Nurse Educator Schools in Pennsylvania

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Pennsylvania?

Nursing educators in Pennsylvania require three things. First of all, they need a nursing undergraduate degree. This can be either an ADN or BSN. Both will require a registered nursing license. This remains mandatory even for nurses who don't intend to practice. Finally, you need a graduate program which can be either a master's degree (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD) focused on nursing education.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

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

Pennsylvania offers several options for fully online nursing education master of science in nursing, such as the program at Bloomberg University. Students learn a range of skills to teach professionals, but also curriculum, assessment, and professional skills development.

• Regionally accredited BSN
• A minimum GPA of 3.0. Exceptions may be made in some cases
• Evidence you have completed a statistics course at the undergraduate level
• Current unencumbered Registered Nursing license
• References and/or resume
• Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers
• Minimum number of practice years

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

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).

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at West Chester University.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of Pennsylvania offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however, Pennsylvania does not offer any online options for this degree program at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Pennsylvania

Nursing educators based in Pennsylvania must keep up the standards for maintaining their licensure throughout the term. Both clinicians and support staff that need an RN license must do this.

Certification is available. It is called CNE (Certified Nurse Educator). It is optional, not mandatory, and you should consider it as it may be advantageous to do so. Three types of CNE currently exist:

• CNE is for educators in academic settings
• CNEcl is for educators in professional settings – teaching those who are already qualified clinicians
• CNEn is for novices for both CNE and CNEcl

All CNE certificate holders are required to maintain minimum standards to remain eligible.

RN licensing in Pennsylvania is $95 for license by examination for in-state and $115 for out-of-state applicants. The endorsement cost is $120 while if you want to apply by endorsement plus exam it's $145. The exam fee is $200. The CNE certification is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members. This is a standard cost across the US.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Pennsylvania?

Your potential career paths once you've completed all the steps above:

• Academia: You will educate both undergraduates and postgraduates toward their teaching careers
• Professional education: You will educate professionals in nursing with upskilling, new procedures, and mandatory education for licensure/certification
• Private trainer: While you may teach professionals, you're more likely to train support employees such as sales or admin
• Non-profit: Charities employ both clinical and non-clinical employees who may need nursing knowledge
• Public health: Nurse educators are also needed in a public-facing role in education on public health issues to interest groups or the general public

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

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

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.