Nurse Educator Schools in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is always in need of nursing professionals across the board. Practice is the most common career, but nursing career options include support roles too such as education. If you’re interested in switching to nursing education, this guide is here to help you navigate all the questions you may have.

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

Amy Kowalska, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Pennsylvania?

Nursing educators in Pennsylvania require three things. First of all, they need a nursing undergraduate degree. This can be either an ADN or BSN. Both will require a registered nursing license. This remains mandatory even for nurses who don't intend to practice. Finally, you need a graduate program which can be either a master's degree (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD) focused on nursing education.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Pennsylvania

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in Pennsylvania? You're in the right place. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student success rates. Whether you're starting your journey or advancing your career, our list is a great place to begin. For more on how we rank these programs, check out our rankings methodology.

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, PA - Private 4-year - harrisburgu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, tailored for those aiming to excel in nursing education. This online program spans 36 semester hours, emphasizing innovative curriculum design and evidence-based teaching strategies to foster future leaders in nursing education. The 14-week executive session format provides flexibility for working professionals, allowing them to balance studies with clinical duties. Accreditation by the CCNE underscores the program's quality, preparing graduates to meet the demands of educational leadership in nursing. A BSN degree and a current US RN license are prerequisites for admission.

36 semester hour program
14-week Executive Session format
CCNE Accredited program
Focuses on innovative teaching methods
Requires BSN degree
Current US RN License required
Concentration in Nurse Educator
Evidence-based curriculum approach
Prepares nurses for educational leadership

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA - Public 4-Year - millersville.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Millersville University of Pennsylvania offers an online MSN in Nursing Education designed for nurses aiming to become educators. This program, accredited by NLN CNEA, focuses on innovative teaching strategies, curriculum design, and educational technologies, preparing graduates for certification exams and careers in academic settings. With a total tuition of $22,385, the program can be completed in as few as 12 months. It requires a BSN, a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA, one year of clinical experience, and includes two practicum experiences. Highlights include 100% online coursework, 37 credit hours, and multiple start dates annually.

100% online program
$22,385 total tuition
37 total credit hours
As few as 12 months
NLN CNEA accredited
Multiple start dates annually
BSN required for admission
3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
One year clinical experience
Two practicum experiences

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at Millersville University of Pennsylvania is an online program tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to specialize in nursing education. This CNEA-accredited certificate emphasizes educational theories, curriculum design, and teaching methodologies, preparing participants for CNE and CNE-cl certification. Priced at $9,075, the program can be finished in 10 months, requiring a 3.0 MSN GPA, an active RN license, and one year of clinical experience. Benefits include small cohort sizes, 15 credit hours, and preparation for prestigious certification exams.

100% online coursework
15 total credit hours
Total tuition $9,075
Completion in 10 months
CNEA-accredited program
Prepare for CNE certification
Minimum 3.0 MSN GPA required
Active RN license needed
One year clinical experience
Small cohort sizes

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Moravian University

Bethlehem, PA - Private 4-year - moravian.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator

Campus Based - Visit Website

Moravian University's MSN Nurse Educator track is designed for nursing professionals aiming to lead in educational roles. This program stands out for its focus on teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and advanced clinical practices, preparing students for the demands of nursing education. With a 100-hour practicum, it offers hands-on experience in educational settings. Accredited by CCNE, the program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and an active nursing license, emphasizing evidence-based practice and healthcare policy. Ideal for those looking to impact future nurses through education.

MSN with Nurse Educator concentration
100-hour educator internship
CCNE accredited program
Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
Includes advanced healthcare courses
Combines nursing and education curriculum
Active nursing license required
Includes pathophysiology training
Covers healthcare ethics
Focuses on evidence-based practice

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate at Moravian University is tailored for advanced nursing professionals transitioning into education. This 21-credit program dives deep into nursing education, assessment techniques, and advanced sciences, requiring a 3.0 graduate GPA and an active nursing license. CCNE accredited, it includes 9 credits of direct care courses and 12 credits focused on nursing education, covering advanced pathophysiology and statistics. Perfect for those seeking to enhance their teaching skills in healthcare education without pursuing another full degree.

21-credit specialized certificate
9 credits direct care courses
12 credits nursing education
Requires 3.0 graduate GPA
CCNE accredited program
Advanced pathophysiology included
Requires active nursing license
Includes statistics course
Professional references required

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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA - Public 4-Year - psu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nurse Educator, designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This 36-credit, CCNE-accredited program provides flexible part-time and full-time options, focusing on advanced leadership skills and evidence-based practice. With tuition at $1,027 per credit, the program requires a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.3 GPA, and a current US nursing license. It includes core courses, specialized tracks, and a clinical practicum, preparing graduates for roles in healthcare education. Highlights include two specialization options, a clinical practicum, and a March 1 application deadline.

36-credit online MSN program
Two specialization options
$1,027 per credit
CCNE accredited program
Part-time and full-time schedules
Clinical practicum required
Nurse Educator/Administrator tracks
Application deadline: March 1
Minimum 3.3 GPA required
270 practicum hours for Educator option

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is tailored for licensed registered nurses aiming to enhance their teaching skills in healthcare education. This 9-credit program, available entirely online, focuses on innovative teaching strategies, curriculum development, and assessment design. It requires a BSN degree and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, with tuition at $1,027 per credit. The program offers an optional 4-credit practicum and requires no campus visits, making it a convenient option for working professionals. Highlights include its flexibility, online format, and focus on preparing educators for diverse healthcare settings.

Online graduate certificate program
9 total graduate credits
$1,027 per credit
Optional 4-credit practicum
Requires BSN degree
Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
No campus visits required

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Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

Middletown, PA - Public 4-Year - harrisburg.psu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers. This 36-credit, CCNE-accredited program blends flexibility with rigor, featuring part-time and full-time study options to accommodate working professionals. Core coursework covers healthcare policy, nursing theory, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a clinical practicum of 180-270 hours for hands-on experience. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.3 GPA. The program stands out for its focus on preparing educators in nursing, with a cost of $1,027 per credit. Requires GRE.

36-credit online MSN program
Two specialization options
CCNE accredited program
$1,027 per credit
Clinical practicum included
Flexible part-time/full-time study
Designed for working RNs
Minimum 3.3 GPA required

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Pennslyvania has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at Pennslyvania College of Health Services. 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

Pennsylvania offers several options for fully online nursing education master of science in nursing, such as the program at Bloomberg University. Students learn a range of skills to teach professionals, but also curriculum, assessment, and professional skills development.

Regionally accredited BSN
A minimum GPA of 3.0. Exceptions may be made in some cases
Evidence you have completed a statistics course at the undergraduate level
Current unencumbered Registered Nursing license
References and/or resume
Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers
Minimum number of practice years

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 West Chester University.

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 Pennsylvania offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however, Pennsylvania does not offer any online options for this degree program at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Pennsylvania

Nursing educators based in Pennsylvania must keep up the standards for maintaining their licensure throughout the term. Both clinicians and support staff that need an RN license must do this.

Certification is available. It is called CNE (Certified Nurse Educator). It is optional, not mandatory, and you should consider it as it may be advantageous to do so. Three types of CNE currently exist:

CNE is for educators in academic settings
CNEcl is for educators in professional settings – teaching those who are already qualified clinicians
CNEn is for novices for both CNE and CNEcl

All CNE certificate holders are required to maintain minimum standards to remain eligible.

RN licensing in Pennsylvania is $95 for license by examination for in-state and $115 for out-of-state applicants. The endorsement cost is $120, while if you want to apply by endorsement plus exam, it's $145. The exam fee is $200. The CNE certification is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members. This is a standard cost across the US.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Pennsylvania?

Your potential career paths once you've completed all the steps above:

Academia: You will educate both undergraduates and postgraduates toward their teaching careers
Professional education: You will educate professionals in nursing with upskilling, new procedures, and mandatory education for licensure/certification
Private trainer: While you may teach professionals, you're more likely to train support employees such as sales or admin
Non-profit: Charities employ both clinical and non-clinical employees who may need nursing knowledge
Public health: Nurse educators are also needed in a public-facing role in education on public health issues to interest groups or the general public

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

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