Why should a registered nurse obtain an MS in health professions education?

Nurses have a choice of different programs when pursuing a masters degree in medical education. Two of these choices include an MS in nursing education or an MS in health professions education. What are the pros and cons of these two choices?

Nurses seeking an MS in nursing education are now often required to take advanced courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physiology, known as the 3 P’s. These courses may take up to 9 credits in an MS nursing education curriculum, which in the past, were used to develop better educators. If one is committed to teaching nursing, this may be the way to go. If an RN applies to teach in a nursing program with an HPEd MS degree, the program may have to petition the state Board of Nursing for permission to accept a non-nursing graduate degree. Most programs do not want the hassle of applying for these waivers. However they may be very willing to do this, if they are short staffed.  

If a nurse’s teaching goals are unknown, the MS in health professions education provides more time and course work focused specifically on education and emerging technologies in education. The HPEd degree provides more options for leadership positions beyond nursing programs, in places such as allied health or medical schools. Students from a variety of health professions including: medical students, practicing physicians, dieticians, OT, PT, RT, and simulationists, pursue HPEd degrees The educational discussions are less discipline specific and provide a true interprofessional educational experience.  

The decision on which masters degree in medical education is right for you depends on what you want to teach and where. Take a futher look at the IHP's  MS in nursing education and MS in health professions education programs to learn more and decide what path is right for you.