Nurse Educator Schools in Kentucky

If you’re currently working as a practice nurse in the state of Kentucky, you have probably at some point considered a career change. Maybe now is the ideal time to switch to nursing education. Here is how you go about achieving it.

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

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

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Kentucky?

Nurse educators working in Kentucky are required to have an undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN), and an RN license as with all nurses. But you also need a graduate degree which can be either an MSN in nursing education or an MSN with an education path. You may also practice nursing education with a doctorate.

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

2025 Best Nurse Education Programs in Kentucky

Finding the best nurse education programs in Kentucky just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've ranked top schools to help you make a smart choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and success rates. Whether you're starting your nursing journey or advancing your career, our guide points you to programs that stand out. Trust nurseeducator.com to lead you to the education that fits your goals and sets you up for success in the nursing field.

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY - Private 4-year - campbellsville.edu

Master's - MSN NE

Online Learning - Visit Website

Campbellsville University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Nurse Education, tailored for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles within the healthcare sector. This program stands out for its flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments. Over a span of 2-3 years, participants engage in a curriculum that emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching skills, preparing them to effectively educate future nurses. The program is ACEN accredited, ensuring a high standard of education. Highlights include a fully online format, expert faculty, and a curriculum designed to foster leadership and teaching excellence in nursing education.

Online MSN Nurse Educator Track
Fully online program
2-3 year completion time
Nurse Educator career preparation
ACEN accredited program
Flexible learning options
Expert faculty instruction

Midway University

Midway, KY - Private 4-year - midway.edu

Master's - MS in Nursing

Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Midway University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Education is tailored for nurses aspiring to become educators. This 100% online program emphasizes the development of teaching skills, leadership, and a deep understanding of nursing education, preparing graduates for roles in both academic and clinical settings. The program is designed with the working nurse in mind, offering flexibility to complete the 36 credit hours required in 18-24 months. Highlights include a focus on the MSN Education Track, fully online coursework, and a curriculum aimed at shaping the future of nursing education and healthcare practices.

MSN Education Track Available
Fully Online Program
18-24 Months Completion
36 Total Credit Hours
Prepares Nurse Educators
Flexible for Working Nurses
Teaching Career Focused

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Teaching Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Kentucky offers a Graduate Certificate in Teaching Nursing, a fully online program tailored for registered nurses aiming to transition into academic or clinical educator roles. This program focuses on equipping nurses with advanced pedagogical skills, including curriculum design and innovative teaching methodologies, through 180 clinical hours of practical experience. Priced at $753 per credit, it's designed for post-MSN, DNP, or PhD holders, offering flexibility and affordability. Highlights include no on-campus requirements, with clinical sites often being the learner's employer, emphasizing a strong focus on nursing pedagogy.

Fully online graduate certificate
9 total credit hours
Cost per credit: $753
Post-MSN, DNP, PhD program
180 clinical hours required
Designed for RN educators
No on-campus requirements
Clinical site often employer
Focuses on nursing pedagogy

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Kentucky has one option for a BSN to MSN Nurse Educator degree through the University of Kentucky. Students study education theory, analysis, and application of teaching techniques, health policy, and both diagnostics and treatment courses. Admission requirements include:

A relevant accredited nursing bachelor's degree. The minimum entry grade is 3.0 on the 4.0 GPA scale
Minimum grade of C in statistics
1,000 hours minimum practice nursing
Current RN license (unencumbered)
The application form and fees
Submit to a criminal background check

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

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education–a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

Kentucky has a few options for the respective online versions of these degree programs. Eastern Kentucky University has a great DNP program, and the University of Kentucky has a PhD program worth looking into. Western Kentucky University has an EdD program that is well-known.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs. Still, you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Kentucky

If you want to work as a nurse educator in Kentucky, it's important to follow these mandatory steps. This means a registered nursing license, of course, and you'll need to adhere to the minimum number of practice and training hours even if you have no intention of practicing.

Certification is not mandatory but strongly advisable. There are three types that apply to different settings:

CNE: This is the certificate you need for an academic career
CNEcl: This is the certificate you need for a professional training career
CNEn: This is the certificate for novices in either of the other two fields, applicable to those with under three years of experience

The certificate requires applicants to adhere to some minimum requirements for ongoing eligibility. This includes practice hours and commitment to ongoing education.

RN licensing in Kansas costs $125 for the application.A$200 examination fee applies along with a $13.25 fingerprint fee. License by endorsement is $165 plus the fingerprint fee above. CNE costs the same nationwide: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Kentucky?

Now that we've covered what you need to do to become a nursing educator, what are your career options?

Academic education: You will work in research and teaching both undergraduates and graduate students in colleges and universities
Professional training: You will work for medical providers at clinics or hospitals, training nurses and other nursing staff for their professional development requirements
Private training provider: Training not just medical professionals and health frontline workers, you'll work for an independent provider training on a range of issues
Charity: This could be any of the above, but also lobbying for health causes, public awareness, and international aid, among other options

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Kentucky

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