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.

#1

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.
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#2

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#3

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#4

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
#5

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅

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.

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:

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?

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

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
651 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 01003
(413) 545-2703

Beverly, MA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
376 Hale Street
Beverly, MA 01915
(197) 892-7058 x5

Chicopee, MA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
291 Springfield Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
(413) 594-2761

Dartmouth, MA

285 Old Westport Road
Dartmouth, MA 02747
(508) 999-9202

Weston, MA

MSN to DNP Programs
235 Wellesley St
Weston, MA 02493
(781) 768-7000

Worcester, MA

486 Chandler St
Worcester, MA 01602
(508) 929-8000

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

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