New students who register for class by Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, will receive a $500 scholarship* toward their first Fall 1 course. Apply today.
Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education Concentration
100% Online | Part Time (One Course Every 8 Weeks) | No GRE or GMAT Required
View All Nursing and Health Sciences Programs
Support Your Community. Train the Next Generation of Nurses
With a focus on pedagogical excellence and curriculum development for clinical, classroom and online settings, Merrimack’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Education Concentration prepares nurses to lead in educating the next generation of skilled and compassionate healthcare workers.
Designed for working nursing professionals, the program includes 100 percent online coursework, part-time pacing and an in-person practicum to help students apply their knowledge in a variety of clinical and academic settings. Program graduates will have completed the education eligibility requirement for the National League for Nursing’s Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam.
Quick facts:
100 percent online asynchronous coursework
Tuition under $25,000
Meets the educational requirements to prepare for the National League for Nursing’s Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam
Complete in as few as 19 months part time (one course every 8 weeks)
Scholarships and financial aid eligible
Learn more about Merrimack’s MSN program.
Gain access to a program brochure, connect with an enrollment advisor and get a head start on your application.
Educate and Inspire in a Critical Field
Nationally, there is a longstanding shortage of nurse educators and a distinct lack of nurse educators in acute care. Healthcare systems seek well-rounded nursing professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and the skills to expand the nursing workforce through teaching and training.
Nurse educator
$102,394
Average annual salary
Clinical nurse educator
$95,221
Average annual salary
Professor, nursing
$82,993
Average annual salary
Sources: ZipRecruiter, 2026
MSN – Nursing Education Concentration Coursework
Coursework is offered 100 percent online in an asynchronous format and covers topics such as simulation-based learning and scenario design, curriculum development and assessing student learning. Most courses are 8 weeks.
Master of Science in Nursing Core (14 credits)
This course equips nurses with the knowledge and conceptual skills to implement quality improvement and safety initiatives in the context of disease prevention and health promotion. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of quality and safety principles, their application in various healthcare settings and their impact on improving patient outcomes. Credits: 2
This course equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to utilize healthcare informatics in their clinical practice. Students explore the intersection of nursing, technology and information systems to improve patient care, enhance efficiency and support evidence-based decision-making. Credits: 2
This course equips nurses with the knowledge and skills to critically evaluate and apply research evidence in their clinical practice. Students study the theoretical frameworks that underpin nursing research, explore the principles and methodologies of evidence-based practice and develop an understanding of statistical analysis techniques. Credits: 4
This course integrates advanced principles of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, aligning the four spheres of care: health promotion/disease prevention, chronic disease care, regenerative/restorative care, and palliative/end of life care. Building on foundational knowledge, students will develop clinical reasoning and perform holistic assessments across the lifespan to support understanding of disease progression, therapeutic responses, adverse drug reactions, and the delivery of evidence-based, person-centered care and education. Credits: 4
This course provides nurses with the skills to effectively navigate and lead interprofessional healthcare teams. It explores the complexities of teamwork, communication and collaboration within diverse healthcare settings. Students study theoretical frameworks, practical strategies and real-world case studies to develop the competencies to foster high-performing, patient-centered teams. Credits: 2
Nursing Education Concentration (18 credits)
This course prepares nurses with the knowledge, skills and tools to integrate simulation into their teaching practices effectively. Students explore the theoretical underpinnings of simulation-based learning, learn practical strategies for designing and implementing effective simulation scenarios and develop skills in facilitating debriefing sessions to maximize learning outcomes. Credits: 2
This course equips nurses with the foundational theoretical principles and practical strategies to deliver effective and engaging instruction through role development progression. By exploring a range of teaching methodologies, students develop the skills to create innovative learning experiences that foster critical thinking, problem-solving and clinical competence in nursing students. Credits: 4
This course provides nurses with the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and evaluate effective nursing curricula. Students explore the theoretical foundations of curriculum development, including educational philosophies, learning theories and instructional design principles. They also study the curriculum design process — from needs assessment to outcome development and evaluation. Credits: 4
12 hours/week of indirect care activities (4 credits, 8 weeks)
12 hours/week direct care + 3 hours/week indirect care (4 credits, 8 weeks)
Faculty Spotlight
Karen V. Duhamel, DNP, MSHCE, RN, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor & MSN Program Director
Karen V. Duhamel is an associate professor of nursing and program director for the graduate nursing program at Merrimack College. Her teaching focuses on nursing education for MSN-prepared students and behavioral health nursing for clinical specialty. Duhamel has taught courses on topics such as curriculum development and evaluation, theories of adult learning and nurse educator role development, innovative teaching strategies for nurse educators and social justice and legislative policy issues relevant to professional nurses.
Duhamel earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in healthcare systems leadership. Her research interests include screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) on college campuses; fostering student creativity in graduate-level nursing education and later in life; and biopsychosocial and cultural influences for living a successful life.
Student Support Resources
Students in Merrimack’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Education Concentration program benefit from a comprehensive network of academic, career and wellness resources designed to support success inside and outside the classroom. These include:
- Dedicated academic advising and student success coaching
- Writing assistance, library services, accessibility services and virtual tutoring
- Career counseling, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking opportunities and access to virtual career tools
- Mental health and wellness counseling services
- On-campus fitness center access and opportunities to participate in intramural and club sports
Many of these services are available remotely, ensuring online and hybrid learners receive the same high level of support as on-campus students.
It’s Easy to Apply Online
A complete application includes:
- Online application (no fee)
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resume or LinkedIn profile
Program requirements
- Active/unencumbered RN license in any U.S. state
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN or Accelerated BSN) with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- College-level statistics course
GRE and GMAT scores are not required. Additional materials may be requested.
Key Dates and Deadlines
This program enrolls three times a year.
Tuition and Financial Aid
$640
per credit*
32
credits
$20,480
tuition
*Tuition based on 2025-2026 academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change annually. Additional program fees may apply.
Scholarships
Merrimack offers scholarships and discounts to nurses employed by partner healthcare systems. Contact us to see if your employer is an official partner with Merrimack’s online programs.
Financial Aid
As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal support in the form of loans. We strongly encourage all eligible* graduate students to apply for federal financial aid, even if they don’t demonstrate an exceptional financial need. All graduate students also have the option of obtaining private loans and/or enrolling in an institutional payment plan.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Merrimack accepts employer financial/tuition assistance. Contact your employer to learn more about their policies regarding tuition assistance or reimbursement.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Merrimack College’s FAFSA school code: 002120.
*Certificate programs do not qualify for federal financial aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in the MSN in Nurse Education program are required to complete 32 credit hours. Students typically earn their degree in 19 months at a part-time pace (one course every 8 weeks). Your completion time may vary depending on the number of credits you take each semester.
Yes, through FAFSA student loans and other options. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply
- Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application
- Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes and more
- Have an immediate line of support for questions
You May Also Be Interested In:
Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education
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Accolades and Accreditation
At Merrimack College, we’re proud of our long history of providing quality degrees to students entering the job market. Our faculty are more than just teachers. We are committed to helping you grow — academically, personally and spiritually — so that you may graduate as a confident, well-prepared citizen of the world.
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2026)
- Most Innovative Schools (No. 8)
- Regional Universities North (No. 38)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 20)
- Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (No. 82)
(at schools where doctorate not offered) - Best Colleges for Veterans (No. 16)
- Best Value Schools (No. 52)
NECHE-Accredited
- Merrimack College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Tell me more about Merrimack’s programs.
*This applies to new students entering the Fall 1 2026 term. Does not roll over to subsequent terms. Not combinable with other offers (i.e. Double Warrior, Fellowship, Partnership Discounts, etc.) For CSC 6000, credit will be applied to their second course. Credit will be awarded after add/drop ends.