[2025 Updated] Best Nurse Educator Programs (CNE) – MSN, DNP, PhD

Arizona State University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education equips healthcare professionals with advanced skills to teach nursing in academic and practice settings. This 15-credit nondegree program prepares educators to develop curriculum, design courses, and evaluate nursing education programs. Ideal for experienced professionals seeking to transition into nursing education, the certificate provides comprehensive training through specialized courses and a teaching practicum, enhancing career opportunities in academic and clinical training environments.

• 15-credit graduate certificate
• Nondegree professional program
• No RN licensure required
• Full or part-time study
• Teaching practicum included
• Master's or doctorate complement
• 5 total classes
• 7.5-15 weeks per class
• Minimum master's degree needed
• 3.00 GPA requirement
• Online program format
• CCNE accredited curriculum

Norwich University offers a dynamic online Master of Science in Nursing focused on Nurse Education, addressing the critical shortage of nursing faculty. Designed for passionate healthcare professionals, this program equips students with advanced skills to educate and shape the next generation of nurses. Graduates can help solve healthcare staffing challenges by preparing qualified nursing students and addressing faculty recruitment gaps. The flexible online format allows working nurses to advance their careers without disrupting professional commitments.

• 100% Online Program
• Master of Science in Nursing
• Addresses Nursing Faculty Shortage
• Multiple Session Start Dates
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Summer 2025 Start: May 19
• Fall 2025 Start: August 25
• Winter 2025 Start: November 17
• Graduate of College of Continuing Studies
• Advanced Nursing Roles Preparation

Vermont State University's MSN Nurse Educator concentration empowers nursing professionals to advance their careers through a flexible, comprehensive online program. In just 24 months, students can develop advanced teaching skills, prepare for national certification, and position themselves for leadership roles in healthcare education. With eight-week modules and potential clinical hours at current workplaces, this program offers unprecedented accessibility. Tuition is competitively priced at $684 per credit for in-state students, with financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to support your educational journey.

• Online with in-person practicum
• 24-month program completion
• Eight-week course modules
• 40 total credits required
• $684 per credit in-state tuition
• Flexible clinical hour options
• NLN certification preparation
• Potential entry-level salary $80,000+
• CCNE accredited program

The University of Wyoming's Master of Science in Nursing offers a comprehensive online program designed for registered nurses with a BSN. Tailored for aspiring nurse educators and leaders, this part-time program prepares transformational learners to address complex 21st-century healthcare challenges. Featuring a nurse educator concentration, the curriculum emphasizes global perspectives, communication skills, and rural population health. With no GRE requirement and a priority admission deadline of March 15th, the program provides flexible advanced nursing education.

• Online Master of Science program
• Nurse educator concentration available
• Part-time study option
• No GRE required
• Priority admission deadline March 15th
• Transforms nursing education and practice
• Focuses on global healthcare perspectives
• Designed for BSN-prepared nurses

Elevate your nursing career with UW-Eau Claire's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Health-Education track. This comprehensive 39-40 credit program prepares advanced nursing professionals for leadership roles in education and healthcare. Designed for full-time students, the hybrid learning model combines face-to-face and online coursework, allowing flexibility for working nurses. Students gain expertise in family health nursing, advanced clinical concepts, and educational strategies. With approximately 525 clinical hours, graduates develop advanced skills in research, policy, clinical decision-making, and advocacy across diverse healthcare settings.

• 39-40 total graduate credits
• Hybrid learning format
• 525 clinical hours
• Family Health focus
• GPA requirement 3.00+
• Wisconsin RN licensure required
• Thesis or scholarly project option
• Four semester completion
• Leadership and education preparation

Elevate your nursing career with the University of Washington-Bothell's innovative Nurse Educator Master's program. This transformative hybrid learning experience prepares passionate nurses to become advanced educators in academic and clinical settings. Students complete a comprehensive 51-credit curriculum, blending in-person and online learning, with flexible 2- or 4-year pathways. Graduates gain advanced skills in curriculum development, educational technology, and evidence-based teaching practices, positioning themselves for leadership roles in nursing education and professional credentialing.

• Hybrid 2 or 4-year program
• 51 total credit hours
• 100 hours fieldwork included
• In-person and online learning
• Advanced nurse educator certification
• Cohort-based learning model
• Capstone project required
• Meets NLN credentialing requirements
• Diverse healthcare education focus
• Technology-enhanced pedagogy

The University of Utah's online Master of Science in Nursing Education empowers healthcare professionals to become transformative nurse educators. With a comprehensive curriculum, students develop advanced teaching skills and leadership capabilities in academic and clinical settings. The flexible 36-credit program allows completion in as few as 16 months, featuring asynchronous online courses and a 240-hour hands-on practicum. Designed for working nurses, the program prepares graduates for certification exams and diverse roles in nursing education, with competitive tuition at $931.50 per credit.

• 36 total credit hours
• Online and asynchronous format
• 16-month completion possible
• 240-hour practicum experience
• $931.50 per credit tuition
• Fall semester start
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• RN licensure required
• CCNE accredited program
• Full and part-time options
• Prepare for CNE certification
• Local practicum placements

The University of Mobile offers a Nurse Educator Certificate designed for master’s or doctoral level students aiming to become educators in healthcare and academic systems. This program focuses on pedagogy, curriculum development, and testing and evaluation, preparing students to address the critical shortage of nursing faculty. With all courses offered online, students benefit from flexibility while engaging in a curriculum that includes mentorship opportunities with expert educators. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) Examination, enhancing their credentials in the nursing education field.

• 12 total credit hours.
• All courses offered online.
• Prepares for CNE Examination.
• Focus on pedagogy, curriculum development.
• Mentorship with expert educators.
• Eligible for master’s or doctoral students.
• Addresses nursing faculty shortage.
• Specialized instruction in testing, evaluation.
• Role Synthesis course with field activities.
• Prepares for healthcare, academic educator roles.

Elevate your nursing career with the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Master of Science in Nursing Education program. Designed for passionate nurses seeking to shape future healthcare professionals, this comprehensive online degree prepares educators to teach in diverse settings like associate degree programs, baccalaureate institutions, and healthcare agencies. Graduates gain advanced skills aligned with national nursing competencies, positioning themselves as transformative educators. The program offers flexible scheduling for busy professionals, with part-time and full-time options available.

• Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
• 21 total credit hours required
• Taught by experienced nursing faculty
• Flexible part-time and full-time options
• Prepares for NLN certification
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN license needed
• 12 core course hours
• 21 nursing education course hours
• National competency-based curriculum

Purdue University Northwest offers a dynamic online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration designed for passionate nurses seeking to shape healthcare education. This accelerated program allows students to complete their degree in as little as 12 months, providing flexible learning with 100% online coursework and practicum experiences. Featuring competitively priced tuition at $512.16 per credit and opportunities for financial aid, the program prepares nurses to become certified educators, design curriculum, and lead future generations of healthcare professionals.

• 100% Online MSN Program
• Complete in 12-24 months
• $512.16 per credit tuition
• 35 total program credits
• 135 practicum clock hours
• ACEN Accredited Program
• Quality Matters™ Certified Curriculum
• Transfer up to 9 credits
• $1,000 scholarship available
• Prepare for nurse educator roles

Purdue University Northwest's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education empowers experienced nurses to become transformative educators. This comprehensive online program equips nurses with advanced teaching skills, preparing them to mentor healthcare professionals across diverse settings. Designed for master's-prepared RNs, the certificate focuses on innovative teaching strategies, evidence-based practice, and leadership development. Graduates gain the credentials to teach in academic and clinical environments, with opportunities to influence patient care and healthcare education.

• Online post-master's certificate program
• Four education specialty courses
• Three online courses, one practicum
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Current U.S. RN licensure required
• Prepares for diverse educator roles
• Expert faculty with CNE credentials
• ACEN and HLC accredited program
• Prepare for NLN Certification exam
• Career paths in multiple settings

Purdue University Global's MSN in Nursing Education prepares nurses to excel in educational roles across healthcare settings. This comprehensive 60-credit program equips professionals to teach patients, develop interprofessional staff training, and evaluate educational program effectiveness. Designed for working nurses, the flexible online format allows students to balance academic pursuits with career responsibilities. Graduates gain advanced skills in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and healthcare education, positioning themselves for roles in academic and clinical training environments.

• 60 credit hours total
• Fully online program
• Start dates throughout year
• 1.9 years average completion
• Requires bachelor's nursing degree
• Active U.S. RN license required
• ExcelTrack® option available
• Prepare for nurse educator roles
• Teach patients and families
• Develop staff training programs

Advance your nursing career with LSU Health's MSN Nurse Educator program, designed for experienced registered nurses seeking to transform healthcare education. This intensive master's track prepares professionals to excel in academic, practice, and service settings. Completed in just four semesters through a flexible hybrid format, the program combines online and face-to-face learning. Perfect for BSN-prepared nurses with clinical experience wanting to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals, this program offers a strategic pathway to becoming a nurse educator and addressing critical healthcare workforce needs.

• Hybrid (online & on-site)
• Four-semester intensive track
• Targets BSN nurses with experience
• Semester applications: Fall/Spring/Summer
• Synchronous distance education option

Auburn University's Post-Master's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate is designed for nurses holding a Master's degree in nursing, aiming to specialize in nursing education. This competitive program requires a 3.0 GPA in the Master's program, a current RN license, and completion of specific advanced courses. Applicants must submit professional references, a goal statement, and official transcripts. The program spans one year, offering courses in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and a nursing education practicum. With a total of 11 credit hours and 180 clinical hours, it prepares nurses for educational roles in various healthcare settings.

• Post-Master's certificate program
• Specialization in nursing education
• Requires MSN or MN degree
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Current RN license needed
• Advanced courses completion
• Professional references required
• 500-word goal statement
• Official transcripts submission
• 1-year clinical experience
• 11 total credit hours
• 180 clinical hours
• Courses in teaching strategies
• Curriculum development course
• Nursing education practicum
• Competitive admission process
• Interview may be required
• Background check and drug screen
• B grade minimum in courses
• Dismissal for two grades below B

Kennesaw State University's Master of Science in Nursing - Education Leadership track prepares nursing professionals to excel in educational settings. This innovative two-year program combines online and hybrid learning, focusing on cutting-edge teaching technologies and healthcare trends. Students develop critical leadership skills for academic and clinical environments, supported by expert doctoral faculty with real-world experience. The program offers flexible scheduling, small collaborative classes, and practical practicum experiences that enhance professional networks and career opportunities.

• Two-year MSN program
• Hybrid learning format
• Online and campus courses
• 40 total credit hours
• Fall entry term
• Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Two letters of recommendation
• Application fee: $60
• Priority deadline: December 15
• Final deadline: May 1
• Simulation labs included
• Nurse Faculty Loan Program

Kennesaw State University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education empowers experienced nurses to become exceptional educators. This comprehensive 12-credit program transforms clinical professionals into dynamic nursing instructors, equipping them with advanced pedagogical skills and educational technologies. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the hybrid learning format provides flexible pathways for career advancement. Participants develop critical teaching strategies, leadership competencies, and innovative educational approaches that shape the future of nursing education.

• 12 total credit hours
• Hybrid online/face-to-face format
• Two semesters full-time option
• Four semesters part-time option
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Current RN licensure needed
• Fall and Spring entry terms
• Targets master's prepared nurses

Indiana Wesleyan University's online MSN in Nursing Education empowers nursing professionals to advance their careers and make a broader impact. This comprehensive program transforms experienced nurses into skilled educators, preparing them to develop innovative health education programs across academic, clinical, and public health settings. Students gain advanced leadership skills, evidence-based practice techniques, and the ability to meet global healthcare challenges. With a flexible online format, competitive tuition rates, and a faith-integrated curriculum, the program offers a transformative pathway for nurses seeking to educate and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

• 100% online program
• 36-month completion time
• $455 per credit hour
• 58-60 total credit hours
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Minimum 1 year professional practice
• 175 practicum hours required
• Prepares for Nurse Educator exam
• CCNE accredited program
• Christian worldview integration

Indiana Wesleyan University's Online Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate empowers nursing professionals to transform healthcare education. Designed for graduate-level nurses, this 16-credit program equips educators to develop innovative curricula across academic, clinical, and public health settings. With a flexible online format and expert faculty, students learn advanced teaching strategies, leadership principles, and evidence-based educational approaches. Graduates can pursue roles in healthcare clinical education, academic nursing administration, and public health leadership, all while benefiting from locked-in tuition rates and a faith-integrated learning environment.

• Online Post-Graduate Certificate
• 16 Credit Hours Total
• 6 Total Courses
• $595 per Credit Hour
• Completion in 7+ Months
• Requires Graduate Nursing Degree
• Minimum 3.0 Graduate GPA
• 175 Hours Supervised Practicum
• Evidence-Based Curriculum Design
• Nursing Education Focus

Harrisburg University's Master of Science in Nursing offers an innovative Nurse Educator concentration designed for passionate nursing professionals seeking advanced teaching skills. This 36-semester hour program prepares nurses to become exceptional educational leaders through cutting-edge curriculum development, evidence-based teaching methods, and population health practices. Designed for working professionals, the program features a flexible 14-week executive session format, enabling students to advance their careers while maintaining current clinical responsibilities.

• 36 semester hour program
• 14-week Executive Session format
• CCNE Accredited program
• Focuses on innovative teaching methods
• Requires BSN degree
• Current US RN License required
• Concentration in Nurse Educator
• Evidence-based curriculum approach
• Prepares nurses for educational leadership

Transform your nursing career with Florida Gulf Coast University's Master's in Nursing Education program. Designed for passionate RNs, this comprehensive 38-credit curriculum prepares advanced nurse educators through innovative teaching strategies and clinical practice. Ideal for professionals seeking leadership roles in academic and healthcare settings, the program emphasizes evidence-based learning, curriculum design, and professional development. Requiring a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, one year of nursing experience, and specific prerequisite courses, this program offers flexible full-time and part-time study options.

• 38 total credit hours
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Full-time or part-time options
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• One year nursing experience
• Multiple course formats available
• Capstone project required
• Professional portfolio development
• Aligned with NLN core competencies
• Practice hours in diverse environments

Central Methodist University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator program equips nurses with advanced clinical skills and knowledge to excel in educational settings. This comprehensive program prepares professionals to design, implement, and evaluate nursing curriculum while fostering ethical leadership. Students develop expertise in instructional strategies, evidence-based education, and accountability for student outcomes across diverse healthcare learning environments.

• CCNE Accredited Program
• Online Program Option
• Advanced Nursing Education Focus
• Prepares Nurse Educators
• Evidence-Based Curriculum Design

Carroll University's MSN in Nurse Educator prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare education. This comprehensive 40-credit program equips nurses with cutting-edge skills to develop curricula, mentor future nurses, and address critical healthcare workforce needs. Graduates gain expertise in clinical instruction, educational technology, and evidence-based teaching methodologies. The flexible hybrid format supports working professionals, enabling seamless integration of advanced learning with current nursing practice. Opportunity exists to pursue national certification through the National League for Nursing, enhancing professional credibility and career advancement potential.

• 40-credit graduate nursing program
• Hybrid online/in-person delivery
• Eight-week course format
• Clinical practicum in current workplace
• Prepare for NLN certification
• Small class sizes
• State-of-the-art simulation facilities
• 19% projected job growth
• Affordable curriculum options
• Courses begin in fall semester

Carroll University's Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate empowers experienced nurses to transition into educational roles. This specialized 15-credit program prepares MSN-prepared professionals to develop nursing curricula, mentor future nurses, and advance their careers in academic and clinical settings. Graduates become eligible for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, positioning themselves in a high-demand field with significant employment growth projections.

• 15-credit post-graduate certificate
• Hybrid online and in-person courses
• For MSN degree holders only
• Clinical practicum options
• Prepare for CNE certification
• Small class sizes
• State-of-the-art simulation facilities
• Flexible scheduling for working nurses

California State University-Channel Islands offers a hybrid Master of Science in Nursing program featuring a Nurse Educator concentration. Students complete core advanced nursing courses focusing on theoretical foundations, evidence-based practice, policy development, and advanced nursing roles. The program prepares graduates to assume nurse educator positions in academic or clinical settings through specialized coursework and comprehensive training. Graduates develop skills in collaborative healthcare delivery, leadership, communication, and cultural competency across diverse healthcare environments.

• Hybrid MSN program
• Two concentrations available
• CCNE accredited program
• Summer on-campus intensives
• Advanced nursing core courses
• Nurse Educator track paused
• Academic/clinical preparation
• Evidence-based practice focus
• Leadership skill development
• Cultural competency emphasis