Written by: BestMedicalDegrees.com Staff
Last Updated: February 11, 2021
Nurse educators teach and design educational curriculum, assess and evaluate student progress, and prepare students to successfully transition into nursing roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nursing instructors and teachers earned an average annual salary of $83,160 in 2019.
Nurse educators are in demand as the need for registered nurses (RNs) coincides with a shortage of nursing faculty to train them. An American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) report states that nursing schools turned away more than 80,000 qualified applicants in 2019 due in part to a shortage of instructors. A 2019 AACN survey cited 1,637 faculty vacancies at the 892 nursing schools that responded.
Master of nursing education online programs prepare graduates to fill much-needed faculty positions at the nursing diploma and associate degree levels. Full-time students can finish the program in 18-24 months with flexible online coursework and in-person teaching practicums.
Recommended Online Master's in Nursing Degree Programs
#1. Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a unique educational consortium and is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, online university founded and supported by 19 U.S. governors. The university was established to maximize use of distance learning technologies, and to be a collaborative among the member states. The school uses competencies rather than seat time as the measure of its outcomes. Successful students will receive a MSN with a concentration in Nursing Education. Unique in it's tuition structure, WGU charges a flat-fee per term the student is enrolled. Accredited by CCNE, the WGU MSN degree may be completed in 2-3 years.
Length of Program: 2-3 years
Estimated Tuition Cost: $3,250 per term
Curriculum Snapshot: Essentials of Advanced Nursing Practice Field Experience, Policy, Politics, and Global Health Trends, Translational Research for Practice and Populations, Foundations of Nursing Education,
Facilitating Learning in the 21st Century, Future Directions in Contemporary Learning and Education, Nursing Education Field Experience
Program Website: Western Governors University
#2. Fort Hays State University
This MSN with an education concentration is accredited by CCNE and focuses on a core philosophy including human, environmental, health, learning and nursing. Fort Hays State University was founded in 1902 and is located halfway between Denver and Kansas City.
Length of Program: 34 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $6,600.76 (In-State); $8,604.38 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Statistics for Health Professionals, Developing Nursing Theories, Foundations for Advanced Nursing, Primary Health Promotion, Healthcare: Policy, Politics, Org. and Cost, Holistic Perspective and Health Potential, Advanced Nursing Practicum, Teaching Strategies in Nursing, Curriculum Planning: Nursing Ed., Apprenticeship: Nursing Ed. Curriculum, Curriculum Evaluation: Nursing Education
Program Website: Fort Hays State University
#3. Eastern New Mexico University
Nurses earn their online master's in nursing education in two years at Eastern New Mexico University, in a program fully accredited by the ACEN. Nursing students complete 36 credit hours, with 24 credits in the education emphasis. Students take two classes each semester, with 97% of students choosing a part-time option. ENMU reports that 95% of MSN students work full time as RNs while earning their degree, and after graduation 98% of students work in nursing or nursing education. Applicants much have a bachelor of science in nursing, an active RN license, and submit three letters of recommendation.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,460 (In-State); $17,394.48 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Concepts and Theories, Educational Psychology,Teaching Strategies for Nurse Educators, Curriculum Development, Assessment and Evaluation, Instructional Design, Roles, Responsibilities, and Relationships of the Nurse Educator, Integrated Concepts of Disease Management, Research Applications in Nursing, Clinical Capstone
Program Website: Eastern New Mexico University
Recommended Online Master's in Nursing Degree Programs
#4. Lamar University Online
ACEN accredited, Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, offers an online MSN degree with an education concentration supporting core knowledge and teaching methodologies, strategies for designing and implementing challenging and effective learning objectives and curricula and advanced instructional methods.
Length of Program: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,100
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations, Nursing Research, Learning Theories & Teaching Strategies, Advanced Nursing Issues, Advanced Clinical Concepts, Curriculum Design, Role Development for Nurse Educators, Healthcare Policy & Finance, Nurse Educator Practicum
Program Website: Lamar University Online
#5. University of Saint Mary
Based in Leavenworth, Kansas, the University of Saint Mary is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and has received recognition by The Princeton Review as a "Best Midwestern College" since 2005. G.I. Jobs named USM a Military Friendly School for its membership in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs' Yellow Ribbon Program and the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC).
Length of Program: 22 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,760
Curriculum Snapshot: Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Analysis and Utilization of Research, Health Care Policy and Ethics, Statistics for Health Care, Capstone Synthesis, Informatics in Nursing,
Advanced Health Assessment and Health Promotion, Foundations of Learning and Teaching, Curriculum and Evaluation, Teaching with Technology, Nursing Practicum I-II, Advanced Patho-Pharm for the Nurse Educator
Program Website: University of Saint Mary
#6. California State University-Chico
The MSN program of California State University at Chcio, is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offers a MSN with a Nurse Educator concentration which requires a practicum, which may be completed in a school approved location close to the student. The program does not require a thesis.
Length of Program: 30 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,770 (In-State); $24,930 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Instructional Process in Nursing Education, Curriculum Process in Nursing Education, Advanced Concepts for Adult Nursing Care, Advanced Practicum in Nursing Care of Adults, Health Care Informatics, Advanced Nursing Research and Theory
Program Website: California State University-Chico
#7. East Tennessee State University
Following core nursing courses, East Tennessee State University provides an online Master of Nursing degree with a nurse educator specialization that's accredited by CCNE. The program is offered through the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) and is a collaborative effort among Colleges of Nursing in the Tennessee Board of Regents. East Tennessee State University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,624 (In-State) $27,828 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Health Care Policy, Advanced Nursing Research, Advanced Role Development, Scholarly Synthesis Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Health Assessment Clinical, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Clinical Pharmacology, Curriculum Design and Educational Theory,Evaluation Methods of Nursing Education
Program Website: East Tennessee State University
#8. Grand Canyon University
This is a CCNE accredited MSN degree with a clinical education emphasis. This master in nursing education program includes both a capstone course and a clinical practicum. With the capstone, students identify a problem conduct research-based intervention; search literature; offer solutions; and develop a plan to implement the solution, evaluate its outcome(s), and disseminate the findings.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $17,500
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Roles And Practice,Health Care Research Analysis and Utilization, Ethics, Policy and Finance in the Health Care System, Advanced Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurse Educators, Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators, Nursing Education Seminar, Nursing Education Practicum
Program Website: Grand Canyon University
#9. American Sentinel University
Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation's Top Online Graduate Nursing programs in 2015 and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, American Sentinel University provides an online MSN with a Nurse Educator concentration. The school participates in the HRSA Loan Program Available to Instructors in Health Professions, which provides up to $40,000 toward qualified student loan repayment for instructors who teach in the health professions and who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $17,820
Curriculum Snapshot: Advanced Practice Role Development, Advanced Pathophysiology, Theoretical Foundations, Research Design, Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Physical Assessment, Curriculum Design and Learning Outcomes, Teaching to Diverse Learning Styles, Assessment of Learning, Distance Education, Organizational Dynamics of Higher Education, Nursing Education Capstone
Program Website: American Sentinel University
#10. University of Texas at Arlington Online
CCNE accredited, University of Texas Arlington Online has a MSN Nurse Educator degree provided online that concentrates on core knowledge to develop curricula, advance teaching skills and evaluate and develop active strategies in the classroom. UT at Arlington is a member of Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) and may be able to provide reduced tuition costs for those who qualify.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $20,085
Curriculum Snapshot: Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing, Role of the Nurse Educator, Advanced Pathophysiology for Nurse Educators, Advanced Pharmacology for Nurse Educators, Advanced Assessment for Nurse Educators, Special Topics in Clinical Practice, Curriculum Development and Evaluation
Program Website: University of Texas Arlington Online
#11. University of New Mexico College of Nursing
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing, located in Albuquerque, NM, provides a CCNE accredited, online MSN with a Nursing Education speciality and graduates will be prepared to work as faculty in schools of nursing, prepared to pursue certification as a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or function as nursing leaders in education, staff education, patient educators, and nurse educators in community agencies, hospitals or clinics. Approved practicum sites and fieldwork hours are conducted (if resources available) in an appropriate setting close to the student's home area.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $21,840 (In-State); $45,435 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice, Research in Nursing,
Pharmacological Principles of Clinical Therapeutics, Health Care Policy, Systems and Financing for Advanced Practice, Nurse Educator Roles and Professional Issues, Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice Nursing, Teaching in Nursing, Biophysical and Psychosocial Concepts in Health and Illness, Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Educators, Assessment and Evaluation of Learning in Nursing Education, Curriculum Design and Program Evaluation
Program Website: University of New Mexico College of Nursing
#12. Notre Dame College Online
Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College Online provides a nurse educator MSN degree that is available 100% online. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this program prepares students to teach in an academic or healthcare institution setting. Notre Dame College was started in 1922 as a Catholic institution by the Sisters of Notre Dame.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $21,840
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Theory, Advanced Pathophysiology, Principles of Education in Nursing, Research & Informatics, Advanced Assessment, Advanced Pharmacology, Teaching & Learning, Curriculum Development, Heath Promotion, Evaluation of Learning, Health Care Systems & Ethics
Program Website:Notre Dame College Online
#13. Jacksonville University
U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked Jacksonville University as one of America's best colleges among regional universities in the South and its online MSN program is fully accredited by CCNE. This program is for BSN-trained registered nurses wanting to combine clinical expertise and teaching to follow a different career path. Founded over 80 years ago, Jacksonville University is located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $22,110
Curriculum Snapshot: Nursing Leadership and Advanced Roles, Information Systems and Technology for Improved Healthcare, Organization, Delivery, and Policy in Healthcare, Nursing Theory & Research, Curriculum Development in Nursing, Measuring Educational Outcomes in Nursing, Pharmacology & Physical Assessment for the Clinic, Engaged Learning, Advanced Pathophysiology
Program Website: Jacksonville University
#14. Herzing University
This Wisconsin university is a private, non profit school that provides a CCNE accredited Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSNNE). Typically, the program can be completed in 16 months and includes courses on teaching strategies, curriculum development and the nurse educator role. Students from certain states are not eligible for admission, so be certain to check with the school on whether you would qualify. Founded in 1965, Herzing University has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report for it's online bachelor's degree programs.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $23,400
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Policy and Management, Theoretical Foundations for Nursing, Technology and Nursing Informatics in Advanced Practice, Organizational Systems and Behaviors Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice, Teaching/Learning Strategies The Nurse Educator Roles, Curriculum Development and Evaluation
Program Website:Herzing University
#15. Brenau University
This MSN program with an education specialization is a hybrid program with some classroom attendance required at the Brenau University, Norcross, GA campus. Accredited by CCNE, Brenau University has been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Top Regional University and one of its Best Colleges for Veterans for 2015.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,219
Curriculum Snapshot: Pathophysiology, Clinical Reasoning and Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Theoretical Foundations, Learning Theory Methods, Educational Technology, Evaluation of Learning,Curriculum Theory and Design, Teaching Nursing Lifespan
Program Website: Brenau University
#16. Wilkes University Passan School of Nursing
Wilkes University, founded in 1933, is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit institution with its campus in historic Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Wilkes University is consistently named as one of the nation's best universities by U.S. News and World Report and has ranked on The Princeton Review's "Best Northeastern Colleges" list. Wilkes University offers a MSN in Nursing Education that can be completed in less than 20 months, completely online.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $24,375
Curriculum Snapshot: The Nursing Curriculum: Development and Implementation, Teaching Methodologies and Strategies in Nursing, Evaluation in Nursing Education, Classroom Practicum in Nursing Education, Clinical Practicum in Nursing Education, Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Science, Advanced Nursing Research, Advanced Role Development in Nursing,Health Policy and Politics for Advancing Nursing Practice
Program Website: Wilkes University
#17. Texas Woman's University College of Nursing
This MSN program is CCNE accredited and includes practical experiences where the student implements the role of the nurse educator at an approved facility near home. Founded in 1901, the school is the nation's largest university for women (men were admitted in 1972) and graduates more healthcare professionals than any other school in Texas.
Length of Program: 40 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,120 (In-State); $40,720 (Out-of-State)
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Basis for Nursing Education, Curriculum Design and Management in Nursing Measurement and Assessment in Nursing, Educational Communication and Technologies of Instruction, Evaluation Models for Curriculum Management, Teaching Practicum in Nursing, Clinical Specialization
Program Website: Texas Woman's University
#18. Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College is located in Omaha, Nebraska and offers a CCNE accredited MSN degree with a Nurse Educator concentration. This program can be completed in 21 months, 100% online and provides bachelor prepared nurses to continue working while obtaining their MSN. The school also has a Graduate Nursing Scholarship for those who qualify academically and who demonstrate financial need by completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,128
Curriculum Snapshot: Issues in Advanced Nursing Roles, Advanced Nursing Roles and Phenomena, Measurement & Statistical Concepts for Data Interpretation, Teaching-Learning Principles for Nursing Education, Critical Appraisal of Knowledge for Practice, Instructional Methods, Synthesis and Use of Knowledge for Evidence-Based Practice, Curriculum/Program Development and Evaluation, Practicum in Nursing Education
Program Website: Nebraska Methodist College
#19. Benedictine University
Accredited by CCNE, Benedictine University's online MSN program provides a Nurse Educator concentration that academically prepares students to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. The Chronicle of Higher Education has ranked Benedictine University as the No.1 fastest-growing campus in the country among private nonprofit research universities between 2001-2012. Forbes magazine cited Benedictine among "America's Top Colleges" for the fourth consecutive year in 2014. Benedictine University is repeatedly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of top colleges and universities in the nation as one of the "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" and "Master of Nursing" degrees.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,350
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Promotion and Interprofessional Collaboration, Ethical and Culturally Competent Health Care Professional, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice: Research and Process Improvement,Health Care Informatics and Emergent Technologies, Health Care Policy and Advocacy, Quality Improvement and Safety in Health Care Systems, Advanced Health Assessment, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, Instructional Strategies in Nursing Practice, Learning and Curriculum Development in Nursing Practice, Evaluation Strategies and Methods in Nursing Practice, Evidence-Based Nursing Practice Capstone Project
Program Website: Benedictine University
#20. Sacred Heart University
This Connecticut school offers an online Master of Nursing with a Nurse Educator speciality that is accredited by CCNE. The Nursing Education track fulfills the education requirement for the certification as a Nurse Educator certified through the National League for Nursing (NLN). Sacred Heart University is among the top universities in the North (#38) by U.S. News & World Report.
Length of Program: 39 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,350
Curriculum Snapshot: Health Care Policy & Ethics for Contemporary Nursing Practice, Theory and Professional Roles for Contemporary Nursing Practice,Principles of Health Care Research for Contemporary Nursing Practice, Evidence-based Practice for Quality Care, Nursing Education Specialization Courses, Advanced Pathophysiology, Application of Comprehensive Health Assessment Methods, Pharmacology for the Nurse Educator, Health Care Information Systems, Theoretical Basis of Teaching and Learning in Nursing Education, Curriculum Development and Evaluation in Nursing Education, Principles of Patient and Staff Education
Program Website: Sacred Heart University
#21. Carlow University
Located in Pittsburg, PA, Carlow University's CCNE accredited MSN with a Concentration in Education and Leadership (NCEL) program is offered online. The program may be completed in 16 months (fulltime) or 28 months (part-time) and prepares students to assume advanced roles in education or nursing leadership. Formerly known as Mount Mercy College, Carlow University has been in existence since 1929.
Length of Program: 33 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $25,905
Curriculum Snapshot: Evidence Based Practice, Nursing Leadership, Leadership Styles, Healthcare Innovation & Quality, Professional Collaboration & Communications, Statistical Applications, Fiscal Management, Leadership in Adult Education, Key Concepts in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment For Nurse Educators, Healthcare Ethics and Policy, Evaluation and Measurement
Program Website: Carlow University
#22. Excelsior College
The National League for Nursing has three times designated Excelsior as a Center for Excellence in Nursing Education and the college is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. (ACEN). This MSN degree offers flexible online classes. Excelsior College was founded in 1971 by the New York State Board of Regents and is located in Albany, NY.
Length of Program: 38 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $26,635
Curriculum Snapshot: Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice, Professional Role Development, Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Designing a Student Learning Environment, Curriculum and Program Planning, Evaluation and Assessment in Nursing Education
Program Website: Excelsior College
#23. Penn State World Campus
Through it's World Campus, Penn State provides an online MSN with an education emphasis that is accredited by CCNE. Penn State has been providing distance education since 1892 and boasts significant experience in teaching and understanding the needs of students learning at a distance, as well as providing up-to-date technology support for it's online programs. Penn State ranks #47 in U.S. News and World Report's 2016 ranking as a national university.
Length of Program: 37 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $29,785
Curriculum Snapshot: Issues in Nursing and Health Care, Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, Nursing Research, Advanced Health Assessment of Adult Populations OR Comprehensive Assessment of the Older Adult, Pathophysiology Pharmacologic Therapy, Nursing Education Theories and Strategies, Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education Curriculum and Program Development in Nursing Education
Program Website:Penn State World Campus
#24. Mercy College School of Health and Natural Sciences
Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, is a four-year, private institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy as a junior college in 1950 and provides a MSN Nursing Education degree that requires two capstone courses and 120 hour practicum. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is available to students who already hold a BSN. There is also a bridge program available for students who hold a non-nursing degree.
Length of Program: 36 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $29,800
Curriculum Snapshot: Computer Technology, Health Policy, Diversity, Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Nursing, Research Perspectives and Methods,Capstone – Part I-II, Integrated Health Assessment for Nurse Educators, Curriculum Process, Instructional Strategies, Student Evaluation, Nursing Education Practicum and Role Development
Program Website: Mercy College
#25. Drexel University
Drexel University's MSN Nursing Education degree is accredited by CCNE and has a three-day mandatory on-campus residency at their Philadelphia, Pennsylvania campus for the Nurse Educator and Faculty Role track. The school offers on-campus housing for students during this three-day practicum who live at a distance. Drexel University has been named by U.S. News and World Report as a Best National Universities and Most Innovative in its 2016 rankings.
Length of Program: 46 Credit Hours
Estimated Tuition Cost: $40,802
Curriculum Snapshot: Information, Innovation & Technology in Advanced Nursing Practice, Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Confronting Issues in Contemporary Health Care Environments, Advanced Ethical Decision Making in Health Care,Research Methods and Biostatistics, Evaluation and Translation of Health Research, Foundations of Nursing Education, Curriculum Design for Higher Level Cognition, The Role and Responsibility of the Nursing Professor, Assessment, Measurement and Evaluation, Teaching Methods in Nursing Education
Program Website: Drexel University
Applying to an Online Master's in Nursing Education Program
Most master's in nursing education programs require a bachelor of science in nursing from an accredited school and program; a 3.0 minimum GPA; a current, unencumbered RN license; and a criminal background check. Common submission requirements include transcripts showing completion of undergraduate statistics, two professional and academic letters of recommendation, a personal goals statement, and a resume.
Some schools may invite applicants to interview; ask for GRE, GMAT, TEAS, or HESI test scores; or require a year or more of clinical nursing experience.
While not required, graduates of nursing education programs can increase their marketability with a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential from the National League for Nursing. CNE certification involves passing a computer-based multiple-choice examination. Certification in a clinical nursing specialty area is also a plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a nursing education program?
Students can typically finish their nursing education program in 18-24 months of full-time study. Some master of nursing education online programs offer an accelerated option that shortens the program length. The ability to transfer credits also expedites the time to graduation. Part-time learners may need an extra year to earn their degree.
What is certification for nurse educators?
The CNE credential indicates specialization and expertise in teaching new generations of nurses. The CNE signifies professional competency in nurse educational roles and functions, including facilitating learning, participating in curriculum design and evaluation, acting as a change agent and leader, and pursuing continuous quality improvements.
What is accreditation and why is it important?
Top nursing programs hold accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Accreditation indicates that a program's curriculum receives regular review to ensure high academic standards and effective professional preparation. Regional accreditation fulfills similar functions at the institutional level.
What skills are important for nurse educators?
Successful nurse educators develop skills in oral communication to effectively impart and understand information; deductive reasoning to apply concepts to experiences and problem solving; and inductive reasoning to arrive at conclusions. Nurse educators also need critical thinking, interpersonal, leadership, organizational, and writing skills.
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