Best MSN Nurse Educator Programs 2024
Nurse Educators work with nursing students throughout their education either as a clinical instructor or a classroom educator. The purpose of a nurse educator is to help prepare nursing students for post-education nursing.
There are two types of Nurse Educators. Individuals can either be clinical instructors or classroom educators. Some will take on both roles depending on the setting and job.
Fast Facts About Nurse Educator Programs |
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Salary |
$84,060 median annual average salary via BLS |
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Program Length |
MSN in Nursing Education Program Length:
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Requirements |
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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 take into consideration factors such as graduation rate, student-faculty ratio, program focus and more to help you find the right nursing program for you.
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.
- Tuition: $1,982 per credit hour
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- Program Length: 24 or 36 months
- Contact Information: (817) 257-6726 or graduatenursing@tcu.edu
- Website
2. Duke University
This program is exceptional for students interested in becoming nurse educators. Students have the ability to work with master teachers at premier schools of nursing or health care institutions throughout the country. Furthermore, faculty include nationally-known experts in nursing education that teach all specialty courses and serve as role model teachers.
- Tuition: $1,075 per credit hour
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 24 or 36 months
- Contact Information: (919) 684-3786 or benjamin.pereklita@duke.edu
- 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 inpatient safety and education.
Nursing education students may pursue the following areas of clinical interest: medical-surgical nursing, critical care nursing, emergency nursing, pediatrics, women’s health, oncology, family practice/family medicine, community health, home health care, ambulatory nursing, and/or OR/perioperative services.
- Tuition: $1,740 per credit hour
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 3 to 5 Semesters
- Contact Information: (585) 275-2375 or SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu
- Website
4. Villanova University
The Nursing Education degree at Villanova University offers theoretical courses, advanced clinical, and education practice. The nursing education theoretical courses are available online or in-person at Villanova’s campus.
Students select a population and area of clinical interest for the clinical practicum: adult-gerontology, parent-child health, community health, or psychiatric/mental health.
- Tuition: $1,020 per credit hour
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 3 to 5 semesters
- Contact Information: mary.ann.cantrell@villanova.edu or 610.519.6829
- Website
5. New York University
Earning an MSN from NYU helps students gain employment at some of the top hospitals and universities in the country. The program includes 15 credits of specialty courses in education that include an extensive exploration of learning theories, evidence-based teaching strategies, and hands-on experience on using technology to enhance learning.
- Tuition: $2,062 per credit
- Online Options: Not specified
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 15 months
- Contact Information: (212) 998-5300
- Website
>> Related: Is NYU School of Nursing Worth It? Nurses Review
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.
- Tuition: $14,268 per year
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length:
- Accelerated program: 16 months
- Part-time: 2-3 years
- Contact Information: (203) 392-6495 or NursingInfo@southernct.edu
- Website
>> Show Me Online Nurse Educator Programs
7. Stony Brook University
This program offers classes online through distance education with on-site requirements. The coursework prepares nurses as educators to teach new and advanced nurses - both in nursing school and in the clinical setting. In addition, the school assists with the set-up of clinical placements for students.
- Tuition: $471 per credit
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 36 to 48 months
- Contact Information: Silvana.Jara@stonybrook.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. Students will be expected to attend on-campus clinical experiences for NURS 653 Advanced Health Assessment to complete the required 45 clinical hours in two separate on-campus visits. It’s important to note that students from specific states may not be eligible for this online program.
- Tuition: $27,586 per semester (total)
- Online Options: Yes, with some in-person requirements
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 24 to 48 months
- Contact Information: (979) 436-0110 or con-admissions@tamu.edu
- Website
9. Union University
Union University offers a fully online RN-to- MSN program in nursing education. This program has one start date in August every year. It is available both full-time and part-time and can be completed in 16 months.
- Tuition: $685 per credit hour; general student fees: $34 per hour
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 4 semesters
- Contact Information: nursingadmissions@uu.edu or (731) 661-6545
- Website
10. William Carey University
The William Carey University MSN, Nursing Education Master’s Program coursework is 100% online. Students are required to do a preceptorship in the area where they live.
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: $480 per trimester hour
- Online Options: Yes
- Accreditation: CCNE
- Program Length: 18 to 24 months
- Contact Information: nursing@wmcarey.edu or (601) 318-6147
- Website
>> Show Me Online Nurse Educator Programs
Top Online Nurse Educator Programs
Want to get your MSN in education online? These are the programs from our list above that have online options:
- Texas Christian University
- Duke University
- University of Rochester
- Villanova University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Stony Brook University
- Texas A&M University - College Station
- Union University
- William Carey University
Nurse Educator FAQs
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What Qualifications Do You Need to Be a Nurse Educator?
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To be a nurse educator in both academia and in 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.
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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.
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Are Nurse Educators in Demand?
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Yes, nurse educators are in demand. A minimum of an MSN degree is required for nurse educators to teach at the college or university level, and many healthcare organizations prefer to hire nurse educators with this level of education. According to the 2018 - 2019 Special Survey on Vacant Faculty Positions, 1,637 faculty vacancies were identified at 892 nursing schools. Besides the vacancies, schools cited the need to create an additional 134 faculty positions to accommodate student demand. The data show a national nurse faculty vacancy rate of 7.2%. Most of the vacancies (89.7%) were faculty positions requiring or preferring a doctoral degree.
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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.
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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.
| How to Become a Nurse Educator >> | All the Types of Master’s Degrees in Nursing >> | Pros and Cons of Getting a Master’s Degree in Nursing >> |
