A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
RN-to-MSN Nursing Education
Master of Science in Nursing
Use your passion for nursing to inspire the next generation with an online MSN in Nursing Education from Capella. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, the program equips you with skills to design and deliver nursing education programs, positioning you to pursue roles in both academic and healthcare settings. This specialization is designed around NLN competencies for nurse educators and integrates AACN Essentials for profesional nursing education.*
If you’re an RN with an associate degree, this program can help streamline your path to a master’s degree. Note: Capella does not award the BSN degree as part of this program nor upon completion.
*The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
At a glance
- Online
- FlexPath available
- CCNE accredited
- 3 Bridge courses
- 7 Core courses
- 4 Specialization courses
- 2 Practicum courses
- 66 Total credits (12 max transfer)
With FlexPath, you can earn your RN-to-MSN degree in 15 months and under $18,000.
Based on fastest 25 percent of students. Your program length and cost will vary by your degree program, transfer credits, the per-session cost, and how quickly you complete courses. Books, supplies, and other fees apply.
Explore nursing education courses
- This degree requires a total of 33 program points in FlexPath or 66 quarter credits in GuidedPath
- You’ll need to complete seven core courses, four specialization courses and two practicum courses
Show all descriptions
NURS5007
Leadership for Nursing Practice
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners examine and apply theoretical concepts and leadership competencies for nursing practice. Learners evaluate evidence-based best practices and behaviors that support effective nursing leadership in health care settings, and analyze strategies for coordination, delegation, and goal setting and performance improvement. Learners also assess concepts and principles of health care policy, legal and regulatory issues, and quality control in health care and the nursing profession. For MSN learners only.
4 quarter credits
NURS6108
Curriculum Overview: Design, Develop and Evaluate
4 quarter credits
Learners examine curriculum frameworks and models used in nursing education. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their understanding of these frameworks by beginning to develop curricula that are designed to reflect professional nursing standards and contemporary healthcare trends and that are structured to achieve expected student outcomes. Learners also explore the evaluation process used to assess curriculum design and identify accreditation and regulatory requirements that impact nursing curricula. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6026; NURS6020 or NURS6021
4 quarter credits
NURS6112
Technology Integration for Nursing Education
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the integration of current and evolving technology into nursing education. Learners investigate the use of multimedia, social media, computer-based technology, learning management systems, simulation, technology tools for outcomes assessment, and the process for selecting the appropriate technology. Learners demonstrate their ability to integrate technology in an academic or healthcare environment by developing a relevant project and accompanying evaluation plan. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6026; NURS6020 or NURS6021
4 quarter credits
NURS6116
Nursing Education Assessment and Evaluation
4 quarter credits
Learners explore a variety of strategies used to assess and evaluate student learning in the classroom, online, in the laboratory, and in clinical settings, as well as within all domains of learning. Learners develop the skills required to use assessment and evaluation data to improve the teaching-learning process, measure the achievement of learning outcomes, and evaluate program effectiveness. Learners are required to complete 50 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6026; NURS6020 or NURS6021
4 quarter credits
NURS6080
MSN Practicum: Professionalism in Person-Centered Care and the Workplace Environment
4 quarter credits
Learners develop critical thinking skills, advanced knowledge, and preparation for master's-level nursing practice in a designated specialization. Learners create and implement a personalized practicum experience under the supervision of a preceptor at the practicum site of choice and record practicum experiences in a clinical log. During this practicum, learners begin the process of synthesizing professional and academic growth and practice while applying the content learned in the specialization courses to the practicum. Additionally, learners document progress, provide evidence of accomplishments, and track hours. Learners are required to completed 100 practicum hours. For MSN learners only. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): NURS6100, NURS6108, NURS6112, NURS6116; or NURS6200, NURS6222, NURS6224, NURS6226; or NURS6400, NURS6422, NURS6424, NURS6426; or NURS6620, NURS6622, NURS6624. NURS6626; or NURS6410, NURS6412, NURS6414, NURS6416.
4 quarter credits
Try FlexPath for yourself
In our nongraded, noncredit-bearing FlexPath Trial Course, you'll explore online self-paced learning, experience the courseroom and view a sample assessment.
What you'll learn
In this specialization, students examine theories, research and best practices relevant to nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes the knowledge and skills required to facilitate learning; design, deliver, evaluate and assess nursing education programs; and effectively assess and evaluate learners in a variety of educational settings. The requirements for this specialization are designed to meet the educational requirements for the CNE credential offered by NLN. This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Facilitate learning and learner development
- Apply assessment and evaluation methods
- Collaborate in the design, development and revision of nursing curricula
- Develop skills required to engage in scholarship
- Function as a nurse educator within an educational or health care environment
- Lead change to support quality improvement in teaching and learning
How much does the RN-to-MSN cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on your learning format, academic performance and other factors. See FlexPath and GuidedPath cost information below.
A self-paced learning format that helps put you in control. Take courses at your own speed and move on to the next course whenever you’re ready.
- Enroll in one or two core courses at a time and complete as many as you can in 12 weeks
- 2 Capella quarter credits = 1 program point
- Set your own deadlines, no courseroom discussions
- Pay a flat tuition fee per 12-week billing session
- $2,985 per 12-week billing session
- $125 resource kit
- 33 total program points
- 6 max transfer points
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
$14,925
ACCELERATED PACE 13 months
$23,880
TYPICAL PACE 22 months
$38,805
SLOWER PACE 34 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor.
As of February 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits, any applicable tuition discounts and how quickly you complete courses. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the FlexPath learning format assume average number of credits and are based on:
- “Accelerated pace” (speed of fastest 25% of FlexPath students)
- “Typical pace” (median speed of FlexPath students)
- “Slower pace” (speed of fastest 75% of FlexPath students)
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Military Tuition Assistance is not available for the FlexPath learning format. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $465 per credit
- $125 resource kit
- 66 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
- $32 background check
- $2.99 CastleBranch service fee
$30,690
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 39 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs. Compliance requirements are determined by the practicum sites and may pose an additional cost.
By the end of your first billing session or quarter, you must complete a background check through CastleBranch, a third-party vendor.
As of February 13, 2025, CastleBranch imposed a service fee of $2.99, which is subject to change at their discretion.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future – there are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Capella University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What are the MSN admission requirements?
Admission requirements
Applicants to the RN-to-MSN in Nursing Education must provide the following information for admission:
- A minimum of 135 completed undergraduate quarter credits or 90 completed undergraduate semester credits
- Your official undergraduate transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Verification of your current, unrestricted RN license to practice in the United States
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application (no application fee required)
- A background check
FlexPath admission requirements
Applicants for our FlexPath self-paced learning option must also meet the following criteria:
- The recommended minimum GPA is 3.0, although those with lower GPAs may be considered if providing additional documentation for review.
Transition to FlexPath: Applicants whose GPA is below the FlexPath admission threshold may be considered once they successfully complete at least two GuidedPath courses (or eight credits, whichever is greater) with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an RN to MSN Nursing Education degree?
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an RN-to-MSN in Nursing Education.
Job titles to explore*
- Adjunct clinical faculty
- Assistant professor of nursing
- Clinical educator
- Clinical faculty
- Clinical nursing instructor
- Dean of nursing
- Nurse educator
- Nursing adjunct faculty
- Nursing education specialist
- Nursing educator
- Nursing faculty
- Nursing instructor
- Nursing professional development specialist
- Registered nurse educator
Employment settings to explore*
- Administration of public health programs
- Book publishers
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- General medical and surgical hospitals
- Home healthcare services
- Miscellaneous ambulatory healthcare services
- Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
- Offices of physicians (except mental health specialists)
- Outpatient care centers
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.