What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in California?

To become a nurse educator in California, you will first need to follow the steps to become a registered nurse. The usual path is through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN. Nurse educators are required to have an advanced degree such as MSN, PhD, or DNP.

You may also be able to take advantage of an online Doctor of Education in nursing (Ed.D.)too.

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in California

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in California? You're in the right place. NurseEducator.com has carefully ranked top programs to help you make an informed decision. Our rankings focus on quality, affordability, and student success. We understand the importance of choosing a program that fits your career goals. Start your journey towards becoming a nurse educator with confidence. Check out our detailed rankings and find the program that's right for you. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

#1

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA - Public 4-Year - csulb.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-Long Beach offers a Nursing Education Graduate Certificate tailored for nurses holding a Master of Nursing degree. This 13-unit program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, focusing on curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies, and hands-on teaching experiences. Ideal for those aiming to educate in healthcare or academic environments, it requires a current RN license and graduate standing in or completion of an accredited Nursing Master’s program. The certificate can be pursued alongside a Master’s degree or independently, preparing graduates to make significant contributions to nursing education through comprehensive training in both classroom and clinical settings.

  • 13 units total
  • Post-master’s certificate
  • Concurrent with Master’s degree
  • Focus on nursing education
  • Theoretical and practical expertise
  • Preparation for academic settings
  • Preparation for healthcare settings
  • Curriculum development focus
  • Teaching strategies included
  • Practical teaching experiences
  • Current RN license required
  • Graduate standing required
  • Accredited institution prerequisite
  • NRSG 556A - Conditions of Learning
  • NRSG 556B - Curriculum Development
  • NRSG 556C - Microteaching
  • NRSG 556L - Practice Teaching
  • Effective educators preparation
  • Community education focus
  • Healthcare service agency focus
#2

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA - Public 4-Year - csudh.edu

Master's - MSN Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

California State University-Dominguez Hills provides an MSN Nurse Educator program tailored for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This online program combines theoretical knowledge with practical teaching skills, offering asynchronous courses for flexibility. Students must complete 288 clinical hours, gaining real-world teaching experience under supervision. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the expertise needed for various educational settings, including academia and healthcare institutions. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, RN licensure, and prerequisites in statistics and research. With fall and spring admissions, the program supports part-time students, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in nursing education.

  • Online asynchronous coursework
  • Minimum 288 clinical hours
  • Prepares for teaching positions
  • Part-time study plan
  • GPA requirement 3.0
  • RN licensure required
  • Fall and spring admission
  • Prerequisites: statistics, research
  • 33 total program units
  • Advanced nursing role focus
#3

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - pointloma.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Point Loma Nazarene University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, blending online and in-person learning for flexibility. This hybrid program is tailored for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles, emphasizing a faith-integrated approach to nursing education. With a focus on small class sizes and personalized mentorship, students engage in a curriculum designed to foster leadership and teaching excellence in nursing. The program requires one year of RN experience and offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a nurse educator, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Highlights include a faith-integrated curriculum, small class sizes, and a requirement of 1 year RN experience.

  • Fully online asynchronous format
  • Optional synchronous online classes
  • 2-2.5 year completion time
  • $820 per unit tuition
  • 4 APRN specialty tracks
  • 500-750 clinical hours
  • Classes of 15-20 students
  • One in-person course option
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Requires 1 year RN experience
#4

Pacific Union College

Angwin, CA - Private 4-year - puc.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Pacific Union College offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, tailored for nurses aiming to excel in academic and clinical education settings. This 47-unit program, priced at $420 per unit, is designed for completion in 18-24 months, accommodating the schedules of working professionals. It emphasizes advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and the integration of technology in education, alongside 140 hours of field experience. The program's asynchronous online format allows for flexibility, making it an ideal choice for nurses seeking to advance their careers without pausing their professional lives. ACEN accreditation ensures the program meets high standards of nursing education.

  • Online asynchronous program format
  • 18-24 months completion time
  • 47 total program units
  • $420 per unit cost
  • Ideal for working nurses
  • Flexible field experience scheduling
  • 2-3 courses taken simultaneously
  • Courses average 4-5 credits
  • 140 total field experience hours
  • ACEN accredited program
#5

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA - Public 4-Year - calstatela.edu

Master's - Nursing, M.S.

Concentration: Nursing Education - Campus Based - Visit Website

California State University-Los Angeles stands out with its Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, specifically designed for those aiming to specialize in Nursing Education. This 35-38 unit program is tailored to equip advanced practice nurses with the necessary skills to thrive in educational roles. The curriculum delves into advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment, alongside offering practical field study opportunities. It's an ideal choice for professionals seeking to influence the next generation of nurses, with flexible learning options to accommodate working schedules. The program is CCNE accredited, requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, and admits students annually in the Fall. 'Requires GRE' for admission.

  • 35-38 total program units
  • Nursing Education Option available
  • Advanced practice core courses
  • 12 units advanced practice courses
  • Comprehensive exam option
  • Thesis research possible
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Annual Fall semester admission
  • Clinical field study component
*Higher education statistics sourced from IPEDS 2023 via NCES.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

There are several RN to MSN online programs available in California. Subjects you will study include practice and education theory, health assessment, management, pharmacology, statistics, and community nursing. Eligibility is as follows:

  • GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; some will ask for a minimum of 3.0
  • Current unencumbered RN license
  • Submission of your NCLEX-RN score
  • Submission of any required background checks

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

For those who already have a BSN, you have several options including both dedicated MSNs and nursing MSNs with CNE-approved nursing educator concentrations. Subjects include both practice and theory, ethics, and education techniques:

  • Regionally accredited BSN
  • Minimum GPA which will vary from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Send transcripts
  • Current RN license (unencumbered)
  • Submit your NCLEX-RN score
  • Submit details for any required background checks

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 (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically reserved for career researchers of nursing. The EdD is for those students who wish to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

For California-based online doctorate programs, there are a few options. For DNP programs, the University of California Davis has a popular online program. For PhD programs, check out UCLA, which has a great online program.

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).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in California

You'll first need to attain your RN license if you don't already have it. For this, you'll need a BSN – any concentration. Then study for a relevant graduate degree as discussed above.

There are three available certificates to practice as a certified nursing educator:

  • The CNE is the certification for academic educators
  • The CNEcl is the certification for clinical educators. Applicants will need two years of practice and three years of education and experience for eligibility
  • The CNEn is for novice education practitioners who have less than three years of experience

You must adhere to all requirements as specified in the RN license eligibility and any required by your CNE. This usually includes continuing education, among other things.

RN licensing in California costs $300 for application by examination and $250 for out-of-state graduate applicants. The annual renewal fee is $190. The CNE cost is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in California?

You will find the following careers open to you in California:

  • Colleges and universities: Working as a lecturer and/or researcher, teaching the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners
  • Medical settings: Clinics and hospitals that employ nurses who need ongoing education. You may also be a practice nurse
  • Private sector services: working for an independent agency, specialist education organization, or any other provider of health services
  • Charities: Public health advocates, public awareness, and policy advisory are all great career choices too

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in California

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

Azusa, CA

901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434

Carson, CA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3696

Fullerton, CA

800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011

Loma Linda, CA

MSN Programs
11262 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923

Los Angeles, CA

Graduate Certificate Programs
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000

MSN Programs
Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000

MSN Programs
10 Chester Place
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 477-2500

Riverside, CA

MSN Programs
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615

Sacramento, CA

4610 X Street Suite 4202
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2145

San Jose, CA

MSN Programs
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192
(408) 924-1000

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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