Graceland University
Doctor of Nursing (DNP) (Online)
Online MSN - Nurse Educator
The Online MSN program enables students to complete degree requirements through a combination of online cohort courses and preceptor-guided practicums. Practicums may be completed in the student's own community (anywhere in the US). All students complete a two day focus session on the Independence, Missouri campus at the end of their coursework. One additional focus session is required of FNP and nurse educator students.
Nurse educators are in demand. In 2006, over 100,000 qualified applicants were turned away from undergraduate nursing programs, over 3,000 qualified applicants were turned away from master’s programs and 300 qualified applicants were turned away from doctoral programs primarily due to the critical shortage of nursing faculty. In addition, many faculty members will be retiring over the next 10 years and it is imperative that we begin now to prepare nurses to fill these positions.
The nurse educator specialty track prepares the RN to teach in a collegiate or health care setting. The student’s area of study incorporates a blend of theory and research with an emphasis on guided practice in the educator practicum. The required 180 hours of practicum work are completed in the student’s own community. In addition to working with a member of Graceland’s nursing faculty during the practicum, the student’s hands-on experience is monitored by a local preceptor.
Online RN-BSN
This online program includes specific areas of study allowing you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) in an organized and supportive learning environment. Faculty and student support counselors will guide your every step from application to graduation. The result is a quality nursing degree that will put you in high demand. You may receive up to 28 semester hours of credit for your previous undergraduate nursing courses, regardless of how long ago you earned them. General education credit may be awarded through transfer, CLEP or online courses. A four-day, on-campus focus session is required for all B.S.N. students.
Online RN-to-BSN/MSN
This unique RN-MSN program offers a registered nurse the opportunity to complete a BSN degree and MSN degree in one combined program. By doing so, students are able to save themselves at least six hours of coursework as they are not required to take two of the BSN courses and also have the option of challenging three other courses in the BSN curriculum.
The career options in the MSN part of the program are Family Nurse Practitioner and/or Nurse Educator.
A four-day, on-campus focus session is required for the BSN portion and two more on-campus focus sessions are required for completion of the MSN portion of this program. Students are required to complete practicums in both the BSN and MSN portions of the RN-MSN program. Practicums may be completed in the student's own community.
Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education (Online)
A graduate level program designed for persons who already possess a master's degree in nursing and are interested in enhancing their knowledge base and skills to teach adults in a collegiate or health care setting. Students who complete this program will not earn a graduate degree but will earn a post graduate certificate.
An award winning School of Education bringing you online programs developed around the hottest topics in Education.
Graceland is a small, caring university with big programs that make a difference in both a teacher's and their student's lives. The reasons to attend Graceland are compelling to a teacher wanting the best in their education. First, Graceland University is a 2007 United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Platinum Winner for best practices in online learning. Second, Graceland is in tune with the current hot topics in education such as Differentiated Instruction. Third, Graceland has the highest accreditations starting with NCATE and the Iowa DOE gave us this glowing praise by saying, "We came to review a program and we found a gem, a model of excellence." Fourth, and this is the icing on the cake, 97% of our graduates would recommend our program to a friend.
Graceland University was founded in 1895 and has created a national reputation for quality educational programs and outstanding student support. Our online platform is user friendly and our faculty will give you the personal attention necessary for your academic and professional success. But, for all that we offer, we also hold the notion of making education affordable near to our hearts. We understand the finances of teachers and our tuition reflects that. Plus, all of our programs are eligible for financial aid.
Founded in 1895, Graceland University has been a leader in nursing education for more than 50 years and was the first national provider of distance nursing education. Through a nationally recognized distance learning program started in 1987, we offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs for registered nurses with the same experienced professors and the same solid curriculum Graceland is known for. You complete assignments when it's convenient for you - at home or wherever you have Internet access – and participate in practicums within your own community, anywhere in the US. Graceland also offers:
- Programs that combine the most recent theory with hands-on experience needed to reinforce learning
- Ongoing relationships with some of the finest health care institutions in the nation
- Up to 30 hours of credit for previous undergraduate nursing courses
- No time limit on transfer of previous college credit
All programs are nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE, One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6961, www.aacne.nche.edu) and are approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and the Iowa Board of Nursing.
USDLA
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) www.usdla.org presented its 2007 Platinum Distance Learning Award to Graceland University's School of Education. Only one other School of Education won this award.
Since 1987, USDLA has been one of the world's premier distance learning associations. "We are honoring Graceland University's School of Education as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, CEO of USDLA. "Graceland University's School of Education has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by their contributions to the distance learning industry."
Accreditations
The Graceland University School of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, 2010 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC, 20036, 202.466.7496, (www.ncate.org). This accreditation covers the online Masters of Education, as well as traditional education programs. Graceland University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, (NCA), 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 800.621.7440, (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org).
Graceland's Virtual Classroom
In our virtual classroom, most students take one course at a time, usually devoting 10-15 hours per week for about seven to nine weeks. They can sign up to participate at whatever hour of the day or night that best fits their schedules. Each class shares its own group mailbox - their electronic classroom. Through this mechanism, assignments, lectures and discussion questions for the week are posted. A computer conferencing system allows you to participate in class discussion, ask questions and receive feedback, asynchronously, like e-mail. Assignments are sent to your instructor online, as are his/her feedback and assessment.