Nurse Educator Schools in New Jersey
Nurses in the state of New Jersey have plenty of career options outside of clinical practice. If you’re considering a career change, one of the most exciting steps you might consider is nursing education. If you’re thinking about this new career, this guide can help you navigate it.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in New Jersey?
A nursing education career in New Jersey will require several steps from you. You must have a relevant undergraduate degree – this can be an ADN or a BSN. An RN license is also mandatory. The next step is a Master of Science in Nursing. This can be a standard master's degree with an education pathway or a dedicated education degree.
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in New Jersey
Looking for the best nurse educator programs in New Jersey? You're in the right place. NurseEducator.com has done the homework for you, ranking top programs to help you make an informed choice. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our list highlights schools that stand out for their quality, flexibility, and support for students. Find the program that fits your goals and start shaping the future of nursing today. Learn more about our rankings methodology.
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ - Public 4-Year - montclair.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
Montclair State University offers an MSN in Nursing Education, a 35-credit online program designed for RNs aiming to become educators in academic or clinical settings. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, curriculum development, and advanced nursing theories, tailored for working professionals. With a requirement of 150 clinical practicum hours, the program ensures hands-on experience. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. The program, accredited by CCNE, opens doors for Fall 2025 applications, offering a 20% tuition discount. It's an ideal choice for those looking to shape future nurses through a comprehensive, flexible online format.
- 35-credit online MSN program
- Nursing Education concentration
- 150 clinical practicum hours
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Fall 2025 applications open
- 20% tuition discounts available
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced nursing core courses
- CCNE accredited program
- Prepares nurse educators
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ - Public 4-Year - ramapo.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ramapo College of New Jersey offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a concentration in Nursing Education, designed for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles. This 32-credit, NLNAC-accredited program blends theoretical foundations with practical teaching strategies, preparing graduates to educate the next generation of nurses in academic and healthcare settings. Admission requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and full-time nursing experience. The curriculum focuses on advanced pedagogy, curriculum development, and evaluation methods, culminating in a capstone project. Highlights include the option for a post-master's certificate and the program's emphasis on real-world teaching applications.
- 32-credit MSN program
- Nursing education track
- NLNAC accredited program
- Post-master's certificate available
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Full-time nursing experience needed
- Prepares nurse educators
- Teaching in higher education
- Healthcare agency teaching
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ - Public 4-Year - tcnj.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of New Jersey's Nurse Educator Certificate is a comprehensive 14-credit hybrid program tailored for RNs holding a BSN who aspire to excel in teaching roles within academic and healthcare environments. This program, recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education, emphasizes the cultivation of leadership and teaching skills through a curriculum that includes a 150-hour practicum. With options for full or part-time study, students benefit from direct instruction by nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty, ensuring a personalized learning experience. Priced at $1292.66 per credit, the program offers financial aid and assistantship opportunities, making it an accessible choice for aspiring nurse educators.
- 14-credit program
- Hybrid availability
- 150-hour practicum
- Approved by NJ Dept of Education
- Full or part-time options
- $1292.66 per credit
- Financial aid available
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Personalized attention
- For RNs with BSN
- Focus on teaching skills
- Develop nursing leaders
- Academic and healthcare settings
- No TAs, faculty teach all classes
- Engaged faculty
- Accredited by CCNE
- Same tuition for all
- Assistantship options
- Curriculum and advising resources
- Application on space-available basis
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - Public 4-Year - tesu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Thomas Edison State University's Master of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Educator concentration is tailored for BSN-prepared nurses looking to advance into teaching roles. This 30-credit, fully online program is CCNE accredited and emphasizes curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques, preparing graduates to address the nursing faculty shortage. A unique mentor-guided approach allows for flexibility, accommodating working professionals. The program includes a 100-hour practicum and offers up to 12 transfer credits, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to specialize in nurse education. Requires GRE.
- 30 total graduate credits
- Fully online program format
- Graduate certificate awarded
- 100 hours practicum per specialty
- Up to 12 transfer credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Nurse Educator specialization available
- Prerequisites: BSN, active RN license
- Courses include education theory courses
- Mentored learning approach
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
The online Nurse Educator Certificate Program at Thomas Edison State University is a concise 9-credit course designed for registered nurses aspiring to educational roles. It sharpens teaching skills, clinical judgment, and employs evidence-based practices to enhance learning outcomes. This program is ideal for RNs aiming for career advancement in nursing education, fostering leadership and a culture of lifelong learning. Admission requires an active RN license, ensuring participants are well-prepared for the challenges of nurse education.
- 9-credit online program
- Designed for registered nurses
- Focuses on teaching skills
- Improves clinical judgment
- Promotes positive learning outcomes
- Employs evidence-based practices
- Prepares for educational leadership
- Fosters lifelong learning culture
- Admissions require RN status
- Enhances career advancement opportunities
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ - Public 4-Year - wpunj.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
William Paterson University of New Jersey offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Education, tailored for RNs aiming to become educators. This 35-credit program, accredited by CCNE, blends curriculum design and teaching methodologies with advanced nursing practice. It's designed for flexibility, allowing completion in as little as 12 months, with six start dates each year. Admission requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license. The program stands out for its affordability at $24,599.75 total tuition and includes 170 clinical hours to ensure hands-on experience in educational settings.
- Online 100% flexible format
- Total tuition $24,599.75
- As few as 12 months
- 35 credit hours required
- 170 clinical hours included
- CCNE-accredited program
- Six annual start dates
- BSN required for admission
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active RN license needed
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
New Jersey has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at William Patterson University. 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
New Jersey has a handful of BSN to MSN programs offering a Nursing Educator pathway, such as Ramapo College. Students learn a range of skills in teaching diagnostic and treatment skills, but also developmental and organizational. These programs have a minimum entry requirement list, which typically includes:
- An accredited BSN, including transcripts
- Application form and fees, plus resume
- Unencumbered current RN license
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
- A personal statement
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) 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.
Seton Hall University has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as Rutgers University’s DNP program. For those interested in an online EdD in nursing program, there is a good one at Rowan University.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in New Jersey
Professional nursing educators in New Jersey must ensure that they keep up the standards required of a nursing license even if they intend to maintain only the minimum number of practice hours.
You should also consider professional certification. The CNE is not mandatory to work as an educator, but some employers may prefer it. There are three types:
- CNE: This type is for educators in academia
- CNEcl: This type is for educators of clinicians for ongoing training and upskilling
- CNEn: This type is for novices of both categories – anyone with less than three years of experience
The CNE will also require you to adhere to a list of qualifying standards much like the RN license.
RN licensing in New Jersey is $80 for the application,$120 for the license, and a further $200 for the examination. The endorsement cost is a $200 application fee and $58.69 for fingerprint checks. All renewals cost $120. CNE is the same cost across the US: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in New Jersey?
There are many career options to explore as a nursing educator:
- Academia: Teaching the next generation of nursing professionals in US colleges and universities
- Professional development: Teaching working professionals to improve their ongoing skills or for mandatory licensure requirements
- Private training contractor: You could train medical professionals, but this career can also involve non-clinical staff where some medical knowledge may be needed (such as sales)
- Charity training: Educating aid workers – both with clinical practice and support – who need training in the course of their job
- Public health: Outreach or other similar public-facing roles are vital in educating the general public
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in New Jersey
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in New Jersey? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Mahwah, NJ
Ramapo College
- Nursing Education Track Online
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 684-7500
Teaneck, NJ
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Nurse Educator Campus
- Nursing Education Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University
- Nurse Educator Online
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372
Wayne, NJ
William Paterson University
- Education Campus
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 720-2000
West Long Branch, NJ
Monmouth University
- Nursing Education Online
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 571-3400
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