Potential Careers
- Clinical educator
- Clinical instructor
- Clinical professor
- Nurse educator
- Nurse leader
- Staff development educator
Enroll in a nurse education master's, post-master's certificate, or post-doctoral certificate program and prepare to lead the next generation of nursing professionals and make an impact on the health care industry.
Master's (MSN)
Post-Master's Certificate
Post-Doctorate Certificate
Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
MSN: 39; 18-24 months
Post-MSN Cert: 15; 18-24 months
Post-Doc Cert: 15; 18-24 months
In our nursing education master's, post-master's certificate, and post-doctoral certificate programs, you’ll experience an education-focused curriculum that prepares you for an advanced nursing practice role as a nurse educator. All nursing education program options can be completed in a hybrid format—combining online coursework with an on-campus health assessment course on our Chester or Harrisburg, Pennsylvania campuses.
You'll be prepared to educate in both nursing clinical and academic environments by completing a broad foundation of core advanced clinical nursing practice courses as well as focused nursing education topics such as advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment; and teaching strategies, evaluation methods, and curriculum design. You’ll also join a nationally recognized program led by expert faculty whose research and expertise are guiding the field of nursing education. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply to take the Certified Nurse Educator examination offered by the National League for Nursing.
To further prepare as a nursing educator, you may also consider pursuing a PhD in nursing science. Credits completed within our MSN and post-master's certificate in nursing education can be transferred into the PhD program.
The master's degree program in nursing at Widener University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
Nursing education classes are offered mostly online with only one on-campus health assessment course required, in addition to an in-person clinical practica that can be completed in your home state of residence for the MSN.
The program uses a hybrid of online and in-person coursework to create a foundation in advanced nursing practice with core and specialty courses, including two practicums.
View the curriculum and coursework for the Loading....
An accelerated MSN to PhD option is available for students interested in pursuing a doctorate in nursing science. Visit the Loading... to view program requirements and admissions information.
A post-master’s certificate in nursing education is available for nurses with an MSN degree who would like to develop their pedagogical knowledge and teaching skills.
Students wishing to matriculate into the nursing science (PhD) doctoral program can apply 700-level academic credits earned through the certificate program with an earned grade of B (3.0) or above.
View the academic catalog for program Loading...
In the post-doctoral certificate program, you'll develop or enhance your pedagogical knowledge and skills in nursing education. Advanced coursework focuses on progressing curriculum design, teaching strategies, and thought leadership so you can enrich learner success with evidence-based approaches that shape the future.
View the Loading... in the academic catalog.
Average annual salary of a nurse educator
Our hybrid course delivery blends online and in-person coursework making it possible for you to earn your nursing education degree while balancing a busy schedule. Here, you'll get the best of both worlds—the flexibility and freedom of online coursework for the majority ofclasses with the in-person, hands-on experience that builds impactful connections.
You'll thrive in a learning community that is guided by expert faculty with close mentorship and one-on-one support.
Here, you'll build a network that will follow you long after graduation. Widener's expansive professional alumni network will continue to provide opportunities for engagement and building connections.
You'll also have the opportunity to join multiple clubs and organizations across campus, including the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), International Council of Nurses, Sigma—International Honor Society of Nursing, and many more.
Widener's long-standing relationships with some of the region's top health care systems and facilities helps our students gain compelling clinical experiences in various specialities and settings. We'll work collaboratively with you to secure an on-site clinical placement that not only meets your specialization but will help you expand your professional network at the same time.
On campus, you’ll also have access to practice your skills in real-world scenarios in our state-of-the-art nursing simulation and testing center.
Through collaboration with schools and departments across campus, you’ll enhance your understanding of the curriculum and how the science of nursing can be applied to other disciplines.
"When I’m in a patient’s room assessing and giving medications, I hear my professors’ voices. They’ve made me the best nurse I could possibly be and continue to grow into. Widener has made such an incredible impact in my life."
Leverage classroom and clinical experiences to prepare for your role as an advance nursing practitioner.
Only school nationwide to be named a Center of Excellence for advancing the science of nursing education.
1 of 9 schools nationwide to be recognized as a National Center of Nursing Excellence.
Recognized for top-quality teaching and successful outcomes.
Our School of Nursing was ranked 7th in Pennsylvania among private colleges.
Recognized as the best hybrid MSN program based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation.
Our School of Nursing is proud to rank #28 out of more than 1,100 private institutions evaluated across the nation.
Source: Nursing Schools Almanac
Widener’s nursing program prepares students for fruitful and fulfilling careers working across the patient lifespan.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applicants must submit the following:
Loading... in the course catalog.
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
Registered nurses with a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited program.
Registered nurses with a doctoral degree in nursing from an accredited program are eligible to apply for the post-doctoral certificate programs.
Transfer credits are not accepted for the certificate programs.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Up to 2 courses may transfer into a Widener graduate nursing program.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
English Proficiency Requirements for Nursing Students
International applicants, immigrants to the U.S., and U.S. permanent residents are required to submit the results of an English proficiency test taken with 2 years, unless they are from a TOEFL-exempt country.
View English Proficiency Requirements
International applicants who will be seeking licensure in the U.S. should work with Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to utilize their credentials evaluation service.
The School of Nursing requires a passing score on the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) Qualifying Examination. The CGFNS Qualifying Examination is a prerequisite for taking the Registered Nurse Licensing Examination in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Application materials are available from the CGFNS website.
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP)
Students participating in the MSN-to-PhD pathway who aim to become full-time nurse educators are eligible to apply for the nurse faculty loan program, made possible by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This program is an exceptional way to make affording a graduate education within reach for nursing professionals who wish to become educators.
If accepted into the loan program, 85% of the monies borrowed over the course of the loan will be forgiven after 4 years of full-time academic nursing employment (or 2 half-time positions). Students are eligible to borrow up to $35,000 per academic year for up to 5 years. A small stipend may also be awarded to assist with the cost of books.
Students who participate in the program agree that they will secure a full-time (or two half-time) positions in academic nursing. Students may be eligible to take up to two years to find employment in your designated field.
How and When to Apply
If you have been admitted and choose to attend Widener University, you will receive information about the application program directly from the School of Nursing. Students apply to the program once a year.
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
To visit Widener is, often, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013
Hyatt Hall
Office #312
Founders Hall
Room 327