Nurse Educator Schools in Florida

Are you working as a practicing nurse in Florida and considering stepping up to a career in education? It's a rewarding career in which you can train new nursing students or long-term professionals. If this sounds appealing, you should know about the mandatory steps and other choices to help you achieve this career in the state of Florida.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Florida?
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Florida
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Florida
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Florida?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Florida

Amy Kowalska, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 10, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Florida?

To work as a nurse educator in the state of Florida, it is first mandatory that you have an undergraduate and graduate degree along with an RN license. The undergraduate program can be ADN or BSN. Your graduate degree must be a master's at a minimum – either an MSN with an education track or a dedicated MSN in Nursing Education. Many nurse educators also go on to pursue a doctorate degree in nursing education, which comes in three types: the DNP, the Ph.D., or the Ed.D.

MSN Programs Post Master's Certificate Programs DNP Programs PhD Programs EdD Programs

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Florida

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Florida is easier with nurseeducator.com. We rank top schools to help you choose. Our list looks at quality, cost, and how well they prepare students. Florida offers many great options for future nurse educators. Start your journey with a program that fits your goals. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Florida State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is tailored for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This program stands out for its focus on equipping students with the skills necessary for curriculum design and teaching in diverse nursing education environments. It emphasizes leadership in nursing education, offering flexibility for working professionals through its asynchronous online format. Admission prerequisites include a BSN degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license, with no GRE required. The program prepares graduates for faculty positions across various nursing education settings, supported by financial aid opportunities. Key features include an October 1 application deadline and a curriculum designed to foster advanced teaching competencies.

Online asynchronous program
Nursing Education concentration available
No GRE requirement
3.0 minimum GPA
Active RN license needed
October 1 application deadline
Financial support options
Prepare for faculty roles
Teach in various nursing programs

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Florida offers an Online Nurse Educator Certificate program tailored for nurses aiming to step into educational roles within healthcare. This post-bachelor's certificate is perfect for RNs with a BSN or MSN looking to enhance their teaching capabilities without leaving their current jobs. The program's online asynchronous format allows for flexibility, making it ideal for busy professionals. With no GRE requirement and a completion time of just three semesters, it's designed for efficiency. Participants will need an active RN license and must have completed undergraduate statistics. The program is open to nurses in Nurse Licensure Compact states, offering a convenient path to becoming a nurse educator.

Online asynchronous format
No GRE required
12 total credit hours
Part-time program (3 semesters)
Requires active RN license
BSN or MSN degree needed
Flexible work-friendly schedule
Nurse Licensure Compact states
Undergraduate statistics prerequisite

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu

Master's - M.S.N. in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University offers an M.S.N. in Nursing Education online, designed for nurses aiming to shape the future of healthcare through education. This 36-credit program blends foundational nursing knowledge with specialized education courses, preparing graduates for roles in academic and clinical settings. Highlights include a 5-semester curriculum, 170 practicum hours, and flexibility for working professionals. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report, the program also offers a pathway to doctoral studies, making it a standout choice for aspiring nurse educators.

36 total credit program
Fully online coursework
5 semester curriculum
170 practicum hours required
Application deadlines: Aug 1, Dec 23
Courses include advanced nursing roles
Nurse Educator Capstone included
Flexible for working professionals
Pathway to doctoral studies

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Nova Southeastern University, with a concentration in Nursing Education, is tailored for nurses seeking leadership in educational roles. This online program requires 69-75 credits and over 1,000 clinical hours, offering a deep dive into healthcare innovation and teaching strategies. With flexible online and hybrid options, fall and winter admissions, and a three-day Summer Institute, it's designed for the ambitious professional ready to impact nursing education at the highest level. Requires GRE.

69-75 total credits
Multiple nursing concentrations
Over 1,000 clinical hours
Flexible online and hybrid options
Nursing Education track available
Fall and winter admission dates
Application deadline August 1 (Fall)
Application deadline December 23 (Winter)
Three-day Summer Institute
Doctoral-level leadership preparation

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University of West Florida

Pensacola, FL - Public 4-Year - uwf.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of West Florida offers an Online Nursing Education Graduate Certificate tailored for licensed RNs holding an MSN degree. This program is a gateway for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles, blending theoretical knowledge with practical teaching skills. Over 13 months, students engage in 18 credit hours of coursework, focusing on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and evaluation methods, all delivered through a flexible online platform. Priced at $425 per credit hour, the program includes 300 practicum hours, ensuring hands-on experience. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA and a current RN license, preparing graduates for impactful careers in nursing education.

18 semester credit hours
Online program format
13-month estimated length
$425 per credit hour
Requires MSN degree
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
300 practicum hours
Current RN license needed
Competitive admissions process
Prepares for nurse educator roles

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of South Florida offers an MSN in Nursing Education designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This program stands out for its focus on equipping students with the skills necessary for teaching in both healthcare and academic settings. With a curriculum that spans 40 credit hours, it covers essential areas such as curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies, and the use of educational technologies. Students benefit from both classroom and clinical teaching practicum experiences, preparing them for NLN Certification. The program emphasizes teaching and learning theories, offering part-time and full-time options to accommodate working professionals. A comprehensive examination is required to complete the program.

40 total credit hours
Program on hold Fall 2021
Prepare for NLN Certification
Part-time and full-time options
Teaching practicum experiences
Comprehensive examination required
Teaches classroom and clinical education
Focuses on teaching/learning theories

*Data reference: NCES IPEDS 2023 Final Release.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Those with years of experience as practice nurses will find several RN to MSN opportunities in Florida and some online availability. You will study both preventive care and nursing, theory and practice, statistics, curriculum development and assessment, and health promotion. Eligibility requirements are typically:

A minimum cumulative GPA. This can be anything between 2.8 and 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Send transcripts as proof
Minimum grades may apply to specific undergraduate courses such as statistics or health assessment
RN license (unencumbered)
Schools may ask to see your NCLEX-RN score
CPR certification

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., Ed.D.

Florida has several universities that offer online Doctorate Nurse Educator programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). These programs are designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in nursing education, leadership, research, and evidence-based practice.

Here are some typical admissions requirements for online Doctorate Nurse Educator programs in Florida:

Master’s degree in nursing or related field
Current, valid RN license
Minimum GPA requirement (usually 3.0 or higher)
Resume/CV
Personal statement or essay
Official transcripts from all universities attended
Three letters of recommendation
Interview with the admissions committee
Writing sample or research paper
Evidence of clinical experience or research experience may also be required for some programs.

Prospective students are encouraged to review the specific admission requirements for each program they are interested in and reach out to the program’s admissions office with any questions or concerns. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as competition for admission can be high. It’s important to carefully review the admission requirements, prepare a strong application, and demonstrate a passion for nursing education to increase the chances of being accepted into a program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Florida

An RN license is mandatory for nursing educators. Even if you have no intention of practicing, that license must be maintained in line with the requirements of being a practice nurse. A master's degree or doctorate is then required prior to practice and certification.

Ideally, you should also have a Certificate of Nursing Education. The CNE is optional to operate as a nurse educator. However, it is often strongly preferred.

CNE (standard) is for those working in academic education
CNEcl is for those teaching professional learners. You need a minimum of three years minimum experience
CNEn certification is for newly qualified. To be eligible, you need under three years of experience

RN license requirements are mandatory for ongoing eligibility. Further, the CNE also requires minimum eligibility to be maintained.

RN licensing in Florida costs $110 for the application and a further $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is also $110. The CNE is the same cost throughout the US: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Florida?

These are the typical ways in which you might apply your Nursing Education MSN to a career:

Academic research and teaching: in our colleges and universities educating the next generation of nurses and other nursing professionals in a formal capacity
Teaching professional nurses: working in hospitals and clinics providing mandatory ongoing education and other important training.
Education providers: while you might train nurses, you could be employed to provide any medical training – for example in technology or procedures.
Charities: any of the above roles in a not-for-profit organization, or lobbying and public health advocacy.

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Florida

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