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MSN 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, MSN: Undeclared, and Certificate in Healthcare Simulation.***

Healthcare Simulation Recorded Virtual Open House

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 Degree Program.

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 MSN-Bridge. 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 Degree Program.

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Admissions Criteria

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Your BSN must be from an institution accredited by the National League of Nursing (NLN) and/or the American Association Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The accrediting body for NLN is ACEN and the accrediting body for the American Association Colleges of Nursing is CCNE.
    • 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.

Application Deadline

December 12, 2022

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
    • 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.

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.

For Full List of courses, please visit Drexel Online.

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 MS in Healthcare Simulation Degree Program (Online).