College of Nursing to offer post-professional certificate in nursing education beginning in spring 2027

In response, Radford University's College of Nursing (CON) is preparing to help address the lack of nursing faculty by offering a post-professional Certificate in Nursing Education beginning in spring 2027. The 12-credit-hour program will begin taking applications on Oct. 1 and will welcome its first cohort in January 2027. Students can complete the program in three to four semesters.

"Nursing faculty vacancies present significant challenges to meeting the growing demand for nurses in the Commonwealth, especially the rural and medically underserved communities of Appalachia," said Wendy Downey, Dean of the Radford University CON.

Regarding the challenges of nursing education, some of that obstruction is due to a lack of qualified faculty to teach the increasing numbers of nursing students that enroll in programs across the country each year. In fact, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing says the national faculty vacancy rate among U.S. schools offering baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs is 7.2%, with the southern region (which includes Virginia) experiencing an even higher vacancy rate of 8.2%.

In response, Radford University's College of Nursing (CON) is preparing to help address the lack of nursing faculty by offering a post-professional Certificate in Nursing Education beginning in spring 2027. The 12-credit-hour program will begin taking applications on Oct. 1 and will welcome its first cohort in January 2027. Students can complete the program in three to four semesters.

"Nursing faculty vacancies present significant challenges to meeting the growing demand for nurses in the Commonwealth, especially the rural and medically underserved communities of Appalachia," said Wendy Downey, Dean of the Radford University CON.

While many experienced nurses have the clinical expertise to teach, they often lack the academic preparation needed for faculty roles. The new certificate program will bridge that gap by preparing nurses for teaching roles as they continue to practice as healthcare professionals. Additionally, graduates will be eligible to sit for certification as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) from the National League of Nursing upon completion of the program.

"Online programs like this one are ideal for working nurses due to their flexibility with shift work, long hours, work-life balance and affordability," Downey added. "Through this program, Radford University is helping strengthen the pipeline of future nursing faculty and address vacancies."

To apply, applicants must hold a Master of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and hold a current RN license.

To help applicants pay for the program, the CON has received a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP). This program is designed for students enrolled in the Post Professional Certificate in Nursing Education, either alone or alongside their DNP program, and addresses the national nurse faculty shortage by providing low-interest loans to graduate nursing students, with up to 85% loan cancellation for graduates who serve as full-time nurse faculty for four years.

Funds from the NFLP will be available to students who are accepted and enrolled in the Post Professional Certificate in Nursing Education program beginning in the Spring 2027 semester. Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through the Radford University Office of Financial Aid.

The Post Professional Certificate program is another step that Radford University is taking to confirm its place as the top destination for healthcare talent and education in Southwest Virginia, an important part of the university's strategic plan, Shaping Tomorrow - Together 2026-2031.

"Without sufficient nurse educators to prepare the next generation of nurses, the Commonwealth's ability to address the ongoing nursing workforce shortage will remain a significant problem during a time of unprecedented demand for healthcare services," Downey said. "Radford's College of Nursing is committed to finding solutions to the healthcare challenges we face in our region, the state and beyond."

More information about the new post-professional certificate in nursing education can be found on the Radford University website. Those interested in applying should contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 540-831-5431 or via email at [email protected].