Shape the Future of Nursing Education
In an era of evolving healthcare demands and a growing need for qualified nurse educators, the University of Missouri–St. Louis College of Nursing is proud to introduce our online Nurse Educator Certificate program. This innovative 12-credit-hour graduate certificate is designed for BSN-prepared nurses ready to transition into impactful roles as educators, mentors, and leaders in academic, clinical, and professional settings. This program would also benefit DNP- and PhD-prepared nurses who are interested in transitioning into or advancing within a nurse educator role.
This program addresses the critical shortage of nursing faculty in Missouri while equipping you with cutting-edge skills in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and student evaluation. Join a legacy of excellence at UMSL, where we prepare compassionate, forward-thinking nurses to improve health outcomes and shape the next generation of caregivers.
Program type:
Graduate Certificate
Format:
100% Online
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A flexible, online program designed for working nurses
Targeted for Missouri's Faculty Shortage: Funded by a $519,050 grant from the Missouri State Board of Nursing, this certificate directly addresses the increasing need for qualified educators in LPN, ADN, and other programs.
Versatile for Diverse Settings: Our curriculum prepares you for a broad range of roles. From classroom instruction in undergraduate programs to clinical staff development, mentorship in hospitals, or professional training in community settings, you'll be ready to thrive.
Practical, Real-World Culmination: The required practicum allows you to apply concepts in a guided teaching experience, bridging theory and practice under expert supervision.
Accessible and Supportive: With flexible online delivery, scholarship opportunities through the grant, and guidance from award-winning faculty, this certificate stands out for its focus on immediate career impact and alignment with national standards for nurse educators.
Program Outcomes
Upon completing the UMSL Nurse Educator Certificate program, you will be equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge to excel as a nurse educator in academic, clinical, or professional development settings. Graduates will be able to:
- Design and refine effective curricula — Develop, implement, and evaluate nursing curricula aligned with institutional missions, professional standards, educational theories, evidence-based practices, and ongoing program improvement.
- Master student assessment — Apply targeted evaluation strategies to measure learner progress across cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains, incorporating both formative and summative methods for meaningful feedback.
- Foster inclusive and dynamic learning environments — Create supportive, challenging spaces that promote skill development for diverse learners, prioritizing safety, resources, and equitable opportunities.
- Lead and innovate in nursing education — Influence the future of nursing and enhance healthcare outcomes through expert instruction, mentorship, community service, and visionary leadership.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the general graduate admission requirements of the Graduate School, described in the UMSL Bulletin.
In addition to Graduate School admission requirements, the following requirements apply:
- BSN from a nationally accredited nursing program
- Unencumbered RN license
- Cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher
How to Apply
Apply through the centralized Application Service, NursingCAS.
The UMSL College of Nursing participates in Nursing’s Centralized Application Service (NursingCAS) online application system for admission to our graduate certificates and graduate degrees.
NursingCAS collects and processes application documents and verifies transcripts. We receive your application information from NursingCAS and use it to make our admission decisions.
Do not apply directly to the University of Missouri St. Louis.
Do not send official transcripts directly to the University of Missouri St. Louis
The College of Nursing is offering scholarship opportunities to students applying to the Nurse Educator Certificate program. This scholarship will cover 85% of the cost of tuition and would be applied to the student’s account per semester if a student is:
- admitted to the program,
- registered for classes, and
- granted the scholarship
Deadline for submission: Fall 26 - June 1, 2026 Spring 27 - November 1, 2026
Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 15 (Fall 26 cohort) or November 15 (Spring 27 cohort). Scholarship award will be voided if student fails to be admitted to the program and/or fails to register for classes in the Nurse Educator Certificate Program.
To be considered for a scholarship, please submit the following to Dr. Diane Saleska saleskad@umsl.edu.
Cover Page that includes your
- Full Name
- Date
- Highest Education Level
- College GPA (undergraduate)
A narrative essay ensuring that you address all categories listed below. This should be original work and will be screened through AI checker software. AI generated essays will not be considered or reviewed. Total word count not to exceed 1100 words. Please format using one-inch margins, double space, 12-point font.
- Professional Background & Career Goals- 300-350 words
Describe your nursing background, including clinical experience, current role, and professional goals. Explain how earning a Nurse Educator Certificate aligns with your long-term career plans. - Commitment to Nursing Education 300-350 words
What motivates you to become a nurse educator? Discuss a specific experience that influenced your interest in teaching or mentoring others in nursing. - Impact on Learners and the Profession- 200-250 words
How do you plan to use this certificate to improve nursing education, patient outcomes, or workforce development in your workplace, community, or organization? - Financial Need and Scholarship Impact- 100-150 words
Please describe your financial need and how receiving this scholarship would support your ability to complete the Nurse Educator Certificate Program. Please disclose if you will be receiving funding or reimbursement from your employer (and amounts) to complete the certificate program. - (Optional but will add to likelihood of receiving scholarship) One letter or recommendation written by a person from your place of employment, nursing school, or other professional organization that you have a relationship with. This letter should address character, motivation, and likelihood of success.
Suggested plan of study
| Course number | Course name | Course Length | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 – 7 Total Credit Hours | |||
| N6310 | The Nurse Educator: Roles, Responsibilities, and Impact | 8-weeks | 1 |
| N6320 | Curriculum Development in Nursing | 8-weeks | 3 |
| N6321 | Instructional Strategies in Nursing | 8-weeks | 3 |
| Term 2 – 5 Total Credit Hours | |||
| N6322 | Evaluation Strategies in Nursing | 8-weeks | 3 |
| N6330 | Role of the Nurse Educator: Bridging Theory and Practice | 16-weeks | 2 |
Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.
