Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate

Introduction

The purpose of the Nursing Education post-master’s certificate is to provide master’s prepared registered nurses with an opportunity for additional training in nursing education. Students will join their peers in the MSN in Nursing Education program specialty courses. The curriculum combines online coursework with immersive face-to-face sessions three times per quarter on the Bellingham Campus and hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the community. Students are empowered to excel in educating future nurses, communities, nursing staff, and patients. The curriculum aligns with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials and the National League of Nursing’s (NLN) Nurse Educator Core Competencies. Graduates are prepared to integrate health equity and inclusive design principles into nursing education, including online formats and simulation modules. Real-world practice experience in clinical and educational settings provide hands-on experience.

Student Resources

Department website: Nursing

Contact information: 

• Academic Program Director: Sandy Branson, Associate Professor, Miller Hall 416A, 360-650-2392, Sandy.Branson@wwu.edu
• Program Coordinator: Rika Winquist, Miller Hall 415A, 360-650-6777, Rika.Winquist@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample Careers: Pre-licensure nurse educator, clinical educator, and staff development educator.

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Contact Academic Program Director Sandy Branson or Program Coordinator Rika Winquist for more information.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Does not need to be a nursing master’s degree.
• Unofficial transcripts from the institution that awarded your master’s degree. If you are a current or former Western Washington University student, please generate an unofficial WWU transcript through Web4U to upload. Official transcripts will be required of candidates upon acceptance of an offer of admission.
• Active Washington state registered nurse license.
• Resume or Curriculum Vita (CV).
• Personal statement.
• No GRE or other standardized test required.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s certificate courses, and supporting courses for certificates.