Health care is facing an urgent need for more nurse educators. To meet this need, Rush University College of Nursing launched its new Nurse Educator Certificate (NEC) program. It’s designed to prepare experienced nurses to step confidently into teaching roles.
This five-course, 12-credit program gives nurses the skills, tools and perspective to thrive as educators in both academic and practice-based settings.
Associate dean for academic programs and affairs Frank D. Hicks, PhD, RN, and NEC program director Jennifer B. Rousseau, DNP, CNE, explain the benefits and opportunities unlocked with this new educational program.
What inspired the development of the NEC Program at Rush College of Nursing, and how does it address current gaps in nursing education?
Hicks: A significant number of nursing faculty are nearing retirement, and our profession isn’t doing enough to ensure there is a robust pipeline of future educators. Although there are efforts at both national and state levels to prepare more graduate-level nurses, many of these individuals don’t receive the background in educational theory and practice needed to make a lasting impact.
Rousseau: That’s why we created this certificate. It allows nurses whose graduate work focused on advanced practice or research to build essential educator skills. They leave the program ready to guide and inspire the next generation of nurses.
For nurses considering this certificate, how can it enhance their career trajectory, particularly in roles beyond direct patient care?
Rousseau: Earning this certificate demonstrates a nurse’s expertise and commitment to the specialty of education. It opens doors to faculty roles and strengthens a nurse’s ability to lead within staff development, student teaching and evaluation, or continuing education teams.
Hicks: It’s not just about teaching; it’s also about leadership. Graduates can apply their knowledge in curriculum development, program evaluation, change management, and ethical and legal considerations in education. This credential can be a springboard to roles in administration, scholarship and research.
"That’s why we created this certificate. It allows nurses whose graduate work focused on advanced practice or research to build essential educator skills. They leave the program ready to guide and inspire the next generation of nurses."
The certificate emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy and health equity. How are these principles integrated into the curriculum, and why are they so important?
Hicks: We start by helping educators explore their own cultural identities, biases and learning needs. That self-awareness is essential for teaching diverse student populations effectively.
Rousseau: Students learn to apply teaching strategies grounded in universal design for learning, which is a framework for creating flexible learning environments that meet the needs of diverse learners. We also integrate topics like social determinants of learning, social justice and health equity throughout the program. It's one of the ways this certificate stands apart from others and prepares educators to make a real difference.
Could you elaborate on the structure and content of the five key courses in the program?
Rousseau: The certificate consists of five courses totaling 12 credit hours. Each of the following builds essential Nurse Educator competencies outlined by the National League for Nursing:
- Paradigms for Teaching and Learning explores educational theory through a culturally responsive lens.
- Student Learning and Evaluation focuses on equitable teaching and assessment methods, including exam construction and evaluation.
- Curriculum Design and Evaluation guides students in writing learning outcomes and aligning curriculum with accreditation standards.
- Growing in the Nurse Educator Role emphasizes professional development and scholarly growth.
- Nurse Educator Praxis, a one-credit practicum, gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned by developing and delivering an educational offering.
Hicks: Together, these courses prepare students not just for teaching, but for passing the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam and more importantly, for thriving as leaders in nursing education.
What sets Rush’s NEC apart from similar programs? Who’s the ideal candidate?
Hicks: This program is designed with working nurses in mind. It’s flexible and practical, but also rigorous. What really sets it apart is the emphasis on mentorship, professional growth and real-world application through the practicum and final project experiences. We are looking for BSN and graduate-prepared nurses for this program.
Rousseau: We’re looking for passionate, experienced nurses who want to teach or take on more educational responsibility in their organizations. If you’re committed to shaping the future of nursing and improving patient outcomes through education, this program is for you.
Applications are now open for fall 2025.
