Nurse Educator Schools in California

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.

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 want 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 where they have 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.

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