Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education (PM CNE)

Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The New England Institute of Technology Nursing Department seeks to prepare nurses at the certificate, associate, bachelor, and master levels to practice holistically in today’s complex and highly technological healthcare system. The mission of the program is to prepare individuals as professionals whose care reflects altruistic, evidence-based, and ethical practice in the nursing profession.

Program Philosophy

This philosophy, the foundation of our curriculum, represents the faculty’s core beliefs regarding human beings, environment, health, nursing, higher education, teaching, and learning. We believe that every person is a unique being worthy of respect and dignity. In our nursing framework, biological and social components integrate seamlessly in individuals who use self-care to maintain their health status. We view the environment as the totality of the patient’s experience that includes the family, cultural context, society, and the global community. We recognize that the patient’s environment is a major influence on the patient’s health status. Health is an individual experience characterized by wholeness where physical, psychological, interpersonal, spiritual, cultural, and social aspects are inseparable in the person. An individual’s response to stressors may change the ability of the patient to engage in self-care, resulting in deficits in meeting basic needs and requiring the need for nursing care. Individuals are moving toward maturation and actualization of their full potential. Humans have universal self-care requisites and nurses need to be tireless advocates for the patients’ pursuit of these universal needs within a caring and nonjudgmental environment.

Nursing is a scientific discipline with a distinct body of knowledge. Nursing practice is grounded in nursing science, natural sciences, social sciences, technology and humanities. Nurses engage with patients in an active partnership and seek to understand the patient’s lived experience of illness. Within this context, nurses provide holistic evidence-based nursing care that respects and supports individual definitions of health. Nurses focus on quality healthcare and advocate for diverse individuals, families, communities, and systems. Nursing practice is grounded in these paradigmatic beliefs which provide the foundation for critical inquiry and knowledge development in nursing.

Every person who wishes to pursue a career in nursing should have the opportunity to do so. By advancing educational access for a diverse population of students, nursing education contributes to a diverse nursing workforce to meet the health care needs of culturally and ethnically diverse populations. Likewise, every nurse should be encouraged to pursue and have access to seamless academic progression in nursing education. The Department of Nursing at New England Tech joins with other nursing organizations in Rhode Island and throughout the nation, to advance opportunities for academic progression within nursing. We stand ready to work together to ensure that nurses have the support they need to further their education. Higher education for nursing practice is grounded in a sound theoretical and empirical knowledge base. The intent of the educational program is to address the needs of diverse learners by encouraging active participation in the learning process. Nursing education seeks to empower students as future nurses while instilling an enthusiasm for lifelong critical inquiry, learning, and professional growth. The faculty is committed to creating supportive environments that foster adult learning. Students have multiple opportunities to develop the core competencies that characterize a well-educated nurse.

Students work closely with professors who care about them and provide opportunities for student learning and development as confident lifelong learners. The faculty use a variety of evidence-based teaching methods that address adult students’ learning needs. Learners assume responsibility for their learning and are active participants in the learning process.

Faculty reviewed and updated May 26, 2022

End-of-Program Student Learning Outcomes (EPSLOs)

1. Engage as a leader and change agent in response to the health promotion, disease prevention/management, and educational needs of the evolving healthcare system and community partners.
2. Implement quality and safety measures through ethical, legal, and professional standards and role-specific competencies to address the needs of underserved and culturally diverse populations.
3. Integrate advanced knowledge of healthcare and healthcare education through related disciplines in the roles of the master’s prepared nurse.
4. Apply evidence-based practice (EBP) in the areas of clinical practice, professional development, higher education, or administrative settings to improve outcomes.
5. Utilize the process of scientific inquiry to validate and refine knowledge relevant to improving outcomes within a dynamic healthcare environment.
6. Integrate technologies in the role of the master’s prepared nurse, demonstrating information literacy in a variety of settings.
7. Evaluate healthcare organizational systems in decision making, including cost-effective initiatives, ethics, policy development, and quality and safety measures.
8. Integrate principles of ethical decision-making and clinical judgment as it applies to the various roles of the master’s prepared nurse.

ACCREDITATION STATUS

NEIT is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). Accreditation by NEASC is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NEASC. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.

Courses Offered

PMCNE Curriculum

Legend

C = Number of lecture hours per week

L = Number of laboratory hours per week T = Total Quarter Credit Hours where each lecture hour per week is one credit, every 2-4 laboratory hours are one credit depending on the expected amount of pre- or post-lab work

Subject to change.

Admissions Requirements and Procedures for Academic Certificate Programs

Admission to the master’s certificate program requires a master’s degree in Nursing. Candidates who successfully complete the requirements of this program will be awarded a post masters certificate in nursing education of 24 credits. This certificate will meet the requirements to sit for the NLN Certified Nurse Educator credentialing exam.

Q&A and Technical Standards

Questions & Answers

1. When do my classes meet?
   

   Because the PMCNE program is online, there are no times when students are required to meet in a traditional on-campus classroom. Faculty may schedule (at their discretion) online discussions or other activities through the online learning software that may require you to attend class at a specific time. These sessions may be recorded for students to access at a later time. However, most online work is expected to be completed based on the student’s schedule within the context of the course requirements.

2. Must I take other courses in addition to the Nursing courses?
   No. The only courses included in the program of study are nursing courses.
3. How large will my classes be?
   

   The average size for a class is about 18 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.

4. How is taking an online course different from an on-campus course?
   

   Online courses offer you flexibility in the scheduling of your class and study time. However, online courses also require self-discipline and self-motivation to do the work that is expected of the course. Since there will be no “lecture” time and no class time to attend, you will need to dedicate an appropriate amount of time to review the course content on the Canvas learning management system, complete the readings, participate in the online discussion forums, and complete other assignments.

   Instead of meeting at a fixed time and location, your online course will run on a weekly schedule starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday evening. Generally, there are no set meeting times during which the entire class meets. Despite this flexibility, you are required to login to your course regularly as described in the course syllabus. Additionally, there may be some assignments when specific due dates must be met.

5. Do online courses take more time than on-campus courses?
   

   No. Online courses require the same amount of work as an on-campus course. However, the time you spend in an online course will be different than in an on-campus course. For example, more time may be spent on reading and completing the assignments and responding to electronic posts from both the instructor and other students and less time will be spent on driving to and from campus and no time will be spent in class.

6. What are the entry requirements for the program? A candidate for admission to the PMCNE program must meet the following criteria:Applicants for admission to the PMCNE program at NEIT must meet the following criteria:
   • Completion of an Accredited Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing in a field other than Nursing Education.
   • The following steps outline the application process. Each applicant must:
     1. Complete an information session with a university admissions officer
     2. Apply for enrollment including a personal statement and a current professional resume or curriculum vitae along with the non-refundable application fee. Applications can be completed online at neit.edu
     3. Submit an official transcript showing degrees completion. Completed nursing programs must be accredited by: NLN, ACEN, CCNE, or NLNCC
7. How long should it take me to complete my program?
   

   The PMCNE program is 4 terms long, which will take 12 months to complete following the previously outlined degree plan. It is in the best interest of students to adhere to the prescribed curriculum without interruption. Students who are not enrolled during one or more terms or who are not successful in a course may find that the course/s they need may not be available every term and they will have to wait until the course is offered again. Students should check with their Student Success Coach for further details.

8. Is New England Tech accredited?
   

   NEIT is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). Accreditation by NEASC is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NEASC. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.

9. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?
   

   The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.

10. Will advisors be available to me?
    

    Yes. Students in the PMCNE program will be assigned a Student Success Coordinator from the Office of Student Support Services. The Student Success Coordinator provides guidance, encouragement and support to students and is the primary point of contact for all student concerns and information about New England Tech policies and procedures. From the individual student’s perspective, the Student Success Coordinator is the student’s college-wide advisor on all matters related to success at New England Tech. Student Success Coordinators assist students who are experiencing difficulties with their course work or who encounter problems that interfere with the successful completion of their program. Student Success Coordinators monitor students’ attendance and academic progress and contact students as needed. The Student Success Coordinator’s outreach to the students includes weekly emails to students and as needed, individual phone calls to the students. Students may meet with their Student Success Coordinator for a degree audit and for assistance with course selection and registration. Students with disabilities who wish to request accommodations must self-identify, communicate their needs to their Student Success Coordinator and provide current and comprehensive documentation concerning the nature and extent of their disability.

11. What does my program cost?
    

    The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more terms than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who elect to take the technical portion of the degree requirements at a rate faster than the rate prescribed in the curriculum and the enrollment agreement will be assessed additional tuition. . (See current Tuition and Fees for the PMCNE program)

    Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement.

    If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed.

    Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance.  Second re-entries and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter.  The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the six terms necessary to complete your degree requirements.

12. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?
    

    The Career Services Office assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, graduates may submit a resume to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Career Services Office contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of the industry for over fifty years. No school can, and NEIT does not guarantee its graduates employment or a specific starting salary.

13. Where will job opportunities exist?
    

    Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of this program is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities through our Career Services Department.

14. What are the hardware and software requirements for the program?
    

    	Recommended Minimum
    Operating System:	Windows 10 or Macintosh OS X (10.14)
    Processor:	2+ GHz
    Memory:	4GB
    Plug-ins:	Adobe PDF Reader, Flash Adobe PDF Reader, Flash and others as required by specific courses
    Players:	QuickTime, Java Player, Java
    Browser:	Chrome, IE, Safari, Edge, Firefox (all latest versions)
    Display:	1024×768
    Software:	Office 365 (2016)
    Internet Connection:	FiOS/DSL/CABLE DSL/CABLE
    Email Account:	New England Tech student email account
    Sound Card:	Required
    Other (some programs):	• A webcam (the one built into your laptop or iPad should be fine) • A microphone (built into the computer or headset is handy). • A digital camera (the one on a smart phone is fine).

    Online students must be capable of installing and maintaining their own computer’s hardware and software. New England Tech does not assist students with the setup of their computers.

    Information about obtaining the software (if any) will be made available to you at the start of each course.

    Note: Tablets and smartphones can be convenient for reading course materials and email but will not be sufficient for doing all of your course work.

15. Do I need special computer skills in order to take an online course?
    

    You will need basic familiarity with your computer, for example: emailing, using the Web, and downloading and attaching documents. No special equipment is required – just a modern Windows or Mac computer (see specifications above), an office suite such as Microsoft Office, and a broadband internet connection.

    New England Tech online courses are designed to help acclimate you to the technology and build your skills and your confidence as you go. We provide 24×7 support via phone, email or chat to help you with computer or online system issues. Tablet computers can be useful for doing course readings, watching course videos, and catching up on course discussions. But a tablet will not be sufficient for doing all your course work – be sure you have regular access to a laptop or desktop computer.

16. How can I get help for my coursework when I need it?
    

    There are several ways that you can get the help you need with your coursework. First, your instructor will be available to you through email, chat and the phone; second, your Student Success Coordinator is also available through email, chat and the phone; and finally, the Academic Skills Center will be available via email and the phone. PLEASE NOTE: It is important for both your personal and professional growth that you do all the work yourself. New England Tech has a strict Academic Honesty Policy that is part of every course syllabus.

17. How much time should I expect to dedicate to an online course?
    

    New England Tech’s policy regarding the amount of work expected of a student is similar to all other colleges and universities. The number of credit hours assigned to coursework is related to the academic time a student is expected to spend in direct faculty instruction and out-of-class work, and reasonably approximates one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately ten weeks for one hour of credit; or at least an equivalent amount of work for other academic activities as established by New England Tech including laboratory work, internships, practica, studio work, and other academic work, such as study and exam preparation time, leading to the award of credit hours.

18. Where do I go for help with technical issues?
    

    The Response Desk is available through email and the phone. Please realize the Response Desk can only help you with access to your online account. The Response Desk cannot help you with any software or hardware issues with your personal computer. Refer to the Office Hours document that is available in each of your Canvas courses for specific contact information as well as hours of operation.

19. How do I buy textbooks?
    

    Students may purchase their textbooks either through the bookstore or through online merchants. Your instructor will provide the course syllabus to you prior to the start of class to allow you time to purchase the textbooks. Textbook information for all courses is available through the bookstore prior to the start of the course. Please review the contact information for the Bookstore in the Office Hours document.

20. Are there attendance and participation requirements?
    

    Yes. Each week you will be required to participate in required activities such as discussion boards or other assignments for each course. All course activities will be counted towards your attendance and participation grade.

21. How will I submit my course assignment? You will receive information from your instructor about how to submit your assignments through the Canvas learning management system. You may be asked to submit papers online, engage in group work, online discussions, or prepare a portfolio of your work online.

22. Will I have an instructor? Yes. Instructors are essential to online learning at New England Institute of Technology. All instructors are trained to teach online or have experience teaching online. They lead the courses and function as facilitators, coaches and tutors. In the online setting, instructors devote as much time to communicating with the class as they do in the traditional classroom. They log in regularly to respond to questions, direct discussion and evaluate assignments. Full-time instructors for all NUR courses have doctoral degrees.

23. Will I interact with other students? Yes. You will interact with other students in all your online courses. Through online discussions, email and other group activities, you can develop an electronic peer network and participate in discussion forums and online study groups. Although you may never see each other face-to-face, you will establish a group of colleagues