Online Post-Master’s Certificate Nursing Education Programs – What Are the Best Options Available?
Nurse educators teach nurses in universities, colleges, hospitals, and doctors' offices. It can be an extremely rewarding career. If you are a nurse with a master's degree, you can become a nurse educator by completing a post-master's certificate in nursing education - often available in an online format. For nurses who enjoy sharing their skills with others, this can be a very fulfilling career path.
What Is a Post-Master’s Certificate Nurse Educator Program?
A post-master’s certificate nurse educator program is a certificate program you can complete once you have your master’s degree in nursing. This certificate program prepares you for a career as a nurse educator by giving you teaching strategies and teaching you how to assess your students properly. Courses may include:
- Teaching Strategies for Practice and Academic Settings
- Technology in Healthcare Education
- Advanced Nursing Curriculum Design and Program Evaluation
- The Professorial Role in Nursing Education
- Assessment and Measurement in Nursing Education
2025 Best Online Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Programs
Navigating the world of online nursing education can be challenging. NurseEducator.com delivers the most comprehensive ranking of graduate certificate programs for nursing professionals seeking advanced specialization. Our expert team has carefully evaluated programs across the United States, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical placement opportunities, and student outcomes. These rankings help nurses make informed decisions about their educational pathways, ensuring they choose programs that align with their career goals and professional development needs. See our full ranking methodology.
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY - Public 4-Year - hunter.cuny.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education - Online Program (Advanced Certificate)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with Hunter College's advanced Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education. Designed for licensed RNs with a master's degree, this innovative online program prepares you to become a skilled nurse educator across academic and healthcare settings. Combining rigorous coursework with hands-on practicum, you'll gain cutting-edge pedagogical skills and meet certification requirements. Perfect for nurses seeking to transform healthcare education, with flexible part-time learning and opportunities for professional growth.
- 16-28 credit post-graduate certificate
- Online program with final practicum
- Part-time study, 2-year completion
- For licensed RNs with master's degree
- Prepares for NLN and SSH certifications
- Synchronous evening course formats
- 105-hour nurse educator residency
- Addresses national nursing faculty shortage
- Diverse career paths in education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Advance your nursing career with Old Dominion University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education. Designed for experienced nurses with a graduate degree, this comprehensive program prepares you to become an exceptional nursing educator. Learn cutting-edge curriculum design, innovative teaching strategies, and professional best practices. The three-semester program offers flexible online and on-campus options, enabling working professionals to enhance their academic and clinical teaching skills. Ideal for nurses seeking faculty positions in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs.
- Graduate-level nursing education certificate
- Three-semester program completion
- Online and on-campus options
- For nurses with graduate degree
- Per-credit cost: $620-$1,486
- Teaching internship included
- Professional ethics focus
- Prepares for faculty roles
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with Old Dominion University's innovative online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education. Designed for nurses holding a graduate nursing degree, this comprehensive program transforms experienced clinicians into skilled educators. You'll gain advanced teaching skills through a dynamic curriculum, including professional ethics, instructional methods, and curriculum design. The program features a hands-on practicum, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. With flexible online learning and just 12 credit hours, you'll be prepared to shape the next generation of nursing professionals.
- Online Graduate Certificate
- 12 total credit hours
- Designed for graduate nurses
- Includes teaching practicum
- Virginia in-state rate $620/credit
- Four graduate-level courses
- Flexible online learning environment
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a specialized 9-credit Nurse Educator Certificate designed for master's-prepared nurses seeking to enhance their teaching skills. Ideal for current doctoral students in nursing, this program prepares professionals to excel in nursing education. Participants gain comprehensive knowledge in curriculum development, teaching strategies, and practical educational experiences. The certificate pathway enables graduates to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator Examination, signaling expertise in nursing education and commitment to professional growth.
- 9 graduate-level credits
- Online/blended delivery format
- 1-2 year completion time
- For DNP/PhD nursing students
- NLN Certification eligible
- RN license required
- Minimum 3.0 MS GPA
- Three core curriculum courses
- Practicum component included
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - Public 4-Year - utexas.edu
Graduate Certificate - Teaching Nursing
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Texas at Austin offers a Teaching Nursing Certificate Program, ideal for nurses aiming to enhance their teaching skills or pursue an academic career in nursing education. This program focuses on advanced teaching pedagogy, preparing graduates for impactful roles in nursing education. While specific details on cost, admissions requirements, and application dates are not provided, the program is designed for flexibility, catering to working professionals seeking to advance their careers in nursing education.
- Focus on teaching pedagogy.
- Designed for academic careers.
- Enhances teaching skills.
- For nurses seeking advancement.
- Prepares for nursing education roles.
Duke University
Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Duke University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education transforms experienced nurses into innovative educators. Designed for master's degree holders, this specialized program equips professionals with advanced teaching skills and pedagogical strategies. Tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement, the certificate provides comprehensive training in curriculum design, educational technology, and clinical instruction. Graduates gain expertise to shape nursing education across academic and healthcare settings, preparing future generations of nurses with cutting-edge teaching methodologies.
- Post-Graduate Certificate Option
- For Master's Degree Holders
- Flexible Online Learning
- Expert Faculty Instruction
- Prepare for Nursing Education Roles
- Innovative Teaching Technologies
- Career Advancement Opportunities
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA - Public 4-Year - umass.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
Unlock your potential in nursing education with UMass Amherst's innovative Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. This flexible online program empowers registered nurses to excel in teaching roles across colleges, universities, and clinical settings. Designed for working professionals, the comprehensive four-course curriculum prepares educators to transform healthcare learning. Graduates become eligible for the prestigious National League for Nursing Certification, enhancing career opportunities and professional credibility in nursing education.
- Online graduate certificate program
- Four-course (12-credit) curriculum
- Flexible learning schedule
- Prepares nurses for teaching roles
- Capstone teaching practicum included
- Open to DNP/PhD students
- NLN Certification preparation
- Courses fully online
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Central Florida's Post-Bachelor's Online Nurse Educator Certificate prepares nurses to excel in teaching roles across healthcare education settings. Designed for working professionals, this flexible online program equips nurses with advanced instructional skills in just three semesters. Ideal for RNs seeking to transition into educational leadership, the program offers a streamlined pathway to becoming an impactful nurse educator without interrupting current clinical practice.
- Online asynchronous format
- No GRE required
- 12 total credit hours
- Part-time program (3 semesters)
- Requires active RN license
- BSN or MSN degree needed
- Flexible work-friendly schedule
- Nurse Licensure Compact states
- Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
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.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Grad Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Connecticut offers an Online Nurse Educator Master's Program tailored for RNs seeking to advance their careers in nursing education. This 40-credit program prepares graduates to develop and implement evidence-based curricula for nursing students and healthcare professionals. It offers two entry points: Post-Bachelor’s degree and Post-Master’s degree for those with a Master of Science in a different nursing specialty. Graduates are prepared for national certification as Academic Nurse Educators or Nursing Professional Development practitioners. The program requires a minimum of 2,080 hours of clinical experience as an RN. It also allows for two courses to be applied toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
- 40-credit online program
- Prepares for national certification
- Two entry points available
- Requires 2,080 RN clinical hours
- Courses applicable to DNP degree
- Focuses on evidence-based curricula
- Online format for flexibility
- Prepares for academic and clinical settings
- Accredited by CCNE
- Designed for RNs with B.S. or M.S.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - Public 4-Year - umkc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with UMKC's Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate. This specialized program prepares experienced nurses to become exceptional educators, providing comprehensive training in curriculum development, teaching strategies, and practical classroom skills. Through a robust 12-credit curriculum, students gain hands-on experience in objective writing, clinical instruction, and student management. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, the program offers a pathway to the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, positioning graduates as leaders in nursing education across diverse healthcare settings.
- 12 total credit hours
- Four required courses
- MSN prerequisite required
- CNE certification preparation
- Clinical preceptorship included
- Completion within three years
- Current RN licensure required
Getting a post-master’s certificate in nursing education is not the same as getting an MSN with a concentration in nursing education. Still, it leads to the same outcome: you will be qualified to work as a nurse educator in healthcare settings or post-secondary institutions. If you do not yet have an MSN, it would probably be better to pursue an MSN in nursing education. The post-graduate certificate in nursing education is for MSN graduates who chose a different specialty for their MSNs but now want to go into nursing education.
A post-master’s certificate in nurse education is also not the same as a doctorate in nursing with a concentration in nurse education. A doctorate is more advanced and intensive. However, some of the credits you complete in your nursing education post-master’s certificate may be eligible toward a future nurse educator doctorate, such as the nursing education DNP, nursing education Ph.D., or nursing education Ed.D. in Nursing Education.
An online post-master’s nursing education certificate usually takes one to two years. It can have as few as nine credit hours or as many as 16. Some schools, especially those offering online programs, allow you to take one course at a time to make it easier to complete your certificate while working simultaneously. For example, you can take one course at a time at Chamberlain University. Online programs are often more flexible about when and where you complete your coursework, giving students much more agency over how they complete their post-master’s nurse educator certificate.
Tuition varies depending on which school you choose. It would be best if you shopped around. UNC Extended Campus charges a flat rate of $672 per credit for all students, whether in-state or out-of-state.
Are Online Post-Master’s Certificates in Nursing Education Programs Available?
Many post-master’s certificate nurse educator programs are offered online. However, you must ensure that there are no in-person requirements, even if most or all of the courses are online. For example, at Purdue University Northwest, an in-person practicum cannot be taken online.
Most nursing programs have clinical requirements, but these can usually be satisfied locally, even if you are taking an online program from an out-of-state school. Check with your school before enrolling to ensure clinical options are close to you so that you will not have to drive too far for your clinical work.
Post-Master’s Certificate Nurse Educator Program Prerequisites
Admissions requirements for both campus-based and online post-master’s certificates in nursing education typically include having an MSN from an accredited school or a state-approved program and having an active RN license. You must be licensed in the state where you will be completing your clinical training, so if that state is different from where you currently live or work, you may need to get licensed in that state before beginning your nurse educator training.
Some schools may require that you achieve a minimum GPA while attending your MSN program. For example, UNC requires a minimum GPA of 3.00.
Depending on your chosen school, you may be required to take the GRE before being admitted to their post-master’s certificate program.
In addition, some schools may have specific courses that must be taken as prerequisites if they were not part of your MSN program. These requirements will vary from one school to another.
Nurse Educator Degree Type Comparison
| Degree Type | Description | Program Length | Typical Career Outcomes |
| MSN Nurse Educator | A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nurse Education. | 2-3 years | Nurse educator positions in academic institutions, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. May also pursue leadership positions in nursing education. |
| Graduate Certificate Nurse Educator | A post-bachelor’s certificate program focused on nurse education. | 1 year or less | Designed for nurses with an MSN or DNP who want to specialize in nurse education. Can also be taken as a standalone certificate for those who already have a graduate degree in nursing. |
| DNP Nurse Educator | A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a specialization in Nurse Education. | 3-4 years | Advanced nurse educator positions in academic institutions and healthcare organizations. May also pursue leadership roles in nursing education or clinical practice. |
| Ph.D. Nurse Educator | A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing with a focus on nursing education research. | 4-5 years | Tenure-track academic positions, research roles in healthcare organizations, and leadership positions in nursing education. |
| Ed.D. Nurse Educator | A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a specialization in Nursing Education. | 3-4 years | Designed for nurse educators who want to pursue leadership roles in academic institutions or healthcare organizations. May also be useful for those who want to focus on nursing education policy and advocacy. |
List of Post-Master’s Certificates in Nursing Education Programs
In search of an online or campus-based Post-Master’s Certificate Nurse Educator program near you? Explore our state-by-state listings below.
Jump to Your State Listings
Alabama
University of Alabama Huntsville
Huntsville, AL 35899
(256) 824-1000
Alaska
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK 99508
(907) 786-4406
Arizona
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(480) 965-7788
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 85017
(855) 428-5673
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ 85282
(866) 484-1831
Arkansas
Arkansas State University
- Nurse Educator Campus
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 972-3112
California
Cal State LA
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000
California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3696
UC Davis
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2145
Colorado
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890
Connecticut
Southern Connecticut State University
- Nurse Educator Campus
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 392-7278
Delaware
Wesley University
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 736-2300
Florida
University of Central Florida
- Nurse Educator Hybrid
Orlando, FL 32826
(407) 823-2744
Georgia
Columbus State University
- Nurse Educator Campus
Columbus, GA 31907
(706) 507-8800
Georgia College
Milledgeville, GA 31061
(800) 342-0471
Georgia Southern University
- Nurse Education Certificate Campus
Statesboro, GA 30458
(912) 478-4636
Georgia Southwestern State University
- Nursing Education Online
Americus, GA 31709
(877) 871-4594
Illinois
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 838-0500
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online
Peoria, IL 61603
(309) 655-2201
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
- Nurse Educator Online
Edwardsville, IL 62025
(888) 328-5168
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL 60435
(800) 735-7500
Indiana
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN 47809
(800) 468-6478
Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, IN 46323
(219) 989-2400
University of Southern Indiana
- Nursing Education (NED) Online
Evansville, IN 47712
(812) 464-8600
Iowa
Clarke University
Dubuque, IA 52001
(888) 825-2753
Graceland University
- Nurse Educator (NE) Online
Lamoni, IA 50140
(641) 784-5000
Kansas
Fort Hays State University
- Nursing Education Online
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-3478
Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
- Nurse Educator Online
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-0111
Maine
University of Maine
- Nurse Educator Campus
Orono, ME 04469-5724
(207) 581-2592
Maryland
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766
Massachusetts
Elms College
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 594-2761
Endicott College
Beverly, MA 01915
(197) 892-7058 x5
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2703
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8000
Michigan
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 591-2270
Saginaw Valley State University
Center, MI 48710
(989) 964-4000
Wayne State University
- Nursing Education (NE) Online
Detroit, MI 48202
(313) 577-4082
Minnesota
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Nurse Educator (NED) Online
Moorhead, MN 56563
(180) 059-3724 x6
Winona State University Rochester
- Nurse Educator (NE) Campus
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-7100
Mississippi
Delta State University
Cleveland, MS 38733
(180) 046-8637 x8
Missouri
Barnes Jewish College
- Nurse Educator Campus
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-7055
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5000
Montana
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT 59717
(406) 994-3783
Nebraska
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 481-3801
Clarkson College
- Nursing Education Online
Omaha, NE 68131
(402) 552-3100
Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Nursing Education Campus
Lincoln, NE 68504
(402) 465-2329
Nevada
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Nurse Education Online
Las Vegas, NV 89154
(702) 895-3011
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, NV 89557
(775) 784-1110
New Hampshire
Rivier University
Nashua, NH 03060
(603) 888-1311
New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Nurse Educator Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Thomas Edison State University
- Nurse Educator Online
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372
New York
Adelphi University
- Nursing Education Campus
Garden City, NY 11530
(800) 233-5744
Binghamton University
- Nursing Education Campus
Binghamton, NY 13902
(607) 777-2000
D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 829-8000
Daemen College
Amherst, NY 14226
(800) 462-7652
Mount Saint Mary College
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 561-0800
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- Nursing Education Campus
New York, NY 10010
(212) 998-5300
SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Utica, NY 13502
(315) 792-7500
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794
(631) 689-8333
North Carolina
East Carolina University
- Nursing Education Campus
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6131
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
(704) 406-4000
The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
- Nursing Education Campus
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2211
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Nurse Educator (Cert) Online
Charlotte, NC 28223
(704) 687-8622
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7211
Ohio
Capital University
Columbus, OH 43209
(614) 236-6011
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 368-2000
Kent State University
- Nurse Educator Online
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-7930
Lourdes University
- Nurse Educator Program Campus
Sylvania, OH 43560
(800) 878-3210
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Nursing Administration Campus
Columbus, OH 43222
(614) 234-5800
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-1000
Otterbein University
Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 890-3000
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-7111
The University of Toledo
Toledo, OH 43606
(800) 586-5336
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45220
(151) 355-8550 x0
Walsh University
North Canton, OH 44720
(330) 490-7090
Wright State University
- Nursing Education Campus
Dayton, OH 45431
(937) 775-3333
Youngstown State University
- Nurse Education Campus
Youngstown, OH 44555
(330) 941-3000
Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Nurse Education Campus
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
(405) 271-2428
Pennsylvania
DeSales University
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online Campus
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838
La Salle University
- Nursing Education Campus
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1000
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-2511
South Carolina
Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 863-7000
Francis Marion University
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online
Florence, SC 29502
(800) 368-7551
South Dakota
South Dakota State University
- Nurse Educator Online
Brookings, SD 57007
(605) 688-4114
Tennessee
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7662
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4578
King University
Bristol, TN 37620
(800) 362-0014
Tennessee Tech University
- Nursing Education Online
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3101
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 425-4416
Union University
- Education Hybrid
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 661-6545
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152
(190) 167-8200 x3
Texas
Angelo State University
San Angelo, TX 76909
(180) 094-6862 x7
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
(361) 825-2753
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7000
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2730
Texas Woman's University
- Nursing Education Online
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2000
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- Nurse Educator Online
Galveston, TX 77555
(409) 772-1011
The University of Texas at Tyler
- Nurse Educator Certification Online
Tyler, TX 75799
(903) 566-7000
Utah
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
(801) 581-3414
Weber State University
Ogden, UT 84408
(801) 626-6000
Virginia
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-1000
Old Dominion University
- Nurse Educator Online
Norfolk, VA 23529
(757) 683-3000
Washington
Washington State University
- Nursing Education Online
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-3564
Washington State University Vancouver
- Nursing Education Campus
Vancouver, WA 98686
(360) 546-9788
Washington, DC
The George Washington University
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-1000
Wisconsin
Concordia Wisconsin Campus
- Nurse Educator Online
Mequon, WI 53097
(262) 243-5700
Marian University
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 923-7600
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Nurse Educator Hybrid
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 263-2400
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-1234
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.