Nurse Educator Schools in South Carolina
Nurses in South Carolina work in many subareas of the discipline. Practice nursing is the most common area, but much more work in education. If you’re currently in practice and seeking a career switch to teaching, this is how you can go about making that change.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in South Carolina?
If you want to become a nursing educator in South Carolina, you must have three things. Firstly you'll need an undergraduate degree in nursing (either an ADN or BSN); the second is a Registered Nursing license. These are both vital for all nursing professionals. For an education career, you also need a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD) so long as its major is education, or it offers such a track.
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in South Carolina
Finding the best nurse educator programs in South Carolina just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that prepare nurses to teach the next generation. We focus on quality, affordability, and outcomes. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our list points you in the right direction. Check out our detailed rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.
Anderson University
Anderson, SC - Private 4-year - andersonuniversity.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing: Nurse Educator
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Anderson University's MSN in Nursing: Nurse Educator program stands out for its unique blend of faith-based principles and advanced nursing education. This hybrid program is tailored for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles, offering a curriculum that balances online flexibility with essential in-person interactions. Emphasizing a Christian worldview, it prepares graduates to lead in both academic and clinical settings. Key features include a 47-credit hour curriculum, clinical training, and preparation for national certification. Ideal for those with a 3.0 GPA or higher, an active RN license, and CPR certification, this program is a gateway to shaping future nursing professionals.
- Online flexible learning format
- Christian worldview integration
- Multiple nursing concentrations
- RN with ADN or BSN entry paths
- Practicing nurses as instructors
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Active unencumbered RN license
- CPR certification needed
- Four semester program
- In-person sessions each semester
- National certification preparation
- Total 47 credit hours
- Clinical training included
Clemson University
Clemson, SC - Public 4-Year - clemson.edu
Master's - Master of Science, major in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Educator - Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson University's Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Educator is tailored for those aiming to lead in nursing education. This campus-based program in Greenville, SC, starts in summer and requires a 3.25 GPA for admission. It focuses on equipping students with advanced teaching strategies, curriculum development skills, and proficiency in educational technologies. With over 600 clinical hours, the program ensures hands-on experience, preparing graduates for roles in academic and professional settings. Applicants must submit three recommendation letters and meet the February 15 deadline. The curriculum integrates research and emphasizes innovative teaching methods to foster future nursing educators.
- Offered in Greenville, SC
- Nurse Educator concentration
- Summer start (May)
- Minimum 3.25 GPA required
- 600+ clinical hours needed
- Three recommendation letters
- Application deadline Feb 15
- Clinical practice focus
- Educational technology emphasis
- Research integration
Coker University
Hartsville, SC - Private 4-year - coker.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Coker University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Education is tailored for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This program stands out for its flexibility, offering eight-week courses entirely online, ideal for working professionals. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and innovative teaching strategies, preparing graduates to educate the next generation of nurses. A unique feature is the requirement of 50 internship hours, ensuring hands-on experience in educational settings. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and an active nursing license, making it a competitive option for qualified candidates. Highlights include the program's online format, specialized education track, and focus on practical experience.
- Online 8-week course format
- Two specialized tracks available
- 50 internship hours required
- Nursing education track option
- Leadership track alternative
- Requires 3.0 GPA
- Active nursing license needed
- Designed for working nurses
- Completely online program
- Graduate financial aid available
University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Master's - Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an MSN in Nursing Education online, designed for those aiming to excel as nurse educators in academic and clinical settings. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum covering educational theory, teaching strategies, and curriculum development, all delivered through a flexible online format. Students benefit from a 5-semester plan, completing 39 credit hours and 500 clinical hours, preparing them for national certification. Highlights include no GRE requirement, a 3.0 minimum GPA, and options for fall or spring entry, making it ideal for working professionals seeking advancement in nursing education.
- Ranked #3 Online Graduate Nursing Program
- 39 credit hours, 5 semesters
- Fully online course delivery
- 500 total clinical hours
- No GRE required for admission
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Fall and spring entry options
- National certification preparation
- Flexible practicum locations
- Varied 7 or 15-week courses
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
For MSN graduates looking to specialize in nursing education, the University of South Carolina-Columbia provides an online Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education. This program is tailored for experienced nurses aiming to transition into educational roles, offering in-depth training in teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and the use of educational technologies. Eligibility for the National League of Nursing CNE exam and a focus on enhancing healthcare education skills are key features. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and three professional references, catering to professionals ready to impact nursing education significantly.
- Online Post-Master's Certificate Program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- Currently Unencumbered RN License
- 3 Professional References Needed
- National League of Nursing CNE Exam Eligibility
- Focused on Healthcare Education Skills
- Designed for Experienced MSN Graduates
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
South Carolina has several BSN to MSN Nurse Educator program options, such as the one at Charleston Southern. Students will develop their skills in medical teaching, diagnostics, and treatment at an advanced level but will also learn curriculum assessment, evaluation, and development.
- Regionally accredited BSN
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
- Minimum number of hours of clinical practice
- Unencumbered Registered Nursing license
- Entry may include specific courses such as statistics. Grade C minimum typically
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 Medical University of South Carolina has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of South Carolina's DNP program.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in South Carolina
Nursing educators in the state of South Carolina are required to uphold all standards for maintaining that license, even if no clinical work is expected beyond the minimum required for ongoing licensure.
You may also apply to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). It is optional; however, it is strongly advisable for your career development. There are three types, and each applies to your current work status:
- CNE: The first type of certification is for academic educators
- CNEcl: This second type is aimed at professional trainers – those who educate clinicians
- CNEn: This third type of certificate is for novices of both types
Like licensure, the certification has a list of criteria that applicants must have and maintain for continued eligibility.
RN licensing in South Carolina is $100 for endorsement and $200 for the examination. For endorsement with a temporary license, the cost is $110. CNE is one standard cost no matter which state you are in: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in South Carolina?
The careers that might be open to you once you have followed all the above steps:
- Academic teaching: Colleges and universities are where new nurses – both undergraduate and graduate study
- Professional education: Clinics and hospitals require teachers to provide upskilling and ongoing education stipulated
- Private trainer: You could be involved in educating clinicians, though you're more likely to train support staff
- Charity: You will train both frontline medical and relief staff and educate decision makers for things like grants and policy
- Public health: Working for the government or health NGOs, you will be involved in educating the public
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in South Carolina
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in South Carolina? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Anderson, SC
Anderson University
- Nurse Educator Online
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 231-2000
Charleston, SC
Charleston Southern University
- Nursing Education Online
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 863-7000
Clemson, SC
Clemson University
- Nursing Education Campus
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-7622
Florence, SC
Francis Marion University
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online
- Nurse Educator Online
Florence, SC 29502
(800) 368-7551
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