Nursing Education (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
75% Online
Credits: 15 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: College of Health and Human Services
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
Nurse educators work in a variety of university and health care environments, providing continuing education, professional development, and other critical instruction in new clinical information and technology. This graduate certificate program in Nursing Education is ideal for nurse educators who desire to teach in schools of nursing, hospitals, and community health care agencies. Students explore the principles of teaching and learning, practice developing program curriculum and evaluation, and become confident in their roles as educators.
Careers
Graduates of Mason’s nurse educator programs hold positions at a variety of local and regional locations, including the following:
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University
- Northern Virginia Community College
- Inova Fairfax Hospital
A Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions For Academic Year 2015-2016, released by AACN, revealed a total of 1,328 full-time faculty vacancies in 741 nursing schools across the U.S. Nearly half of the schools selected a master’s degree in nursing as necessary for a candidate to be eligible to fill a full-time vacant faculty position.
Courses
Please note this program can only be completed on a part-time basis.
Program requirements may change; please refer to the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
Courses are offered using asynchronous online learning. Practicum courses may be completed in a setting of the students choosing, or at GMU School of nursing. Potential sites include in the classroom, lab or simulation; or in hospitals with clinical instructors or clinical educators.
Details
Who should apply?
This program is designed for students who have obtained, or are currently completing a MSN or doctoral program in nursing. Please note this program can only be completed on a part-time basis.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
A competitive announcement is circulated to enrolled students once a year requesting applications for the Virginia Nurse Educator, Dominion Guild, and CareFirst scholarships. Contact Vicki Hough ([email protected]) for more information.
Additionally, many employers provide tuition reimbursement for graduate study. For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Why choose George Mason?
- This program was designed in direct response to the market shortage of nursing faculty.
- Mason’s School of Nursing at Mason has obtained a national and international reputation since its founding more than 40 years ago.
- Educators in the School of Nursing are dedicated to the development of the next generation of nursing leaders, empowering students to find innovative solutions in the rapidly changing and culturally diverse health care environment.
- Mason maintains partnerships with dynamic clinical hospitals, providing staff development and patient education.
- The practicum component in this program will provide you with a unique opportunity to refine and expand upon your clinical skills under the supervision of an expert preceptor in your selected area of concentration.
- Classes are offered in a blended format of both online and classroom opportunities that allow collaboration with nurse colleagues.
- This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Ready to Apply?
All applicants should review School of Nursing Graduate Admissions Standards. For international applicants, see guidelines for International Graduate Requirements.
Prerequisites
- Have completed or be currently enrolled in an MSN or PhD in Nursing program with a minimum of 3.0 GPA
Application Materials
- Graduate application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from all colleges and universities attended
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation from supervisors or master’s degree prepared colleagues
- Goals statement (750-1000 words) about how you see yourself in your future role as a nurse educator
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact the CHHS Office of Graduate Admissions at [email protected] or 703-993-1736.
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Contact
Program Contact
Vicki Hough
Administrative & Office Specialist
Phone: 703-993-1961
Email: [email protected]
College Contact
College of Health and Human Services (CHHS)
Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-1736
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
Nursing Education (Graduate Certificate)
