Online MSN in Healthcare Simulation

***While we reimagine this program, we are not currently accepting applications. We encourage you to explore similar programs, including the MSN: Nursing Education, MS: Quality, Safety and Risk Management, MSN: Quality, Safety, and Risk Management, and MSN: Undeclared.***

Drexel University's online MSN in Healthcare Simulation partners specialized training in simulation-based education with advanced education in patient safety to prepare you to lead in both clinical and academic environments. This nursing simulation program was designed for nurses, healthcare professionals, and simulation technicians. After completing your MSN in Healthcare Simulation, you will be eligible to sit for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification exam, as soon as you meet the practice requirements.

The online MSN in Healthcare Simulation was designed for registered nurses. If you do not hold a nursing degree, please see the online MS in Healthcare Simulation.

What is an MSN in Healthcare Simulation?

Nursing simulations allow you to learn and practice new skills, all while improving patient safety outcomes. During a nursing simulation, you may practice performing a procedure on a manikin, or use a piece of software that helps you better develop your patient communication skills. The goal of simulation-based education is to give you a safe environment to practice the procedures, care processes, and critical conversations that you will need to use in the clinical space.

Drexel’s online MSN in Healthcare Simulation was designed for registered nurses. In this program, you’ll gain specialized training in simulation-based education that can be transferred to careers in the clinical environment, clinical teaching, or the classroom.

MSN in Healthcare Simulation Program Features

Learn from faculty in Drexel’s respected College of Nursing and Health Professions
Once you graduate, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification, as soon as you meet the practice requirements

Requirements for The MSN in Healthcare Simulation Program

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing from a program fully accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN/ACEN) or the American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN/CCNE) is required to apply for this program. Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's degree may consider applying for the RN-BSN-MSN program to earn both a BSN and MSN concurrently, or apply to the RN to MSN Bridge Program. For additional requirements and application information, please see the admissions criteria section.

If you do not have an undergraduate degree in nursing, you may apply for Drexel’s online MS in Healthcare Simulation.

What Can I Do With a MSN in Healthcare Simulation?

Careers in Nursing and Other Healthcare Simulation
Drexel’s online MSN in Healthcare Simulation prepares you for advanced leadership roles in the nursing simulation field. Through courses like "Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care," "Creating a Culture of Safety," and "Simulation Center Leadership," you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in careers throughout the field.

Common career titles include:

Director of Nursing Simulation
Requires the clinical, educational, and technical expertise to oversee your simulation site. Your responsibilities would include teaching, supervising students, curriculum design, and faculty development and training, among other tasks.
Nursing Simulation Manager
Primarily responsible for assisting with clinical skills simulated practice scenarios to help educate and train nurses in new clinical skills. Typically, this position reports to a simulation director and assists in the management of the facility.
Nursing Simulation Educator
Traditionally works with students or colleagues in a simulation lab geared toward nursing skills. You would be responsible for demonstrating clinical skills in a simulated environment, while providing students with the opportunity to practice new skills in a safe simulated environment.
Patient Safety Officer
Implements key patient safety strategies and programs with the goal of improving and achieving organizational patient safety objectives. This includes reducing harm, error reduction, and improved education.
Professional Development Specialist
Apply your simulation training and knowledge to create appropriate, innovated educational activities to meet leadership's professional staff development goals.

MSN in Healthcare Simulation Salary Expectations

Salaries can vary based on location, position level, and employer, but some common job titles and average salaries within the nursing simulation field include:

Job Title

Average Salary*

Nursing Simulation Lab Coordinator

$55,132

Nursing Instructor with Simulation Skills

$68,460

Simulation Center Director

$60,965

Medical Simulation Technician

$39,755

Medical Simulation Professional

$86,337

Healthcare Simulation Professional

$58,822

*Data from payscale.com and ziprecruiter.com

MSN in Healthcare Simulation Program FAQs

Do I need to come to campus?
No, you will not be required to come to Drexel’s campus during this program. However, during the IPS 617 course, you will be required to participate in a 3-Day Virtual Experience via Zoom. These are full class days and will take place during Week 3 of the quarter in which IPS 617 is taken. (This week is subject to change.)

Will the MSN in Healthcare Simulation prepare me for certification?
Drexel’s online MSN in Healthcare Simulation will provide you with the education needed to be eligible to sit for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification exam. Additional criteria are required beyond education, such as practice experience. To learn more about the certification eligibility criteria, please visit the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

Can I still enroll in the MSN in Healthcare Simulation if I don’t have a BSN?
If you don’t have a BSN but have your RN licensure, you can enroll in the MSN in Healthcare Simulation program through either our RN-MSN or RN-BSN-MSN options. However, if you don’t have a nursing background, our online MS in Healthcare Simulation would be a better option for you.

Online Open Houses

Learn more about this and other nursing programs from our previously recorded online open house webinar series.

Questions? We're here to help!

For application related questions:
enroll@drexel.edu

For program related questions:
College of Nursing and Health Professions Program Team
CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu

Related Programs

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
The MSN program at Drexel University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Graduate students who utilize student loans (FAFSA) muct maintain a minimum enrollment of 4.5 credits per term.

MSN Core Courses
NURS 500	Confronting Issues in Contemporary Healthcare Environments	3.0
NURS 502	Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Healthcare	3.0
NURS 544	Quality and Safety in Healthcare	3.0
NURS 591	Foundations of Healthcare Education	3.0
RSCH 503	Research Methods and Biostatistics	3.0
RSCH 504	Evaluation and Translation of Health Research	3.0
Simulation Courses
IPS 585	Science of Safety, Human Factors, and System Thinking	3.0
IPS 587	Safety Culture in Healthcare	2.0
IPS 617	Simulation in Healthcare Education	4.5
IPS 618	Standardized Patients	3.0
IPS 619	Advanced Debriefing and Reflective Practice	3.0
IPS 620	Simulation Center Leadership	3.0
IPS 621	Evaluation in Simulation-Based Education	3.0
IPS 622	Simulation Capstone	5.5
Total Credits		45.0

View a Sample Plan of Study [PDF]
View Course Descriptions

Admissions Criteria

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- BSN degrees must be from an institution accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), or NLN CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation)
- Nurses with a non-nursing bachelor's may consider applying for the RN-BSN-MSN program to earn both a BSN and MSN concurrently, or apply to the RN to MSN Bridge Program.
Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- If your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should ensure that relevant professional experience is included on your resume. You must also provide two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study.
While specific clinical work and/or volunteer experience is not required, it may make your application more competitive.

Required Documents

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

A completed application
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
Two professional letters of recommendation from either previous or immediate supervisors or former faculty members who can attest to your clinical knowledge, skill, and potential aptitude for graduate study
- If you have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, this requirement can be waived
Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty
Resume
Copy of your United States RN license
Additional requirements for International Students

An admissions interview may be required.

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year 0-1 is $0 per credit.

For the academic year 2024-2025, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- These rates apply only to fully online courses. Hybrid or on-campus courses may have different rates.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Additional Equipment/Lab Fees

Scholarship Opportunities

At Drexel, we understand that developing a plan to finance your education is a critical step in your decision-making process. That's why we encourage students who require financial aid to fill out the FAFSA as early in the application process as possible. Learn more about Drexel's financial aid policies. In addition, nursing students are encouraged to visit the AACN to review the many scholarship opportunities that exist through the organization.

Academic Calendar

2024-2025 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2024

September 23, 2024

December 7, 2024

December 9, 2024

December 14, 2024

Winter 2025

January 6, 2025

March 15, 2025

March 17, 2025

March 22, 2025

Spring 2025

March 31, 2025

June 7, 2025

June 9, 2025

June 14, 2025

Summer 2025

June 23, 2025

August 30, 2024

September 2, 2025

September 6, 2025

Apply for admission to Drexel University

This program is not currently accepting new applicants.

Previously enrolled at Drexel? Learn more about readmission.

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Online MSN in Healthcare Simulation Degree Program