For a better experience, click the Compatibility Mode icon above to turn off Compatibility Mode, which is only for viewing older websites.

MS in Healthcare Simulation Degree Program (Online)

***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 master’s degree in healthcare simulation is designed for healthcare professionals and simulation technicians seeking to become leaders in the field of simulated education. This online healthcare simulation degree program couples education in patient safety with simulation learning concepts to ensure you have the experience to thrive in both clinical and academic environments. Upon graduation, you will have met the educational criteria needed to sit for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification exam.

The online MS in Healthcare Simulation was designed for students who do not hold a nursing degree. If you are a registered nurse, please see the online MSN in Healthcare Simulation Degree Program (Online).

What is an MS in Healthcare Simulation?

Health simulations give you the opportunity to learn and test new skills in a safe environment that can mimic real-world scenarios. Simulations can resemble high tech tools, role playing, and even realistic healthcare environments, among others. The goal of simulation-based education is to better promote patient safety by ensuring that healthcare providers have practiced the procedures, care processes, and critical conversations in the simulation space before entering the clinical environment.

Drexel’s online MS in Healthcare Simulation was designed specifically for students who wish to work in the healthcare simulation field. This masters degree in healthcare simulation online provides specialized training in simulation-based education, and ensures that you are familiar with the tools, practices, and procedures you will need in the field. You’ll be able to transfer the skills you learn in the program to careers in the clinical environment, clinical teaching, or the classroom.

MS in Healthcare Simulation Program Features

  • Taught by industry experienced faculty in Drexel’s respected College of Nursing and Health Professions
  • Curriculum places an emphasis on ensuring patient safety
  • Upon graduation, you will be prepared to sit for the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification exam, as soon as you meet the practice requirements

Requirements for The MS in Healthcare Simulation Program

Drexel’s online MS in Healthcare Simulation admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree in any health related field with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. For additional requirements and application information, please see the admissions criteria section.

If you are currently a nurse, hold RN licensure, and have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in nursing, you may apply for Drexel’s online MSN in Healthcare Simulation Degree Program (Online).

Admissions Criteria

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0
    • If your GPA is lower, you're still encouraged to apply, but should include relevant professional experience 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 experience is not required, previous related work experience 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
  • Personal statement describing your interest in the program and particular specialty
  • Resume
  • Additional requirements for International Students

An admissions interview may be required.

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) must maintain a minimum enrollment of 4.5 credits per term.

For Full List of courses, please visit Drexel Online.

Program Outcomes

  • Practices within a legal and ethical framework of health care delivery.
  • Advances the role of advanced nursing practice in the health care system through scholarship, clinical experience and political involvement.
  • Demonstrates critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills in clinical decision-making.
  • Integrates multiple technologies and relevant theories into the organization and synthesis of health data required to develop plans of care for patients, families and communities.
  • Integrates culturally sensitive health promotion activities that contribute to the health and wellness of the community into clinical practice.
  • Demonstrates leadership in nursing and health care through involvement in the development of outcome-based standards of care and practice-based health policy issues.
  • Evaluates and modify the quality and effectiveness of clinical practice based on current research findings, standards of care and patient outcomes.
  • Contributes to the advancement of nursing, health care and humanity through communication, collaboration and education.

What Can I Do With a MS in Healthcare Simulation?

Careers in Nursing and Other Healthcare Simulation
Upon graduation from Drexel’s online master’s degree in healthcare simulation, you’ll be prepared to take on prominent positions in the medical simulation field. Courses such as "Simulation in Healthcare Education," "Simulation Center Leadership," and "Quality and Safety in Healthcare" will help you build foundational knowledge while also ensuring you have the skills you need to succeed in careers throughout the field.

Common career titles in healthcare simulation include:

  • Healthcare Simulation Director
    Simulation directors help to integrate simulations into the healthcare system. Besides administrative work, their responsibilities include patient safety, curriculum design, community outreach, and teaching and debriefing.
  • Medical Simulation Technician
    A simulation technician supports all forms of simulation maintenance. This includes equipment setup and breakdown, audiovisual support, and software management, among other duties.
  • Quality Improvement Coordinator
    Utilize data analysis skills to identify, design, and implement educational solutions to improve key quality metrics.
  • Risk Manager
    Utilizing newly acquired simulation, quality, safety, and risk management skills, you would assist with identifying and solutioning risk mitigating scenarios.

What will I need to be eligible for the CHSE (Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator) Exam?
Drexel’s online MS in Healthcare Simulation will prepare you to meet the educational requirements for the Society for Simulation in Healthcare’s Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification exam. There are additional eligibility requirements, including practical experience. To learn more, please visit the Society for Simulation in Healthcare.

As a nurse, is this the right program for me?
We offer both a MSN and MS in Healthcare Simulation program so you can select the curriculum that best aligns with your career goals. Learn more about the MSN in Healthcare Simulation Degree Program (Online).