As a professional in the medical field, you may be considering advancing your formal education, and a Master’s in nursing education may be something that is on your radar. However, you may not know much about what kinds of careers such a degree will prepare you for upon completion. It’s always a good idea to do your research when it comes to investing further in your education. Here are some things you need to know about obtaining an advanced degree in nursing education and what kinds of jobs you can expect to obtain in this field.
About the Degree
Basically, this specific nursing degree gives students the credentials and knowledge to teach other nurses. In order to enroll in a program such as this, you will need to be a Registered Nurse, hold a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, and possibly have relevant work experience. Students in nursing educator programs will gain proficiency in leadership skills, pathopharmacological knowledge, advanced nursing practices, health policy, learning and teaching methods. After completing the program requirements and receiving a degree, you will have the skills needed to design and implement nursing education programs.
Actual courses you can expect to take in order to gain the proficiency and skills needed to become a nursing educator are diverse. Coursework varies by program, however, there are certain types of classes that are usually included in a Master’s in Nursing Education program. These can include teaching theory, leadership development and curriculum development and assessment. Classes more specifically geared toward the clinical aspects of nursing education are in the areas of epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy and ethics, as well as advanced pathophysiology. Students will be exposed to a well-rounded curriculum to meet the needs of teaching diverse populations.
While graduates of a nursing education program will have earned the credentials to teach nursing courses in a number of different settings, they can also pursue advanced nursing careers outside of education. One option is to become a nurse practitioner, which is a medical professional that coordinates and provides care to patients. Nurse practitioners can work as part of a healthcare team in a medical facility or practice or they can work independently. Nurse practitioners are qualified to perform and interpret x-rays and other diagnostic tests, as well as prescribe medication. Graduates of a nursing education program can also work as community health workers or educators. These professionals work with individuals and groups to promote wellness through educational programs. Health educators design and implement these programs in order to meet goals of specific populations within the community. They may take part in research or information collection among groups, as well.
Nursing education is a field that covers a wide array of information. Nursing education programs prepare students educate and support fellow nurses, patients, and community members. If you enjoy teaching and are looking to advance your nursing knowledge, you may want to consider a Master’s in Nursing Education.