Nurse Educator Schools in Colorado
If you’re currently operating as a registered nurse in Colorado, now may be the time to consider stepping up to become a nurse educator. You have several routes to achieve this depending on your current background and how you might set out to achieve that next step. One such option is a BSN to MSN program at Colorado Technical University.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Colorado?
To enter a career as a nurse educator in Colorado, there are several steps to follow. Typically, this is multiple years of practice as a registered nurse after qualifying with a BSN or ADN. Nurse educators, however, need an advanced degree such as an MSN or one of two doctorates (PhD or DNP) or where available, a Doctor of Education in nursing (EdD).
2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Colorado
Discovering top-tier nursing education in Colorado just got easier, thanks to nurseeducator.com's comprehensive rankings. Our expert team has carefully evaluated nursing programs across the state, considering factors like academic rigor, clinical training, faculty expertise, and student success rates. Whether you're an aspiring nurse or looking to advance your healthcare career, these programs represent the gold standard in nursing education. We've done the research to help you find the perfect pathway to becoming an exceptional nurse in Colorado.
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu
Master's - Nurse Educator, Master of Science
Online Learning - Visit Website
Colorado State University Pueblo offers an online Master of Science in Nurse Educator program tailored for working nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This 30-credit program emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced assessment, and leadership, preparing graduates for teaching positions in various healthcare settings. With a flexible online format, students can complete the degree in 2-5 years at a competitive rate of $550 per credit hour. The program is ACEN accredited and requires a 3.0 GPA, Colorado RN license, background check, and CPR certification for admission. Ideal for RNs looking to influence the next generation of nurses in academic and healthcare environments.
- Online Master of Science
- 30 total credit hours
- $550 per credit hour
- 2-5 years completion time
- ACEN accredited program
- Next start date: March 17
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- Colorado RN license required
- Background check mandatory
- CPR certification needed
Regis University
Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu
Doctorate - DNP to Ph.D. in Nursing Research and Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Regis University's DNP to Ph.D. program revolutionizes nursing research and education by offering a transformative pathway for experienced healthcare professionals. The hybrid program uniquely enables doctoral candidates to pursue a 'dissertation by publication' approach, allowing continuous research contributions throughout their academic journey. Focused on advanced research methodologies and nursing education strategies, the curriculum prepares nurses to become innovative leaders in healthcare education. Graduates develop comprehensive skills in quantitative and qualitative research, teaching methodologies, and theoretical perspectives, positioning them at the forefront of nursing scholarship and educational practice.
- DNP to Ph.D. pathway
- Dissertation by publication
- Advanced research focus
- Nursing education emphasis
- Loretto Heights School of Nursing
- AACN-CCNE accredited program
- Jesuit values integration
- Quantitative/qualitative research
- Teaching healthcare professionals
- Leadership development
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a Nursing Education Graduate Certificate, a hybrid program blending online and in-person learning. Tailored for nurses aspiring to educate, it spans one year and equips students with skills in curriculum development, evidence-based teaching, and the use of teaching technologies. Graduates are prepared for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, enhancing their qualifications for educational roles in various settings. This 9-credit program is accessible to those with an undergraduate nursing degree, providing a specialized pathway without the need for a master's degree. Highlights include a focus on curriculum design, learning assessment, and preparation for diverse teaching roles, alongside financial considerations like scholarships and varying tuition rates for residents and nonresidents.
- Hybrid online format
- 1 year to complete
- Prepares for CNE exam
- Open to non-degree seekers
- 9-credit program
- Focus on curriculum design
- Emphasizes evidence-based teaching
- Optional immersion practicum
- Colorado residents tuition $7,065
- Nonresidents tuition $11,457
- Includes CNE exam prep
- Covers teaching technologies
- Scholarships available
- Matriculation fee $140
- Books and supplies $2,000
- Health insurance costs vary
- Admission for undergrad degree holders
- Focus on learning assessment
- Prepares for diverse teaching roles
- Curriculum includes program evaluation
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed for ambitious nursing professionals, the University of Northern Colorado's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program provides a strategic pathway to specialized educational roles. This concise 9-credit online program targets nurses holding both BSN and MSN degrees, offering comprehensive preparation for academic and clinical teaching environments. Emphasizing practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the certificate enables seamless career transitions into nursing education. With flexible learning options and straightforward admission requirements including a personal statement and current RN license, the program represents an efficient mechanism for nurses seeking to expand their professional capabilities and contribute meaningfully to healthcare education.
- 9 credits required
- Fully online program
- BSN and MSN required
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00+
- No GRE scores needed
- Personal statement required
- Resume submission needed
- Copy of RN license required
- Prepares for nursing educator roles
- Flexible for working professionals
Doctorate - Nursing Education PhD
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Northern Colorado's Online PhD in Nursing Education offers a transformative pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced academic leadership roles. Tailored for registered nurses with master's degrees, this comprehensive four-year program addresses critical faculty shortages through innovative educational strategies. Participants engage in cutting-edge research while developing sophisticated teaching methodologies. The flexible hybrid format allows minimal campus visits and fully online coursework, making advanced study accessible for working professionals. With competitive tuition at $734 per credit hour and no GRE requirement, the program empowers nurses to revolutionize healthcare education through scholarly expertise and strategic pedagogical approaches.
- Online PhD in Nursing Education
- 66 total credit hours
- 4+ years to complete
- $734 per credit hour
- No GRE required
- Fully online coursework
- 5-day summer orientation
- Master's GPA 3.0+ required
- RN licensure mandatory
- Teaching experience recommended
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
BSN graduates have great opportunities in Colorado to study Nursing Education MSNs. There is currently one option in the state. Students will study a variety of subjects including theory, practice, technology, pharmacology, teaching strategies, and more. Entry requirements are:
- A relevant Regionally accredited BSN
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Send transcripts
- Current RN license (unencumbered); submit your NCLEX-RN score as proof
Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.
There are three doctorate programs for nursing education to choose from. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) for practicing doctors, a Doctorate of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) for doctors of research, and a Doctorate of Education (EdD) for those who wish to teach in the nursing field.
The admission requirements for applying to a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, except that you will need to possess a master's degree before you begin.
The University of Colorado has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as a DNP program.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Colorado
First, you'll need an RN license and provide proof that you passed the relevant exam. The next step is a relevant master's degree – either a dedicated MSN in nursing education or an MSN with an education pathway.
There are currently three available CNE certificates available. They are advisory, not mandatory:
- CNE certification is for academic educators
- CNEcl certification is for clinical educators. You should have a minimum of two years of practice and three years of education experience to apply
- CNEn certification is for novice nurse educators with less than three years of experience
All requirements for maintaining RN license eligibility are still required even if you will not work as a practice nurse.
RN licensing in Colorado costs $88 for the application fee and $200 exam fee. Additional fees include a $45 IV Authority application fee and a $43 endorsement fee (these last two are optional). CNEs costs are $400 for NLN members and $500 for those who are not members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Colorado?
Your career choices include but are not limited to:
- Academic education: You may work as a lecturer and researcher teaching undergraduates and grad students
- Professional and continuing education: Providing training in clinical settings on a range of clinical and procedural issues
- Private sector providers: clinical and non-clinical education, plus education on administrative and other supporting services
- Charities: The third sector works as a lobby group, for public outreach and awareness, or education policymakers on health decisions, and training those on the front line
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Colorado
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Colorado? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Technical University
- MSN-NE: Nursing Education Online
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 598-0200
Denver, CO
Regis University
Denver, CO 80221
(180) 038-8236 x6
Greeley, CO
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890
Loveland, CO
University of Northern Colorado
- Nursing Education Ph.D. Online
Loveland, CO 80538
(800) 232-1749
Pueblo, CO
Colorado State University Pueblo
Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 549-2462
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