Nursing Education — Post-Master’s Certificate | Accelerated Online

Certificate of Graduate Study

Modes of study:

Accelerated Online

Earn your Accelerated Online Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate in only 8 months!

Take comprehensive online courses at the University of Southern Maine (USM) as you earn your post-master’s certificate in nursing education in as few as eight months. Your coursework will include academic and educational foundations, instructional methods, assessment and evaluation in the program, and best practices in curriculum development.

Designed for nurses with a master’s degree, this certificate gives you experience in the fundamentals of teaching future nurses and shaping the next generation of healthcare providers. In the process, you’ll have hands-on real-world experience by completing an in-person practicum in your local network.

Credit hours

21 required credit hours are required to complete this certificate. Each course is equal to three credit hours total.

Visit the academic catalog

Program duration

This program may be completed in 6 months. Most students take one accelerated course over seven weeks or two courses each semester. This is considered full-time study, making students eligible for financial aid.

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School

School of Nursing

Admissions

Six terms of entry are available each year. No GRE is required.

View application process and deadlines

Why should you choose USM’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education?

Qualify to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam: This certificate satisfies the education-focus requirement, so once you complete it, you’re eligible to pursue CNE certification.
Balance your schedule while working: Our accelerated program lets you complete your coursework no matter where you are!
Flexible start dates throughout the year: This program offers six start dates throughout the year, so you can begin when it’s best for you.
Benefit from affordable tuition rates: In-state and out-of-state students are eligible for reduced e-tuition, making it easy and affordable to earn your certificate from the University of Southern Maine!
Develop necessary skills for educating current and future nurses: Getting this certificate at USM will help you hone your skills to educate both current and future nurses in an academic environment.
Learn from experienced faculty: Nursing faculty at the University of Southern Maine have a wide range of clinical and educational backgrounds to give you the strongest possible foundation as you earn your certificate. Our PhD and DNP faculty are active in research and policy issues at the national and state level. They are also frequent contributors to prestigious nursing journals.
Receive customized support: Whether you need help with a class or advice about what path to take, receive the tailored support you need from the Career Hub and the Office of Graduate Studies while earning your certificate at USM.
Get a head start on your DNP: Credits from this certificate can be put toward USM’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Accredited in Maine and nationally

USM and the School of Nursing are proud to be accredited by the nationally-recognized Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Learn about CCNE

Certified for online excellence

At the University of Southern Maine (USM), we are committed to delivering online and hybrid education that meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and student support. This online program and its faculty have been certified by USM Academic PACT — short for Promise of Access, Connection, and Transparency.

A student who earned their certificate at USM, giving them credits towards completing their DNP degree at USM.

Earn your DNP at USM

Students who complete this certificate have a head start towards completion of their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at USM. The DNP is designed for master’s-prepared nurses and working APRNs seeking healthcare leadership and career advancement.

Why complete your DNP?

Admission information: Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education | Accelerated Online

Application deadlines

Choose from six start dates each year.

Session	Application deadline	Program start date
Spring 2027 term: Session 1	December 30, 2026	January 19, 2027
Spring 2027 term: Session 2	March 3, 2027	March 22, 2027
Summer 2027 term: Session 1	April 26, 2027	May 17, 2027
Summer 2027 term: Session 2	June 16, 2027	July 6, 2027
Fall 2027 term: Session 1	August 11, 2027	August 30, 2027
Fall 2027 term: Session 2	October 6, 2027	October 30, 2027

Each student’s application for admission will be evaluated based on a composite of the following recommended standards:

A master’s degree 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.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

Application: Online application
Application fee:
- In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
- International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
- International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, we require an official evaluation of college-level transcripts approved by one of the following transcript analysis agencies
  - National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  - Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE)
Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following tests and submit official scores as part of the application process:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Duolingo
Get additional information regarding English language test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

Evidence (photocopy or PDF) of an unencumbered registered nurse license.

What are the international student application instructions?

What are the English proficiency test score requirements?

Where do I send my application materials?

Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Nursing Education — Post-Master’s Certificate | Accelerated Online