Prepare to empower the next generation as a nurse educator or preceptor

You can complete UNT Health’s iTEACH microcredential in just eight weeks, which makes it a fast and flexible way to expand your role in nursing education as a nurse educator or preceptor. This microcredential includes four structured modules, each delivered over a two-week period. This helps you build your skills progressively without disrupting your full-time work or personal obligations.

How long does this nurse educator training take?

Program schedule and learning format

• Length: Eight weeks total
• Modules:
  • Weeks 1-2: Promoting Active and Engaged Learning
  • Weeks 3-4: Fostering Student-Faculty/Preceptor Engagement for Enhanced Learning
  • Weeks 5-6: Cultivating Collaborative Learning and Teamwork
  • Weeks 7-8: Providing Timely and Constructive Feedback
• Format: Fully online, with optional in-person simulation training
• Extras: Guest lecturers include nationally and internationally recognized educators

UNT Health designed the iTEACH program for working nurses who want to make a greater impact by mentoring or teaching the next generation of healthcare professionals. Because of the focused, time-bound structure, you can quickly gain practical strategies and evidence-based teaching tools to use right away in clinical or academic settings as a novice nurse educator or preceptor.

Optional in-person simulation lab

In addition to the online modules, you may also choose to attend an optional four-hour simulation training session at UNT Health’s Regional Simulation Center. This hands-on opportunity allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a high-quality, real-world teaching environment.

Enroll today in order to begin your journey toward becoming a confident, effective nursing instructor.

Yes, the iTEACH microcredential is delivered fully online, making it a flexible and accessible option for busy nurses who want to grow into roles as nurse educators or preceptors. Designed with working professionals in mind, this eight-week program allows you to complete each module from anywhere without the need to pause your career or travel frequently.

Flexible 100% online format to develop nurse educator and preceptor competencies

• Asynchronous delivery: On-demand course materials allow you to learn at your own pace during each two-week module.
• No required log-in times: Ideal for nurses with variable shifts or clinical responsibilities.
• Interactive content: Includes video lectures, downloadable resources, peer engagement opportunities and self-paced assignments.
• Guest experts: Learn from internationally renowned educators and simulationists, all through a virtual platform with potential live sessions.

Optional in-person experience to grow as a nurse educator or preceptor

While the course is entirely online, participants can choose to attend an optional four-hour, in-person simulation training at UNT Health’s Regional Simulation Center. This optional session offers a deeper dive into simulation techniques and teaching strategies, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in a supportive environment.

Whether you’re located in Texas or beyond, the iTEACH microcredential gives you tools for:

• Best practices in nursing education
• Supporting novice nurses with confidence and developing competencies
• Strengthening your role as a preceptor or nurse educator
• Contributing meaningfully to solving the nursing faculty shortage

Enroll today in order to gain accessible, online training that fits your schedule and fuels your passion for teaching.

The iTEACH microcredential at UNT Health is designed in order to be accessible for nurses who are ready to grow into roles as nurse educators or preceptors. Therefore, the iTEACH program doesn’t have minimum requirements. Enrollment is straightforward, ensuring that qualified applicants can begin building teaching skills without unnecessary hurdles.

Ideal candidate profiles

The iTEACH program is especially well-suited for people such as:

• RN preceptors who want to enhance their teaching effectiveness
• Prospective nurse educators planning to transition into academic or clinical education
• Adjunct faculty or clinical teaching assistants looking to improve student engagement and instructional skills
• Nurses returning to the workforce who are passionate about mentoring the next generation
• Potentially any healthcare professional who wants to go into academia
• Seasoned faculty who want to be refreshed in the best practices in nursing education

No formal teaching experience is required. If you’re motivated to support novice nurses and explore the field of education, then this program is for you.

Enroll today in order to take the first step toward shaping the future of nursing education.

Yes, you can enroll in the iTEACH microcredential program with a BSN. In fact, UNT Health designed the program to support BSN-prepared registered nurses who are eager to transition into roles as nurse educators or preceptors.

Use your BSN to become a preceptor

This microcredential offers a structured, eight-week learning experience that equips BSN-trained nurses with the foundational skills needed in order to:

• Teach and mentor nursing students or novice nurses
• Facilitate active learning and clinical engagement
• Understand adult education principles and competency-based teaching
• Build confidence in simulation-based instruction and feedback strategies

Ideal for BSN-prepared professionals

If you hold a BSN, then you are well-positioned to benefit from this program, especially if you are:

• Already acting as a preceptor
• Exploring a future in nursing education
• Looking to upskill for professional development
• Preparing for graduate studies in nursing education

The iTEACH program will provide you with essential tools and credentials in order to advance your career goals.

Continuing your education journey

Participants may use this program as a stepping stone toward advanced degrees or full-time academic roles. If you are pursuing or planning to pursue an MSN or DNP, this microcredential strengthens your foundation, as well as adds value to your resume.

Enroll today in order to start your journey into nursing education.

Yes, there is indeed an urgent and growing demand for nurse educators and preceptors across Texas. Because the state faces a critical nursing workforce shortage, the need for experienced nurses to teach, mentor and train future professionals has never been higher.

A statewide nursing crisis

According to recent data, North Texas alone has a gap of more than 7,000 registered nurses. This shortage is driven by factors such as:

• Increased population growth and healthcare needs
• Retirements and burnout following the COVID-19 pandemic
• A limited number of nurse educators to teach incoming students

Although more students want to enter nursing, many colleges in Texas cannot accept qualified applicants simply because there are not enough educators or preceptors to guide them.

Why nurse educators and preceptors are essential

By stepping into the role of nurse educator or preceptor, you can:

• Help expand nursing school capacity by mentoring more students.
• Support novice nurses in clinical settings to improve retention and reduce turnover.
• Strengthen Texas’ healthcare system by ensuring new nurses are better prepared for practice.
• Influence nursing practice by modeling evidence-based care and professional standards.

A strategic career move

If you are an experienced RN, becoming a nurse educator or preceptor opens new opportunities for advancement, leadership and long-term job security. The demand is not only present but also growing.

Enroll today in order to meet the demand and make a difference in the future of nursing in Texas.

Yes, these experiences can lead to full-time faculty positions when combined with graduate-level education such as UNT Health’s Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Practice Innovation. Because colleges and universities across Texas and the nation face a shortage of qualified nursing faculty, gaining teaching experience through programs such as UNT Health’s iTEACH microcredential can indeed open doors to rewarding academic careers.

How iTEACH prepares you for academic nurse educator roles

The iTEACH microcredential equips you with essential skills that align closely with faculty expectations in nursing programs such as:

• Competency-based education: Learn how to evaluate clinical skills and knowledge using structured assessment tools.
• Instructional design: Gain experience in creating lesson plans that incorporate adult learning theory, technology and critical thinking.
• Simulation-based teaching: Build confidence using simulation and feedback to enhance student learning.
• Professional development: Reflect on your teaching practice and develop strategies to improve continuously.

Nursing schools value these core competencies when hiring clinical instructors, adjuncts and even full-time faculty.

A bridge into academia as a nurse educator

Programs such as iTEACH can put you on the path to academia. For example, many faculty members begin their careers:

• As part-time adjunct nursing instructors
• As clinical teaching assistants
• Through mentoring roles in clinical education or staff development

Meet a real need by becoming a nurse educator or preceptor

According to research by Kavanagh and Sharpnack (2021), only 9% of new nurses are considered residency-ready. This highlights the growing need for nurse educators who understand how to teach effectively. By stepping into this role, you not only grow your own career, but you also help fill a vital gap in nursing education.

Enroll today in order to take the next step toward an impactful future in academic nursing.

The iTEACH microcredential at UNT Health is offered in multiple cohorts throughout the year.

For the Fall 2025 cohort, the enrollment deadline is Aug. 22 with classes beginning Sept. 8. This cohort continues the tradition of providing an eight-week online program with an optional in-person simulation experience at UNT Health’s Regional Simulation Center.

Given the high demand and limited availability, UNT Health recommends early enrollment.

Enroll today in order to secure your place in the upcoming iTEACH cohort and advance your career in nursing education.

Yes, you can earn continuing education credit through UNT Health’s iTEACH microcredential, which is designed in order to support your professional development and licensure requirements.

This program not only builds your skills as a nurse educator or preceptor but also contributes to your ongoing learning and credentialing. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are eligible for certificates of participation that may be submitted for continuing education recognition based on their specific licensure board or employer requirements.

How to receive CE credit by training to be a nurse educator or preceptor

In order to qualify for CE credit or a certificate of completion, you must:

• Attend and participate in all modules
• Complete any required evaluations or post-activity assessments
• Request the CE certificate at the end of the course via UNT Health’s official process

Verify with your board

Because CE requirements vary by state and credential type, we certainly recommend that participants confirm eligibility with their state Board of Nursing or employer if they intend to use the certificate for licensure renewal or professional advancement.

Enroll today in order to earn credit while advancing your skills in nursing education and instruction.

Yes, the iTEACH microcredential program includes an optional in-person simulation training session designed in order to enrich your learning experience and strengthen your practical teaching skills.

Simulation training to be a nurse educator or preceptor

While the core of the program is delivered 100% online, participants have the opportunity to join a half-day, in-person simulation workshop at UNT Health’s state-of-the-art Regional Simulation Center.

About the optional simulation experience, in short:

• Duration: Four hours
• Format: Hands-on, interactive session with real-world clinical education scenarios
• Guidance: Led by expert faculty and internationally renowned guest educators and simulationists
• Location: UNT Health’s simulation rooms, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107

The in-person session complements the online modules by offering opportunities such as:

• Applying instructional methods in a simulated clinical setting
• Practicing delivering and receiving constructive feedback
• Engaging in team-based education techniques
• Building confidence in your role as an educator or preceptor

Who benefits from simulation?

This experience is ideal for people such as:

• Nurses new to teaching who want real-time coaching
• Preceptors seeking to improve their confidence in clinical instruction
• Prospective faculty looking to build a strong foundation in simulation-based learning

Because the in-person simulation session is optional, you can complete the full microcredential and receive recognition entirely online if you prefer a virtual-only path.

Enroll today in order to enhance your educator training with an optional hands-on simulation practice.

Yes, UNT Health’s iTEACH microcredential courses feature guest lecturers who are internationally recognized educators and simulation experts. These speakers bring real-world insights, proven strategies and cutting-edge teaching methods to help elevate your understanding of nursing education.

What to expect from guest speakers, in brief: 

Throughout the eight-week program, participants will engage with lectures and presentations from experienced leaders in topics such as:

• Competency-based education
• Simulation-based instruction
• Clinical and academic teaching strategies
• Mentorship and student engagement best practices

These guest speakers align with the goals of each two-week module, reinforcing practical takeaways you can use immediately in your role as a preceptor or nurse educator.

Why it matters

Learning from seasoned educators gives you opportunities such as:

• Exposure to diverse perspectives on teaching and mentoring
• Learning practical techniques grounded in evidence-based practices
• Exploring new trends and innovations in nursing education
• Receiving motivation and encouragement from thought leaders who’ve shaped the field

Because you’re hearing directly from experts in simulation, feedback and collaborative learning, you’ll gain more than just theory. You’ll also gain tested tools that work in today’s clinical and academic environments.

Enroll today in order to learn from the best and prepare to lead the next generation of nurses.