Best Nurse Educator Programs (CNE) – MSN, DNP, PhD – 2024

Nursing education is one of the most sought-after programs colleges are looking to fill in 2024. Not only is this program in high demand, but hospitals and professional healthcare settings also seek nurse educators as the need for nursing professionals is at an all-time high.

Nurse educators hold highly respected, critical roles within registered nursing. These high-level nurses teach and shape nursing curricula at colleges, universities, and hospitals. Those passionate about nursing and education find this specialty particularly rewarding as they train future nursing professionals. Nurse educators can generally choose between earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program. Schools across the country offer these nurse educator pathways to prepare RNs for a fulfilling career in teaching.

Do you have an interest in teaching? If so, advancing your credentials as a nursing education professional is the next step.

2024 - Best Nurse Educator Programs

Registered nurses who wish to devote their careers to teaching, research, and other educational ventures often pursue a Nurse Educator specialization. This advanced practice program prepares nurses for faculty positions in colleges and teaching hospitals, and can be found at the master's (MSN) level or beyond. To help RNs choose the right Nurse Educator program, we've ranked the best and brightest programs across the country below.

Check out our methodology page for more information on our nursing program rankings.

1.

Union University

Jackson, TN

Experienced nurses looking to inspire the next generation can gain teaching skills when they complete the MSN Nurse Educator program at Union University. The 100% online program covers advanced nursing research and evidence-based practice as well as leadership and educational assessment.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Education Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Nurse Education Online/Hybrid

• Clinical and practicum experiences are needed.
• Can be completed in about 16 months.
• A quality nursing education centered on Christ.

2.

Clarkson College

Omaha, NE

Nurses seeking to step away from direct patient care and step into the classroom can earn their online MSN in Nursing Education at Clarkson College. From research design and methods to nursing evaluation strategies, the program readies nurses seeking to switch gears in their career journey.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Nursing Education Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Nursing Education Online/Hybrid

• Rolling admissions with part- and full-time options.
• Part of the Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) to increase nurse educators.
• Students are encouraged to remain employed while earning their degrees.

3.

The University of Texas at Arlington

Arlington, TX

Nurses with at least 2 years of experience can go to the head of the class when they complete the online MSN in Nursing Education at The University of Texas at Arlington. The forward-thinking degree covers teaching and evaluation strategies as well as core and advanced nursing components.

MSN Programs

• Education Online/Hybrid
• RN to MSN: Nurse Educator degree track Online/Hybrid

• Clinicals are required for the online program.
• Graduates can teach nursing in a range of higher ed and clinical settings.
• Students can earn their degrees in 22-25 months.

4.

Bellin College

Green Bay, WI

RNs can lead the next generation of nurses when obtaining their MSN in Nursing Education at Bellin College. The 100% online program readies students to transition from clinical practice to teaching. It concentrates on use of technology and instructional design.

MSN Programs

• Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid
• Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate Program Online/Hybrid

• Students complete an education practicum experience.
• Grads can sit for the Certified Nurse Educator exam.
• A private, non-profit nursing school located in Wisconsin.

5.

Messiah University

Mechanicsburg, PA

As the demand for nurses rises, so does the demand for nursing educators. Nurses who are considering making this transition can attain their MSN in Nursing Education at Messiah University. The online program is designed for optimal flexibility as students learn to teach for a range of clinical settings.

MSN Programs

• MSN Nurse Educator Online/Hybrid

• Many students can graduate in 2 years.
• No application or hidden fees.
• A private interdenominational Christian college.

Choosing a Nurse Educator Program

Like an undergraduate nursing program such as a BSN, those interested in enrolling in a nursing education program should research schools to ensure they select a quality program. Things to keep in mind include:

Accreditation

All prospective students should ensure their nurse educator degree program is appropriately accredited. These accredited programs are rigorously evaluated for academic excellence, giving students peace of mind that they are of a high caliber. The most popular accrediting agencies for nurse educator programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Choosing a school/program accredited by either of these organizations is a wise bet.

Program Cost

Many things will impact program costs, including degree level, location, and school of choice. Students should thoroughly consider all the associated costs of each nursing education degree, including tuition expenses, fees, course materials, and any other incidental costs. Generally speaking, tuition is listed per credit as around $700/credit for an MSN nurse educator program and $1,000 or more per credit for a doctoral program. Those concerned about cost should inquire with their school of choice's financial aid department to determine available assistance.

Program Length

There are program options for students who want to finish their degree program quickly and some for those looking to take their time (perhaps due to work or family obligations). Part-time and full-time schedules are often available for all nurse educator degree types. Typically, MSN-level programs can be completed in 1-2 years, while a doctoral nurse educator program can take 2-3 years from start to finish.

Internship/Externship Opportunities

Residencies and clinical experiences are often required as part of the nurse educator curriculum. Students are encouraged to inquire about their school of choice to see how the clinical practicum is handled. For online students, this part of the program is often arranged in their local area. Nurse educator internships may be held in an academic or healthcare setting.

Online/Campus Options

Students should consider whether they prefer a traditional, on-campus nurse educator program or an online one. Online nurse educator programs are convenient and flexible and ideally suited for those who are working or have family obligations. Traditional classroom-based programs are great for those who want the classic learning experience and value face-to-face interaction with professors and other students. Some schools offer both programs, and some offer "hybrid" options consisting of online courses and on-campus lectures/intensives. Students interested in an online nursing education degree program should know that clinical preceptorships must be completed in person.

Nurse Educator Degree Levels Offered

Depending on a nurse's goals, they may enroll in an MSN nurse educator program or a doctoral-level pathway. No matter the degree type, students can expect to take a mix of academic classes and supervised clinical experiences/fieldwork. Students are encouraged to consider their career goals carefully before settling on a degree pathway.

MSN in Nursing Education

Master's in Nursing Education programs are typically designed for the BSN-educated nurse to advance to this post-grad specialty. Part-time and full-time schedule options are readily available, and students can also opt for online learning in some cases. Most students can complete the MSN nurse educator program in 2-3 years from start to finish, or around 40 units. Classes may include Theoretical Perspectives in Nursing Practice, Assessment and Evaluation of Nursing Education, and Seminar in Nursing Research.

Post-Master's Nursing Education Certificate

For those who have completed an MSN program in a different specialty, but wish to gain training to become nurse educators, post-master's graduate certificates in nursing education are a great option. These programs can be much less expensive than full degrees, allowing the MSN-educated nurse to enter their preferred specialty.

DNP in Nursing Education

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathway is typically geared toward clinical practice, though DNP Nurse Educator programs exist. For current nurse practitioners and other advanced practice nurses, the DNP-level nursing education program can help them enter the highest teaching ranks. Most programs require a master's degree to be eligible to enroll. Roughly 27 credits are needed to complete the program, and course titles may include Seminar in Teaching and Learning for Nurse Educators and/or Instructional Methods in Nursing Education, amongst others.

Ph.D. in Nursing Education

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing Education is designed to guide students into high-level nursing education careers. This type of program graduates are nurse scholars who go on to find employment in academic institutions, research environments, and other education-based roles. Students can enter a Ph.D. in Nursing Education program once they've earned an MSN, and post-DNP pathways also exist. Approximately 50 or more credits may be needed to complete the Ph.D. degree. The curriculum may include courses such as Writing a Research Grant Application, Developing and Evaluating Curriculum for Nursing Education, and more.

While both are considered terminal nursing degrees, the Ph.D. in Nursing Education degree differs from a DNP degree in that it focuses more on academics and medical research than clinical practice. Those interested in becoming nursing instructors or university professors tend to choose the Ph.D. pathway to reach their goals. Ph.D. programs in nursing education are more widely available nationwide than their DNP counterparts.

Find out more about other high-level nursing specialties, such as nurse midwifery and nurse anesthetists.

Nurse Educator Program Admission Requirements & Certifications

Prospective nursing education students should ensure they are qualified applicants before settling on a program. Requirements for admission will vary due to school and degree type but will generally include the following:

• BSN or MSN degree from an accredited college/university
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Current, unrestricted United States RN license
• Official transcripts from all universities attended
• GRE scores may be required
• 2-3 professional letters of recommendation from professors, nursing supervisors, etc.
• Personal statement/essay outlining the student's academic goals
• Resume or CV

Upon graduating from a nurse educator program, students can gain certification through the National League for Nursing (NLN) as Certified Nurse Educators. The NLN currently offers two certifications: one for nurse educators (CNE) and one for academic clinical nurse educators (CNE®cl).

List of MSN, DNP, and PhD in Nurse Education Programs

Many nursing education programs are available across the country. We've compiled a list of programs available in each state for your convenience.

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.