Nursing Education Certificate

Overview and Requirements

The Certificate in Nursing Education program is designed for:

  • Nurses with a master's degree in nursing who seek advanced preparation as a nurse educator
  • Currently enrolled master's in nursing students who are completing the nurse educator functional role

This program encompasses current technological trends while preparing students for the nurse educator role to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate nursing degree levels.  

Students are expected to have an area of expertise in nursing from which to base their teaching. Post-master's students already possess an area of expertise or specialization, while students enrolled in one of Decker's master's programs will develop knowledge and skills in community health, family health or adult-gerontological health nursing (depending on which program they have selected). 

If you're looking for a master's-level program in nursing education, go to our MS program webpage.

Curriculum

The Certificate in Nursing Education requires the successful completion of four 4-credit graduate courses (listed below) for a total of 16 credits.

Students are encouraged to review the Academic Guide (formerly, the Bulletin) for more information or contact the Decker Division of Advising and Academic Excellence.

Note:

  • Currently enrolled master's in nursing students pursuing the nurse educator functional role may complete the Certificate in Nursing Education by completing one additional 4-credit course (NURS 558) and the three required role courses (NURS 556, NURS 557 and NURS 590). 
  • Nurse educator role courses must be taken in sequence, except NURS 558.

Course

Credits

NURS 556: Functional Role I, Nurse Educator, Educational Philosophy and Curriculum Development 

4 credits: 3 didactic and 1 practicum

NURS 557: Functional Role II, Nurse Educator, Teaching Methods and Strategies

4 credits: 3 didactic and 1 practicum

NURS 558: Information and Educational Technology in Nursing Education

4 credits: 2 didactic and 2 practicum

NURS 590: Functional Role III, Nurse Educator, Educational Issues and Roles

4 credits: 2 didactic and 2 credits clinical/teaching practicum

TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETION

16

Application Criteria

All students wishing to pursue an advanced certificate in nursing education must satisfy the general conditions and procedures for graduate admission to Binghamton University.

In addition, the following are required and will be evaluated for admission:

For complete information about application criteria and other requirements, applicants should review the Academic Guide (formerly, the Bulletin). The rules and regulations posted in the Academic Guide at the time of a student's matriculation into the University are the ones to which that student is held.

  • A master's degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited school of nursing program
  • A bachelor's degree in nursing from an ACEN-, CCNE- or CNEA-accredited school of nursing program
  • A current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered professional nurse in the U.S.
  • Prior to beginning clinical experiences in a New York clinical facility, students must submit a copy of their current, unencumbered license to practice as a registered nurse in New York; this is required by the New York State Department of Education Office of the Professions
  • Two satisfactory academic or professional references are required; letters of recommendation from professional referents may not be personal friends or family members of the applicant, it is expected that a professional referent is a current or former supervisor to the applicant
  • Submission of a 500-word personal statement that addresses: why the student is seeking advanced education in general and specifically at Binghamton University; unique aspects of the student's background that will contribute to the DSON graduate community (for example, extracurricular, work or volunteer experiences); and goals the student hopes to achieve upon completion of the program
  • Résumé or curriculum vitae
  • Copies of course syllabi and official academic transcripts reflective of successful completion with a grade of B or better are required of any applicant who seeks a waiver of previously completed, nonclinical graduate nursing coursework such as the "3 Ps" (i.e., Concepts in Health Assessment for Nursing in Advanced Clinical Practice, Advanced Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan, Advanced Pharmacology for Clinical Practice)

Application Procedures

Follow the instructions for applying to a certificate program at Binghamton University; be sure to follow the Stand-Alone Certificate instructions. You must complete a Stand-Alone Certificate Program Application and pay an application fee. If you have questions about submitting your application, call 607–777–2151 or email gradadmission@binghamton.edu.

If you have a felony or child abuse conviction
Students who have a felony or child abuse conviction are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of the Decker School of Nursing and/or to meet licensure requirements for nursing or advanced practice licensure. If you have concerns about this, you are advised to contact the Decker College Division of Advising and Academic Excellence, the undergraduate or graduate nursing program director or the Decker College Dean's Office. You are required to report felony convictions while enrolled in the Decker School of Nursing as it may change your progression and ability to be placed in a clinical agency. To learn if felony/child abuse convictions will negatively impact your ability for licensure, check with the State Board of Nursing in the state where you plan to practice.