Nurse Educator Schools in California

The Nursing Education Graduate Certificate at California State University-Long Beach is designed for nurses who have completed a Master of Nursing degree. This 13-unit program equips students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to excel as educators in healthcare, community, or academic settings. It can be pursued concurrently with a Master’s degree or as a standalone post-master’s certificate. Admission requires a current RN license and graduate standing in or completion of a Nursing Master’s program from an accredited institution. This certificate focuses on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and practical teaching experiences, preparing graduates for impactful roles in nursing education.

• 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

California State University-Dominguez Hills offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Educator program designed for working nurses seeking advanced teaching roles. This flexible online program prepares students to become nurse educators in academic and clinical settings, with asynchronous coursework and periodic on-campus meetings. Students gain hands-on teaching experience through 288 clinical hours under expert preceptorship. The curriculum balances advanced nursing knowledge with specialized educational training, positioning graduates for diverse roles in nursing education, from clinical instructors to staff development directors.

• 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

Elevate your nursing career with Point Loma Nazarene University's dynamic Master of Science in Nursing program. Designed for working professionals, this fully online degree prepares nurses for advanced practice roles through a holistic, faith-integrated curriculum. Students can choose from specialized tracks like Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner, completing the program in just two years. With small class sizes, personalized mentoring, and competitive tuition at $820 per unit, this program offers an accessible pathway to professional growth and leadership in healthcare.

• 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

Pacific Union College's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nurse Education prepares aspiring nursing educators through a comprehensive 47-unit online program. Designed for working professionals, the flexible curriculum can be completed in 18-24 months. Students develop advanced teaching strategies, curriculum design skills, and educational leadership competencies. The program includes specialized coursework in teaching technology, curriculum development, and evaluation strategies, complemented by extensive field experiences. Affordable at $420 per unit, the program offers a unique opportunity for nurses to transition into academic and educational roles while maintaining professional flexibility.

• 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

California State University-Los Angeles offers a robust Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialized Nursing Education Option. This comprehensive 35-38 unit program prepares advanced practice nurses to excel in educational settings. Aspiring nurse educators gain critical skills through a dynamic curriculum featuring advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment techniques. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical field study, enabling students to develop sophisticated teaching methodologies and healthcare insights. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible learning pathways and prepares graduates to shape the future of nursing education.

• 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