Nursing – Nursing Education Micro-Credential | Accelerated Online

Advance your nursing career towards becoming a nursing educator in just eight months by earning a micro-credential that validates your in-demand career skills to employers. You’ll also earn graduate course credits to count towards your MSN or post-master’s graduate certificate if you are pursuing one (or plan to in the future!).

What is a micro-credential?

What are UMS micro-credential pathways?

Each UMS micro-credential pathway includes several courses. As you progress through the pathway and complete each course, you earn stackable digital badges. Upon completion of the pathway, you are awarded a UMS micro-credential. Your digital badges and UMS micro-credential highlight the skills employers are seeking.

How are nursing micro-credentials structured at USM?

Our flexible micro-credential pathway includes three levels. In each level, you’ll complete one or two graduate courses. You’ll learn to design, implement, and evaluate different teaching strategies in various settings. In the final practicum course, you will use these skills and competencies in an academic setting.

Digital badges

There are three levels in this pathway. After completing each level you will earn a digital badge. Badges are provided by Canvas Credentials, a leading digital credential platform. When you complete the three levels, your micro-credential is awarded by the University of Maine System, verifying your knowledge, skills, and competencies. Promote your progress with colleagues and employers by sharing your badges on sites such as LinkedIn.

Course information about the Nursing Education Micro-Credential Pathway

The Nursing Education Micro-Credential Pathway includes four three-credit graduate courses. Each course lasts just seven weeks. Online courses are offered in an asynchronous format, so you can complete coursework from anywhere and on your own schedule. Your final course includes an in-person practicum experience in an academic setting.

Along with each graduate course, you will complete assessments. In Level 1 and 2, you will be assessed on your knowledge and skills, and in Level 3 you will demonstrate your competencies. You must meet all of the assessment criteria to earn the micro-credential.

Level 1

• Course: NUR 636 – Foundations of Nursing Education

Level 2

• Courses:
  • NUR 635 – Evaluation & Measurement in Nursing Education
  • NUR 637 – Methods of Education in Nursing

Level 3

• Course: NUR 638 – Academic Nursing Education Practicum

What are applicant qualifications for taking the Nursing Education Micro-Credential?

Any licensed nursing professional with a bachelor’s degree or higher is eligible to enroll, including:

• A baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing from a degree program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing.
• RN licensure – unencumbered and current licensure in the state in which practicum will be completed.

Costs

The Nursing Micro-Credential Pathway includes four courses. Each course equals three credit hours. Your cost will vary depending on two factors:

• If you are not currently a USM student, your residency (in-state, out-of-state, or Canadian)
• Or if you are a current USM graduate student

Tip: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement – check with your HR supervisor to see what opportunities might exist for furthering your education.

Non-degree students

If you are not currently enrolled at USM, and will be taking this micro-credential only, you are considered a ‘non-degree student’ and will be charged the following fees:

Courses and credit hours	E-tuition	In-state and Canadian	Out-of-state
Cost for each course (3 credit hours)	$1,578	$1,722	$4,602
Total cost for all four courses (12 credit hours)	$6,312	$6,888	$18,408

Will you be taking this micro-credential simultaneously with another USM graduate degree?

If so, then you are considered a current USM student and will charged e-tuition online course rates no matter your location. Each course is three credit hours. The Micro-Credential pathway includes four courses, for a total of 12 credit hours.

For your program’s rates, view Graduate Tuition and Fees.

Bonus: If you decide to continue into the MSN in Nursing Education or post-master’s Nursing Education Certificate of Graduate Study programs here at USM, your credits earned for this micro-credential can be applied.

Questions?

Connect with our helpful Student Financial Services team.

Currently enrolled in a USM program?

Current USM students can contact Jill Olausson to enroll.