What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Delaware?

To become a nursing educator in Delaware, you must have a registered nursing license which you will have acquired after a nursing degree (ADN or BSN). You'll also need a graduate degree in the form of a master's degree or doctorate. The latter is preferred though not mandatory.

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Delaware

At NurseEducator.com, we've carefully analyzed and ranked the top nursing education programs across Delaware to help aspiring nurse educators make informed decisions about their academic journey. Our comprehensive evaluation considers factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student success rates. Delaware offers several standout programs that prepare nurses to become exceptional educators and leaders in healthcare training. These institutions provide rigorous academic experiences that blend advanced nursing knowledge with innovative teaching strategies. Whether you're seeking a master's or doctoral program in nursing education, our rankings highlight the most competitive and impactful options in the state. Our detailed assessment ensures you can confidently choose a program that aligns with your professional goals. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of Delaware

Newark, DE - Public 4-Year - udel.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Delaware's online MSN in Nursing Education is a comprehensive three-year program designed for working nurses aspiring to become influential educators. Emphasizing advanced teaching strategies and curriculum development, the program offers 30 total credit hours and 500 practicum hours. With a competitive tuition rate of $848 per credit, students benefit from CCNE accreditation and Dean's scholarship opportunities. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based education practices, enabling graduates to implement innovative teaching methodologies and drive healthcare transformation across regional and global contexts.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 30 Total Credit Hours
  • 500 Practicum Hours
  • 3-Year Part-Time Format
  • Dean's Scholarship Applied
  • $848 per Credit
  • CCNE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Teaching Courses
  • Curriculum Design Focus
  • Evidence-Based Education

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education, Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Tailored for experienced nurses holding a master's degree, the University of Delaware's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education provides a strategic pathway to academic leadership. Completed in 1-2 years of part-time study, the program requires a minimum 3.5 master's GPA and offers potential course reduction. Students develop advanced skills in nursing education leadership, scholarly inquiry, and healthcare innovation. With CCNE accreditation and an affordable $848 per credit rate, the certificate prepares nurses to expand their professional impact and contribute meaningfully to nursing education's evolving landscape.

  • Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education
  • Part-time study, 1-2 years
  • Tuition rate $848 per credit
  • Minimum 3.5 master's GPA required
  • Focuses on nursing education leadership
  • Targets nurses with master's degree
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Potential course work reduction
  • Advanced healthcare innovation focus
  • Prepares for scholarly nursing roles
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu

Master's - MSN Leadership

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's MSN in Nursing Leadership with a Nurse Educator concentration offers a transformative 36-credit online program designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to excel in healthcare education. Emphasizing innovative instructional strategies, curriculum development, and technological integration, the program prepares professionals to become cutting-edge nurse educators. Students explore evidence-based pedagogical practices, comprehensive evaluation techniques, and clinical teaching methodologies. Entry requirements include a 3.0 GPA, undergraduate statistics coursework, and completion of three specialized education courses. The program features a mandatory capstone project and aligns with AACN Essentials, providing a flexible pathway for nurses to advance their educational leadership skills.

  • 36 total credit hours
  • Nursing Education concentration available
  • Completed within 5 years
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • Requires undergraduate statistics
  • Three specific education courses
  • Capstone project required
  • Aligned with AACN Essentials
  • Online and flexible program
  • Leadership and educational focus

Graduate Certificate - Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Post-MSN Nursing Leadership Graduate Certificate delivers a flexible online program with four concentrations, prominently featuring Nurse Educator. Structured in accelerated 7-week classes, the certificate offers affordable tuition and accommodates diverse professional schedules. Led by experienced nurse leaders, the curriculum blends practical skills with theoretical knowledge, preparing participants for multifaceted healthcare environments. The program's straightforward admission process and dual-credit ADVANTAGE™ option make it accessible for nurses seeking to enhance their educational and leadership competencies. Offering both online and in-person formats, this certificate provides a strategic pathway for professional advancement.

  • Four concentrations available
  • Includes Nurse Educator option
  • Flexible online and in-person formats
  • Accelerated 7-week classes
  • Affordable tuition rates
  • Led by experienced nurse leaders
  • Practical skills and theoretical knowledge
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
  • Straightforward admission process
  • Dual-Credit ADVANTAGE™ Program

Doctorate - Combined Post-Masters Nurse Educator Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's comprehensive Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Nurse Educator Certificate represents an advanced 48-63 credit online program tailored for master's-prepared nurses. This transformative pathway integrates clinical leadership with educational expertise, offering two concentration tracks: Advanced Practice and Leadership. Participants engage in 500-1000 practice experience hours, develop evidence-based skills, and learn to address complex healthcare challenges. The program requires a post-masters application, multiple nurse educator courses, and provides a clinically focused doctoral degree. Designed for nurses seeking to elevate their professional capabilities, this program prepares graduates to become innovative healthcare leaders and educators.

  • DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate
  • 48-63 total credit hours
  • Two concentration options
  • Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks
  • 500-1000 practice experience hours
  • Dual application required
  • Post-masters level program
  • Multiple nurse educator courses
  • Clinically focused doctoral degree
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis
Show 2 More Programs ˅
*Based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 data collection. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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.

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education to choose from. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) for practicing doctors, a Doctorate of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) for doctors of research, and a Doctorate of Education (EdD) for those who wish to teach in the nursing field.

The admission requirements for applying to a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, except that you will need to possess a master's degree before you begin.

The University of Delaware has a great online PhD program in nursing worth looking into, and they also have a fantastic online DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Delaware

No matter how your path to nursing education progresses, an RN license is mandatory even if you no longer intend to practice. This is a prerequisite for entry into a relevant graduate program – either an MSN in Nursing Education or a Nursing MSN with an education concentration.

A CNE (Certificate of Nursing Education) is optional to practice as a nursing educator, though it is generally preferred. There are three types:

  • The standard CNE is for academia
  • The CNEcl certification is for those who teach practice and other professionals. Two years minimum practice and three years formal experience is required
  • The CNEn certification is for novices(under three years of experience)

You must continue to fulfill the expectations of the RN license. Also, note that CNE certification has ongoing eligibility criteria.

RN licensing in Delaware costs $156 for the application fee and a $200 exam fee. License by endorsement is $156. The CNE costs the same wherever you are in the country: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Delaware?

There are many ways to apply for your nursing educator degree:

  • In academia: You can work in colleges and universities around the state or the country teaching prospective new nurses and those pursuing graduate-level education
  • Teaching professionals: Training existing nurses and other medical professionals in new skills, techniques, methods, law, and administration
  • Private organizations: You could work to train medical professionals or other advisory roles to both frontline and support employees
  • Charity organizations: There's a wide range of third-sector jobs, lobbying the government on health issues, aid work, and public health

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Delaware

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

Dover, DE

Graduate Certificate Programs
120 North State Street
Dover, DE 19901
(302) 736-2300

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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