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
Elms College's MSN in Nursing Education prepares advanced nursing professionals to become transformative educators. This comprehensive program equips nurses with critical skills to teach in academic settings, professional development, and continuing education environments. Students gain expertise in curriculum design, program planning, and evaluation techniques through innovative coursework and hands-on practicums. The program emphasizes leadership development and cutting-edge teaching strategies, enabling graduates to shape future nursing generations in increasingly complex healthcare landscapes.
- Forbes ranked #4 Best Online MSN
- 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
The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at the College of Our Lady of the Elms is designed for nurses aiming to enhance their teaching skills. This 12-credit program offers courses in advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and curriculum design. Ideal for those with a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing, it prepares educators for diverse healthcare settings. Flexible course options cater to working professionals, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. Admissions require a nursing degree and a commitment to advancing educational competencies in nursing. This certificate opens doors to leadership roles in nursing education, emphasizing innovative teaching strategies and curriculum development.
- 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's MSN in Nursing Education empowers nursing professionals to become innovative leaders in healthcare education. This comprehensive 33-credit program prepares students to design, implement, and evaluate educational programs in academic and healthcare settings. With a flexible, 100% online format, students can complete the degree in just 18 months. The curriculum focuses on advanced nursing practice, research methods, and contemporary healthcare trends, equipping graduates to shape the future of nursing education and workforce development.
- 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
Endicott College's Post-Master's Nursing Educator Certificate is a specialized program designed for advanced nursing professionals seeking to excel in educational roles. This 15-credit online program prepares nurses to become skilled educators in academic and clinical settings, focusing on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and professional leadership. Students gain comprehensive insights into diverse learning styles, instructional technologies, and ethical dimensions of nursing education through a flexible, technology-enhanced curriculum.
- 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 MSN in Nursing Education prepares passionate nurses to become transformative educators in healthcare. This comprehensive online program equips professionals with advanced teaching strategies, curriculum development skills, and simulation-based learning techniques. Students complete 40 credits in just 17-22 months, with flexible full-time and part-time options. The affordable $24,000 tuition covers comprehensive coursework and prepares graduates for the National League of Nursing's Certification for Nurse Educators (CNE) exam. Designed for working nurses, the program offers 100% online asynchronous learning with personalized faculty support and practical in-person practicum experiences.
- 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
Merrimack College's Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education empowers experienced nurses to become transformative educators. This accelerated program prepares professionals to train the next generation of healthcare workers through comprehensive coursework in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and simulation learning. Designed for MSN-prepared nurses, the fully online, asynchronous program can be completed in as few as five months. With an affordable tuition of $10,800 and no GRE requirements, students gain critical skills to meet the nationwide shortage of nurse educators while positioning themselves for rewarding career opportunities.
- 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's MSN in Nursing Education prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments. The 36-credit program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for practicing nurses seeking to elevate their educational expertise. Ideal for experienced nurses wanting to shape future healthcare professionals, this part-time program can be completed in approximately three years. Prospective students with a 3.0 GPA are eligible for admission without GRE requirements. Evening and hybrid class formats provide flexibility for working healthcare professionals seeking advanced nursing education credentials.
- 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
Elevate your nursing career with UMass Amherst's Online Master of Science in Nursing Education. This comprehensive program prepares passionate registered nurses to become innovative educators in academic and healthcare settings. Learn to design cutting-edge curriculum, provide advanced patient care, and develop leadership skills recognized by top nursing associations. Leverage flexible online learning with immersive in-person practicums, positioning yourself at the forefront of nursing education and professional development.
- Fully online master's program
- Two in-person practicums
- Ranked #12 online graduate program
- 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
Unlock your potential in nursing education with UMass Amherst's innovative Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. This flexible online program empowers registered nurses to excel in teaching roles across colleges, universities, and clinical settings. Designed for working professionals, the comprehensive four-course curriculum prepares educators to transform healthcare learning. Graduates become eligible for the prestigious National League for Nursing Certification, enhancing career opportunities and professional credibility in nursing education.
- 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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