creditEarn dual credit towards a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Learn More Today!

Classes start: March 3rd

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US News Best Graduate Nursing Programs 2025

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online graduate nursing programs in 2025

Accelerated Online RN to MSN-Nursing Education

The RN to Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education is a 52-credit graduate program (RN to MSN) which prepares you for a career as a nurse educator.

The online degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in health policy and management, theoretical foundations for nursing, teaching/learning strategies, curriculum development and evaluation, and much more.

  • Career-focused curriculum

    Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

  • Flexible schedule

    We work hard to help you maintain school-life balance, striving to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

  • Virtual services

    Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

  • Lifelong support

    We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

  • Rolling admissions

    No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Pathways

Choose your path to go from RN to MSN-NE

RN to BSN to MSN-NE Track

RN to BSN to MSN-NE Track

  • Curriculum built to help earn your BSN and MSN faster
  • How long? 28 total months on average
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree that is often required by employers
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Accelerated RN to MSN-NE

Bridge directly from an ADN to MSN in Nursing Education in the Herzing Accelerated RN to MSN program.

  • Curriculum built to accelerate your MSN-NE completion
  • How long? 20 months on average
  • Ideal for nurses who are not required by their employer to hold a BSN
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Curriculum

Classes and curriculum details

The Herzing RN to MSN in Nursing Education degree program prepares students for both academic and clinical roles in nursing education, from core undergraduate nursing courses to graduate-level courses refining specialty skills in nursing education.

All classes are delivered online with 180 total required clinical hours.

RN to BSN to MSN-NE track

This track combines our online RN to BSN and BSN to MSN-NE degree programs. You can view their respective curriculums with all course information here:

ProgramMonths iCredits
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education - Accelerated RN-MSN (MSNNEA)2052

i. Average number of months for students to complete program.

Required Bridge Courses

All courses, 16.00 semester credit hours, are required prior to completing graduate level coursework.

This course requires students to analyze discourse communities, execute a well-designed academic research project, apply reading strategies to academic texts, and use texts as models for writing. Analyzing discourse communities involves identifying how communication conventions change in different contexts. Designing and executing an academic research project involves formulating research questions, conducting primary and/or secondary research, synthesizing ideas from multiple sources, discussing findings, and presenting the results in APA format. Applying reading strategies to academic texts involves using a process for reading, identifying text features, evaluating sources, and organizing reading notes. Using texts as models for writing involves analyzing and imitating the scope, structure, methods, use of evidence, and tone common to academic writing.

This course presents the study of basic statistical theory and concepts. Topics include statistical probabilities, measures of central tendency, measures of variation, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation.

This course uses theoretical frameworks in critical thinking strategies to study the coordinating role of the profession nurse within the healthcare delivery system.  Current theories of leadership and management in relation to nursing practice.

This course focuses on the role and competencies of the nurse in the community setting, to promote whole-person health.  The principles of professional nursing care are applied to culturally diverse individuals, families, and groups and are integrated throughout the health-illness continuum. In the clinical setting, students care for selected patients in various community-based settings, integrating knowledge of epidemiology and factors that influence population health.

Using the knowledge, skills, research, technology, and experience, learners will expand and explore advanced nursing practice as an educator, leader, and practitioner. This course will examine nursing theory, professional role competencies, and standards related to practice, education, and leadership.

Required Core Courses

All courses, 15.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to guide students in evaluating healthcare policy issues that impact decision making and outcomes in healthcare. Students will explore healthcare delivery systems and analyze issues which impact the delivery of healthcare and nursing at global, national, and state levels of government. Students will analyze the development, formulation, and implementation of policies and related economic issues that can influence healthcare practice today. In addition, the course includes topics such as the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, insurance policies, quality management, legislative liability issues, ethical decision making, and other policy issues.

This course focuses on the integration, translation, and application of established and evolving theoretical, evidence-based, and disciplinary nursing knowledge as the basis for clinical judgment and innovation in nursing practice. Students examine frameworks for knowledge and propose a practice application informed by leadership principals and ethical decision making.

This course will explore information and communication technologies and informatics processes used to provide care, gather data, drive decision making, and manage and improve the delivery of safe, high‐quality, and efficient healthcare services in accordance with best practice and professional and regulatory standards. Students will perform an information technology analysis of their practice and develop strategic planning to direct the selection and implementation of new information and communication technologies for their practice setting.

This course applies the principals of best practices, change theory, and improvement and implementation science to the development of innovative solutions for complex health systems to ensure optimal care. Course key concepts include organizational structure, including relationships among macro‐, meso‐, and microsystems across healthcare, and financial and payment models for cost management and reimbursement. Students will engage in a strategic planning initiative for a complex healthcare system which enhances value, access, quality, and cost‐effectiveness, including policy to address health equity and eliminate structural discrimination.

The course focuses on the application, evaluation, and dissemination of knowledge in practice to improve health and transform health care. The processes for the generation, critique, synthesis, and translation of knowledge will be examined. Students will complete human subject protection certification, determine best practices for a specified clinical initiative, and apply evidence to clinical decision making using a framework of evidence-based practice and improvement science.

Required Direct Care Courses

All courses, 9.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course is an examination of the process of holistic assessment (physical, psychosocial, and cultural) of individuals across the lifespan. Focus is critical thinking and decision-making related to the role of the advanced practice nurse in a primary care setting.

The course examines scientific concepts of pathophysiology essential to diagnostic reasoning and clinical management of common disease states. The dilemma of cost and need for laboratory and radiographic evidence to support diagnosis is examined.

This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in the management of health and disease states. Major categories of pharmacological agents are examined in the context of the life span, culture, and health and disease states. State and federal regulation related to purchase, possession, administration and patient education about controlled substances, pharmacologic agents and non-pharmacologic agents used as medications are examined.

Required Specialty Courses

All courses, 12.00 semester credit hours, are required.

This course focuses on the fundamentals of teaching and learning by examining a variety of teaching, learning, and instructional designs, and strategies. General principles, theories, and methodologies related to learning and instructional development will be addressed. Issues of learners' engagement and the process of incorporating best practices into the classroom will be examined.

This course is designed to assist graduate students in synthesizing knowledge, skills, research, technology, and experiences from previous education courses in relation to implementing the role of the nurse educator. Theories of effective teaching and learning, and the theoretical principles and concepts that apply to nursing education will be analyzed.

This course explores the praxis, philosophies, principles, theories, and strategies in planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum. Students will define, analyze, and design a mock curriculum model for an institution or for an organization that requires staff development. The model curriculum will be reviewed and critiqued to provide the student with an opportunity to appreciate curriculum development, evaluation, and revision. Other issues that will be addressed include accreditation, program review, course and class objective, course and program evaluation, and valid and reliable tools for learner's measurement of outcomes.

Building on the student's undergraduate level of nursing practice, this seminar/clinical course will provide the opportunity for the nurse educator student to advance their clinical knowledge, promote innovative thinking, and test new potential solutions to clinical/practice issues. The student will self-select a practice setting environment, outside their current field of practice, which may include acute care, long term care, home health, community-based settings and educational settings to further their professional development as a master's level nurse.

The capstone/clinical experience is the culminating experience of the graduate nursing program and provides the student with the opportunity to synthesize and apply knowledge and competencies acquired from the core and track courses. All students enrolled in the NU program education track are required to complete a final capstone practicum to exhibit mastery and expertise as a nurse educator. The student in the onsite practicum course will complete a clinical practicum with a mentor in an approved nursing education or staff development setting.

Tuition & Cost 

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the RN to MSN in Nursing Education program is $625 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find My Estimate 

  • Scholarships & Financial Aid

    You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants—including our Nurses Circle of Achievement scholarship, which offers up to 10% tuition reduction.

    Find scholarships and grants  

  • Military/Veteran Discounts

    Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

    VA/Military benefits  

Find My Estimate 

You can earn up to 85% in loan forgiveness through the NFLP.

Commit to a career as a nursing instructor and you can potentially save immensely on cost as part of the National Faculty Loan Program (NFLP).

You’ll need to find a full-time position within 12 months after graduation. The longer you remain employed full-time, the more you can save—up to 85% over 4 years.2

Learn more about NFLP

Your clinical placement is our pledge.

We understand securing clinical placement as part of an AGPCNP program is one of the biggest concerns students face. At Herzing, we offer guidance and support through our step-by-step Clinical Guidance Process to ensure you can get the clinical practice experiences you need.

As a Herzing student, we’ll encourage you to find your own preceptor and clinical sites as there are many benefits to doing so. However, we provide extensive support should you find difficulty along the way. With Herzing, you are never on your own.

Because of our strong relationships with healthcare providers across the U.S. and our comprehensive Clinical Guidance Process, we are confident in our ability to help you find clinical placement. So much so that if you are unable to find a clinical site on your own, we pledge to step in and help you secure clinical placement.*

* Subject to terms and conditions outlined in the enrollment documents.

MSN Clinical Placement Pledge Herzing Badge
Requirements

RN to nurse educator program enrollment prerequisites

Enrollment requirements are the same whether you choose the accelerated RN to MSN or RN to BSN to MSN track. Prerequisites include:

  • Live in a state where Herzing University is authorized to offer the RN to MSN program
  • Hold a current, active and unrestricted license as a registered nurse (RN) in the same state in which they practice
  • Hold an associate degree (ADN/ASN/AASN) in nursing from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
  • Participate in an interview to identify your goals and determine if the program is right for you

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Classes Start: March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now 

Meet Our Leadership

Brandy Ebert

"Herzing University provides students with the knowledge, skills, and attitude to become a qualified nursing educator. The Nurse Educator program provides teaching and learning opportunities in both traditional academic settings, as well as a clinical-based settings for those who may wish to become a clinical educator.

Herzing’s knowledgeable and supportive faculty, as well as its robust curriculum, provide graduates with the tools they need to succeed as a nursing educator."

Brandy Ebert, DNP, RN, MSN-Ed, MBA-PM, BSB

Department Chair of Academic Programs (Online MSN)1

Dr. Brandy Ebert is the Department Chair for Academic Programs for the Online Nursing Department, overseeing the RN-MSN, MSN, PMC in Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership and Administration, and Public Health Nursing programs. She also oversees MSN core courses, including theory, evidence-based practice, pharmacology, pathophysiology, etc.

Dr. Ebert has been in nursing education since 2010. In addition, she has served in leadership capacities and faculty at various institutions, in which she was responsible for teaching a variety of courses, curriculum development, simulation and clinical leadership, nursing instruction, faculty/student management, campus scheduling, clinical site acquisition, financial/supply maintenance, etc. During her tenure, she has also implemented a variety of new programs and initiatives, including master instruction, experiential learning, alternative clinical learning days, nursing education checklists and competency assessments, and a post-graduate mentorship program. She regularly engages with students and interacts with leadership to monitor program assessments/matrices and develop clinical and curriculum orientation processes and collaborative assessment tools.

Prior to nursing, Dr. Ebert had a science background with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, and experience working a research laboratory for two years.

1MSN-Core Courses, MSN-Nurse Educator, MSN-Nurse Leader, MSN Public Health, & RN-MSN-A Programs

Careers

Your career options as a nurse educator

As a nurse educator, your role will be to help best educate nursing students and prepare them to transition from school to a professional working environment. You can work in a classroom, office setting, or teach in a hospital/clinic setting providing staff education and development.

Additional responsibilities may include:

  • Supervising nursing lab and clinical education
  • Demonstrate nursing through simulation activities and debriefing
  • Delivering lectures and facilitating classroom discussion
  • Provide feedback as students interact with patients
  • Design curriculum and instruction to ensure courses meet state accreditation requirements
  • Oversee student teaching, internships and research

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nursing instructors is expected to rise 18% from 2022-2032, well above the average across all U.S. occupations.*

Now is a great time to begin earning the education you need to join a rapidly growing field in healthcare.

How can I continue advancing my career? Nurse educators considering additional education or credentials in patient care may consider pursuing a post-master’s certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). 

The Student Experience at Herzing

I received endless encouragement while I was earning my degree! The love and support I received from everyone were incredibly motivating toward finding success.

Patricia Abbott
Nursing Student | Brookfield/Milwaukee Campus
Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

1. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at Herzing University - Madison are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Herzing University is approved to offer programs in an online learning modality through association with the main campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

2. In exchange for post-graduation employment as nurse faculty meeting specific criteria, the program authorizes the cancellation of up to 85% of any such loan (plus interest thereon).

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Classes Start: March 3rd

Waived Enrollment Fee

Discover the educational pathway designed to maximize your career potential. Reach for greater heights with Herzing University.

Request Info Apply Now