Nurse Educator Schools in Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a great place for any type of nursing career. If you’re currently practicing as a nurse and thinking about switching careers, nursing education may be for you. This guide will show you how to switch to this career.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Massachusetts?
To work in a nursing education career in Massachusetts, you need a nursing undergraduate degree to start. This is an ADN or BSN in nursing, followed by a registered nursing license. That allows you to work as a practice nurse, but to teach you need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) dedicated to education, one offering an education pathway. Many nursing educators also pursue doctorates (DNPs, PhDs, and EdDs where available).
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Massachusetts
Finding the best nurse educator programs in Massachusetts just got easier. NurseEducator.com has done the homework for you. We looked at key factors like program quality, faculty expertise, and student support. Our rankings aim to guide you to the right choice. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, these programs stand out. For details on how we ranked them, visit our rankings methodology.
College of Our Lady of the Elms
Chicopee, MA - Private 4-year - elms.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The MSN in Nursing Education at the College of Our Lady of the Elms is a premier online program designed for nurses aspiring to excel as educators in academic and professional settings. Recognized by Forbes as the #4 Best Online MSN, this 37-credit program includes 14 courses focusing on curriculum design, advanced teaching strategies, and leadership. With two education practicums and graduate-level clinical practice, students are prepared to lead and innovate in nursing education. The program's emphasis on cutting-edge teaching methodologies ensures graduates are equipped to meet the demands of modern healthcare education.
- Two education practicums included
- Graduate-level clinical practice
- Prepare nurse educators
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- 14 total courses
- 37 total credit hours
- Advanced teaching strategies
- Curriculum design focus
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Offering a hybrid learning format, the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at the College of Our Lady of the Elms is tailored for BSN or MSN holders seeking to specialize in nursing education. This concise 12-credit program covers essential topics like advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, alongside curriculum design and innovative teaching strategies. Designed for working professionals, it provides flexible course options and focuses on practical application, preparing nurses for educator roles in diverse healthcare environments. The program stands out for its commitment to enhancing educational competencies and fostering leadership in nursing education.
- 12 academic credits.
- 4 courses required.
- Advanced health assessment.
- Pathophysiology concepts.
- Pharmacology for nurses.
- Teaching strategies course.
- Curriculum design included.
- Flexible course options.
- For BSN or MSN holders.
- Prepares for educator roles.
- Innovative teaching methods.
- Practical application focus.
- Leadership in nursing education.
- Diverse healthcare settings.
- Enhances educational competencies.
Endicott College
Beverly, MA - Private 4-year - endicott.edu
Master's - M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Endicott College offers an M.S. in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education, designed for nursing professionals aiming to lead in healthcare education. This 33-credit hybrid program blends online coursework with practical experiences, enabling students to graduate in 18 months. The curriculum emphasizes advanced nursing practice, research, and current healthcare trends, preparing graduates to innovate in nursing education. Highlights include no GRE requirement, a cost of $896 per credit, and accreditation by ACEN. The program's cohort model fosters collaboration, and an internship is included, making it ideal for working nurses seeking to advance their careers in education.
- 33 credit hour program
- 100% online courses
- 18-month completion time
- No GRE required
- Cost per credit: $896
- Total degree cost: $29,570
- Cohort model supports collaboration
- Internship opportunity included
- Designed for working nurses
- Accredited by ACEN
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Nurse Educator Certificate at Endicott College is a post-master's program tailored for nurses aspiring to educational roles. This 15-credit hybrid program focuses on curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and leadership in nursing education. It offers a flexible online format, allowing professionals to enhance their skills in instructional technology and address diverse learning needs. The program includes an internship for hands-on experience, preparing graduates to effectively educate future nurses in various settings. With a focus on ethical considerations and professional leadership, this certificate equips nurses with the tools to excel as educators.
- 100% online format
- 15 total credits required
- Integrated professional leadership training
- Individual internship placements
- Focus on diverse learning techniques
- Develop instructional technology skills
- Advanced nursing education curriculum
Merrimack College
North Andover, MA - Private 4-year - merrimack.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Merrimack College's Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This online program emphasizes advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and the use of simulation in nursing education. With a total of 40 credits required, students can complete the program in 17 to 22 months, benefiting from flexible scheduling options. The program is notable for its affordability at $24,000 total tuition and prepares graduates for the CNE exam. Highlights include 100% online coursework, no GRE/GMAT requirement, and practical practicum experiences in educational settings.
- 100% online coursework
- $24,000 total tuition
- 17-22 months program length
- 40 total credit hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Active RN license needed
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Three annual enrollment terms
- Practicum in educational settings
- CNE exam preparation
- Full and part-time options
- $600 per credit
- Scholarships available
- Employer tuition assistance
Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education at Merrimack College is tailored for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to specialize in education. This accelerated, fully online program can be completed in as few as five months, offering a fast track to becoming a nurse educator. Covering 18 credit hours, the curriculum focuses on teaching strategies, curriculum development, and simulation learning. With a total tuition of $10,800 and no GRE/GMAT requirement, it's an accessible option for professionals. The program also prepares students for the NLN Certification, addressing the critical need for qualified nurse educators in the healthcare industry.
- 100% online asynchronous coursework
- $10,800 total tuition
- Complete in five months
- 18 total credit hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Prepare for NLN Certification
- Requires active RN license
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- College-level statistics course
Salem State University
Salem, MA - Public 4-Year - salemstate.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salem State University offers an MSN in Nursing Education designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles within academic or clinical settings. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person sessions, catering to working professionals. With a 36-credit curriculum, it emphasizes teaching strategies, curriculum development, and evaluation methods over a flexible three-year part-time schedule. Admission is streamlined for applicants with a 3.0 GPA, eliminating the GRE requirement. The program stands out for its adaptability, offering evening classes, transfer credit options, and pathways for non-matriculated students and post-master's certification seekers, all while preparing graduates for national certification.
- MSN Nursing Education track
- 36 total credit program
- 3-year part-time completion
- No GRE required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Evening hybrid classes
- Up to 9 credits transferable
- Non-matriculated option available
- Post-master's certificate option
- National certification eligible
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA - Public 4-Year - umass.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Massachusetts-Amherst offers a Master of Science in Nursing Education online, designed for registered nurses aiming to become educators in academic or healthcare settings. This program stands out for its comprehensive curriculum that includes advanced patient care, leadership development, and innovative curriculum design. With a blend of online coursework and in-person practicums, students gain both clinical and classroom experience. The program is recognized for meeting AACN MS competencies and preparing graduates for Nurse Educator certification. Highlights include its #12 ranking among online graduate programs and a fall admission deadline of December 15.
- Fully online master's program
- Two in-person practicums
- Fall admission deadline: Dec 15
- Prepares for Nurse Educator certification
- Advanced nursing education focus
- Develops curriculum design skills
- Meets AACN MS competencies
- Clinical and classroom experience
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
UMass Amherst's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is an online program tailored for registered nurses seeking to transition into teaching roles. This concise, four-course curriculum offers flexibility for working professionals, culminating in a capstone teaching practicum. It prepares students for the National League for Nursing Certification, enhancing their teaching credentials in colleges, universities, and clinical environments. The program is also accessible to DNP/PhD students looking to expand their expertise in nursing education, with all courses delivered online for convenience.
- Online graduate certificate program
- Four-course (12-credit) curriculum
- Flexible learning schedule
- Prepares nurses for teaching roles
- Capstone teaching practicum included
- Open to DNP/PhD students
- NLN Certification preparation
- Courses fully online
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Massachusetts has two online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, one of them being the University of Massachusetts. Students will have choices of courses in a range of subjects from statistics, teaching, learning techniques, and evaluation and assessment.
- A regionally accredited bachelor's degree in nursing
- A GPA of 3.0; include transcripts
- Some courses may have specific requests for grades
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- Application form and fee; a resume may be requested
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
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) is 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.
The University of Massachusetts has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as a DNP program.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Massachusetts
Nurse educators in Massachusetts must have an RN license and follow all requirements to maintain that throughout, even if they have no intention of working in practice beyond the minimum needed for that eligibility.
While certification is not mandatory, you are strongly advised to pursue it. Three types are available:
- CNEis the standard type– it is for academic educators
- CNEcl is an alternative certification aimed at clinical practice educators
- CNEn is for novices – that is for practitioners of the other two types who have less than three years of experience
Certification also has a list of minimum requirements for applicants to remain eligible for recertification at the end of the term.
RN licensing in Massachusetts costs $230 for the application and $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is $275 plus a $30 verification fee. Renewals cost $120. CNE is the same cost no matter where you are: $500 for non-members of NLN and $400 for NLN members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Massachusetts?
What possible career paths will be open to you once you've graduated and claimed your license and certification?
- Academic teaching: Working in colleges and universities around the country, you'll teach and research both undergraduate and graduate students
- Professional teaching: Working from medical facilities, you'll educate working professionals on procedures, practice, technology, and more
- Private training provider: You may teach professionals, but you'll also work in training for sales professionals and other support employees
- Non-profit and charity: There is plenty of work in training aid workers, public health outreach, and lobbying the government on health causes
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Massachusetts
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Massachusetts? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Amherst, MA
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2703
Beverly, MA
Endicott College
- Nursing Education Hybrid
Beverly, MA 01915
(197) 892-7058 x5
Chicopee, MA
Elms College
- Nursing Education Campus
- Nursing Education Campus
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 594-2761
Dartmouth, MA
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dartmouth, MA 02747
(508) 999-9202
Weston, MA
Regis College
- MSN to DNP Nurse Educator Online
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7000
Worcester, MA
Worcester State University
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8000
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