Nurse Educator Schools in North Carolina

There are many ways in which nurses in North Carolina can apply their skills with the practice being among the most common. Sometimes, practice nurses decide to shift focus to the education of new students and training professionals. If this career is of interest to you, read on.

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

Angelica Lim, BSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in North Carolina?

Nursing educators in the state require three things: a relevant undergraduate degree (either an ADN or BSN), a Registered Nursing license, and a relevant master's degree (MSN). You need the license even if you wish to exit nursing practice and only work the mandated number of hours required for continued licensure. The MSN can either be dedicated to education or a regular nursing MSN with an education concentration. PhD graduates are also eligible.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in North Carolina

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in North Carolina? You're in the right place. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework to bring you top-ranked programs. Our list is based on key factors that matter most to future nurse educators. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our rankings guide you to the best options. Find a program that fits your goals and start shaping the future of nursing today. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC - Public 4-Year - appstate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at Appalachian State University is an online program designed for RNs looking to specialize in nursing education. This 12-credit hour certificate can be completed in two semesters part-time, offering flexibility for working professionals. It prepares nurses for roles in academic and clinical education, meeting North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements. Credits earned can also be applied toward a Master of Science in Nursing degree, making it a strategic step for career advancement in nursing education.

Online Graduate Certificate program
12 credit hours total
Completed in 2 semesters
Meets NC Board of Nursing requirements
Applicable to MSN degree
Prepares nurses for educational roles
Part-time study option

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Appalachian State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a concentration in Nursing Education is a hybrid program set to launch in Fall 2026. This innovative program is tailored for nurses aiming to lead in educational roles within healthcare. It combines online learning with on-campus clinical training, focusing on rural healthcare challenges. The part-time, four-year structure allows for flexibility, preparing nurses to address the nationwide nursing shortage. Specializations include Nursing Education, Public Health Policy, and Healthcare Administration. Admission requires a BSN, nursing license, and one year of clinical experience. The program is unique for its focus on rural healthcare needs and its hybrid delivery model.

Hybrid DNP program launching Fall 2026
Three specialization concentrations available
Part-time, four-year program structure
Online coursework with on-campus sessions
Focuses on rural healthcare needs
Initial cohort of seven students
Projected 77 students by 2030
Requires BSN and nursing license
One year clinical experience required
Training at Hickory campus location

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Barton College

Wilson, NC - Private 4-year - barton.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Education - Campus Based - Visit Website

Barton College offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Education, tailored for nurses aiming to transition into teaching roles. This campus-based program spans 39 credit hours, blending advanced clinical knowledge with educational strategies over a two-year part-time schedule. It emphasizes curriculum development, educational technology, and healthcare policy, preparing graduates for leadership in academic and clinical settings. The curriculum includes advanced practicum experiences, health assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology, culminating in a thesis or project. Ideal for those seeking to influence the next generation of nurses, this program combines rigorous academic training with practical teaching applications.

MSN Education Concentration available
39 total credit hours
Two-year part-time program
Advanced clinical and teaching courses
Includes advanced practicum
Covers health assessment skills
Includes advanced pathophysiology
Advanced pharmacology training
Curriculum development focus
Thesis/project requirement

Duke University

Durham, NC - Private 4-year - duke.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Duke University offers a Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate program, ideal for master's-prepared nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This hybrid program blends online coursework with practical experiences, focusing on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and the use of technology in teaching. Participants will learn from esteemed faculty and gain the skills necessary to educate the next generation of nurses in both academic and clinical settings. The program is designed for those seeking to enhance their teaching capabilities without committing to a full degree program, offering flexibility for working professionals.

Post-Graduate Certificate Option
For Master's Degree Holders
Flexible Online Learning
Expert Faculty Instruction
Prepare for Nursing Education Roles
Innovative Teaching Technologies
Career Advancement Opportunities

East Carolina University

Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

East Carolina University offers a Post-MSN Certificate in Nursing Education designed for master's-prepared nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This online program focuses on equipping nurses with the necessary skills to excel as educators in both academic and clinical environments. It stands out by preparing graduates for the Certified Nurse Educator Exam, a valuable credential for advancing in the nursing education field. The program's flexibility and lack of GRE/MAT requirement make it an attractive option for working professionals. With eight Post-MSN certificate options available, students can tailor their education to meet specific career goals.

Online Nursing Education Certificate
No GRE/MAT Required
Eight Post-MSN Certificate Options
Certified Nurse Educator Exam Prep
Designed for Master's-Prepared Nurses

Gardner-Webb University

Boiling Springs, NC - Private 4-year - gardner-webb.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Gardner-Webb University's Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education is tailored for nurses aspiring to lead in educational roles within healthcare and academic environments. This online program is designed for efficiency, allowing completion in one year through 8-week courses, starting in August or January. The 30-credit curriculum emphasizes advanced teaching techniques, curriculum development, and practical experience via a hands-on practicum. Ideal for working professionals, it offers flexibility and a Christ-inspired approach to patient care. Highlights include multiple start dates, scholarships, and seamless admission for GWU BSN graduates.

Fully online MSN program
Complete in 1 year
8-week course terms
30 total credit hours
Multiple start dates annually
Practicum in local settings
Seamless admission for GWU BSN grads
Christ-inspired patient care focus
Courses begin August/January
Qualified for FELS program
Davis Foundation Scholarship available

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Nursing Education Certificate at Gardner-Webb University is a focused program for nurses seeking to transition into educational roles without committing to a full master's degree. It prepares participants for national certification as Nurse Educators, emphasizing innovative teaching strategies and leadership in nursing education. Designed with the working professional in mind, this certificate offers the flexibility needed to balance career and studies, making it a practical choice for those looking to enhance their teaching capabilities in both academic and clinical settings.

Nursing Education Certificate
Prepares for national certification
Flexible for working professionals
Focus on teaching methodologies
Enhances leadership in nursing education

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

North Carolina has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. 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

North Carolina has plenty of online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Students will learn about a range of issues from education development, class planning, diagnostics and treatment, assessment, and theory & practice.

A regionally accredited BSN
Application form and fee
A minimum GPA of 3.0
An unencumbered Registered Nursing license
Some programs may have specified minimum grade C
If English is not your first language, you will need to prove proficiency through certification

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.

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in North Carolina

Nursing educators in North Carolina must maintain all standards for keeping their nursing license, even if they won't work in a clinical setting in any meaningful way.

There is also a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) available. It is an optional certification, but you should strongly consider applying for one. Three types are available:

CNE: This is the first type of certification; it is for those who work in academia
CNEcl: This is the second type; it is for professional clinical trainers
CNEn: This third type is for novice educators with under three years of experience

Licensure has a list of eligibility criteria to remain certified throughout the term.

RN licensing in North Carolina is $75 for license by examination and $200 for the examination. Renewal is $100 while endorsement cost is $150.CNE is one standard cost anywhere in the US: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in North Carolina?

There are a few areas where you might work once you've graduated and are licensed:

Academic: Higher education establishments need teaching professors for new undergraduates and postgraduates
Professional educators: Most medical professionals need ongoing training to maintain their licenses. These educators provide that.
Private trainer: Educating both medical professionals and support staff, working outside of a clinical setting
Charity: Trainers, educators, and teachers are needed for various non-profits. Also, lobbying and grant application
Public health: You may work for the government or dedicated charities educating interest groups about their health

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in North Carolina

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