What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Alabama?

Admission requirements for online nursing programs vary by state and by program but typically, you will need a current RN license, transcripts showing a 3.0 average, and a completed application to the school to which you are applying.

2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Alabama

Looking for the best nurse education programs in Alabama? You're in the right place. NurseEducator.com has carefully ranked the top programs to help you make an informed decision. Our rankings are based on a thorough evaluation of factors like accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, and student satisfaction. Whether you're starting your nursing journey or advancing your career, our list is a great starting point. Check out our rankings methodology to see how we determined the best programs. Let's dive into the rankings and find the perfect program for you.

#1

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL - Public 4-Year - jsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Education

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Jacksonville State University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Education, designed for those aiming to become advanced population health nurses. This program emphasizes health promotion, prevention, and community assessment, preparing graduates to meet the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations. With a curriculum that includes disaster management, systems leadership, and quality improvement, students gain comprehensive nurse educator skills. The program is entirely online, offering flexibility with practical teaching practicums to apply learned concepts in real-world settings.

  • 100% Online Coursework
  • Teaching Practicum Included
  • Vulnerable Population Focus
  • Population Health Concentration
  • Advanced Nursing Education Preparation
  • Flexible Specialization Options
  • Systems Leadership Integration
  • Community Assessment Skills
  • Disaster Management Concepts
  • Nurse Educator Competencies
#2

Spring Hill College

Mobile, AL - Private 4-year - shc.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Spring Hill College offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education, tailored for nurses aiming to become educators or leaders in healthcare. This 36-credit program can be completed in one year, providing a fast track to advanced roles. It emphasizes teaching, research, and healthcare technology, supported by a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice. With competitive tuition at $420 per credit, the program is accessible and prepares students for Nurse Educator certification. Featuring six start dates annually, it accommodates working professionals seeking flexibility. The program is CCNE accredited, ensuring a quality education that meets national standards.

  • Online flexible MSN program
  • 36 total credit hours
  • Completed in 1 year
  • $420 per credit
  • Two concentration tracks
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • BSN degree prerequisite
  • Six annual start dates
  • Nurse Educator certification preparation
#3

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL - Public 4-Year - uah.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Alabama in Huntsville offers an online Master of Science in Nursing Education, tailored for nurses aiming to become educators in various healthcare settings. This program, requiring 21 credit hours, blends 12 core course hours with 21 nursing education course hours, all designed to meet national nursing competencies. With flexible part-time and full-time options, it accommodates working professionals. Taught by experienced faculty, the curriculum prepares graduates for NLN certification, emphasizing advanced teaching skills. Admission requires a current RN license and a minimum 3.0 GPA, ensuring a high-quality learning environment for aspiring nurse educators.

  • Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
  • 21 total credit hours required
  • Taught by experienced nursing faculty
  • Flexible part-time and full-time options
  • Prepares for NLN certification
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Current RN license needed
  • 12 core course hours
  • 21 nursing education course hours
  • National competency-based curriculum
#4

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL - Public 4-Year - una.edu

Master's - Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environments

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Alabama offers an online MSN in Nursing Education, tailored for those aiming to become nurse educators. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. It focuses on evidence-based practice and healthcare education, preparing graduates to teach in both academic and clinical settings. With a tuition rate of $495 per credit hour and CCNE accreditation, the program is both affordable and reputable. Students can complete the program in 12-24 months, engaging in online coursework and required clinical hours. Specializations are available, alongside opportunities for advanced nursing leadership development.

  • Online flexible MSN program
  • Four unique track options
  • $495 per credit hour
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Clinical hours required
  • Two on-campus intensives
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • 12-24 months completion time
  • Teaching/Learning track available
  • Advanced nursing leadership focus

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

BSN graduates have several opportunities for education in Alabama; all options are currently online. Students will study the theory and practice of nursing education, and also ethics, curriculum, and teaching methods. Eligibility requirements are:

  • An accredited BS
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; send transcripts
  • An unencumbered RN license. NCLEX-RN score may be requested
  • CPR certification

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Alabama

To gain a license as a registered nurse, you must earn a bachelor of science in nursing. After becoming an RN, you'll need to further your studies with a relevant graduate degree such as an MSN or EdD to become a certified educator with one of many following nursing program options:

  • A CNE is designed for academic nursing teaching
  • A CNEcl (clinical education): This and the CNE require a minimum of two years of practice experience and three years of education experience
  • The CNE for novices (CNEn) is for those with less than three years of experience

You must maintain state requirements of your RN license as specified by the state, and CNE's requirements for workshops and continuing education.

The price of an RN license in Alabama is $100 for the application, $200 for the exam, $50 for a temporary permit, and a $100 renewal fee. A CNE costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

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 South Alabama.

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 Alabama offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators. The University of Alabama is one such institution.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Alabama?

There are multiple routes to becoming a nursing educator:

  • Academia: working at colleges and universities in a research and education setting teaching the next generation of nursing professionals
  • Hospitals and clinics: you would work in clinical settings training those who already work in a nursing profession
  • Private sector: This covers a wide range of jobs which may include consultancy, public outreach, patient awareness, and drug screenings for employers
  • Charity sector: Public outreach and public health not tied to government or the private sector, educating both clinical practitioners and the public

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Alabama

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

Florence, AL

501 Circular Road | UNA Box 5009
Florence, AL 35632
(256) 765-4328

Huntsville, AL

Graduate Certificate Programs
301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35899
(256) 824-1000

Mobile, AL

MSN Programs
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, AL 36613
(251) 675-5990

Montgomery, AL

MSN Programs
7400 East Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 244-3000

Tuscaloosa, AL

EdD Programs
50 University Boulevard East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 348-6639

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit