Nurse Educator Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee is a great place to work as a nurse, both in practice and outside of the front line. It’s also a great state to work in nursing education, whether it's teaching new nursing students or upskilling existing RN professionals. If you’re considering this as a career, read through this guide for more information.

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

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

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Tennessee?

Nursing educators in Tennessee require a relevant undergraduate degree in nursing. This can be either an ADN or BSN. As with your practice nursing, you must have a Registered Nursing license. Further, you need a master's degree in nursing (MSN) with an education major or option, or a doctorate (Ph.D., DNP, Ed.D.) with those too.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Tennessee

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in Tennessee? You're in the right place. NurseEducator.com has done the homework for you. We've ranked the top programs to help you make a smart choice. Our list is based on key factors that matter most to future nurse educators. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our rankings guide you to the best options. Want to know how we did it? Check out our rankings methodology for all the details.

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Austin Peay State University's MSN Nurse Educator concentration equips registered nurses to excel in academic and healthcare education settings. This flexible 31-credit online program prepares professionals to teach in colleges, universities, and health-related organizations. Students complete the degree in approximately two years, taking one to two courses per semester. The curriculum combines advanced nursing theory with specialized educational methodologies, providing a comprehensive pathway for nurses seeking to shape future healthcare professionals' learning experiences.

100% online coursework
31-hour concentration
240 required clinical hours
Two admission cycles annually
Fall deadline: May 1st
Spring deadline: October 1st
2.9 minimum GPA required
Undergraduate statistics course
Unencumbered RN license
Prepares for faculty positions

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN - Private 4-year - cumberland.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Cumberland University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator emphasis prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in educational roles across healthcare settings. The comprehensive program equips students with critical teaching strategies, learning theories, and research methodologies essential for effective nursing education. Graduates develop advanced skills in curriculum design, learner assessment, and organizational leadership, positioning themselves as transformative educators in academic and clinical environments.

Online MSN Nurse Educator program
5 semesters to complete
Two annual start dates
Asynchronous class format
Aligns with NLN Core Competencies
Develops educational leadership skills
Prepares for diverse teaching roles
Evidence-based curriculum approach
Network with healthcare professionals
Advanced communication skills development

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Master's - MSN Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University's MSN in Nursing Education prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in educational roles across diverse healthcare settings. This comprehensive program equips students with sophisticated teaching methodologies, curriculum development skills, and clinical expertise. Graduates can pursue careers as nursing faculty in academic programs or clinical nurse educators. The 42-credit hour program offers specialized tracks in areas like Adult Health, Psychiatric/Mental Health, and Pediatric Nursing. With flexible online learning and competitive tuition rates, students can balance professional responsibilities while advancing their nursing education.

100% Online Asynchronous Program
42 Credit Hours Total
No GRE Required
5 Specialized Clinical Tracks
Preparation for NLN Certification
Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
Tennessee Resident Rate: $646/Credit
Preceptorship Opportunities Included
CCNE Accredited Program

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Tennessee Tech's MSN in Nursing Education prepares advanced practice nurses to excel as educators in academic and clinical settings. Graduates develop comprehensive skills to teach and train nursing professionals, with opportunities for faculty and staff development roles. The program emphasizes innovative teaching strategies, clinical expertise, and professional development, enabling students to become influential nurse educators who shape future healthcare practices and enhance patient care across diverse healthcare environments.

Nursing Education concentration offered
Academic and clinical teaching preparation
Prepares for faculty and staff roles
Certification as Nurse Educator encouraged
Advanced nursing knowledge integration
Collaborative interdisciplinary approach
Holistic healthcare perspective

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Tennessee Tech's Post Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education empowers master's-prepared nurses to excel in teaching roles. This specialized 16-credit program provides comprehensive training for educators seeking to address the critical nursing faculty shortage. Designed for professionals with existing master's degrees, the certificate enhances career opportunities in academic and clinical settings, enabling graduates to teach nursing students and prepare for national certification exams.

16 credit hour post-graduate certificate
For masters-prepared nurses
Completed in 3 semesters
National certification exam eligible
Classroom and clinical education focus
Addresses nursing faculty shortage
No second master's degree required

Show More 1 Programs ˅

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Post-Master's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate provides advanced training for experienced nurses seeking to become educators. Designed for MSN-prepared professionals, this 12-credit program equips nurses with comprehensive skills in academic and clinical teaching environments. Participants develop expertise in resource management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leveraging technology for effective nursing education. The flexible curriculum combines specialized nursing courses with educational training, enabling graduates to excel in healthcare teaching roles across diverse settings.

Post-Master's Certificate
12 total credit hours
Requires existing MSN degree
6 nursing credits
6 education credits
Academic and service settings
Interdisciplinary collaborative focus
Technology integration training
Customizable course selection

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Tennessee has just one online RN to MSN Nurse Educator program located at East Tennessee University. It is available as a part-time and a full-time program for those who currently work as registered nurses.

Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing
Unencumbered Registered Nursing license
Transcripts may be required
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Specific courses are usually required, including statistics and anatomy & physiology, usually with a grade of C or 3.0 or equivalent

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

There are two online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs in Tennessee, Tennessee State University and East Tennessee University. Students learn to teach clinical skills, but also teaching and assessment methods, along with curriculum design and effective assessment.

A regionally accredited BSN
A copy of your unencumbered RN license
State-issued ID
Reference letters – must be a mix of academic and employer references
Send transcripts with your application if requested
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale

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

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education–a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (Ph.D.), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the Ph.D. is typically for research. The Ed.D. is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

There are a few great examples of programs offered in these degree types. For Ph.D. programs, as well as DNP programs, the University of Tennessee is a great choice.

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

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Tennessee

Nursing educators in Tennessee are required to maintain a list of qualifiers to hold and maintain the Registered Nursing license. Those who will solely work as educators are not excluded from this.

Nursing educators should consider certification through the CNE. Though it is not mandatory, some employers may strongly prefer it or stipulate it in job listings. Three types exist:

CNE is the certification for those working in academic teaching (colleges and universities)
CNEcl is the certification for professional trainers (those who work in clinical settings teaching other clinicians)
CNEn is the novice type of certification for those with less than three years of experience in either field

Much like licensing, certification also holds a minimum criteria list for continued eligibility and renewal.

RN licensing in Tennessee costs $115 for license by endorsement and $200 for the examination. There is no fee for the application. CNE is one standard cost no matter the state of residence: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Tennessee?

The following careers are the most likely destinations for you once you've completed all the steps above:

Academia: US nursing schools and universities employ educators as teachers for nursing undergraduates and graduate students
Professional training: Hospitals and other medical facilities that employ medical professionals require educators for ongoing training
Private training: You'll work for independent agencies and train support staff rather than clinicians. This includes sales and administrative support
Non-profit: Educators are required for training aid workers, but also when appealing to government and grant bodies
Public health: Likely a public-facing role meeting the general public or special interest groups with dedicated health needs

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Tennessee

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