Mercyhurst University

What you'll study

The program combines theory, teaching practice, leadership and assessment courses with two supervised practicums. Course sequencing across six semesters (minis) includes:

• Mini 1: NURS 500 Theoretical & Philosophical Foundations of Care (3 credits)
• Mini 2: HCS 505 Creativity & Innovation (3 credits)
• Mini 3: NURS 506 Nurse as Scholar: Evidence-Based Practice (3 credits)
• Mini 4: NURS 508 Fostering Resilience (3 credits)
• Mini 5 (Summer Y1): NURS 573 Quality, Safety, & Value in Health Care (4 credits)
• Mini 6 (Summer Y1): HCS 526 Leading & Learning with AI (2 credits)
• Fall Y2 Mini 1: HCS 632 Teaching & Learning Strategies in Healthcare (3 credits)
• Fall Y2 Mini 2: HCS 681 Strategies to Assess & Evaluate Learning (3 credits)
• Spring Y2 Mini 3: NURS 622 Integrative Health Assessment for Nurse Leaders & Educators (3 credits)
• Spring Y2 Mini 4: OL 645 Emotional Intelligence OR ETH 500 Organizational Inclusion & Belonging (3 credits)
• Summer Y2 Mini 5: NURS 680 Nurse Educator Practicum I: Curriculum & Program Planning (3 credits)
• Summer Y2 Mini 6: NURS 681 Nurse Educator Practicum II: Professional Development (3 credits)

Course content emphasizes human caring theories (e.g., Watson’s Theory), complexity and systems thinking, integrative nursing, creativity and innovation in healthcare, evidence-based practice, quality and safety, use of AI in learning/leadership, assessment strategies, curriculum development and professional development through supervised practicums.

Entry requirements

The program is designed for working nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The online format supports professionals balancing work and personal commitments. (No additional specific admissions criteria are listed on the source page.)

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for educator and leadership roles in both academic settings (nursing faculty, clinical instructors) and healthcare organizations (hospital-based nurse educators, staff development roles). The curriculum aims to equip graduates to lead teaching, curriculum planning, learner assessment, mentorship and partnerships between academic and clinical stakeholders.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Standard tuition stated on the program page is $500 per credit ($18,000 total for 36 credits). Mercyhurst offers a special alumni tuition rate of $425 per credit (36-credit total $15,300) for nurses who are alumni of Mercyhurst College or Mercyhurst University. The program page also references billing/payment options and financial aid generally; applicants should consult the university’s financial aid office for specifics.