In its continuing efforts to address the shortage of nurses and nurse educators, Mansfield University has received approval for its post- master's certificate in nursing education program from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

"I am really excited about this certificate program," Janeen Sheehe, chair of the Department of Health Sciences, said.

"It means that nurses who previously pursed clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner tracks in their master's education and have excellent clinical skills can easily take courses that will not only prepare them to take the National League for Nursing certified nurse educator exam, but will also give them the skills to be a strong nurse educator."

The 15-credit post-master's program gives nurses who already hold master's degrees in nursing the opportunity to gain expertise necessary to be effective nurse educators.

Graduates of the certificate program will be able to design curricula based on current knowledge of nursing, teaching techniques and learning theory.

They will be able to effectively evaluate students, courses and programs, as well as participate in accreditation procedures.

Once those who have completed the program have the requisite teaching experience, they will be able to sit for the NLN certified nurse educator examination.

For more information on the post-master's certificate program in nursing education program at MU, check online at www.mansfield.edu/~nursing/