Nurse Educator Schools in Michigan

Michigan is an attractive state for nurses to work in. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking to step up in your career toward a specialist area – including nursing education. This guide aims to help you to switch to this exciting new career opportunity.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Michigan?
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Michigan
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Michigan
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Michigan?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Michigan

Online Nurse Educator Degrees in Michigan

Angelica Lim, BSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Michigan?

To practice as a nursing educator in Michigan, you need a series of formal education steps. An ADN or BSN in nursing plus a registered nursing license is mandatory. As a practice nurse, you should already have these. Next, you'll need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), either in education specifically or a standard degree with an education concentration. Doctorate graduates are also welcome, sometimes preferred for candidacy.

MSN Programs Post Master's Certificate Programs DNP Programs PhD Programs EdD Programs

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Michigan

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Michigan just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've ranked top schools to help you make a smart choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and how well they prepare you for a teaching career in nursing. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, our rankings guide you to the right program. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - davenport.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with Davenport University's Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate. This comprehensive 28-credit online program prepares advanced practice nurses to become exceptional educators, bridging classroom instruction and clinical training. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning, positioning graduates for high-demand faculty and staff development roles. Competitive tuition, with a potential 20% MHA member discount, makes this credential an accessible pathway to career advancement and potentially higher salaries.

100% Online Certificate Program
28 Total Graduate Credits
CCNE Accredited Program
3.0 Minimum GPA Required
Prepare for CNE Certification
Clinical Practicum Included
Current RN License Needed
High-Fidelity Virtual Simulations
Above National Certification Rates
Qualified Faculty Mentors

Madonna University

Livonia, MI - Private 4-year - madonna.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse/Health Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Madonna University's Post Master's Certificate in Nurse Education equips healthcare professionals with advanced teaching skills for academic and clinical settings. This comprehensive program prepares nurses to become influential educators, addressing the critical shortage of nursing faculty. Participants gain expertise in curriculum development, teaching theories, and practical instructional strategies across classroom, simulation, and healthcare environments. Designed for working professionals, the hybrid format allows flexible learning while building competence in nurse education.

Graduate Certificate Program
Hybrid learning format
One calendar year completion
Classroom and clinical teaching
High-fidelity simulation instruction
Prepare for nurse educator roles
Can complement graduate nursing degrees
Potential CNE certification pathway

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Teaching offers nurses a transformative pathway to become expert nurse educators. This comprehensive 9-credit online program prepares graduates to excel in clinical and academic teaching environments. Participants develop advanced pedagogical skills, learn curriculum design, and gain critical teaching competencies. The certificate enables nurses to sit for prestigious National Nurse Educator Certification, enhancing professional credentials and career opportunities in healthcare education.

9-credit online nurse educator program
Prepares for Nurse Educator Certification
90 hours supervised teaching internship
Develops teaching and curriculum skills
Suitable for graduate nursing students
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Transcript certification included
Academic and clinical teaching focus

Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI - Public 4-Year - svsu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saginaw Valley State University offers a Nurse Educator Certificate designed for nurses aiming to enhance their teaching skills in clinical or academic settings. This 12-credit online program includes courses on teaching and learning, assessment technology, curriculum design, and a supervised teaching practice. It's ideal for those looking to advance in patient/family teaching, staff development, or considering a future in nurse education. Credits earned can apply towards an MSN in Nursing Education at SVSU. Admission requires a BSN from an accredited program and a current Michigan RN license.

12-credit online program
Includes supervised teaching practice
Courses apply to MSN in Nursing Education
Designed for clinical or academic settings
Focus on teaching and learning in nursing
Covers assessment and technology
Teaches curriculum design and evaluation
Admission requires BSN and RN license
120 hours of supervised teaching practice
Courses available online

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI - Public 4-Year - umich.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Nursing Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a Certificate in Nursing Education, designed for individuals aiming to enhance their teaching skills within the nursing field. This program is exclusively available to students currently enrolled in the MSN, DNP, or Ph.D. programs at the U-M School of Nursing. It focuses on developing advanced teaching techniques and methodologies, preparing graduates to effectively educate the next generation of nurses. The program emphasizes practical skills, innovative teaching strategies, and the integration of technology in nursing education. Prospective students should reach out to the Recruiting & Admissions team for more details on admissions requirements and application processes.

Exclusive to MSN, DNP, Ph.D. students.
Focuses on teaching skills enhancement.
Integrates technology in nursing education.
Prepares for educating future nurses.
Contact Recruiting & Admissions for details.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

The state has at least one fully online dedicated RN to MSN Nurse Educator program. It is designed for students working as practice nurses who wish to study in their spare time.

A current RN license in good standing
Application form and fee, a resume may be requested
Two letters of professional recommendation
A statement of purpose

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

The state also has several online and hybrid BSN to MSN nurse educator programs, such as the one at the University of Michigan. Students will have both mandatory and elective courses to make up their careers, covering learning techniques, assessment, technology, and diagnostics and treatment.

A bachelor’s degree in nursing (regionally accredited)
A minimum GPA of 3.0
Transcripts
Schools may request grades for specific courses and/or coursework
An unencumbered RN license
Application form and fee

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs but you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at the University of Michigan.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of Michigan offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however there is not an online program offered for EdDs in Michigan at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Michigan

Nurse educators in Michigan should not only have an RN license but are required to follow all requirements to maintain eligibility. This remains the case even if you do not intend to practice nursing.

Certification is not mandatory to practice as a nursing educator. However, you are advised to seek it. There are three types:

CNE is aimed at academic educators
CNEcl is aimed at clinical educators
CNEn is for novices of the other two types of certificates. You are eligible with under three years of experience

Both licensing and education certification requires applicants to fulfill a minimum list of requirements to maintain that eligibility, including practice hours and training.

RN licensing in Massachusettscosts$208.80 for the application and $200 for the exam fee. Fingerprints cost $62.75. License by endorsement will also pay both of these fees. Renewals cost $128.50. CNE will cost the same cost regardless of where in the US you are: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Michigan?

Now that you've finished your training, you want to know what career doors are open to you. Your most common options are:

Academia: The most obvious route is colleges and universities training both undergraduates and graduate students in nursing
Professional education: Working at health facilities such as hospitals as a trainer for existing professionals
Private training: You may train health professionals or you could educate non-medical staff such as sales teams and decision-makers
Non-profit sector: Aid agencies always need nursing training, and also in technology. You may also be an expert educator for the public and lobbyists

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Michigan

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Michigan? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.