Nurse Educator Schools in Illinois

Nurses currently working in practice in Illinois have many career options if they’re considering a change. One such career path is nursing education. However, to get there you will need to follow a specific series of educational and administrative steps. Most importantly, you’ll need to be accepted into a program that will help you advance in your career such as the RN to BSN to MSN program at Chamberlain University.

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

Jillian Lohman, DNP, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 10, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Illinois?

Much like working as a practice nurse, you will need a nursing undergraduate degree (such as an ADN or BSN), and a registered nursing license. You will need a relevant graduate program – either a master's (MSN in nursing with an education focus or a dedicated nursing education program) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, or EdD).

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

2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Illinois

Choosing the right nursing education program can shape your entire healthcare career. At NurseEducator.com, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the top nursing programs across Illinois, helping aspiring nurses make informed decisions. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, student success rates, and overall program quality. Whether you're looking to start your nursing journey or advance your current credentials, our rankings provide a clear roadmap to the most outstanding nursing schools in the state.

Benedictine University

Lisle, IL - Private 4-year - ben.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.)

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Benedictine University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nurse Educator, designed for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This CCNE-accredited program can be completed in two years, focusing on advanced instructional strategies, curriculum development, and evaluation methods. Students benefit from flexible online learning, a required practicum in a clinical setting, and a capstone project. The program aligns with AACN master's outcomes, offering a pathway to potentially higher earnings and expanded career opportunities in healthcare education. Requires GRE.

Online MSN program
Two-year completion time
CCNE Accredited program
Nurse Educator concentration available
Practicum in clinical setting
Meets AACN master's outcomes
Two concentration options
Potential $40k salary increase
Capstone project requirement
Post-master's certificate options

North Central College

Naperville, IL - Private 4-year - northcentralcollege.edu

Master's - MSN: Nurse Educator

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

North Central College offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Nurse Educator, blending online coursework with minimal campus visits. This hybrid program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to transition into educational roles within the healthcare sector. It emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and three recommendation letters. Students benefit from tuition reduction opportunities and flexible start dates, preparing them to lead in nursing education with a comprehensive, innovative curriculum. Requires GRE.

Online MSN: Nurse Educator track
Tuition reduction up to 25%
Holistic admission approach
Cumulative GPA 3.0 required
Three recommendation letters needed
Spring/Fall 2025 start dates
Unencumbered RN license required
Campus visits 2-3 times
Interprofessional curriculum
Evidence-based practice focus

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, IL - Public 4-Year - niu.edu

Master's - M.S. in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Northern Illinois University's M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is a hybrid program designed for nurses aiming to specialize in educating the next generation of nursing professionals. This program combines online coursework with practical clinical experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals. With a curriculum focused on advanced nursing practices and educational strategies, students are prepared for leadership roles in nursing education. The program requires 38 credit hours, with tuition at $509.75 per credit, and offers both part-time and full-time study options. A notable feature is the requirement of 2,000 clinical hours, ensuring hands-on experience. Application deadlines are July 15 for fall and January 9 for spring.

Online master's degree format
Nursing Education specialization available
38 total credit hours
Tuition $509.75 per credit
6-year program completion window
Fall application deadline July 15
Spring application deadline January 9
Requires 2,000 clinical hours
Part-time and full-time options
Internships at clinical sites

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL - Private 4-year - olivet.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Olivet Nazarene University's MSN Nursing Education program offers a comprehensive online journey for registered nurses passionate about transforming healthcare education. This 30-month program equips aspiring nurse educators with cutting-edge pedagogical strategies and learning theories, focusing specifically on developing innovative teaching approaches. Students engage in rigorous coursework designed to cultivate advanced instructional skills, preparing them to mentor future nursing professionals. The curriculum emphasizes practical experiences through two intensive practicum courses, totaling 150 clinical hours, which enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world educational settings. Graduates are positioned to address critical nursing faculty shortages and sit for the Certified Nurse Educator examination.

100% Online Program
30 months program length
$12K total tuition
8-week accelerated classes
36 total credit hours
$690 per credit hour
Requires BSN degree
3.0 GPA minimum requirement
Two practicum courses
150 total practicum hours
Self-selected preceptor
Multiple start dates annually
Certified Nurse Educator exam prep
CCNE Accredited program
Transfer credits up to 6 hours

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Nursing Education Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Olivet Nazarene University's Post-Master's Nursing Education Certificate provides a strategic pathway for advanced practice nurses seeking specialized educational credentials. This fully online program transforms experienced clinicians into expert nursing educators through comprehensive curriculum development training and advanced pedagogical techniques. Designed for registered nurses with existing master's degrees, the certificate program offers accelerated 8-week courses that deeply explore innovative teaching methodologies. Students gain practical insights into healthcare education, preparing them to address faculty shortages and contribute meaningfully to nursing academic environments. The program's flexible online format allows professionals to enhance their educational competencies while maintaining current clinical responsibilities.

100% Online Program
36 Total Credit Hours
Tuition $690 per Credit
30-Month Program Length
Two Practicum Experiences
Prepare for CNE Certification
Accelerated 8-Week Courses
BSN Required for Admission
3.0 Minimum GPA Needed
RN License Required

Show More 1 Programs ˅

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - sxu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saint Xavier University offers a distinguished Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse Education, tailored for nurses aiming to excel in educational roles within healthcare. This 100% online program, requiring 11 semester hours, is designed for MSN graduates seeking to enhance their teaching skills in both classroom and clinical environments. With its CCNE accreditation and recognition as the No. 2 online nursing program nationally, it prepares students for certification exams and diverse career opportunities. The program boasts a highly selective admissions process and a diverse student body, ensuring a rich learning experience for aspiring nurse educators.

100% Online Program
11 Semester Hour Certificate
For MSN Graduates
CCNE Accredited Program
No. 2 Online Nursing Program
Prepare for Certification Exams
Diverse Student Body
Highly Selective Admissions

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Illinois currently offers several choices of BSN to MSN programs, one of which is a hybrid requiring in-person visits to the campus. Students study a wide range of courses covering education of patient care, leadership, and curriculum. Entry requirements include:

A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Send transcripts
Schools may require grades from specific subjects
You must have already completed an accredited BSN
Send the application form and fees
Unencumbered RN license
English proficiency may be required for applicants from non-native English speakers

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.

Illinois State University has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of Illinois DNP program and EdD program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Illinois

RN licensing is mandatory in Illinois to both study and practice as a nursing educator. This applies even if you no longer wish to work as a practice nurse beyond what is stipulated in the requirements of maintaining eligibility. A graduate degree is also mandatory.

Certification for nursing educators is available under three types. Not mandatory, but advisable. They are:

CNE is the first type. It is for academics
CNEcl is the second type. It is for educators of professionals
CNEn is the third type. It is for novices without the required minimum number of years of experience required for the other two

An in-date and unencumbered RN license is mandatory for CNE certification. Other stipulations apply, including a minimum number of hours of ongoing education.

RN licensing in Idaho costs$98 for the application and $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is $50. CNE cost is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members. This is the same nationwide.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Illinois?

What are your career options once you've graduated and gained both license and certification?

Formal academia: You will teach undergraduate and graduate nursing students. You may also engage in research or other academic responsibilities
Professional educator: You will work for health providers, in hospitals and clinics, training working professionals
Private training: This is similar to professional skills education, but you'll work for private providers educating both medical professionals and support staff in technology and procedure too
Charities: You could work in public health awareness and education, health advocacy and lobbying, or educating charity and disaster relief workers

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Illinois

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