Program Description

The Nurse Educator option of the Graduate Nursing program at Loma Linda University is offered to prepare students for faculty positions in nursing education. It assumes that students have selected a clinical focus for which they will pursue further knowledge and experience in their graduate study along with preparation for teaching. The Nurse Educator option leads to a masters of science degree accredited by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The 54 units of course work build on the content of the baccalaureate degree and has a strong emphasis in advanced nursing theories, physiology, cultural and behavioral concepts, research, nursing issues and role development. The teaching-learning strand within the curriculum is on the development of advanced intellectual, clinical, leadership, and investigative skills.

Students may be admitted any term during the year, part-time study is available, and courses are offered to accommodate working nurses. The student will be encouraged to obtain certification in their clinical area as part of the evidence of clinical expertise for the faculty role.

Part-time option is also available. The program is offered in a hybrid format.

Program Website

Program Length

2-3 years

Possible Careers

Clinical or classroom teaching in nursing education at colleges/universities

Admissions Requirements

- Baccalaureate degree in nursing from an accredited program
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0, both cumulative and in nursing courses
- Current RN license*
- Application with personal essay
- Letters of Recommendation (3)
- Official transcripts for all college credits
- Interview by faculty members in the School of Nursing
- One year of RN experience is required prior to entering clinical courses
- Nursing experience is preferred in the area of desired clinical option
- Each applicant's clinical experience will be individually evaluated.
- Health Science Reasoning Test**

* California RN license required before clinical courses
** Taken on site

Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites required.  Please reference the Admission Requirements.
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.

Required Program Costs

Academic Year 2025-2026

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
9 		Year 3
9
Tuition & Fees $21,087 $23,997 $25,937
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$2,465 $1,560 $550

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
9 		Year 3
9
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $12,015 $12,015 $12,015
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $19,800 $19,800 $19,800
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $20,655 $20,655 $20,655
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $7,290 $7,290 $7,290
  • Off Campus
    		•  $19,800 $19,800 $19,800
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $3,150 $3,150
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,285 $3,285 $3,285
    Federal Student Loan Fees $216 $216 $216
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 0 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request

    Notes

    Tuition/Fees is an estimation based on 3 quarters of an average of 6 units (2 classes per quarter). Living Expenses is calculated for financial aid purposes and is based on 3 quarters (9 months).

    70-75% of LLU Nursing students receive financial aid
    • Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
    • Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
    • To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.