Ohio University Online MSN Degree - Nurse Leader, Nurse Educator
Ohio University’s School of Nursing offers an online master of science in nursing (MSN) with nurse leader (NL) and nurse educator (NE) specializations that can be completed in just five semesters. The program includes synchronous and asynchronous components, a capstone experience, and practicum experience(s).
Applicants to the MSN program must have earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution. Additionally, they must have a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where the practicum hours will take place.
Learning outcomes cover areas such as evidence-based practice, advanced nursing practice, leadership and interprofessional collaboration, healthcare policy, quality improvement, and healthcare informatics.
Nurse educators typically work in healthcare organizations or in higher education as clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, education directors, and staff developers. Their role is to be a nursing teacher and mentor, passing on their knowledge of clinical nursing to new students and nurses. NE graduates are eligible to take the National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam.
Nurse leaders develop skills in nursing management, financial management, quality and safety in healthcare, leading teams, collaboration, effective communication, professional presence, and strategic planning. NL graduates may pursue certification through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Ohio University is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Athens, Ohio.* The online MSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Additionally, the nurse educator curriculum aligns with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators.
*Note that this program is not available to students in all states. See restrictions in the section below.
What to Expect from the Ohio University Online Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator Programs
Admission Requirements: Prospective online MSN students must hold a BSN from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for full admission. An unencumbered RN license in the state where the teaching practicums will be completed is required. No GMAT or GRE is required for standard admission.
Applicants who do not hold a regionally accredited BSN must submit GRE or GMAT test scores with their application. Required materials include an application, a professional goals statement, three letters of recommendation, proof of RN licensure in an approved state of study, a resume or CV detailing at least two years of full-time RN work experience, and official transcripts. Applicants will participate in a virtual admission interview with faculty.
Note that the Ohio University MSN program is not available to students from the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Washington DC, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, this program is not open to international students or in the following U.S. territories: the Northern Mariana Islands, United States Minor Outlying Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Study Plan: The Ohio University online MSN nurse leadership and nurse educator programs can be completed in five semesters. Students are admitted once per year in the fall. Nurses may wish to continue to work part-time or full-time during the program as it is designed to meet the needs of busy, working professionals. However, students should expect to spend 20 to 24 hours per week on courses. A culminating experience and a practicum experience(s) are included in the program.
MSN Curriculum: The online nurse educator program comprises 30 credits plus 200 practicum teaching hours. The online nursing leadership program comprises 31 credits plus 500 practicum hours.
Core nurse educator courses include the theoretical basis of practice and analysis of evidence-based practice for advanced practice nursing. Nurse educator courses may include foundations for nurse educators; advanced health appraisal; advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology for nurse educators; instructional and teaching strategies; educational design, assessment, and evaluation; capstone experience for nurse educators; and nursing educator practicum. Students also complete at least eight credits of approved elective courses.
Nursing Leadership courses include leadership in systems and organizations for advanced nursing practice; nursing administration; theoretical basis of practice; professional presence; analysis of evidence-based practice for advanced nursing practice; principles of business and resource management for advanced nursing practice; health policy and advocacy for advanced nursing practice; project planning and evaluation for advanced nursing practice; informatics for advanced nursing practice; nurse leaders in practice; and capstone experience for nurse leaders.
Before completing the practicum experience, students must meet health status requirements per the graduate handbook, have cleared federal and state criminal background checks, and have malpractice insurance.
Online Experience: The online MSN program is delivered in a fully online format with both synchronous and asynchronous components. Teaching practicum experiences take place in both direct care and academic settings (for nurse educators). Ohio University utilizes Blackboard Learn as its learning management system.
Student services may include admissions counseling, academic advising, faculty office hours, online tutoring, library services, financial aid, and counseling services.
On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements as the Ohio University online MSN program is delivered fully online. Students complete practicum experiences locally near where they live and work.
Paying for the Ohio University Online MSN Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator Programs
Ohio University Online MSN and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and may differ slightly for Ohio residents and non-residents. These costs include some fees. Interested students should contact the Ohio University School of Nursing Admissions Department for cost clarifications and updates.
Graduate students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans by applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other opportunities to fund a graduate degree may include outside scholarships and grants, private loans, and employer tuition reimbursement programs and discounts.
Ohio University Online MSN - Nursing Education (MSN-NE)
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 30 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in five semesters. |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus teaching practicum experiences |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years |
| Credit Hours | 30 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $620.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $18,600.00 |
Ohio University Online MSN - Nurse Leader (MSN-NL)
| Degree Level | Master's Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 31 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in five semesters. |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus practicum experiences |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelors degree |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No, unless bachelors degree was not regionally accredited |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years |
| Credit Hours | 31 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $531.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $16,461.00 |
Ohio University Online Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate
| Degree Level | Post-Master's Certificate |
| Program Start Dates | Summer |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 14 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in three semesters. |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus a practicum teaching experience |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE |
| Level of Education Required? | Master of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years |
| Credit Hours | 14 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $578.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $8,092.00 |
Ohio University Online Post-Graduate Nursing Leadership Certificate
| Degree Level | Post-Master's Certificate |
| Program Start Dates | Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 21 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in five semesters. |
| 100% Online? | Yes, plus practicum experiences |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE |
| Level of Education Required? | Master of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years |
| Credit Hours | 21 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $527.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $11,067.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
