The top online MSN Nurse Educator programs are master’s degree programs that prepare nurses to teach at nursing schools or universities. An increase in demand for nurses means an increase in demand for nurse educators. There has never been more need for experienced, well-trained nurse educators to help prepare new generations of nurses. Nurses who earn an MSN online can find employment in many different roles. Becoming an educator is a great way for a nurse who has years of experience to help others learn about what it takes to be a nurse.
Enrolling in an online MSN in Nursing Education degree program will help the nurse understand what concepts are essential and also the best way to teach those concepts so they are easily understood. By returning to school using an online format, the nurse can continue to work at her regular job. While attending school the nurse can still care for patients and perform all of the duties they are routinely responsible for and at the same time learn how to teach others.
How We Ranked the Best Online Nurse Educator Programs
Featured Programs
To rank the best online nurse educator MSN programs, Nursing School Hub editors zeroed in on accredited, reputable colleges and universities offering a nurse educator specialization in an online or hybrid format. Programs are ranked by cost, potential salary, and student reviews.
1. George Mason University
George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Educator academic track that can be completed 75% online. GMU’s online nurse educator program has received accreditation from the CCNE. Degree candidates will be required to complete 41 semester credits to meet the program’s requirements. Coursework for this MSN program includes 15 semester credits of MSN core classes, plus 26 credits from the nurse educator curriculum. Classes include pharmacology, physiology, perspectives in nursing education, plus a practicum in nursing education.
George Mason University opened in 1949. This research institution of higher education operates several locations in the Commonwealth of Virginia and serves more than 38,000 students. GMU is the largest of all four-year learning institutions in Virginia.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Educator
2. Chamberlain University
Chamberlain University offers an MSN with a Nursing Educator academic track that includes a practicum experience of 144 hours. Coursework for one of the country’s best online nurse educator programs includes assessment & evaluation, advanced pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology for nurse educators (from an experiential learning perspective), theoretical foundations and instructional strategies, and curriculum, to name a few. Students graduate from Chamberlain University’s graduate nurse educator program and enter the workforce as a college professor, education consultant, community health leader, or educational specialist, to name a few.
Chamberlain University is a for-profit school with nursing in various locations throughout the country. Chamberlain University was established in 1889 and is a subsidiary of the Adtalem Global Ed Group. The university operates two schools in healthcare professions and nursing. The original nursing school was created in the Deaconess Home and Hospital tradition.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
3. Regis University
Regis University offers an MSN in Nursing Leadership with an academic Health Care Education Track that is recognized among the nation’s best online nurse educator programs. This MSN degree from Regis University requires the completion of 30 credit hours to meet program requirements. Coursework for this Regis MSN degree includes ethics for nurse leaders, health care organizations and systems, and health policy & issues in practice, among others. Students can supplement their advanced nursing degrees with a certificate program in the healthcare business, healthcare informatics, or patient safety and quality in healthcare.
Regis University was founded as a Jesuit institution of higher learning in 1877. Regis was initially founded in New Mexico, which later evolved to today’s full-fledged university. The school serves more than 8,200 students on its Denver campus and online.
Degree: MSN in Nursing Leadership – Health Care Education Track
4. Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College offers an MSN with a Nurse Education emphasis that is considered among Nebraska’s best online nurse educator programs. This graduate nurse educator program is CCNE accredited and available to be completed in only 21 months. Coursework for this 36-semester credit program includes instructional methods, evidence-based practice, critical appraisal of knowledge, and advanced nursing roles, a practicum, and also a culminating capstone project. Additionally, NMC maintains professional affiliations with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Nebraska Methodist College is a private institute of higher education that was established in 1891. The college specializes in healthcare education offering degrees at the associates, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Graduates from the school are eligible to sit for exams offered by the NCSBL.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
5. Duke University
Duke University’s SON offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an emphasis in Nurse Education that is recognized among the country’s best online nurse educator programs – ranking first for best DNP leadership and online nursing education. Coursework for Duke University’s MSN nurse educator degree includes nurse as a scholar, advanced nursing practice, advanced concepts of health assessment, implanting the educator role, and innovations in clinical teaching and evaluation, among others. Duke University’s graduate degree in nurse education requires the completion of 36 semester credits.
Methodists and Quakers established Duke University in 1838. Duke University’s sprawling campus covers more than 8,500 acres and serves more than 15,600 students with its $8.61 billion endowment. Duke’s alumni include Richard Nixon, and another 12+ billionaires currently alive. Duke University employs nearly 40,000 employees, making it the state’s second-largest employer.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
6. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an MSN with a Nursing Education academic track that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nurse Education. The online nurse educator program require degree candidates to complete a 175-hour practicum of onsite and online work. Coursework includes ethics and health policy, biostatistics, pharmacology, innovative teaching strategies, research for evidence-based practice, plus a capstone.
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical institution of higher learning that was established in 1920. The school operates more than a dozen education sites in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, plus a robust online education platform enrollment. Additionally, IWU holds the distinction as the largest of all private institutions of higher education in Indiana.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
7. Drexel University
Drexel University offers an MSN with a Nursing Education concentration that is CCNE-accredited. Students in the nurse educator program must complete a 150-hour practicum, which must be done in residence. Additionally, Drexel also offers a tuition freeze for students who complete its MSN degree in three years or less. Core curriculum includes the completion of 46 credit units in classes like quality & safety in healthcare, research methods, foundations in nurse education, and also advanced ethical decision-making.
The school started as Drexel Institute in 1891. Today, Drexel University’s campus serves more than 23,900 students. Furthermore, the university is world renowned for its coop education program, which provides students with paid internships up to 1.5 years. US News recognizes Drexel among the nation’s top STEM schools.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
8. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University’s College of Nursing & Healthcare Professions offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an academic track in nurse education that can be completed entirely online. These best online nurse educator programs offered by Grand Canyon University are accredited by the CCNE and offer a generous credit transfer policy of up to 12 eligible credits. The graduate MSN degree program from Grand Canyon University requires the completion of 36 semester credits in areas that include safety & quality, health promotion, disease prevention, and foundations for ethical practice in nursing.
Grand Canyon University was founded as a for-profit higher learning institution in 1949. Grand Canyon University is the first for-profit Christian university in the country. GCU is the largest Christian institution of higher education. The annual enrollment exceeds 90,000 students studying online and on-campus.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
9. Benedictine University
Benedictine University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with an academic track in nurse educator that is available 100% online. Benedictine’s nurse educator MSN degree is recognized among the Midwest’s best online nurse educator programs. Degree candidates must complete 24 semester credits in advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, advanced pathophysiology, curriculum development & instruction strategies, and a capstone project and a clinical immersion experience. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Benectadine University’s graduate nursing degrees. Students graduate to find rewarding careers as a nursing instructor, college professor, or health educator, among others.
Benedictine University was founded in 1887. The university was founded in Chicago by Benedictine monks and was located in the greater Chicago area. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes on the school’s 100+ acre campus. Benedictine University operates a branch academic facility in Mesa, Arizona.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
10. University of Mary
The University of Mary offers a BSN to MSN degree with an academic focus of nursing education. Degree candidates can complete The University of Mary’s best online nurse educator programs in less than two years. The CCNE accredits the University of Mary’s online graduate MSN degree program. Coursework for the MSN degree includes nursing research design, healthcare law, advanced clinical practice concepts, plus a capstone option of a thesis or nurse educator-related project.
The University of Mary was founded in 1959 by four sisters of the Benedictine Order. The school was initially a convent in Bismarck, North Dakota. More than 3,400 students attend classes in Bismarck and satellite facilities in other ND cities, Kansas, Arizona, Montana, and Minnesota. The University of Mary has received an endorsement from the Newman Guide – the Guide for Choosing a Catholic College.
Degree: BSN to MSN – Nurse Educator
11. Rivier University
Rivier University offers an MSN with a Nursing Education academic emphasis that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Students can complete the school’s nurse educator program in about two years. Coursework for Rivier University’s MSN degree includes curriculum development, nursing education technology, biostatistics for health science, advanced pharmacology, and pathophysiology, and a capstone advisement project. Furthermore, graduates from Rivier’s MSN program are eligible to sit for national certification.
Rivier University is a private institution of higher education that opened in 1933. The university offers online and on-campus degree programs with a student enrollment that exceeds 2,000 students. John F Kennedy visited the university just after he announced his run for president in January 1960.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
12. Walsh University
Walsh University offers an MSN with a Nurse Educator concentration. This program is both CCNE accredited and among the top fifty regional nursing schools in the Midwest. The Walsh nurse educator program require 42 semester credits to graduate, but this work can be completed in only five semesters. Classes included in Walsh’s graduate nursing education program include teaching strategies, advanced pathophysiology, plus a practicum in an advanced specialty and another in nursing education.
Walsh University started in 1960 as a private institution of higher education affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. Walsh opened in Maine but then moved to Ohio. More than 2,800 students are vying for academic degrees offered by Walsh. The university operates an international satellite facility in Italy.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
13. University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler Graduate College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an MSN degree program with a nurse education academic track entirely online. UT Tyler’s online nurse educator programs require the completion of 36 semester credits in classes like systems leadership, healthcare informatics, population health, and policy, nursing education roles & strategies, advanced pathophysiology, nursing curriculum developments, plus two capstone projects, among others.
The University of Texas, located in Tyler, is a member school of the University of Texas system. It opened in 1971 as a state college but joined the university system several years later, offering only upper-division junior and senior classes. The University of Texas at Tyler’s campus covers more than 350 suburban acres and serves more than 10,200 students
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
14. Duquesne University
The Duquesne University School of Nursing offers a Master of Science (MS) in Nursing Education and Faculty Role. The program is both CCNE accredited and recognized by US News as one of the nation’s best online nurse educator programs. Duquesne’s MSN program in nursing education prepares degree candidates for advanced nursing roles and Certified Nursing Education (CNE) certification. Duquesne’s graduate degree in nursing education requires the completion of 225 clinical hours and 36 credit units to meet the program’s requirements. Students can complet the coursework in about 30 months.
Duquesne University opened in 1879. The university remains affiliated with the Spiritan Fathers Roman Catholic Church and serves more than 9,100 students on its Pittsburgh campus. The current Bishop of Pittsburgh is an alumnus of Duquesne University. Duquesne University holds the distinction of being the only Spiritan university across the globe.
Degree: MS in Nursing Education and Faculty
15. University of Toledo
The University of Toledo offers an MSN with a nursing education concentration that is designed for nursing professionals who have clinical experience and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree). Coursework for UToledo’s best online nurse educator programs can be completed entirely online by taking 39 credit hours in classes that include ethical foundations in nursing, public policy & health policy, clinical seminar in nursing, plus a 90-hour practicum/seminar and a choice of a thesis, exam or field experience. The CCNE accredits these Master of Science in Nursing, nurse education degrees.
The University of Toledo opened in 1872 as a vocational and technical institution of higher education. Toledo’s urban campuses cover more than 1,000 acres and serve nearly 20,000 students. Additionally, the university is among the largest of Ohio’s universities.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
16. Kent State University
Kent State University offers an MSN with a nursing education emphasis from a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for the past decade. Additionally, the nurse educator MSN degree offered by KSU is CCNE-accredited and recognized among the state’s best online nurse educator programs. KSU is authorized to teach online nursing education in fourteen states. This MSN degree can be completed in 2 years and requires 35 semester credits plus another 300 hours dedicated to a nursing practicum. Classes include methods of inquiry, nursing education technology, clinical nursing education issues, the theoretical basis for nursing practice, and pharmacology for advanced practice nursing, to name a few.
Kent State University is a multiple campus public institution of higher learning that was established in 1910. The university’s total student enrollment exceeds 35,600 students. Furthermore, the school started as a teacher’s normal training college but is now a four-year school with an international campus in Italy.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
17. MidAmerica Nazarene University
MidAmerica Nazarene University offers an MSN with a nursing education academic track that can be completed 100% online and is CCNE accredited. The university’s 40-credit online nurse educator programs are completed at the student’s pace but have the possibility of being completed in just over two years. Coursework for MidAmerica Nazarene University ‘s graduate degree in nursing education includes theory and research of nursing, emerging trends in health care, theoretical foundations for learning, curriculum design, student assessment in learning, evidence-based design for research, and health promotion for a global society, among others.
MidAmerica Nazarene University was founded in 1966. The university’s suburban campus covers more than 100 acres and serves more than 1,700 students. Furthermore, MidAmerica is one of eight institutions of higher education affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
18. Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte’s Blair College of Health/Presbyterian School of Nursing offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nursing education academic concentration that can be completed entirely. Students enrolled in Queens University’s best online nurse educator programs learn to develop curriculum and training materials that effectively and efficiently train nurses in theory, policy, and research and demonstrate excellence in nursing. Classes include informatics in health care, data interpretations, integrative clinical concepts, and nursing practicum, to name a few.
The Queens University of Charlotte (Queens) was founded in 1857. This private institution of higher education remains affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and is home to more than 1,700 students. The Queens University of Charlotte offers more than 40 graduate and undergraduate programs. The school is named to honor Prince Charlotte of Mecklenburg.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
19. Herzing University
Herzing University offers an MSN with a nursing education track that requires the completion of 36 semester credits, all of which can be completed online. Students graduating from Herzing University’s best online nurse educator programs are prepared and eligible to sit for the CNE – the Certified Nurse Educator designation after graduation. Students are offered six start dates each year and can complete the MSN degree program in only sixteen months. Coursework includes roles for nurse educators, theoretical foundations for nursing, health policy and management, teaching and learning strategies, and onsite practicum experience, among others.
Herzing University (Herzing) was founded in 1965 as a private institute of higher education to train individuals in computer operations and programming. Herzing operates nine academic facilities through the country offering professional degrees in technology, business, and health care, plus a robust academic distance learning platform. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing accredits Herzing University’s nursing programs.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Educator
20. Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University offers an MSN in nursing education that is recognized among California’s best online nurse educator programs. APU’s fully online program requires the completion of 37 program units from this Yellow Ribbon School. Coursework required to complete Azusa Pacific University’s graduate nursing education degree program includes bioethics & health care policy, theoretical thinking for nurses, graduate statistics, integrative disease management, spiritual concept analysis in healthcare, leadership in nursing education, theories of teaching, plus two clinical practicums, among others.
Azusa Pacific University was founded as an interdenominational Christian institution of higher education in 1899. The university’s campus in Azusa covers more than 100 suburban acres and serves more than 9,900 students. Additionally, the university holds the distinction of being the first Bible college situated on the west coast.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
21. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University offers one of the state’s best online nurse educator programs with its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nursing education degree that can be completed entirely online. SNHU’s graduate nurse educator degree program requires the completion of 39 semester credits plus 120-hour clinical capstone course and an academic teaching experience to meet program requirements. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Southern New Hampshire University’s nurse educator graduate degree program. Classes include biostatistics, global health, advanced pharmacology, advanced health assessment, plus a nurse educator capstone project.
Southern New Hampshire University was chartered in 1932 by immigrants from Russia. SNHU is among the fastest growing institutions of higher learning due to its successful online learning options. The university operates six colleges and schools that serve more than 90,000 students.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
22. Messiah University
Messiah University offers an MSN with a nurse educator concentration that is ranked as the best nurse education program by registerednursing.org. The university’s online nurse educator program has accreditation from the CCNE. Additionally, the school has an accelerated course option for interested students. US News and World Report ranked Messiah University’s nursing school graduate programs among the country’s best nursing programs. Students enrolled in Messiah University’s MSN nurse educator degree requires the completion of 39 semester units.
Messiah University opened in 1909 as a bible school. This private institution of higher education is affiliated with the Brethren in Christ Church. More than 2,600 students attend classes on the school’s rural campus in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Messiah is among the country’s top universities for offering study abroad opportunities.
Degree: MSN – Nurse Educator
23. Oklahoma Baptist University
Oklahoma Baptist University offers an MSN with a nurse educator academic emphasis that is designed for working learners and professionals. OBU’s best online nurse educator programs require the completion of 35 credit hours in classes that include strategies and evaluation, curriculum design, evaluation, and two advanced nursing practicums. Oklahoma Baptist University is a member institution of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), with its nursing programs accredited by the CCNE.
Oklahoma Baptist University was founded by the General Baptist Convention in Oklahoma in 1910. The school’s campus in Shawnee covers more than 200 urban acres and serves nearly 2,000 students. The school is organized into six colleges/schools. The first ever senior gift to OBU was in 1922 with a sundial that still adorns the front of Shawnee Hall.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
24. SUNY Delhi
The State University of New York at Delhi, situated in Delhi,NY, offers an MSN in Nursing Education degree that can be completed entirely online. SUNY Delhi’s School of Nursing is recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education since 2019. Students can complete the 36-credit program as full-time or part-time students. SUNY Delhi’s MSN program is CCNE-accredited. Classes include advanced health assessment, advanced nursing research, quantitative methods, measurement in nursing education, plus two practicum experiences, among others.
SUNY Delhi was founded in 1913. SUNY Delhi’s rural campus covers more than 600 acres and serves more than 3,100 students. The State University of New York at Delhi’s culinary program has won the NY state championship multiple times and the national championship in 2012.
Degree: MSN – Nursing Education
25. Mercy College
The Mercy College School of Health and Natural Sciences offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a nurse educator academic track that can be completed entirely online. Students enrolled in mercy College’s best online nurse educator programs can attend as a part-time or full-time student. Mercy allows incoming students to transfer up to 6 eligible credits. This program is offered in an accelerated format that can be completed in only fifteen months. Coursework for Mercy’s MSN nurse educator program includes health policy, computer technology, research perspectives, instructional strategies, student evaluations, and philosophical foundations of nursing, plus a two-part capstone project and a nursing education related practicum.
Mercy College was founded in 1950. In addition to its suburban campus in Dobbs Ferry, Mercy College operates additional facilities in two NYC Boroughs – Manhattan and the Bronx. More than 11,100 students attend classes offered by Mercy College. The sisters of mercy established the school, which became a four-year institution of higher education in 1961.
Degree: MS in Nursing Education
Should I Become a Certified Nurse Educator?
This choice is up to the person, but someone might want to consider the amount a person can make after he or she passes the certified nurse educator exam. Once a person completes the certified nurse educator exam, he or she can earn around $75,000 per year, as noted by Payscale.com.
Although the certified nurse educator requirements seem extensive, a person may want to complete the certified nurse educator requirements for other reasons as well. Moreover, if a person chooses to complete certified nurse educator requirements, a person can teach the future generation of nurses.
How Much Do Nurse Educators Make?
The payscale for nurse educators ranges widely depending on a few different factors. One of the most important factors is experience. If a nurse has many years of experience (either as a nurse or an educator in some capacity), they will be offered a much higher pay rate to start than someone who has little or no experience working in their field. Nurse educators who return to school to earn their MSN already have a proven record of their education. It is their years of experience that will often get them higher wages and benefits.
The next factor is location. The area in which the nurse works may play a role, especially if it is a rural area or a smaller town. Educators who work online may be able to make a higher wage simply because they are capable of teaching students from almost any location. An online educator salary may vary depending on the size of the classes they teach, but for the most part, they should expect to make at least the average median wage for a nurse educator.
The average wage for a nurse educator who teaches online courses can range anywhere from $55,000 to $100,000 per year. Experience, education, and location are always key and will have an impact on the starting wage that is offered. A clinical nurse educator can expect to make anywhere from $65,000 to $120,000 per year. The dramatic increase is partly because of the clinical nature of the coursework. Specialized classes often require more in-depth coursework that is highly detailed.
Can Online Nursing Students Work While in School?
Nurse educators can and do work online offering students the option to study from home when it is most convenient for them. Many nursing students are already holding down full-time jobs. If they want to attend school while they are working, the best way to do that is to sign up for an online degree program. This allows nurse educators the same benefit. Many continue working as full-time nurses while they are teaching online courses. Being able to work and teach can lead to a very rewarding career on many levels.
Can Nurse Educators Work Online?
Being able to work online allows nurse educators to assist students who want to become licensed nurses in receiving the education they need to reach their goals. Without the option for online courses and degree programs, many working students would not be able to achieve their goals. Obligations to their family prevent them from becoming a full-time student and giving up their job. Having the online option available to them makes it possible to pursue their career and prepare for the future.
Nurse educators who work online are also able to provide their students with one on one assistance as it is needed. Students no longer have to struggle for attention and can do their coursework according to their own schedule. This makes it easy for the nurse educator to communicate with the student. Both the student and the nurse educator have written copies of each communication so they can refer back o them as necessary if problems arise. Working in an online format offers benefits to everyone involved and also reduces stress and frustration as well.
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