Best MSN Nurse Educator Programs | Online Options 2024

13 Min Read Published August 4, 2024
Top Nurse Educator Programs in 2024

Nurse Educators work with nursing students throughout their education, either as clinical instructors or classroom educators, helping to prepare them for post-education nursing. If you're considering becoming a nurse educator, we've ranked the top MSN nurse educator programs for 2024. 

Salary

$129,480 annually | $62.25 per hour via BLS

Program Length

18-24 months

Requirements

  • 2+ years of experience
  • ADN or BSN
  • RN license 
  • GRE/TOEFL test

 

Popular Online Nurse Educator Programs

Sponsored
Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Liberty University
At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 30+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

What Are Master’s in Nursing Education Programs?

MSN in nursing education programs are specifically designed for students to gain an understanding of how to properly teach both students and other nurses. Nursing education programs focus on teaching students different philosophies behind teaching and strategies that can be used when delivering information. 

Overall, programs will educate students on how to teach both in the classroom but also in academia. Some programs may focus solely on one or the other so understanding your career goals is important before choosing a program.

Nurses Helping Nurses: Why You Can Trust Nurse.org

As the leading educational website for nurses by nurses, Nurse.org is committed to editorial integrity and data-driven analysis. We independently research schools and products for nurses and strive to write recommendations that genuinely reflect our true opinion of the product or service. Where relevant, our recommendations may incorporate feedback from 500,000+ nurses in our social communities.

✔ Evaluated 1,100+ accredited nursing school programs using the latest U.S. government data sets. Learn more about our ranking methodology

✔ Content written by 80+ licensed, practicing nurses who are experts in their respective specialties. Learn more about our nurse contributors.

✔ Connected 1,500,000+ nurses to educational programs since 2020.

Top MSN Nurse Educator Programs 

Our ranking algorithm uses the latest and most robust U.S. government data sets, specifically the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Scorecard. We consider factors such as graduation rate, student-faculty ratio, program focus, and more to help you find the right nursing program.

While all of these programs offer online options, all MSN nursing education programs require in-person clinical at an approved clinical site with a preceptor. 

Program

Tuition

Program Length

Accreditation 

Texas Christian University

$2,145 per credit hour

24 or 36 months

CCNE

Duke University

$2,166 per credit hour

24 to 36 months

CCNE

University of Rochester

$1,740 per credit hour

3 to 5 semesters

CCNE

Villanova University

$1,050 per credit hour

3 to 5 semesters

CCNE

Drexel University

$1,134 per credit hour

24 months

CCNE

Southern Connecticut State University

In-state: $14,960

Out-of-state: $28,690

New England Regional Program: $19,318

Accelerated program: 16 months

Part-time: 2-3 years

CCNE

The University of Mississippi Medical Center

In-state: $545 per credit hour

Out-of-state: $1,599 per credit hour

4 semesters

CCNE

Texas A&M University

In-state: $787.89 per credit hour

Out-of-state: $1,319.40 per credit hour

24 to 48 months

CCNE

University of South Carolina

Resident: $770.25 per credit hour

Non-resident: $1,438 per credit hour

5 semesters 

CCNE

William Carey University

$495 per credit hour

Full time: 18 months

Part time: 24 months

CCNE

1. Texas Christian University

The Nurse Educator program at TCU requires students to choose a population focus for their studies, either adult-gerontology or pediatrics. Students will complete courses online and clinical practicums with qualified preceptors that can occur near the student’s home. Students complete teaching practicums in the hospital setting as well as the classroom. Students can choose between a 24-month or 36-month program and are required to attend an on-campus intensive to highlight skill development. 

  • Tuition: $2,145 per credit hour
  • Online Options: Hybrid
  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
  • Program Length: 24 or 36 months 
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (817) 257-6726 
    • Email Address: graduatenursing@tcu.edu
  • Website

2. Duke University

Ranked the number one online nursing education program by U.S. News & World Report, this program is exceptional for students interested in becoming nurse educators. Considered an NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, Duke’s nurse educator program offers a distance-based learning approach with an individualized practicum.  

  • Tuition: $2,166 per credit hour
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length: 24 to 36 months 
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (919) 684-3786
  • Website

3. University of Rochester

The nursing education program from the University of Rochester School of Nursing is designed for experienced working nurses who want to transition to a teaching role, either as a nurse educator or in-patient safety and education. Coursework is offered in-person or online and is offered as a full-time or part-time program. 

Nursing education students may pursue the following areas of clinical interest: medical-surgical nursing, critical care nursing, emergency nursing, pediatrics, women’s health, oncology, ambulatory nursing, and/or OR/perioperative services. 

  • Tuition: $1,740 per credit hour
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length: 3 to 5 Semesters  
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (585) 275-2375
    • Email Address:  SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu
  • Website

Popular Online Nurse Educator Programs

Sponsored
Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Liberty University
At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 30+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

4. Villanova University

The nursing education degree at Villanova University offers theoretical courses, advanced clinical, and education practice. The nursing education theoretical courses are offered asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid.

Students select a population and area of clinical interest for the clinical practicum: adult gerontology, parent-child health, community health, or psychiatric/mental health. Villanova offers graduate assistantships and other opportunities for students to help cover costs. 

  • Tuition: $1,050 per credit hour
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length: 3 to 5 semesters
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (610) 519-6829
    • Email Address: mary.ann.cantrell@villanova.edu 
  • Website

5. Drexel University

Ranked as one of the best MSN nursing education programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, students in Drexel’s program have access to some of the most experienced faculty on the east coast. Students can access a three-year tuition lock if the program is completed within three years. 

  • Tuition: $1,134 per credit
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length: 24 months 
  • Contact Information: 
    • Email Address: CNHPGraduateDivision@drexel.edu
  • Website

6. Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University’s nurse educator program offers partnerships with over 150 clinical agencies across the state of Connecticut. Students can complete their practicum experience in areas such as acute care facilities, rehabilitation settings, hospital settings, home care agencies, outpatient clinics, and long-term care. Furthermore, the on-campus experiences include facilities comprised of 4 skills labs, 1 simulation center, and over 15 low-high-fidelity SimMen. Two of the nurse educator classes require 12 hours of practicum experience per week. Students enrolled in the program are required to have a Connecticut nursing license. 

  • Tuition: 
    • In-state: $14,960
    • Out-of-state: $28,690
    • New England Regional Program: $19,318
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length:  
    • Accelerated program: 16 months
    • Part-time: 2-3 years
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (203) 392-6495 
    • Email address: NursingInfo@southernct.edu
  • Website

7. The University of Mississippi Medical Center

The nursing education program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center is ranked amongst the best online MSN nursing education programs in the country and allows students to complete clinical rotations within the healthcare system. While courses are completely online, students may meet face-to-face one to four times a semester. 

  • Tuition:
    • In-state: $545 per credit hour
    • Out-of-state: $1,599 per credit hour
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length:  4 semesters
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (601) 815-0124
    • Email Address: admissioncounselor@umc.edu 
  • Website

8. Texas A&M University - College Station

While some classes are offered online in the nurse educator MSN program at Texas A&M, students will be asked to come to Bryan-College Station for a limited number of class activities. 

On-campus clinical hours are required to meet the clinical objectives as set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing for any MSN degree. It’s important to note that students from specific states may not be eligible for this online program.  Students must obtain their preceptors for two courses in the later semesters. 

  • Tuition: 
    • In-state: $787.89 per credit hour
    • Out-of-state: $1,319.40 per credit hour
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length:  24 to 48 months
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (979) 436-0110 
    • Email Address:  con-admissions@tamu.edu
  • Website

9. University of South Carolina

Students enrolled in the MSN nursing education program at University of South Carolina require 39 credit hours and can be completed in 5 semesters. Upon graduation and meeting experience criteria, students are eligible to sit for the National League of Nursing – Certification as Nurse Educator Exam

  • Tuition: 
    • Resident: $770.25 per credit hour
    • Non-resident: $1,438 per credit hour
  • Online Options:  Hybrid
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length:  5 semesters 
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (803) 777-9080
    • Email Address:  chamer@sc.edu
  • Website

10. William Carey University

William Carey University’s MSN in Nursing Education program coursework is 100% online with students completing clinical coursework in the student’s local area. 

Graduates of the program typically go on to perform faculty roles for pre-licensure nursing student programs or take administrative roles within a hospital or healthcare setting.

  • Tuition: $495 per credit hour
  • Online Options: Yes
  • Accreditation: CCNE
  • Program Length:  
    • Full time: 18 months
    • Part time: 24 months
  • Contact Information: 
    • Phone Number: (601) 318-6147
    • Email Address: nursing@wmcarey.edu 
  • Website

Popular Online Nurse Educator Programs

Sponsored
Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University
Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and the School of Nursing teaching faculty all hold doctorates. With three degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY, RI and CT. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Liberty University
At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 30+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University
GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.
Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Purdue Global

At Purdue Global, discover a faster, more affordable way to earn your Nursing degree. Purdue Global is committed to keeping your tuition costs as low as possible and helping you find the most efficient path to your degree.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

FAQs

  • What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Nurse Educator?

    • To be a nurse educator in academia and the clinical setting, individuals will need to either have a completed MSN or be almost done with their MSN degree. Academia instructors can expect to have a minimum of an MSN degree; however, most will have a DNP or PhD. Clinical instructors generally have an MSN or are working towards an MSN degree. 
  • Is Becoming a Nurse Educator Worth it?

    • Most nurse educators find a career in academia very rewarding. It can be frustrating at times, but shaping the minds and skills of future generations of nurses is a calling that only a select few have. 
  • Can an NP Be a Nurse Educator?

    • An NP can absolutely be a nurse educator. In fact, many NPs also teach in some capacity. Because many NPs have a doctoral degree - they are generally interested in teaching beyond undergraduate students. Most NPs will work as preceptors for other NP students or teach master’s level classes. 
  • What Classes Will You Take in a Nursing Education Program?

    • Though every MSN curriculum is different, accredited nursing programs follow the framework provided by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. It is important to look at the specific courses required by each program. 

Where to Find Additional Information About Nurse Educators

 

Kathleen Gaines
MSN, RN, BA, CBC
Kathleen Gaines
News and Education Editor

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Read More From Kathleen
Go to the top of page