New Northwestern College MSN degree to address national nurse educator shortage

As the health care industry faces a critical need for qualified nursing faculty, Northwestern College is proud to announce the launch of its new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree in nursing education. This fully online program, which starts in August and can be completed in two years, is designed to empower nurses to transition from high-stress clinical environments into the classroom, preparing them to teach at the RN and BSN levels.

For many nurses, years of 12-hour shifts and the physical demands of bedside care can lead to a desire for a sustainable career change. Northwestern’s MSN program offers nurses the opportunity to pivot from the rigors of acute clinical care without leaving the profession they love. It provides a way for seasoned nurses to combat burnout by shifting their focus from direct patient care to the vital role of mentorship.

“Many of our most experienced nurses are feeling the strain of the bedside, but they aren’t ready to leave nursing,” says Dr. Karie Stamer, chair of Northwestern’s nursing department. “This program allows them to take that wealth of real-world knowledge and use it to shape the next generation as they pursue God’s redeeming work in the world.”

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing reports that thousands of qualified applicants are turned away from nursing programs annually due to a shortage of faculty.

The MSN in nursing education, designed for working professionals, prepares graduates to meet the eligibility requirements to teach at the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/RN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) levels. By bridging the gap between advanced clinical expertise and pedagogical skill, the faith-integrated curriculum ensures that experienced nurses can effectively train future nurses in a holistic manner.

Among schools in the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Northwestern’s program will be the first fully online MSN degree in educational leadership in Iowa and only the second in the Midwest.

Courses will focus on leadership in advanced nursing practice, instructional design, learner and patient diversity, and the use of technology in nursing education. Students will complete hands-on teaching practicums under the mentorship of experienced faculty.

Applications for the inaugural cohort are currently being accepted. Prospective students must hold a valid RN license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

For more information regarding the MSN in nursing education curriculum, tuition and admissions requirements, visit nwciowa.edu/master-nursing.