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This program is Fall entry only.
This four-course graduate certificate in nursing and healthcare education will help clinical experts transition into the role of novice educator. The curriculum blends theory with practical application, equipping students with advanced knowledge and competencies in nursing education. Through a combination of innovative coursework, hands on experiences, and mentorship from distinguished faculty, students develop the critical thinking, instructional design, and leadership abilities essential for success in educational roles across diverse healthcare settings. Completion of the program provides graduates eligibility to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE®) through the National League for Nursing.
Program curriculum and details
The 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Nursing and Healthcare Education is designed to be completed in two semesters.
Fall
- NUR 644: Teaching, Learning, and Evaluation in Nursing
- NUR 645: Teaching in the Clinical and Technology Enhanced Environments
Spring
- NUR 642: Curriculum Development in Nursing
- NUR 646: Practicum in Nursing and Healthcare Education
Course descriptions, schedules and requirements
Research
Applicants to the Nursing & Healthcare Education graduate certificate online program must:
- submit a 1-2 page statement of purpose
- submit resume
- submit official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended (minimum requirement is BS in Nursing degree)
- provide proof of an active, unencumbered RN license or be eligible to obtain a license
- submit 1 letter of reference (professional or academic) that documents competence, leadership, and professional integrity in nursing practice
- GPA 3.0 or higher
University requirements for graduate admissions
- Submit an application via the online portal. Be sure to provide your full legal name and to capitalize the first letter of all proper nouns.
- Pay non-refundable $60 application fee (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) via the online portal. For Nursing applicants, the non-refundable application fee is $75.
- Statement of Purpose, minimum 300 words. Unless otherwise indicated in the program requirement details, indicate your graduate study objectives, research interests and experience, and business or industry experience if applicable. If you are applying for a teaching or research assistantship, include any special skills or experience that would assist us in making assistantship decisions.
- Resume
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not). Unofficial transcripts are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled a final official transcript is required. International students applying with an transcript evaluation, please submit that document with your unofficial transcripts. International applicants for Data Science must submit semester-by-semester transcripts as well as consolidated transcripts.
- Many programs have specific recommendations/requirements, please see the additional program-specific requirements for more information.
- English Proficiency Requirement: If you are a Domestic student and English is not your native language or you are an International student, you must provide the university with verification of your proficiency in English. This is required of any applicant who did not earn a bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an accredited academic institution in the U.S. or accepted English-speaking country, see exemptions for more details. MOI (Medium of Instruction) does not meet our exemption requirements. The official TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Pearson PTE or Duolingo (if accepted by program) score meets this requirement. Unofficial scores are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled official scores are required and must be sent by the testing agency (copies/scans not accepted). We require an overall/total minimum score of 72 on the TOEFL iBT (New TOEFL 2026 score of 3.5) or BAND 6.0 on the IELTS Academic or a 52 on the Pearsons PTE Academic for entrance to any program and a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT (New TOEFL 2026 score of 4) or BAND 6.5 on the IELTS Academic for consideration for a teaching assistantship. Some programs require higher minimum scores (see program-specific requirements). Most programs also accept the Duolingo with a minimum score of 95. The following programs do not accept the Duolingo: Art Education, Biology/Marine Biology, Nursing (MS, DNP, PhD), Psychology: Clinical and Public Policy.
- All official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration.
Application dates
Receive the help and guidance to finish as planned:
- Value and affordability of a UMass education
- One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
- Limited class size ensures individualized interaction with professors
Learning style: online
Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality
instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to
accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined
assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught
asynchronously.
Accreditations and distinctions