Best MSN Nurse Educator Programs 2023

By: Kathleen Gaines MSN, RN, BA, CBC

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. 

Nurse Educator Program Ranking Methodology

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.

Top MSN Nurse Educator Programs 

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: $1,790 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

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: $1,910 per credit hour
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length: 24 or 36 months 
• Contact Information: (919) 613-9445 or benjamin.pereklita@duke.edu

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: $1,640 per credit hour
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length: Three to Five Semesters  
• Contact Information: (585) 275-2375 or SON_Admissions@urmc.rochester.edu

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: $970 per credit hour
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length: 3-5 semesters
• Contact Information: mary.ann.cantrell@villanova.edu or 610.519.6829

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: $13,349 per semester 
• Online Options: Not specified
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length: 15 months  
• Contact Information: 212-998-5300

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.

• Tuition: $11,802 per semester
• Online Options: Not specified
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length:  36 to 48 months
• Contact Information: (203) 392-6495 or NursingGrad@southernct.edu

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7. Stony Brook University

This program offers classes online through distance education with on-site requirements. The program prepares nurses as educators to teach new and advanced nurses, in nursing school but also in the clinical setting.

• Tuition: $13,823.75 per semester 
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length:  36 to 48 months
• Contact Information: Silvana.Jara@stonybrook.edu

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: $33,888 per semester
• Online Options: Yes, with some in-person requirements
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length:  24 to 48 months
• Contact Information: 979-436-0110 or con-admissions@tamu.edu

9. Union University

Union University offers a fully online RN-to- MSN program in nursing education. It is available both full-time and part-time and can be completed in 16 months. 

• Tuition: $645 per credit hour; general student fees: $24 per hour
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length:  4 semesters 
• Contact Information: jjohnson@uu.edu or 731-661-5156 

10. William Carey University

This program is a Ph.D. program which is considered a terminal degree designed to prepare nurse scholars as nurse educators. This unique program is also an administration program so applicants will earn a dual degree in nursing education and administration. Graduates will also be able to assume leadership and upper-level management roles in healthcare organizations in order to assure accountable clinical nursing practice.

• Tuition: $605 per trimester hour
• Online Options: Yes
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Program Length:  2 to 3 years
• Contact Information: nursing@wmcarey.edu or (601) 318-6147

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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:

1. Texas Christian University
2. Duke University
3. University of Rochester
4. Villanova University
5. Stony Brook University
6. Texas A&M University - College Station
7. Union University
8. William Carey University

Nurse Educator FAQs

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

  • In order 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 Ph.D. 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. 

• Are Nurse Educators in Demand?

  • Nurse educators, both in the classroom and clinical setting, are in VERY high demand. 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.

• 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

• National League for Nursing 
• National Nursing Staff Development Organization
• Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
• Nurse Educator
• Journal of Nursing Education
• Association for Nursing Professional Development
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing