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.

#1

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#2

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
#3

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
#4

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
#5

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
Show More 1 Programs ˅

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:

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.

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:

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:

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

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
110 S. Main St., P.O. Box 997
Boiling Springs, NC 28017
(704) 406-4000

Chapel Hill, NC

Graduate Certificate Programs
Carrington Hall
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2211

Charlotte, NC

MSN Programs
1900 Selwyn Ave
Charlotte, NC 28207
(704) 337-2200

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
9201 University City Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28223
(704) 687-8622

Cullowhee, NC

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
1 University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
(828) 227-7211

Durham, NC

MSN Programs
307 Trent Drive
Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-3786

Greensboro, NC

MSN Programs
1400 Spring Garden Street
Greensboro, NC 27412
(336) 334-5000

Greenville, NC

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
East Fifth Street
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 328-6131

Pembroke, NC

MSN Programs
1 University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372
(910) 521-6000

Wilmington, NC

DNP ProgramsMSN Programs
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 962-3000

Winston-Salem, NC

601 S Martin Luther King Jr Dr
Winston-Salem, NC 27110
(336) 750-2000

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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