Nurse Educator Schools in Maryland
The state of Maryland has plenty of opportunities for nurses. If you currently work as a practice nurse in any field and considering stepping up to nursing education, now is a great time to do it in the state. This guide will help you through the process of becoming a nursing educator.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Maryland?
If you wish to pursue a career as a nursing educator in Maryland, a nursing undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN) is mandatory. You also need both an RN license and a relevant Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) either dedicated to education or with an education pathway choice. Many nursing educators also have doctorates (PhDs, DNPs, and EdDs).
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Maryland
Finding the best nurse educator programs in Maryland just got easier. NurseEducator.com has ranked the top programs to help you make a smart choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and how well they prepare students for the future. We know picking the right program matters for your career. That's why we've done the homework for you. Check out our rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.
Hood College
Frederick, MD - Private 4-year - hood.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hood College's MSN in Nursing Education prepares passionate nurses to become exceptional educators and leaders in healthcare. This innovative two-year program offers flexible online coursework and comprehensive training to advance nursing careers. Designed for BSN holders, the track enables graduates to sit for the National League for Nursing's Certified Nurse Educator exam. With affordable tuition rates and expert practitioner-based faculty, students can transform their professional trajectory while addressing critical healthcare workforce development needs.
- Launching Fall 2024
- Online course delivery
- Full or part-time options
- Complete in 2-4 semesters
- Prepares for CNE certification
- Practicum with preceptor
- Lowest regional tuition rates
- Pathway to DNP program
Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Hood College's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs provide cutting-edge educational opportunities for nursing professionals seeking advanced career paths. These fully online programs offer three unique MSN tracks: adult-gerontology primary care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. The DNP focuses on systems leadership, combining research with practice and emphasizing healthcare policy, finance, and management. Designed to address critical nursing shortages, these programs prepare students to become nurse practitioners, educators, and healthcare leaders with comprehensive, holistic training.
- Fully online nursing programs
- MSN features three specialized tracks
- DNP focuses on systems leadership
- Partnership with Frederick Health
- Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
- Prepares nurse educators and leaders
- MSN currently accepting applications
- DNP applications start 2025
- Certification exam preparation
- Three-phase DNP capstone project
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - morgan.edu
Master's - Master of Science (Nursing)
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Morgan State University's Master of Science in Nursing prepares students for advanced nursing roles, emphasizing education and leadership. The 43-credit graduate program focuses on developing nurse educators and healthcare leaders committed to social justice and health equity. Students gain comprehensive skills through core coursework covering advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, research, and evidence-based practice. The flexible Morgan-Flex format allows both in-person and virtual learning, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance their nursing careers.
- 43-credit graduate nursing degree
- Nurse Educator and Leadership focus
- Morgan-Flex course offering
- CCNE accredited program
- Two years RN experience required
- 3.0 GPA undergraduate requirement
- Advanced health assessment courses
- In-person and virtual options
- Professional recommendation letters needed
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Leadership in Nursing Education - Campus Based - Visit Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University's MSN in Nursing Education prepares BSN-prepared nurses to become transformative leaders in academic and healthcare settings. This accelerated program enables working nurses to complete their degree in under two years, balancing professional and educational commitments. Designed with a cohort model, students benefit from personalized learning experiences, small class sizes, and sequential coursework. Graduates develop critical skills in nursing education, including technology integration, student assessment, and scholarly discourse, positioning themselves for advanced roles in teaching and healthcare leadership.
- MSN with Nursing Education concentration
- Under two years to complete
- Part-time study options
- Cohort learning model
- Small class sizes
- Sequentially scheduled classes
- CCNE Accredited program
- Focuses on leadership skills
- Technology in nursing education
- Scholarly discourse preparation
Master's - Nurse Educator (Post-MSN Certificate)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Notre Dame of Maryland University's Post-MSN Nurse Educator Certificate empowers experienced nurses to advance their educational skills across diverse healthcare settings. This targeted 12-credit program transforms clinical experts into innovative nurse educators through a caring science framework. Designed for MSN, DNP, or PhD holders, students gain comprehensive teaching strategies, curriculum development expertise, and practical practicum experiences. With a focus on scholarly inquiry and reflective practice, graduates can pursue rewarding careers in academic, clinical, and community educational environments.
- 12-credit Post-MSN Certificate
- Requires existing MSN/DNP/PhD
- Caring science educational approach
- Practicum in multiple settings
- GPA requirement: 3.0+
- Practicum locations: Colleges/Universities
- Clinical development opportunities
- Mentored educational experiences
- Scholarship funding available
- Focuses on teaching/learning principles
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator (Post-MSN Certificate)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Elevate your nursing career with Notre Dame of Maryland University's Post-MSN Certificate in Nurse Education. This specialized 12-credit program transforms experienced nurses into expert educators, blending clinical expertise with innovative teaching strategies. Designed for MSN, DNP, or PhD holders, the certificate prepares professionals to excel in academic, clinical, and community settings. Students gain advanced skills in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and educational assessment through a caring science lens. Practicum experiences provide real-world learning opportunities across diverse educational environments.
- 12-credit Post-MSN Certificate program
- Requires MSN, DNP, or PhD
- Caring science educational approach
- Practicum in various educational settings
- Focuses on nursing education skills
- GPA requirement of 3.0
- Requires active RN license
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Curriculum includes teaching and technology courses
Stevenson University
Owings Mills, MD - Private 4-year - stevenson.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
Stevenson University's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education offers registered nurses a flexible, online pathway to advance their professional skills. Designed for BSN-prepared nurses, this 15-credit program enables educators to enhance teaching capabilities and contribute meaningfully to nursing education. With credits potentially transferable to a Master's in Nursing, students gain specialized knowledge through comprehensive coursework. The program provides affordable, career-focused learning with competitive per-credit tuition and potential financial aid options.
- Fully online 15-credit program
- For BSN-prepared RNs
- Credits transferable to MSN
- Per credit tuition $635
- 4 core nursing courses
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- CCNE accredited program
- Professional recommendation needed
- Personal statement required
- Current RN license mandatory
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Maryland has a small number of nurse educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Maryland. Students will learn diagnostics and treatment, procedure, law and ethics, and assessment.
Entry requirements are:
- Accredited Associate's Degree
- Unencumbered RN license which is in date
- Criminal background check
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate relevant language proficiency
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Maryland currently has no online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, but several campus-only options including Salisbury University. Should you decide to go with an on-campus option, here are some admission requirements for you to consider:
- A regionally accredited BSN
- Unencumbered in-date RN license
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- There may be specified courses required for entry with stipulated minimum grades
- Non-native English speakers must submit relevant language proficiency test scores
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.
If you're looking for a doctorate in nursing, Maryland has a few options for online learning. For PhDs in nursing, take a look at the University of Maryland's program. They also have a great DNP program.
The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs but you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Maryland
Nurse educators in Maryland must follow mandatory steps to qualify and to remain licensed to continue to work in that field. You will still need an RN license, even if you don't intend to practice beyond the minimum number of required hours.
Nursing education certification is also available. While it is not mandatory, nursing educators are strongly advised to seek certification:
- The standard CNE type is for academic educators
- The CNEcl type is for educators of professionals such as clinicians needing to upskill
- The CNEn type is for novice nurse educators operating in either of the two above areas
Like the license, certification also has a set of minimum required standards to maintain to remain eligible.
RN licensing in Maryland costs $100 for the application fee and a $200 examination fee. Endorsement also costs $100 while renewal costs $136 every two years depending on the year of birth. CNE is a standard cost: $500 for non-members of NLN and $400 for NLN members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Maryland?
What are your career options once you are graduated and licensed?
- Academia: Working in US colleges and universities teaching the new generation of nursing undergraduates and graduate students. Other academic responsibilities may also apply
- Professional teaching: Instead of universities, you will teach from hospitals to working professionals – clinical skills, procedures, and technical
- Private training: Working for an independent training provider, you will educate medical and non-medical professionals such as administrative and sales
- Non-profit: This sector trains aid agencies and professionals, but also lobbies the government and other decision-makers. May also be involved in public health outreach
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Maryland
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Maryland? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766
Bowie, MD
Bowie State University
- Nurse Educator Campus
Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 860-4000
Salisbury, MD
Salisbury University
- RN to MSN: Nurse Educator Campus
Salisbury, MD 21801
(410) 543-6000
Takoma Park, MD
Washington Adventist University
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(800) 835-4212
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