Nurse Educator Schools in Missouri

Are you currently working in Missouri as a practice nurse and considering your next career step? If so, maybe nursing education is for you – you can utilize your practice skills and impart them to a new generation of nursing professionals.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Missouri?
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Missouri
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Missouri
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Missouri?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Missouri

Online Nurse Educator Degrees in Missouri

Jillian Lohman, DNP, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Missouri?

If you wish to operate as a nursing educator in Missouri, you will need to follow several mandatory steps. First, you need a relevant undergraduate degree. Both ADNs and BSNs are acceptable. Next, you need a nursing license just as you would practice nursing. You will also need a Master of Science in Nursing dedicated to nursing education or with a dedicated education pathway. Doctorate graduates (DNPs, PhDs, and EdDs)can also apply.

MSN Programs Post Master's Certificate Programs DNP Programs PhD Programs EdD Programs

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Missouri

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Missouri is easier with nurseeducator.com. We've ranked top schools to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and outcomes. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, these programs stand out. Our rankings are based on thorough research. For details on how we rank, visit our rankings methodology.

Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies

Fayette, MO - Private 4-year - centralmethodist.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Central Methodist University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator is designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, curriculum development, and instructional strategies tailored for diverse healthcare settings. Graduates are prepared to lead with integrity, implement evidence-based teaching methods, and assess student outcomes effectively. The program's flexibility allows working professionals to balance their studies with career commitments, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to influence the next generation of nurses.

CCNE Accredited Program
Online Program Option
Advanced Nursing Education Focus
Prepares Nurse Educators
Evidence-Based Curriculum Design

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO - Private 4-year - lindenwood.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Lindenwood University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nurse Educator, tailored for BSN-prepared registered nurses aiming to specialize in healthcare education. This program stands out for its dual emphasis on advanced nursing and education, featuring a Nurse Educator specialty track. Students delve into curriculum design, teaching strategies, and educational program evaluation, supported by a competency-based curriculum. A unique aspect is the inclusion of a 6-credit Practicum in Nursing Education, requiring one year of clinical experience, ensuring graduates are adept at designing and evaluating educational programs in diverse settings. 'Requires GRE' for admission.

Two-emphasis MSN program
Nurse Educator specialty track
Clinical practicum included
6-credit Practicum in Nursing Education
Post-baccalaureate program
Advanced teaching skills development
Curriculum and program planning focus
Patient education program design
Competency-based curriculum
One year clinical experience required

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Missouri State University-Springfield's Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate stands out for its 100% online format, catering to healthcare professionals aiming to enhance their educational capabilities. This program is uniquely structured to be completed in a single semester, offering four intensive 8-week courses that cover essential aspects of nurse education, including curriculum design and effective teaching methodologies. With its CCNE accreditation, the program ensures high-quality education at a competitive tuition rate. Participants benefit from practical teaching practicums, flexible scheduling, and the option to study full-time or part-time, making it an ideal choice for those balancing professional and academic commitments.

100% online certificate program
Complete in one semester
Four courses in 8-week block
Low-cost national tuition
Practicums with teaching experience
Full-time or part-time options
CCNE accredited program
Teaches lesson plan creation
Flexible scheduling available

Missouri Western State University

Saint Joseph, MO - Public 4-Year - missouriwestern.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Missouri Western State University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration is a hybrid program tailored for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This 32-credit hour curriculum emphasizes leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare innovation, preparing graduates to shape the future of nursing education. Admission requires a 3.0 nursing GPA and an unencumbered RN license, ensuring a cohort of dedicated professionals. The program is CCNE accredited and offers a Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate option, blending core nursing knowledge with specialized educator training. Ideal for those seeking to influence nursing education at academic or professional development levels.

32 credit hour MSN program
Nurse Educator track available
CCNE accredited program
Minimum 3.0 nursing GPA
Requires unencumbered RN license
Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate option
20 shared core course hours
Leadership skill development focus
Completion time: Varies
Criminal background check required

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO - Public 4-Year - nwmissouri.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwest Missouri State University offers an online Nurse Educator Certificate program tailored for RNs aiming to advance into educational roles. This concise, 15-credit program can be completed in 4-8 months, focusing on curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and evaluation techniques. Priced at an affordable $6,040 total tuition, it's designed for working professionals, requiring a BSN and an unencumbered RN license. The curriculum includes five courses enriched with experiential learning, preparing graduates to effectively educate the next generation of nurses in various healthcare environments. Highlights include its online flexibility, affordability, and practical learning components.

Online Graduate Certificate Program
15 credit hours total
4-8 months program duration
Total tuition $6,040
Per credit hour cost $391
BSN degree required
Unencumbered RN license needed
Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement
Five course curriculum
Experiential learning included

*NCES IPEDS database, 2023 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Missouri has a small number of nurse educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Missouri. 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

Missouri has multiple online BSN to MSN nurse educator programs, such as the one at Missouri State. Students will cover courses in both diagnostics and treatment, curriculum and training program development, assessment, and study skills.

An accredited bachelor's degree (BSN)in nursing
Application form and fees
A GPA of 3.0
Send transcripts
A current, unencumbered RN license
TOEFL or equivalent for non-native English speakers

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

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).

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at the University of Missouri.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of Missouri offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, but there aren't any EdD programs offered online in Missouri at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Missouri

Nurse educators in Missouri are required to maintain all eligibility standards of their RN license throughout, even if they do not work in practice.

Optional certification is also available, and you are strongly advised to attain certification; it will generally be better for your career options.

There are three types:

CNE: type one is a certification for academia – teaching undergraduate and graduate students
CNEcl: type two is for those who teach clinicians with ongoing training and upskilling
CNEn: type three is the novice certification for both the previous two types where the applicant has less than three years of experience

Like the license, the certification has some mandatory requirements to maintain eligibility.

RN licensing in Missouri is $200 for the examination and a $41.75 criminal background check fee. License by endorsement is a $55 application fee. The renewal cost is $60. CNE is set nationally by the board and costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Missouri?

Now you have achieved all the steps above, maybe you're considering where you might apply your new skills and qualifications.

Academic teaching: Colleges and universities are great destinations, for teaching nursing students at the both undergraduate and graduate level
Professional education: You'll work from medical facilities teaching nurses mostly in providing their ongoing education needs
Private provider: While you may still train professionals from outside of the health network, you may also train non-clinicians such as support staff
Charity trainer: You might train aid workers, their support staff, and medical professionals in a non-profit area. Public outreach is also a great career

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Missouri

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Missouri? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.