Belmont University introduces new program to educate nursing instructors

Belmont University has a new program that will help bolster the population of qualified and well educated nurses: the Academic Clinical Nurse Educator program. The program is for faculty, instructors, and preceptors, as well as those who do not yet teach nursing but hope to, in order to help them learn how to effectively educate nurses.

According to an article on Belmont University’s website, Dr. Julie Honey, who serves as the dean of nursing at Belmont University, noted that the formulation of the new program came from recognizing a growing need in the healthcare industry. Dr. Honey said, "As the health care field rapidly evolves, we recognized an urgent need to invest in those who shape the minds of our future nurses. This program underscores our commitment to elevating nursing education and empowering educators with the tools to cultivate a skilled, compassionate workforce." 

The Academic Clinical Nurse Educator program will give participants 18 hours of Continuing Education Units, as well as valuable preparation for the certification exam offered by the National League for Nursing, which has a set of competencies Belmont University’s new program is tailored to meet. The course is in an asynchronous online format and is designed to be completed in six weeks. While the program is largely self-paced, there are opportunities for check-ins with program instructors and live sessions, as well.

Belmont University has committed itself to helping shape the future of nursing by providing quality education, and this program will allow the university to have a hand in improving nursing education for years to come. The program will focus on evidence-based teaching skills and best practices to bring forward.

Dr. Tammy Legge, Belmont University’s program chair for nursing, said of the new program, "We're thrilled to offer a program that not only benefits our own faculty but also extends its reach to preceptors and educators across the nation. By investing in those who shape nursing education, we're ultimately investing in the future of health care itself." 

Jessica Savage, assistant professor and certified academic clinical nurse educator at Belmont University added, "Nursing education requires a unique blend of clinical expertise and effective teaching methods. This program equips educators with evidence-based practices to inspire the next generation of nurses, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate real-world health care environments." 

For more information about Belmont University, visit the school’s website.