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?
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.
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
Appalachian State University's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is a specialized online program designed for registered nurses seeking to advance their careers in educational roles. Tailored for professionals wanting to excel in nursing education, staff development, and patient education, this comprehensive 12-credit hour certificate meets North Carolina Board of Nursing requirements. Completed in just two semesters part-time, the program offers flexibility and can be applied toward a Master of Science in Nursing degree.
- 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) program is a groundbreaking hybrid initiative designed to address critical healthcare needs in rural communities. Starting fall 2026, this innovative four-year program prepares family nurse practitioners through a flexible, part-time format combining online coursework with intensive on-campus clinical training. With three specialized concentrations, students can focus on nursing education, public health policy, or healthcare administration, positioning themselves at the forefront of addressing nationwide nursing shortages and improving healthcare access.
- 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
Barton College
Wilson, NC - Private 4-year - barton.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Education - Campus Based - Visit Website
Barton College's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Education Concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in teaching roles. This comprehensive program equips students with critical skills in curriculum development, educational technology, and advanced clinical knowledge. Designed for working nurses seeking leadership in academic settings, the program covers essential aspects of nursing education through a rigorous 39-credit curriculum. Students gain expertise in teaching strategies, assessment techniques, and healthcare policy, positioning themselves as future nurse educators in academic and clinical environments.
- 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's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education transforms experienced nurses into innovative educators. Designed for master's degree holders, this specialized program equips professionals with advanced teaching skills and pedagogical strategies. Tailored for working nurses seeking career advancement, the certificate provides comprehensive training in curriculum design, educational technology, and clinical instruction. Graduates gain expertise to shape nursing education across academic and healthcare settings, preparing future generations of nurses with cutting-edge teaching methodologies.
- 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's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education prepares experienced nurses to become expert educators. This advanced program equips nurses with specialized skills to teach in academic and clinical settings. Graduates qualify to take the Certified Nurse Educator Exam, enhancing their professional credentials and career opportunities. The online format offers flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their nursing education career.
- 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 (MSN) in Nursing Education empowers experienced nurses to become transformative educators in academic and healthcare settings. This fully online program allows working professionals to complete their degree in just one year, with flexible 8-week terms and start dates in August and January. Students develop advanced teaching skills, learn curriculum design, and gain practical instructional strategies through a comprehensive 30-credit curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practicum experiences.
- 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
Gardner-Webb University offers a Nursing Education Certificate designed for nurses aiming to become educators in academic or clinical settings. This program equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in teaching roles, preparing them for national certification examinations for Nurse Educators. It's tailored for working professionals, offering flexibility to balance studies with personal and professional commitments. The curriculum focuses on enhancing teaching methodologies and leadership in nursing education, making it an ideal choice for those looking to advance their careers in this specialized field.
- Nursing Education Certificate
- Prepares for national certification
- Flexible for working professionals
- Focus on teaching methodologies
- Enhances leadership in nursing education
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.
Boiling Springs, NC
Gardner-Webb University
- Education Online
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
(704) 406-4000
Chapel Hill, NC
The University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
- Nursing Education Campus
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2211
Charlotte, NC
Queens University of Charlotte
- MSN Nurse Educator Online
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704) 337-2200
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Nurse Educator (Cert) Online
- Nurse Educator (MSN) Online
Charlotte, NC 28223
(704) 687-8622
Cullowhee, NC
Western Carolina University
- Nurse Educator Online
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7211
Durham, NC
Duke University
- Nursing Education Online
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786
Greensboro, NC
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Nursing Education Hybrid
Greensboro, NC 27412
(336) 334-5000
Greenville, NC
East Carolina University
- Nursing Education Campus
- Nursing Education (online) Online
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6131
Pembroke, NC
University North Carolina Pembroke
- Nurse Educator Campus
Pembroke, NC 28372
(910) 521-6000
Wilmington, NC
University of North Carolina Wilmington
- Nursing Education Online
- Nurse Educator Option Campus
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000
Winston-Salem, NC
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
(336) 750-2000
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