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Nurse Educator

Help shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our specialized nurse educator degree tracks help you develop the skills you need to teach nursing.

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Online Nurse Educator Track Highlights

<p>Complete your coursework online with 24/7 tech support and mobile-friendly resources</p>

Complete your coursework online with 24/7 tech support and mobile-friendly resources

<p>Learn what it takes to become a nurse educator and help shape the next generation of nurses</p>

Learn what it takes to become a nurse educator and help shape the next generation of nurses

<p>Multiple starts throughout the year with flexible online classes </p>

Multiple starts throughout the year with flexible online classes 

<p>Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation</p>

Comprehensive Career Services support after graduation

Why the Nurse Educator Track?

Nurse educators play an essential role in today’s healthcare world. They help prepare the next generation of professionals either in the classroom or in clinical units.

If you have a passion for teaching and helping others, our specialized nurse educator track can help you gain the skills you need to pursue this path. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum design, and assessments in nursing education.

 

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Online Nurse Educator Degree Tracks

WCU offers multiple programs with a nurse educator track to help prepare you for different teaching opportunities.

Additional Information about our Nurse Educator Track

With our Nurse Educator tracks, you will:

  • Develop skills that help you teach nursing in either classroom or clinical settings
  • Learn how to develop, implement, and facilitate educational opportunities in nursing
  • Get support from our clinical relations coordinators
  • Receive 24-hour access to library and courses
  • Get access to our simulation labs in our California and Texas campuses

Nurse Educator Curriculum

Preview your course of study. Your curriculum will vary depending on what program and pace (Accelerated or Working Professional) you enroll in. We recommend reviewing your prospective curriculum in detail, so you know what to expect going into the specialized nurse educator programs.

RN-MSN Nurse Educator
MSN Nurse Educator
Post-Master’s Nurse Educator

Academic Calendar

Find out when upcoming terms begin. View Calendar

How Much Does The Nurse Educator Track Cost?

We know school is a substantial commitment. At WCU, we want to equip you with all the information you need to make the right decision for your future.

Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of Nurse Educator track tuition costs so you can be well-informed as you navigate the application and enrollment process. To assist you in your decision, we provide a breakdown below of the Nurse Educator track costs at West Coast University.

We offer several Nurse Educator track financial aid options – including scholarships, grants, and loan access – to help support you through your studies. We also offer reduced tuition rates for military personnel and their spouses.

For more information about your financial support options, visit our financial aid page.

RN to Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type

Master of Science ((Effective prior to Summer 2 2025))

Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 1351  1351 
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters  4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495  $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level (per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400  $21,000  
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825  $28,425  
STRF2 $0  $0 
Technology Fee3 $2,000  $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525  $525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,350  $30,950  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,350  $30,950  

Accelerated*

Degree Type

Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)

Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 1351 1351 
Program Length(full time) 5 trimesters  5 trimesters
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495 $495 
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425 $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400  $21,000  
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825  $28,425  
STRF3 $0  $0
Technology Fee4 $2,500 $2,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees5 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $30,850  $31,450  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $30,850  $31,450  

Working Professional*

Degree Type

Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)

Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 1351  1351  
Program Length(full time) 8 trimesters  8 trimesters 
Tuition Cost BSN Level(per credit) $495  $495
Total Tuition Cost BSN Level (15 credits) $7,425  $7,425 
Tuition Cost MSN Level(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost MSN Level (30 credits) $20,400  $21,000  
Total Tuition Cost BSN and MSN $27,825  $28,425  
STRF2 $0  $0 
Technology Fee3 $4,000  $4,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees4 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $32,350  $32,950  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $32,350  $32,950  
 
Indirect Costs
8 Month Academic Year5    
  Prior to Fall I 2024 Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,328 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 
 
* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Includes 51 credits for unencumbered RN License, assumes 39 transfer credits for non-nursing courses, and the remaining 45 credits are required to be taken at WCU.

2 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

3 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

4 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check. 

5 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator Track

Tuition and Fees

Accelerated Plus*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 2 trimesters  2 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400  $21,000 
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,000  $1,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $21,925  $22,525  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $21,925  $22,525 

Accelerated*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 3 trimesters  3 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400  $21,000  
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,500  $1,500 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $22,425  $23,025  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $22,425  $23,025  

Working Professional*

Degree Type Master of Science (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025) Master of Science (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 30  30 
Program Length(full time) 6 trimesters  6 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680 $700 
Total Tuition Cost $20,400  $21,000  
STRF1 $0  $0
Technology Fee2 $3,000  $3,000
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525   $525
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $23,925  $24,525  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $23,925  $24,525  

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024
with parents off campus with parents off campus
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220 $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,329 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656 $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated Plus, Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree. In most cases, students that select Accelerated will attempt two courses per term, and students that select Working Professional will attempt one course a term.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.  

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Post Master's Nurse Educator Certificate

Tuition and Fees 

Accelerated*

Degree Type Certificate (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)  Certificate (Effective Summer 2 2025)
 
Total Program Credits 18  18 
Program Length(full time) 2 trimesters  2 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost $12,240  $12,600
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $1,000  $1,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525  
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $13,765  $14,125  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $13,765  $14,125  

Working Professional*

Degree Type Certificate (Effective prior to Summer 2 2025)  Certificate (Effective Summer 2 2025) 
Total Program Credits 18 18 
Program Length(full time) 4 trimesters  4 trimesters 
Tuition Cost(per credit) $680  $700 
Total Tuition Cost $12,240  $12,600
STRF1 $0  $0 
Technology Fee2 $2,000  $2,000 
Estimate for Program Supply Fees3 $525  $525 
Estimated Total Program Costs (Texas) $14,765  $15,125  
Estimated Total Program Costs (California) $14,765  $15,125  

 

Indirect Costs

8 Month Academic Year4    
  Prior to Fall I 2024  Starting Fall I 2024 
with parents off campus with parents  off campus 
Federal Student Loan Fee  $220  $220  $220  $220 
Living Expenses (Food & Housing) $2,384 $7,936 $2,496  $8,323 
Transportation $1,648 $1,648 $1,728  $1,728 
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $5,392 $5,392 $5,656  $5,656 
Total $9,644 $15,196 $10,100  $15,932 

* Upon enrollment, students select Accelerated or Working Professional, which will determine the pace at which students complete their degree.

1 Effective April 1, 2024, the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) assessment rate will be zero dollars and zero cents ($0.00) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of institutional charges.

The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 431-6959 or (888) 370-7589.

To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:

  1. The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
  2. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120-day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120-day period before the program was discontinued.
  3. You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
  4. The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
  5. The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
  6. You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
  7. You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.

To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.

A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law.

However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number.

2 Technology Fee includes student technical support, Office 365, blended and online course delivery/learning management system, mobile app, student portal technology and access, and required electronic course materials/software.

3 Program supplies include WCU identification card and background check.  

4 The purpose of the Cost of Attendance (COA) is to provide students and families with an estimated cost to attend West Coast University. The COA includes both direct and indirect cost estimates. Direct costs are paid directly to West Coast University and are shown separately for each program. Indirect costs are not paid to West Coast University and are estimates students may use to budget expenses they may incur while attending school. While actual indirect costs may vary, West Coast University estimates these amounts based on the number of months in an academic year and whether students will live with parents or off campus.

Support for Students Beyond Graduation

West Coast University supports its students beyond the last day of class. We are committed to helping our graduates throughout their careers.

Our Career Services department provides ongoing assistance with professional and career development through workshops and guidance for our online students and graduates.

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment.

Placement Opportunities

An advanced nursing degree helps prepare you to take on new nursing opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing instructors and teachers can work in a variety of settings, teaching in either classroom or clinical settings, including:

  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools
  • Junior colleges
  • General medical and surgical hospitals
  • Technical and trade schools1

1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary,

FAQs
What is an MSN nurse educator?

An MSN Nurse Educator is a specialized degree track that helps prepare graduates to teach nursing in classroom or clinical settings.

Can I get a Masters in Nursing Education degree online?

WCU's MSN Nurse Educator program includes 100% online coursework. Some in-person practice experience is also necessary to complete your Masters in Nurse Educator degree.

Do you need an MSN to be a nurse educator?

In order to be considered for a certified Nurse Educator role, you will need to earn a Master's in Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. WCU offers additional online nurse teaching programs including an RN to MSN degree and Post-Master's Certificate.

Is the Nurse Educator track right for me?

The nurse educator track is designed for students who are interested in teaching nursing in either the classroom or the clinical setting. You will take courses in the principles of teaching and learning, curriculum design, and assessment in nursing education.

Will my previous coursework transfer into the nurse educator track programs?

We can evaluate your previous coursework for credit. Your advisor will work with you to determine what credits can transfer into your chosen program.

How long does it take to complete the Nurse Educator tracks?

The Nurse Educator tracks are offered in three of our nursing programs. Time to completion will vary depending on which program and program pace you choose.

  • MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 8 months
    • Accelerated pace — 12 months
    • Working Professional pace — 24 months
  • RN to MSN:
    • Accelerated Plus pace — 16 months
    • Accelerated pace — 20 months
    • Working Professional pace — 32 months
  • Post-Master’s Certificate: 8 months
Pluses
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Financial aid and scholarships available for those who qualify.

WCU Distance education programs are delivered out of the Orange County and Texas campuses and may not be available to residents in all states.

Practice Experience is required in order to graduate from the RN to BSN, RN to MSN, MSN, DNP degree and Post-Master's certificate programs.