Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia’s Nurse Educator Certificate Program is a 12-month course of study that prepares students to function in the Nurse Educator role. Students learn about the theoretical foundations of nursing education, how to assess educational needs, various evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies, curriculum design and development, and program evaluation.

The program includes three online didactic courses and one on-site clinical practicum course, based on Council on Accreditation (COA) standards:

• Theoretical Foundations in Education and the Nurse Educator Role
• Teaching and Assessment Strategies for the Nurse Educator
• Curriculum Development for the Nurse Educator
• Nurse Educator Practicum

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Admission Criteria

To be eligible for admission into the Nurse Educator Certificate Program at MTSA, the applicant must:

• Apply through the NursingCAS portal
• Submit official college transcripts through the NursingCAS portal, documenting a completed master’s or doctorate degree
• Submit current RN licensure

Faculty Nurse Loan Program

Admitted students in the Nurse Educator Certificate Program may be eligible for HRSA Faculty Nurse Loan program (FNLP) with a 4-year nurse educator employment commitment post-graduation which provides 85% loan forgiveness when this educator employment is completed. Students interested in the FNLP should contact the Grant Director, Bill Johnson DNAP, CRNA at bill.johnson@mtsa.edu for eligibility screening.

• Program Documents+--

  Nurse Education Program CL2023 Tuition Due Dates»
  DNAP-C & Education Program CL2024 Tuition Due Dates»
  Academic Course Sequencing by Semester (Handbook)»

  The Nurse Educator Curriculum meets eligibility requirements of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Academic Nurse Educator Certification. The curriculum uses the NLN Core Competencies (NLN-CC) of Academic Nurse Educators© with task statements as a framework. Upon completion of the Nurse Anesthesia Educator Track, graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Examination developed by the NLN Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program (ANECP).

• Student Learning Outcomes+--

  Upon completion of the Nurse Educator Program, students will:

  • Integrate educational philosophies and theories into evidence-based teaching practices. (NLN-CC I)
  • Apply evidence-based teaching and assessment strategies in the classroom, laboratory, simulation, clinical, and online learning environments. (NLN-CC I, II, III, VII)
  • Utilize information technologies that support the teaching-learning process in various learning environments. (NLN-CC I)
  • Create innovative learning experiences with consideration for learners’ diversity and individual needs. (NLN-CC II, V)
  • Employ assessment strategies appropriate to assess student learning outcomes. (NLN-CC III, VII)
  • Participate in curriculum design, development, and evaluation processes. (NLN-CC IV)
  • Use knowledge of ethics and legal issues relevant to higher education and nurse anesthesia education as a basis for developing and implementing teaching practices, policies, and procedures related to students, faculty, and educational environments. (NLN-CC VI)
  • Exhibit the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary for the Nurse Educator role within a variety of educational environments. (NLN-CC I – VIII)
• Course Sequence+--

  Semester 1

  Theoretical Foundations in Education and the Nurse Educator Role
  Students are introduced to the Nurse Educator Role. This course explores educational theories, philosophies, and conceptual frameworks in education. Selected teaching and learning theories are examined in the context of nurse education. Students will engage in activities to identify their own learning style and how to use teaching and learning styles to help students meet learning outcomes. Students will engage in activities that promote socialization to the academic nurse educator role, emphasize the importance of leadership development in higher education, and functioning as a change agent within the nursing program, institution, and community. In addition, ethical and legal considerations for the nurse anesthesia educator are explored. Credit hours: 3
  NLN-CC I, II, V, VI, VII

  Semester 2

  Teaching and Assessment Strategies for the Nurse Educator
  This course builds on the theories, philosophies, and conceptual frameworks learned in Course 1 and guides the student in developing effective, evidence-based teaching strategies to address various student learning styles in diverse settings. Teaching methods that promote productive and supportive learning environments are explored. Students will gain an understanding of how to use and integrate a variety of technology tools as they prepare to deliver educational offerings in the classroom, online, and clinical settings. Various formative and summative evaluation strategies for assessment of learning and attainment of student learning outcomes in the classroom, clinical, and laboratory settings is also addressed. Credit hours: 3
  NLN-CC I, II, III

  Semester 3

  Curriculum Development for the Nurse Educator
  This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to effectively design, develop, implement, and evaluate nursing education focused curricula. Current trends and issues that can influence curriculum development and revision are examined. Students will analyze the components of nurse programs and develop a plan for evaluating a nursing program. Current trends in nursing education and accreditation are also explored. Credit hours: 3
  NLN-CC III, IV, VIII

  Nurse Educator Practicum (Optional Course)
  This course provides students opportunities to synthesize knowledge from previous courses and explore the role of the nurse anesthesia educator. Students will apply theories and concepts in curriculum development, evaluation, various teaching strategies, and assessment of student learning in diverse teaching/learning environments with a focus on nurse education. Through the Nurse Educator Practicum, students will apply theoretical principles of education in implementing the nurse educator role. Students will create and implement a personalized practicum experience under the supervision of faculty/preceptors in various teaching/learning environments. Credit hours: 2
  NLN-CC I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII