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 Education 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: Feb 20, 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 Education Programs in Florida

Finding the best nurse education programs in Florida is key for your career. NurseEducator.com has done the research to help you choose. We ranked programs based on quality, affordability, and student success. Our goal is to guide you to a program that fits your needs. Start your journey with confidence by exploring our top picks. For details on how we rank, visit our rankings methodology page.

Bethune-Cookman University

Daytona Beach, FL - Private 4-year - cookman.edu

MSN-Education

Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

Bethune-Cookman University offers a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN-ED) designed for nurses aiming to excel as educators and leaders. This 12-month online program emphasizes advanced teaching strategies, curriculum design, and leadership skills, tailored for working professionals. With 38 credit hours, the program's flexible 8-week courses facilitate a balance between studies and professional commitments. Graduates are prepared to take the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, enhancing their qualifications in nursing education. Admission requires a BSN degree, an active RN license, and a 3.0 GPA. The program is priced at $450 per credit hour, with a discounted rate of $250 for military personnel.

12-month online MSN program
38 total program credit hours
8-week course sessions
Working professionals flexible schedule
Eligible for CNE certification
3.0 GPA admission requirement
BSN degree prerequisite
Active RN license needed
$450 per credit hour
Military rate $250 per credit

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, FL - Public 4-Year - fgcu.edu

MSN Nurse Educator Program

Master's - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Florida Gulf Coast University offers a Master's in Nursing Education program tailored for RNs aiming to become advanced nurse educators. This 38-credit hybrid program blends innovative teaching strategies with clinical practice, focusing on evidence-based learning, curriculum design, and professional development. It requires a BSN with a 3.0 GPA, one year of nursing experience, and specific prerequisites. The program is CCNE accredited, offers full-time or part-time study options, and prepares graduates for leadership roles in academic and healthcare settings through a capstone project and professional portfolio development. It aligns with NLN core competencies and provides practice hours in diverse environments.

38 total credit hours
CCNE Accredited Program
Full-time or part-time options
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
One year nursing experience
Multiple course formats available
Capstone project required
Professional portfolio development
Aligned with NLN core competencies
Practice hours in diverse environments

Florida State University

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

Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

Florida State University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Nursing Education concentration is tailored for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This fully online program emphasizes advanced leadership and curriculum development, enabling graduates to teach in diverse healthcare education environments. It stands out for its flexibility, allowing working nurses to pursue their studies without compromising their professional commitments. Admission prerequisites include a BSN degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license, with no GRE requirement. The program offers financial support and prepares students for faculty positions in nursing education, with an application deadline of October 1.

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

Herzing University-Orlando

Winter Park, FL - Private 4-year - herzing.edu

MSN in Nursing Education

Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

Herzing University-Orlando offers an MSN in Nursing Education, a 16-month online program tailored for BSN-prepared nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This 36-credit curriculum focuses on advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and nursing theory, preparing graduates for the Certified Nurse Educator exam. Accredited by CCNE, the program provides flexibility with its online format, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. Unique benefits include eligibility for the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, offering up to 85% loan forgiveness, and the opportunity to apply credits towards a DNP. With a tuition rate of $625 per credit, the next cohort begins on March 3rd, supported by clinical placement assistance.

100% online program
16-month program length
36 total credit hours
CCNE accredited
Prepare for CNE exam
Dual credit towards DNP
Tuition $625 per credit
Next start date March 3rd
Eligible for loan forgiveness
Clinical placement support

Nova Southeastern University

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

M.S.N. in Nursing Education

Master's - Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University offers an M.S.N. in Nursing Education, a 36-credit online program designed for nurses aiming to advance their careers into educational roles. This program, ranked by U.S. News & World Report, combines foundational nursing courses with specialized education modules, preparing graduates for positions in staff development, vocational-technical instruction, and community college teaching. With a 5-semester curriculum, including 170 practicum hours and a Nurse Educator Capstone, it's tailored for working professionals seeking flexibility. Application deadlines are August 1 and December 23, offering a pathway to doctoral studies.

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

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nursing Education - Doctorate - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Nova Southeastern University, with a concentration in Nursing Education, is a comprehensive online and hybrid program for nurses aspiring to leadership roles. It requires 69-75 credits and over 1,000 clinical hours, blending online learning with hands-on clinical experiences. The program offers multiple nursing concentrations, including Nursing Education, and prepares students for advanced practice leadership with a focus on improving patient outcomes. Admission dates are in fall and winter, with application deadlines on August 1 and December 23, respectively. The program includes a three-day Summer Institute and doctoral-level leadership preparation.

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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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.