Nurse Educator Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee is a great place to work as a nurse, both in practice and outside of the front line. It’s also a great state to work in nursing education, whether it's teaching new nursing students or upskilling existing RN professionals. If you’re considering this as a career, read through this guide for more information.

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

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

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Tennessee?

Nursing educators in Tennessee require a relevant undergraduate degree in nursing. This can be either an ADN or BSN. As with your practice nursing, you must have a Registered Nursing license. Further, you need a master's degree in nursing (MSN) with an education major or option, or a doctorate (Ph.D., DNP, Ed.D.) with those too.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Tennessee

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in Tennessee? You're in the right place. NurseEducator.com has done the homework for you. We've ranked the top programs to help you make a smart choice. 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. Want to know how we did it? Check out our rankings methodology for all the details.

Austin Peay State University

Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Austin Peay State University offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, designed for RNs aiming to transition into educational roles within academic and healthcare settings. This 100% online program spans 31 credits, blending advanced nursing theories with educational strategies to foster the next generation of nursing professionals. With two admission cycles each year, deadlines are May 1st for fall and October 1st for spring. Applicants need a 2.9 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and an undergraduate statistics course. The program includes 240 clinical hours and prepares graduates for faculty positions, offering flexibility with one to two courses per semester over approximately two years.

100% online coursework
31-hour concentration
240 required clinical hours
Two admission cycles annually
Fall deadline: May 1st
Spring deadline: October 1st
2.9 minimum GPA required
Undergraduate statistics course
Unencumbered RN license
Prepares for faculty positions

Cumberland University

Lebanon, TN - Private 4-year - cumberland.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Cumberland University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Educator, designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This program emphasizes the development of teaching strategies, curriculum design, and leadership skills necessary for nursing education. With a focus on evidence-based practices and aligning with NLN Core Competencies, students are prepared to impact nursing education in both academic and clinical settings. The program is structured over five semesters, offering asynchronous classes for flexibility, and includes two start dates annually. It's ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their educational leadership and communication skills while networking with peers.

Online MSN Nurse Educator program
5 semesters to complete
Two annual start dates
Asynchronous class format
Aligns with NLN Core Competencies
Develops educational leadership skills
Prepares for diverse teaching roles
Evidence-based curriculum approach
Network with healthcare professionals
Advanced communication skills development

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Master's - MSN Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University offers an MSN in Nursing Education designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles within healthcare. This 100% online program emphasizes advanced teaching strategies, curriculum design, and clinical proficiency, preparing graduates for positions as nursing faculty or clinical educators. With no GRE requirement, the program features five specialized clinical tracks, including Adult Health and Pediatric Nursing, across 42 credit hours. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, competitive tuition for Tennessee residents at $646 per credit, and preceptorship opportunities. Accredited by CCNE, the program also prepares students for NLN certification, offering both part-time and full-time study options.

100% Online Asynchronous Program
42 Credit Hours Total
No GRE Required
5 Specialized Clinical Tracks
Preparation for NLN Certification
Flexible Part-Time/Full-Time Options
Tennessee Resident Rate: $646/Credit
Preceptorship Opportunities Included
CCNE Accredited Program

Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Tennessee Technological University offers an online MSN in Nursing Education designed for nurses aiming to become educators in both academic and clinical environments. This program equips students with the necessary skills to teach nursing professionals effectively, focusing on innovative teaching methods, clinical expertise, and professional growth. Graduates are prepared to take on faculty and staff development roles, contributing to the advancement of healthcare education and patient care. The program encourages obtaining certification as a Nurse Educator and integrates advanced nursing knowledge with a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach for a holistic healthcare perspective.

Nursing Education concentration offered
Academic and clinical teaching preparation
Prepares for faculty and staff roles
Certification as Nurse Educator encouraged
Advanced nursing knowledge integration
Collaborative interdisciplinary approach
Holistic healthcare perspective

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Post Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education at Tennessee Technological University is a 16-credit online program tailored for master's-prepared nurses looking to transition into teaching roles. This certificate program is a strategic response to the nursing faculty shortage, offering specialized training that prepares graduates for academic and clinical education positions. It focuses on both classroom and clinical education, enabling participants to teach nursing students and become eligible for national certification exams. The program can be completed in three semesters and does not require a second master's degree, making it an efficient pathway for career advancement in nursing education.

16 credit hour post-graduate certificate
For masters-prepared nurses
Completed in 3 semesters
National certification exam eligible
Classroom and clinical education focus
Addresses nursing faculty shortage
No second master's degree required

Show 1 More Programs ˅

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers a Nursing Education Graduate Certificate designed for MSN-prepared nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This 12-credit, campus-based program blends nursing and education courses to prepare graduates for teaching in both academic and clinical settings. Emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and technology integration, the curriculum is tailored to develop skilled nurse educators capable of addressing the evolving needs of healthcare education. With a focus on customizable course selection, the program ensures a personalized learning experience. Highlights include a requirement for an existing MSN degree, a mix of 6 nursing and 6 education credits, and training in resource management for effective teaching.

Post-Master's Certificate
12 total credit hours
Requires existing MSN degree
6 nursing credits
6 education credits
Academic and service settings
Interdisciplinary collaborative focus
Technology integration training
Customizable course selection

*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Tennessee has just one online RN to MSN Nurse Educator program located at East Tennessee University. It is available as a part-time and a full-time program for those who currently work as registered nurses.

Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing
Unencumbered Registered Nursing license
Transcripts may be required
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Specific courses are usually required, including statistics and anatomy & physiology, usually with a grade of C or 3.0 or equivalent

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

There are two online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs in Tennessee, Tennessee State University and East Tennessee University. Students learn to teach clinical skills, but also teaching and assessment methods, along with curriculum design and effective assessment.

A regionally accredited BSN
A copy of your unencumbered RN license
State-issued ID
Reference letters – must be a mix of academic and employer references
Send transcripts with your application if requested
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale

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 (Ph.D.), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

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

There are a few great examples of programs offered in these degree types. For Ph.D. programs, as well as DNP programs, the University of Tennessee is a great choice.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs. Still, you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Tennessee

Nursing educators in Tennessee are required to maintain a list of qualifiers to hold and maintain the Registered Nursing license. Those who will solely work as educators are not excluded from this.

Nursing educators should consider certification through the CNE. Though it is not mandatory, some employers may strongly prefer it or stipulate it in job listings. Three types exist:

CNE is the certification for those working in academic teaching (colleges and universities)
CNEcl is the certification for professional trainers (those who work in clinical settings teaching other clinicians)
CNEn is the novice type of certification for those with less than three years of experience in either field

Much like licensing, certification also holds a minimum criteria list for continued eligibility and renewal.

RN licensing in Tennessee costs $115 for license by endorsement and $200 for the examination. There is no fee for the application. CNE is one standard cost no matter the state of residence: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Tennessee?

The following careers are the most likely destinations for you once you've completed all the steps above:

Academia: US nursing schools and universities employ educators as teachers for nursing undergraduates and graduate students
Professional training: Hospitals and other medical facilities that employ medical professionals require educators for ongoing training
Private training: You'll work for independent agencies and train support staff rather than clinicians. This includes sales and administrative support
Non-profit: Educators are required for training aid workers, but also when appealing to government and grant bodies
Public health: Likely a public-facing role meeting the general public or special interest groups with dedicated health needs

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Tennessee

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