Nurse Educator Schools in Missouri

Are you currently working in Missouri as a practice nurse and considering your next career step? If so, maybe nursing education is for you – you can utilize your practice skills and impart them to a new generation of nursing professionals.

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

Online Nurse Educator Degrees in Missouri

Jillian Lohman, DNP, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Missouri?

If you wish to operate as a nursing educator in Missouri, you will need to follow several mandatory steps. First, you need a relevant undergraduate degree. Both ADNs and BSNs are acceptable. Next, you need a nursing license just as you would practice nursing. You will also need a Master of Science in Nursing dedicated to nursing education or with a dedicated education pathway. Doctorate graduates (DNPs, PhDs, and EdDs)can also apply.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Missouri

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Missouri is easier with nurseeducator.com. We've ranked top schools to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and outcomes. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, these programs stand out. Our rankings are based on thorough research. For details on how we rank, visit our rankings methodology.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Fayette, MO - Private 4-year - centralmethodist.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Central Methodist University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator program equips nurses with advanced clinical skills and knowledge to excel in educational settings. This comprehensive program prepares professionals to design, implement, and evaluate nursing curriculum while fostering ethical leadership. Students develop expertise in instructional strategies, evidence-based education, and accountability for student outcomes across diverse healthcare learning environments.

CCNE Accredited Program
Online Program Option
Advanced Nursing Education Focus
Prepares Nurse Educators
Evidence-Based Curriculum Design

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO - Private 4-year - lindenwood.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Lindenwood University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator program provides advanced nursing professionals an opportunity to develop specialized skills in healthcare education. Designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses, this program equips students with comprehensive knowledge in curriculum design, teaching strategies, and educational program evaluation. The curriculum combines core nursing topics with specialized coursework in instructional design and learning assessment. With a focus on practical application, students engage in supervised clinical and practicum experiences. Graduates are prepared to excel in various educational settings, from healthcare organizations to academic institutions, with the ability to design, implement, and evaluate effective educational programs.

Two-emphasis MSN program
Nurse Educator specialty track
Clinical practicum included
6-credit Practicum in Nursing Education
Post-baccalaureate program
Advanced teaching skills development
Curriculum and program planning focus
Patient education program design
Competency-based curriculum
One year clinical experience required

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Missouri State University offers a flexible, 100% online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate designed for healthcare professionals seeking to elevate their teaching skills. This affordable program prepares nurses to educate in academic, hospital, and community settings, providing comprehensive training in curriculum development and instructional strategies. Designed for working professionals, the certificate can be completed in just one semester, with opportunities for practical teaching experiences and low-cost tuition.

100% online certificate program
Complete in one semester
Four courses in 8-week block
Low-cost national tuition
Practicums with teaching experience
Full-time or part-time options
CCNE accredited program
Teaches lesson plan creation
Flexible scheduling available

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO - Public 4-Year - missouriwestern.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Missouri Western State University offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a dedicated Nurse Educator track designed for advanced nursing professionals. This 32-credit hour program prepares nurses to excel in academic and professional development roles. Graduates develop critical leadership skills in professional practice, evidence-based decision-making, and healthcare innovation. With a competitive admissions process requiring a 3.0 nursing GPA and unencumbered RN license, this program offers an exceptional pathway for nurses seeking to elevate their educational expertise and professional impact.

32 credit hour MSN program
Nurse Educator track available
CCNE accredited program
Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
Requires unencumbered RN license
Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate option
20 shared core course hours
Leadership skill development focus
Completion time: Varies
Criminal background check required

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO - Public 4-Year - nwmissouri.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with Northwest's Nurse Educator Certificate, a dynamic online program designed for passionate RNs seeking to transform healthcare education. In just 4-8 months, you'll gain advanced skills in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and educational assessment. With affordable tuition at $6,040 and a flexible online format, this 15-credit program prepares you to shape future nursing professionals across diverse healthcare settings. Tailored for working nurses, the program requires a BSN, unencumbered RN license, and offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Online Graduate Certificate Program
15 credit hours total
4-8 months program duration
Total tuition $6,040
Per credit hour cost $391
BSN degree required
Unencumbered RN license needed
Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
Five course curriculum
Experiential learning included

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Missouri has a small number of nurse educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Missouri. Students will learn diagnostics and treatment, procedure, law and ethics, and assessment.

Entry requirements are:

Accredited Associate's Degree
Unencumbered RN license which is in date
Criminal background check
A minimum GPA of 3.0
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate relevant language proficiency

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Missouri has multiple online BSN to MSN nurse educator programs, such as the one at Missouri State. Students will cover courses in both diagnostics and treatment, curriculum and training program development, assessment, and study skills.

An accredited bachelor's degree (BSN)in nursing
Application form and fees
A GPA of 3.0
Send transcripts
A current, unencumbered RN license
TOEFL or equivalent for non-native English speakers

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 Missouri.

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 Missouri offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, but there aren't any EdD programs offered online in Missouri at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Missouri

Nurse educators in Missouri are required to maintain all eligibility standards of their RN license throughout, even if they do not work in practice.

Optional certification is also available, and you are strongly advised to attain certification; it will generally be better for your career options.

There are three types:

CNE: type one is a certification for academia – teaching undergraduate and graduate students
CNEcl: type two is for those who teach clinicians with ongoing training and upskilling
CNEn: type three is the novice certification for both the previous two types where the applicant has less than three years of experience

Like the license, the certification has some mandatory requirements to maintain eligibility.

RN licensing in Missouri is $200 for the examination and a $41.75 criminal background check fee. License by endorsement is a $55 application fee. The renewal cost is $60. CNE is set nationally by the board and costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Missouri?

Now you have achieved all the steps above, maybe you're considering where you might apply your new skills and qualifications.

Academic teaching: Colleges and universities are great destinations, for teaching nursing students at the both undergraduate and graduate level
Professional education: You'll work from medical facilities teaching nurses mostly in providing their ongoing education needs
Private provider: While you may still train professionals from outside of the health network, you may also train non-clinicians such as support staff
Charity trainer: You might train aid workers, their support staff, and medical professionals in a non-profit area. Public outreach is also a great career

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Missouri

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