Nurse Educator Schools in Ohio

Are you currently working as a practice nurse in Ohio (or moving there) and considering a career change toward education? It’s an exciting step to take, but it needs careful consideration, not least of all which entry route you need based on your experience. This guide provides the information you need to get started.

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

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

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Ohio?

To work as a nursing educator in Ohio, you need to follow a set of obligatory educational and career steps. A relevant accredited undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN) is mandatory to apply for your Registered Nursing license, which is also mandatory to study for a master's degree (MSN) or doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD). The graduate program must focus on nursing education or have the option to study that pathway.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Ohio

Aspiring nurse educators in Ohio have several outstanding programs to choose from, and nurseeducator.com has carefully evaluated the top institutions. Our comprehensive ranking considers factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student success rates. Whether you're seeking an advanced degree to teach the next generation of nurses or looking to specialize in nursing education, Ohio offers exceptional pathways. These programs combine rigorous academic preparation with hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make a significant impact in healthcare education. See our detailed ranking methodology.

Capital University

Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu

Master's - MSN Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Capital University's MSN in Nursing Education prepares passionate nurses to excel in teaching and mentoring roles across healthcare settings. The flexible, comprehensive program allows students to complete their degree in as few as two years, offering online courses in 8 or 16-week formats. With over 360 hours of field experience, students gain practical skills from top regional healthcare institutions. The curriculum emphasizes learning theories, education trends, and professional development, making graduates highly marketable as nurse educators in academic and clinical environments.

Nursing Education concentration available
Online 8/16-week course formats
360+ hours field experience
Admitted 3x yearly: Aug, Jan, May
20 students or fewer per class
Flexible full/part-time options
Clinical experiences near Columbus
Graduates work at top hospitals/universities

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Capital University's Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education empowers experienced nurses to advance their professional teaching skills. This specialized program transforms clinical expertise into educational leadership, preparing nurses to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments. With a comprehensive curriculum covering advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and innovative teaching strategies, nurses gain the knowledge to develop curriculum, evaluate learning outcomes, and shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.

8 graduate-level courses
16-month program duration
Prepares nurses for classroom/clinical education
Advanced health assessment focus
Clinical and laboratory teaching experience
Capstone practicum included
For Master's of Science in Nursing graduates

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Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH - Private 4-year - cedarville.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cedarville University's Post Master's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education prepares experienced nurses to excel in educational settings. This concise, targeted program equips professionals with advanced teaching strategies and pedagogical skills essential for nursing education. Designed for nurses holding an existing MSN degree, the certificate provides specialized training to become effective nurse educators across academic and healthcare environments. The program offers flexible online learning, ensuring accessibility for working professionals seeking to enhance their career opportunities and impact in nursing education.

Online certificate program
For nurses with existing MSN
Prepares for Nurse Educator certification
Flexible part-time completion
Biblical worldview integration
Low-cost graduate option

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH - Public 4-Year - csuohio.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cleveland State University's MSN in Nursing Education transforms passionate nurses into influential educators who can shape the future of healthcare. This comprehensive two-year online program equips nurses with advanced teaching skills, curriculum development expertise, and leadership capabilities. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexibility with 100% online asynchronous coursework and no campus visits. Graduates are fully prepared for the National League for Nursing Certification for Nurse Educators exam, positioning themselves for impactful roles in academic and clinical settings.

100% online program
Two-year part-time format
38 credit hours total
500 practicum hours
In-state tuition $618.25 per credit
No on-campus residencies
CCNE accredited program
Fall 2025 intake available
Prepares for NLN Certification
BSN required for admission
3.0 GPA minimum
Active RN license needed
Start date: August 23, 2025

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education - Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cleveland State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, designed for Registered Nurses aiming to enhance their skills in educating and supervising nursing students and staff. This program focuses on curriculum development, faculty and student roles, and the evaluation of nursing students. Graduates are prepared for roles in LPN or diploma-level nursing schools, continuing education, and healthcare leadership. The program meets the educational requirements for the National League for Nursing’s Certification for Nurse Educators. Admission requires a valid RN license, a baccalaureate degree in Nursing, and a minimum GPA of 3.0. The program starts every Fall semester.

Focuses on curriculum development.
Prepares for NLN Certification.
Requires valid RN license.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Starts every Fall semester.
Baccalaureate degree required.
Enhances education and supervision skills.

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Mercy College of Ohio

Toledo, OH - Private 4-year - mercycollege.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Mercy College of Ohio offers a specialized Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to transition into educational roles. This 12-credit hour program prepares master's-level nurses to excel in teaching positions within higher education and healthcare organizations. Ideal for experienced nurses wanting to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals, the certificate provides advanced pedagogical skills and strategic educational knowledge.

12 credit hours total
Four specialty nursing education courses
Prepares nurses for teaching roles
Suitable for master's educated nurses
Can teach in higher education settings

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Concentration: Academic Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Embark on a transformative journey in nursing education with Ohio State's groundbreaking Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program. Designed for passionate master's-prepared nurses, this innovative online program prepares expert educators to shape the future of nursing. Choose between academic nursing education and nursing professional development tracks, gaining advanced skills in teaching, curriculum design, and evidence-based practices. Complete the program in just two years full-time or three years part-time, with synchronous coursework and immersive field experiences that develop cutting-edge educational leadership competencies.

First DNE program nationwide
Online synchronous coursework
Two specialization tracks
Full-time: 2 years study
Part-time: 3 years study
Autumn 2025 application deadline: March 1
Fellowship opportunities available
Pre-accredited program

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Concentration: Nursing Professional Development - Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing education career with Ohio State's innovative Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE), the first program of its kind nationwide. Designed for master's-prepared nurses passionate about teaching, this online program prepares expert educators for academic and healthcare settings. Complete the program in just two to three years, choosing between academic nursing education and nursing professional development tracks. Gain advanced skills in curriculum design, evidence-based teaching strategies, and leadership to transform nursing education and healthcare outcomes.

First DNE program nationwide
Online synchronous coursework
Two specialization tracks
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 years
Application deadline: March 1
Targets master's-prepared nurses
Pre-accreditation status
Focuses on nursing education leadership
Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

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Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Ohio has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at Mercy College. 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

Ohio has a small number of online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, such as the one at Ohio State University. Students will learn about various issues from curriculum development and assessment to diagnostics and treatment, along with medical skills.

A regionally accredited BSN
A minimum GPA – typically 3.0, but some could be lower
Registered Nursing license (unencumbered)
There may be some course entry requirements, such as biology or statistics, and minimum grades required
Proof of English proficiency through certification is required for non-native speakers

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

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education–a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

Ohio has a few options for these programs available online. For online DNP programs, be sure to look at Ohio University. For PhD programs, there's a good one at Ohio State University.

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).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Ohio

Nursing educators in Ohio must adhere to all minimum eligibility standards for their license to maintain that eligibility. This remains the case even for those who will work as full-time educators.

You should also consider becoming certified through the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) scheme. Though optional, you may find better career prospects in holding one. There are three types:

Type one is the CNE: This is targeted at educators in academia
Type two is the CNEcl: This is targeted at trainers of professional clinicians
Type three is the CNEn: Aimed at novices in both the other two types (less than three years of experience)

Such certification also has minimum eligibility to maintain certification.

RN licensing in Ohio is $75 for the application and $200 for the exam. It is not clear how much endorsement costs. CNE costs one standard price across the US which is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Ohio?

What career options do you have once you have completed all the steps above?

Academic teaching: Working from schools, colleges, and universities around the US teaching prospective medical professionals
Professional instruction: Instead of teaching students, you'll teach medical professionals with mandatory ongoing training
Private training provider: While you could train medical professionals, you may also be involved in training support staff
Charities: Non-profits employ a range of professionals – clinicians and support – who need relevant training. Also, education professionals are required for grant applications
Public health professional: Working with groups or the general public to help with their rights or general medical awareness

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Ohio

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