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.

#1

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 Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is an online program designed for BSN holders aiming to become nurse educators. This program, launching Fall 2024, offers flexible online coursework, full or part-time options, and can be completed in 2-4 semesters. It prepares students for the Certified Nurse Educator exam, featuring a practicum with a preceptor and boasts the lowest regional tuition rates. The program is a pathway to the DNP program, focusing on advancing nursing careers through comprehensive training.

  • 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 offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs online, catering to nursing professionals seeking advanced roles. The MSN provides tracks in adult-gerontology primary care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership, while the DNP emphasizes systems leadership, healthcare policy, and management. These programs, in partnership with Frederick Health, aim to address the nursing shortage by preparing nurse practitioners, educators, and leaders. The MSN is currently accepting applications, with DNP applications starting in 2025, and includes certification exam preparation and a three-phase DNP capstone project.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

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 offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, designed for those aiming to shape the future of nursing through education and leadership. This 43-credit hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, catering to working professionals. It emphasizes social justice and health equity, preparing graduates to teach in academic and clinical settings. The curriculum includes advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice, ensuring a comprehensive foundation. Admission requires two years of RN experience, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and professional recommendations. The program is CCNE accredited, highlighting its quality and rigor.

  • 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
#3

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 offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Leadership in Nursing Education, designed for BSN-prepared nurses aiming to become leaders in academic and healthcare settings. This campus-based program is accelerated, allowing completion in under two years, and features a cohort model for personalized learning. Students engage in small classes and sequential coursework, focusing on technology integration, student assessment, and scholarly discourse. The program is CCNE accredited and emphasizes leadership skills and the use of technology in nursing education.

  • 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

The Post-MSN Nurse Educator Certificate at Notre Dame of Maryland University is tailored for MSN, DNP, or PhD holders looking to enhance their educational skills in healthcare. This 12-credit, campus-based program employs a caring science framework to develop innovative nurse educators. Participants gain expertise in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and engage in practical practicum experiences. The program prepares graduates for educational roles in academic, clinical, and community settings, with a focus on scholarly inquiry and reflective practice.

  • 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

Notre Dame of Maryland University's hybrid Post-MSN Certificate in Nurse Education is a 12-credit program designed for experienced nurses with an MSN, DNP, or PhD. It focuses on transforming clinical experts into educators through innovative teaching strategies and curriculum design, all viewed through a caring science lens. The program includes practicum experiences in diverse educational settings, preparing graduates for roles in academia, clinical environments, and community education. A GPA of 3.0 and an active RN license are required, with scholarship opportunities available.

  • 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
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

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 Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education is tailored for BSN-prepared RNs seeking to specialize in nursing education without committing to a full master's program. This 15-credit, fully online program stands out for its flexibility, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with career demands. The curriculum is designed to equip nurses with advanced teaching strategies and educational leadership skills, preparing them for roles in academic and clinical settings. With CCNE accreditation, the program ensures high-quality education, and its affordability, at $635 per credit, makes it an attractive option. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, a current RN license, and submission of a professional recommendation and personal statement.

  • 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
*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2023 survey.

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

Graduate Certificate Programs
School of Nursing
525 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766

Bowie, MD

MSN Programs
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 860-4000

Salisbury, MD

1101 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801
(410) 543-6000

Takoma Park, MD

7600 Flower Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(800) 835-4212

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

Share This:
LinkedIn
Reddit