Nursing (RN-MSN)

Have Questions?

Have questions? We make it easy to get in touch:

Call Us

800-837-1290

Text Us

412-419-3772 (standard text/SMS rates will apply)

Chat with Us

Launch Chat Now

Email Us

chathamadmissions@chatham.edu

Request Information

Complete our Request for Information form

Or, answer a few questions and we will be glad to help.

Loading...

Nursing (RN-MSN) Overview

The national shortage of nurses has created a need to equip nurse educators with the skills needed to help develop a workforce capable of providing safe, quality care. The RN-MSN Educator Track is for nurses who want to expand their opportunities to educate the nursing workforce in the clinical or academic setting. While enrolled in the BSN courses, students will develop clinical decision-making and management skills. The MSN component of the program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become leaders and educators for nurses and other healthcare professionals in a variety of settings.
Degrees Offered
  • RN-BSN
  • RN-MSN
Program School
School of Health Sciences
Application Deadline

Rolling Admissions

There is a rolling admission due to the multiple starting points throughout the academic year.

Credits Required

47 or more

A total of 260 experiential practice hours are acquired throughout the RN-MSN Educator track.

Cost Per Credit

$576-$822

Cost consists of program tuition (cost per credit times number of credits) as well as any applicable University and degree-specific fees.

National Recognition

Accreditation

The RN-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs at Chatham University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-463-6930.

Explore the RN to MSN Degree:

By combining both degrees, nurses can earn their BSN and MSN at a lower cost and in less time. Instead of 59 credits required if taking the programs separately, nurses can complete both degrees with 47 credits by substituting BSN courses with MSN courses that meet the BSN program outcomes. A total of 120 practice experience hours will be obtained. Practice experiences are completed at approved practice experience sites with the guidance of an approved preceptor. 

  1. Completed free online application.
  2. Copy of official transcripts of all completed college level coursework from all schools attended with proof of completion of an RN degree (associate or diploma) with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  3. Proof of active, unencumbered RN license in your state
  4. Current résumé/curriculum vitae
  5. Admissions Essay: Describe the evolving role of the MSN prepared nurse in the practice setting.   

Admissions Materials may be submitted to:
Chatham University
Berry Hall/SCPS Admission
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Fax: 412-365-1609
Email Admissions

NUR 632: Curriculum Design & Evaluation in Nursing Education

This course focuses on the processes of curriculum development and evaluation that are critical responsibilities of nurse educators in schools of nursing, patient education programs, or staff development. Course goals include how the curriculum provides guidelines for program delivery and methods for evaluating program effectiveness. Major theories and concepts that relate to curriculum development are discussed in relationship to the mission and philosophy of specific educational programs.

NUR 642: Professional Role and Responsibility of the Nurse Educator

The course focuses on diverse roles and practice environments experienced by nurse educators. The course will provide novice and experienced nurse educators with guidelines for practice in classroom, clinical, staff development, and various educational settings. Academic and institutional policies, protocols, and legal aspects of education will be explored.

NUR 652: Teaching Strategies and Information Technology for the Nurse Educator

This course focuses on strategies to develop knowledge and skill sets in pedagogy, teaching-learning theories, testing and measurement, and various educational technologies. An in-depth introduction to information technology that supports practice and improves patient care and outcomes is explored.

View Full Curriculum

National nursing organizations, such as the National League of Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, have stated that nurses planning a career in education should enroll in programs that provide discipline-specific pedagogy. Here at Chatham, we're excited to offer more options for those interested in nursing education.

—DIANE HUNKER, Ph.D., MBA, RN, nursing programs director and associate professor

Our Faculty

Faculty members are accomplished teachers, scholars, practitioners, and active leaders in the field.

Full Faculty
Photo of Diane Hunker
Diane Hunker
Program Director of Nursing, DNP Program Coordinator & Professor of Nursing
Photo of Emily Hopkins
Emily Hopkins
Associate Professor of Nursing, MSN Program Coordinator, IRB Co-Chair
Photo of Julie Slade
Julie Slade
Assistant Program Director/Associate Professor
Photo of Lora Walter
Lora Walter
Assistant Professor of Nursing, Pathways to Nursing Coordinator

Nurse Educator Certificate

The nurse educator certificate is a 12-credit certificate that provides the nurse with the basic educational tools necessary to teach nursing and/or nurses in an academic or clinical setting. The certificate can be completed in two terms. There is an optional 250 experiential practice hour practicum course for those students who want to apply their teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of an educator preceptor for an additional three credits.

Explore the Nurse Educator Certificate : Checkerboard 2 - Nurse Educator Certificate