Nurse Educator Schools in Connecticut

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Connecticut?

Nursing education is an exciting career but to get there, you need to follow a series of career steps. You'll need an RN license which you can attain after an ADN or BSN. You will also need an advanced degree, typically an MSN in nursing with an education pathway or a dedicated master's in nursing education. You may also study for a doctorate (PhD or DNP) or a Doctor of Education in nursing (EdD), but these aren't necessary.

MSN ProgramsPost Master's Certificate ProgramsDNP ProgramsPhD ProgramsEdD Programs

2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Connecticut

NurseEducator.com has carefully evaluated and ranked the top nursing education programs across Connecticut, providing aspiring nurses with a comprehensive guide to launching their healthcare careers. Our expert team examined factors like academic rigor, clinical training opportunities, faculty credentials, and student success rates. These rankings offer an essential resource for students seeking high-quality nursing education in the state, highlighting institutions that prepare tomorrow's nurses with cutting-edge skills and professional expertise.

#1

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT - Private 4-year - bridgeport.edu

Master's - MSN in Leadership and Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Bridgeport offers an online MSN in Leadership and Education, designed for nursing professionals aiming to excel in clinical and academic settings. This program requires 30 graduate credits and 120 practicum hours, emphasizing a dual focus on leadership and education. It's tailored for those holding an active nursing license, with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 and a flexible 5-year completion window. Accredited and entirely online, it's ideal for working nurses seeking to advance their careers without sacrificing their current roles. Highlights include a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates for diverse career paths in nursing education and leadership.

• Online MSN Leadership and Education
• 30 graduate level credits required
• 120 practicum hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 5-year completion window
• Dual focus: leadership, education
• Accredited program
• Active nursing license needed
• Clinical and academic career paths

#2

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Connecticut's Nurse Educator Master's program revolutionizes nursing education through a meticulously crafted online curriculum. Targeting working professionals, this comprehensive 40-credit degree equips nurses with advanced pedagogical skills and transformative teaching strategies. Emphasizing flexible learning, the program integrates extensive 560-hour practicum experiences that enable students to develop sophisticated instructional approaches across diverse healthcare environments. Graduates emerge as highly skilled nurse educators prepared to innovate curriculum design, implement evidence-based teaching methodologies, and drive meaningful educational transformations in nursing practice.

• 40-credit Nursing Education MS
• Largely asynchronous courses
• 560 practicum hours
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Fall 2025 Full-Time Start
• Summer 2025 Part-Time Option
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Career Growth: 14% Projected
• Average Salary: $106,620
• Supportive Faculty Mentorship

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Grad Certificate

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University of Connecticut's Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate provides a strategic pathway for registered nurses seeking specialized education credentials. Designed with remarkable flexibility, the program accommodates both post-bachelor's and post-master's degree candidates, offering comprehensive preparation for national certification as Academic Nurse Educators. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based pedagogical strategies, enabling participants to develop sophisticated instructional approaches across clinical and academic settings. With opportunities to apply coursework toward future doctoral studies and a requirement of substantial clinical experience, this program represents a dynamic professional development opportunity for nurses committed to educational excellence.

• 40-credit online program
• Prepares for national certification
• Two entry points available
• Requires 2,080 RN clinical hours
• Courses applicable to DNP degree
• Focuses on evidence-based curricula
• Online format for flexibility
• Prepares for academic and clinical settings
• Accredited by CCNE
• Designed for RNs with B.S. or M.S.

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#3

University of Hartford

West Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - hartford.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Hartford offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Education, designed for nurses aiming to excel as educators and leaders in the nursing field. This 34-credit online program blends scholarly research with clinical expertise, preparing students for advanced roles in nursing education. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.0 GPA, and current RN licensure, with starts in fall or spring. Highlights include CCNE accreditation, a scholarly research component, and a curriculum that includes practicum and seminar experiences, making it a comprehensive choice for aspiring nurse educators.

• MSN with Nursing Education focus
• 34 total credit program
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Current RN licensure required
• Fall/Spring semester start
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple role focus options
• Priority application deadlines
• Scholarly research component
• Practicum and seminar included

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Those who have worked with an RN for some years have a handful of opportunities. Nevertheless, most are available online or as hybrids. graduates have several opportunities in Connecticut to study a Nursing Education MSN. Students cover a range of nursing and education-related subjects including both practice and theory, ethics, curriculum development, and evaluation methods. Eligibility requirements for applicants are:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8or 3.0 on the 4.0 scale; send transcripts
• Minimum grades may also apply to specific individual courses (statistics, research, and health assessment are common)
• Unencumbered RN license
• Your NCLEX-RN score may be required
• CPR certification may be required

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

BSN graduates have several opportunities in Connecticut to study a Nursing Education MSN. Students cover a range of nursing and education-related subjects including both practice and theory, ethics, curriculum development, and evaluation methods. Eligibility requirements for applicants are:

• A regionally accredited BSN
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; send transcripts along with scores
• A current and unencumbered RN license
• Your NCLEX-RN score may be required
• CPR certification

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 Connecticut.

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 Connecticut also offers a great program for this specific degree.

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

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Connecticut

Regardless of your pathway (ADN or RN), an RN license is mandatory. From there, you must have passed a relevant MSN in Nursing Education, or MSN in Nursing offering an education pathway.

The Certificate of Nursing Education (CNE) is not mandatory for educators, however, it is advisable. It's also important you choose the correct one:

• CNE certification is aimed at academic educators
• CNEcl certification is aimed at clinical educators. A minimum of two years of practice and three years of education are required
• CNEn certification is aimed at novices who have less than three years of experience

Your RN license must be kept up to date in line with all eligibility requirements, even if you no longer intend to practice long-term. CNE certification also has requirements for ongoing eligibility.

RN licensing in Connecticutcosts$180 for the application fee and $200 for the exam. There is also a $110 renewal fee. The CNE costs are $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Connecticut?

Nursing educators have plenty of career options. The most typical include but are not limited to:

• Academia: In this role, you'll teach both undergraduate and graduate students in a college or university setting
• Professional education: Training and upskilling existing frontline health professionals with no skills, technologies, and procedure
• Private sector providers: Working independently in a range of services, not necessarily related to direct education. Designed training material and delivery techniques
• Charities: You may work for public outreach and education, advocacy and lobby groups, fundraising, and even health providers in an educational setting

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Connecticut

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Connecticut? 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.