What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Arkansas?

To work as a nurse educator in Arkansas, you will need a relevant nursing degree. These are ADNs (Associate Degree in nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing). You are also required to have passed the NCLEX-RN before application. Then you need a graduate program such as an MSN or doctorate (PhD or DNP).

However, you may find some institutes provide specific EdDs in nursing education.

2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Arkansas

NurseEducator.com is proud to present our comprehensive ranking of Arkansas's top nursing education programs. As the leading authority in nursing education insights, we've carefully evaluated institutions across the state based on academic rigor, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student success rates. Our research highlights programs that not only meet but exceed national standards for nursing education. These top-ranked schools provide aspiring nurses with exceptional learning environments, cutting-edge curriculum, and pathways to successful healthcare careers.

#1

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate – Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arkansas State University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education represents a targeted professional development pathway for MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialized educational expertise. This intensive 12-credit program rapidly equips healthcare professionals with advanced teaching strategies, curriculum development skills, and innovative educational technologies. Completed entirely online within six months, the certificate provides a flexible, comprehensive approach to transitioning into nurse educator roles, emphasizing evidence-based practices and clinical skills integration across diverse learning environments.

  • 100% online format
  • 12 total credit hours
  • Completed in 6 months
  • Total tuition $4,080
  • Supports curriculum development skills
  • Advanced teaching pedagogy focus
  • Designed for MSN-prepared nurses
  • Incorporates clinical experiences
  • Prepares nurse educators

Doctorate - Nursing Practice, Concentration in Education, DNP

Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Arkansas State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a Concentration in Education is a pioneering program that cultivates exceptional nurse educators through an innovative curriculum. Designed for post-master's nurses, this 36-credit terminal degree strategically prepares professionals to revolutionize healthcare education. Emphasizing advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and clinical competency, students gain comprehensive skills to lead educational transformations. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, enabling graduates to excel in academic and clinical settings while driving nursing education forward.

  • Post-master's DNP degree
  • Concentration in Nursing Education
  • 36-39 total credit hours
  • 540 clinical clock hours
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • National specialty certification
  • 3 specialized education courses
  • Full-time study program
  • CCNE and ACEN accredited
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR - Public 4-Year - hsu.edu

Master's - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Henderson State University's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education provides a comprehensive online pathway for BSN and MSN-prepared registered nurses aspiring to excel in teaching roles. Through a meticulously designed curriculum, students explore advanced pedagogical techniques, focusing on curriculum development, evidence-based instructional strategies, and program evaluation. The flexible program accommodates working professionals with multiple completion options, including a 10-week summer term or 2-4 semester tracks. With 180 practicum hours and no on-campus requirements, nurses can seamlessly enhance their educational expertise while maintaining professional commitments, positioning themselves for impactful roles in hospital and academic nursing education settings.

  • Online Graduate Nursing Education Certificate
  • 12 Total Credit Hours
  • 180 Practicum Hours
  • Flexible Completion Timeframes
  • No On-Campus Requirements
  • Can Complete with FNP/NELA Tracks
  • Concurrent 10-Week Summer Option
  • 2-4 Semester Completion Option
  • Requires Unencumbered Nursing License
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Prerequisite

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Henderson State University's online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education offers a transformative learning experience for BSN and MSN-prepared RNs seeking to advance their teaching careers. The program strategically integrates comprehensive coursework in curriculum design, assessment methodologies, and evidence-based educational strategies. Designed with maximum flexibility, students can complete the 12-credit-hour program during a single summer term or spread across multiple semesters. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, including 180 practicum hours tailored to individual regional contexts. By eliminating on-campus attendance requirements, the program enables working nurses to expand their professional capabilities and explore diverse opportunities in nursing education.

  • Online program flexibility
  • No on-campus attendance required
  • Complete in one summer term
  • 12 total credit hours
  • 180 practicum hours
  • BSN or MSN prepared RNs eligible
  • Focus on curriculum development
  • Evidence-based teaching strategies
  • Learning theories covered
  • Program evaluation included
  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Unencumbered nursing license needed
  • Practicum experiences in your region
  • Simultaneous completion with FNP/NELA tracks
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Enhances nurse educator roles
  • Hospital-based educator opportunities
  • Academic-based educator opportunities
  • Expand knowledge in nursing education
  • Flexible course scheduling
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#3

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas offers a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, tailored for licensed nurses holding a graduate degree who aspire to excel in educational roles within nursing. This 100% online program spans 12 credit hours, focusing on enhancing teaching skills, curriculum development, and leadership in nursing education. It emphasizes evidence-based teaching practices and curriculum design, preparing nurses for impactful roles in academic and clinical settings. With no GRE requirement, flexible admission criteria including a 3.0 GPA, and multiple start terms, this program is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in nursing education. The cost per credit hour is $594.77, excluding financial aid.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 12 Credit Hours Total
  • No GRE Required
  • Licensed Nurse Graduate Degree Needed
  • Cost per Credit Hour: $594.77
  • Tuition Excludes Financial Aid
  • Multiple Start Terms Available
  • Curriculum Focuses on Teaching Skills
  • Four Specialized Nursing Education Courses
  • Admission Requires 3.0 GPA
#4

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu

Master's - Master of Nursing Science

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences provides a Master of Nursing Science program with a specialized Nursing Education concentration. This hybrid program is tailored for nurses aiming to become educators, offering in-depth training in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and educational leadership. It's structured to accommodate working professionals, with a fall semester start and a March 1st application deadline. The program is CCNE accredited, emphasizing advanced nursing education and allowing for concurrent specialty studies. Highlights include its focus on nursing education, flexibility for working nurses, and preparation for roles in academic and clinical teaching environments.

  • Nursing Education specialty available
  • Concurrent specialty option
  • Fall semester start
  • March 1st application deadline
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Advanced nursing education focus
  • Designed for working professionals

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate Program

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the Post-Graduate Certificate Program offers a Nursing Education track for those with a master’s or DNP degree. This hybrid program requires 750 clinical practice hours over three semesters, preparing students for additional certification exams. It's designed for non-degree-seeking students, offering flexible class enrollment on a space-available basis. Additional courses may be necessary for some applicants. This program is ideal for nurses looking to specialize in education, providing a pathway to advance in nursing education roles with a focus on practical experience and certification preparation.

  • Available for Nurse Educator track.
  • Requires 750 clinical practice hours.
  • Flexible, space-available class enrollment.
  • Non-degree-seeking students eligible.
  • Additional courses may be required.
  • Prepares for additional certification exams.
  • Designed for master’s or DNP degree holders.
  • Three-semester program length.
  • Contact Specialty Coordinators for details.
  • Clinical practice hours mandatory.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty

Concentration: Clinical Specialty - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Arkansas offers a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty, tailored for nurses aiming to specialize in clinical education. This online program focuses on enhancing teaching skills, curriculum development, and educational evaluation within a clinical context. It requires a master's degree in nursing, a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, and a current RN license. The program is designed for working professionals, offering flexibility with its online format and minimal on-campus requirements. Graduates are prepared for roles in nursing education, equipped with advanced pedagogical expertise and clinical specialty knowledge. Highlights include competitive admission, national certification preparation, and a focus on clinical specialty.

  • Online Post-Master's Certificate available
  • Nurse Educator with Clinical Specialty Track
  • Minimum 12 credit hours required
  • Competitive admission process
  • National certification preparation
  • Requires master's degree in nursing
  • Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
  • Current RN license mandatory

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

There are several options to study for a BSN to MSN that will enable you to work as a nurse educator in Arkansas. You will learn practice and ethics, theory, and leadership among other things. To be eligible, you will need:

  • Complete the application online
  • Regionally accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; include transcripts
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Submit your NCLEX-RN score before the end of semester one
  • Background checks

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 Arkansas.

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 Arkansas is the only place in Arkansas that offers a program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators. Currently, there are no such programs offered online in Arkansas.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Arkansas

You will need a registered nursing license to practice as a nursing educator in the state of Arkansas, which also requires an RN license. Also, consider your certification options of which there are three choices depending on where you intend to work:

  • The CNE is for those working in a college or university teaching nursing
  • The CNEcl is for clinical educators requiring two years of experience as a minimum
  • TheCNEn is for novices to nursing education, aimed at those with less than three years of experience

You are required to keep up to date with your registered nursing license to continue to practice as an RN. Similarly, CNE requires that you maintain certain ongoing education for your certification, such as workshops and other events.

An RN license in Arkansas is free initially. There are charges for a license by certification or exam ($100) or by endorsement ($125). The CNE certification costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for those who are not members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Arkansas?

Once you've qualified as a nurse educator, there are many ways you can use these new skills. The range includes but is not limited to:

  • Academic: A common career, you will work in a college or university teaching nursing students – undergraduate and postgraduate
  • Health: Clinics and hospitals are the most likely employer, educating trainees and newly qualified as well as providing continuing education
  • Private sector: You may work for agencies as independent training providers, as a consultant, private tutor, for corporate training, or hired for public education
  • Charities: Similarly, you could work for dedicated health charities at home or abroad, in public outreach or public awareness of specific health issues

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Arkansas

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

Conway, AR

201 Donaghey Ave.
Conway, AR 72035
(501) 450-5000

Fayetteville, AR

MSN Programs
2 East Center Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(800) 952-1165

Jonesboro, AR

Graduate Certificate ProgramsDNP Programs
2105 East Aggie Rd
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(866) 621-8096

Little Rock, AR

MSN Programs
4301 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-7000

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

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