Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is offering BJC Health nurses a limited-time opportunity to advance their career by earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nurse educator concentration, while having their tuition fully covered.
Goldfarb’s nurse educator concentration prepares nurses to become educators in a variety of roles. Students will learn the basics of adult learning theory, curriculum design, teaching strategies, assessment of learning, nursing and higher education regulation, and how to build and refine curricula. Nurse educator students will also teach undergraduate classes at Goldfarb.
“Becoming a nurse educator enables you to directly improving patient outcomes through education,” says Elise Schaller, DNP, MHA, APRN, assistant dean of graduate programs. “Goldfarb’s program allows for nurse educator students to build practical skills, participate in hands-on experiences in clinical and academic settings, and gain real teaching experience.
“We hope to encourage the excellent nurses already here at Goldfarb School of Nursing and across BJC Health to step into this vital role in teaching, mentoring, and guiding future nurses.”
The nurse educator track for current nurses enables them to leverage their clinical expertise gained at the bedside and in clinics to build professional development skills, expand career opportunities, and increase earning potential.
“Nurse educators play a critical role at BJC Health, Goldfarb School of Nursing, and at health care systems and colleges all around the country,” says Tommye Austin, PhD, MSN, MBA, NEA-BC East Region (BJC HealthCare) chief nurse executive. “Their work supports both patient care quality and workforce development, ensuring all our nurses have the resources, clinical skills, and necessary training to provide excellent care.”
Designed for working nurses and poised for future growth
Nurse educator students can complete the MSN degree in five terms, or around 18 months. Coursework is online, with an on-site preceptorship in nursing education at an area hospital. Goldfarb School of Nursing offers preceptor placement assistance for those seeking someone to fill that instructor and mentor role. Additionally, students interested in eventually pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can earn 480 credit hours toward advanced study.
A clear path to tuition assistance
Nurses already working at BJC Health can earn their MSN with nurse educator concentration and have their tuition fully covered by combining multiple BJC resources, making this degree path an affordable option for students starting coursework in fall 2026 or spring 2027.
BJC nurses can take advantage of the 20% BJC tuition discount to attend Goldfarb School of Nursing, as well as the BJC Tuition and Certification Assistance options.
In addition, Goldfarb School of Nursing is offering $15,000 grants for 10 nurse educator students starting in fall 2026 or spring 2027, which will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional graduate scholarships are also available.
One student’s story: Chandler Airaghi pursues passion for learning, now teaching
Chandler Airaghi, MSN, RN, CPN, currently works as an instructor at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing following a nursing career at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Serving as a preceptor, she knew education was her passion and decided to pursue it through a nurse educator degree. She had previously attended Goldfarb for her BSN and knew it was where she wanted to continue her studies.
“Being a Goldfarb graduate, I already loved it there, but being on the other side was so different and so rewarding,” says Chandler. “While in school I knew I wanted to work at Goldfarb as an educator. I knew I wanted to be part of the teamwork, dedication, and impact that come with working alongside faculty members and researchers. Getting to work alongside instructors who shaped who I am as a nurse is so gratifying.”
Dates to remember
- Thursday, July 23, 7–7:30 p.m.: Informational session with the assistant dean of graduate programs. Register now
- Friday, July 31: Fall 2026 registration deadline
- Monday, Nov. 30: Spring 2027 registration deadline
Learn more by visiting the Goldfarb School of Nursing Nurse Educator program website.
You can apply or request to speak to an academic adviser by visiting the Goldfarb School of Nursing Applications and Admissions website.