Online Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education
Applications are opening soon!
Build upon your MSN degree to advance your career.
GMercyU’s one-year, 12-credit online Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education will prepare you for teaching and leadership roles in nursing education in academic, clinical, or professional settings.
It’s the perfect degree for:
- MSN-prepared nurses ready to expand your teaching expertise
- Those already teaching in nursing programs seeking advanced credentials and leadership positions
- Healthcare professionals interested in instructional, policy, or research roles in the U.S. or abroad
Haven't earned your MSN degree yet? Explore GMercyU's online MSN Degree - Nurse Educator Track.
Program begins
Spring 2026
Program length
One year (12 credits)
Format
Online, asynchronous coursework with an in-person experience
The GMercyU Difference
As a student in GMercyU’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education, you’ll benefit from:
- The flexibility of asynchronous, online coursework for the majority of the program, complemented by an in-person component to ensure essential hands-on learning
- Small cohorts with a mission-centered and personalized approach
- Faculty who bring clinical expertise, academic rigor, and a passion for the nursing profession
Here, you’ll learn from the best. GMercyU’s Frances M. Maguire College of Nursing and Health Professions has been a regional leader in nursing education for more than two generations with a reputation for helping students advance their careers, improve healthcare delivery, and achieve better patient outcomes.
Personalized Teaching Practicum Placement
You’ll partner with our Clinical Coordinator Kimberly Kelly, MSN, ANP-BC who will arrange a teaching practicum placement that best suits your own unique needs and goals if you are interested in academic teaching. Prefer a staff development path instead? The Clinical Coordinator will assist in that placement, too.
As a graduate of our program, you will be ready to design nursing curriculum and program improvement strategies, effectively evaluate learning, and more. You’ll be prepared to:
- Begin a career as a clinical instructor
- Expand your understanding of learning theories and motivation theories
- Understand the connection between students’ clinical experiences and classroom learning
In this program, you will complete 12 credits. Courses are online, with an in-person component for NUR 606.
Nurse Educator Specialization Courses (12 credits)
| NUR 660 | Nursing Education Seminar I | 3 credits |
| NUR 661 | Nursing Education Seminar II | 3 credits |
| NUR 606 | Teaching Practicum | 6 credits |
Dona Molyneaux, PhD
Position: Professor, Program Director
Did You Know? In 2025, Dr. Molyneaux was nominated for a Nightingale Award for the second time.
Read bio
There is no better time to become a nurse educator.
According to a 2024 survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nearly 2,000 full-time faculty vacancies exist among 922 nursing schools, with additional positions needed to accommodate student demand.
In response, the federal government introduced several initiatives, including the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, the Faculty Loan Repayment Program, and the Nurse Corps Repayment Program, all aimed at incentivizing careers in nursing education. The bipartisan Nurse Faculty Shortage Reduction Act, introduced in 2024, seeks to further support wage increases for nurse educators.
Take the Next Step
Dive into a new role as a nurse educator to help prepare the next generation of nurses. Email accelerate@gmercyu.edu to contact an admissions counselor.
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Nursing program at Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://ww.ccneaccreditation.org).