Nurse Educator Schools in Texas

The southern state of Texas provides plenty of nursing opportunities. While practice is the most common career, there often comes a time when practice nurses decide to change careers. Becoming an educator is one such career path. If you’re one of those people, this guide may help.

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

Amy Kowalska, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Texas?

Nursing educators operating in Texas must have a relevant and accredited nursing undergraduate degree. Both ADNs and BSNs are eligible because what's more important is the RN license. To work as an educator though, you also need a graduate degree – a master's (MSN) with an education major or path, or an education doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD).

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Texas

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in Texas? NurseEducator.com has you covered. We've ranked the top programs to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and outcomes. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our rankings guide your decision. Check out our detailed rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.

Hallmark University

San Antonio, TX - Private 4-year - hallmarkuniversity.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Hallmark University's Master of Science in Nursing Education program stands out for its rapid 16-month online format, designed to swiftly equip experienced nurses with the skills to educate future generations. Addressing Texas's looming nursing faculty shortage, the curriculum emphasizes nursing theories, public health, and curriculum development, culminating in a capstone project that provides hands-on teaching experience. Ideal for working professionals, this program blends flexibility with a focused approach to nursing education, preparing graduates to make an immediate impact in academic and healthcare settings.

16-month online master's program
Addresses nursing instructor shortage
60 hours teaching experience
Focuses on nursing education skills
Practical classroom teaching required
Flexible online learning format
Targeted at practicing nurses

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - hc.edu

Master's - MSN in Nurse Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Houston Christian University offers an MSN in Nurse Education, a 100% online program designed for nurses aiming to become educators. This 36-credit hour program, accredited by CCNE, can be completed in 24 months, with a total tuition of $18,540. It emphasizes Christian values, providing practicum-based learning and personalized success coaching. The program prepares nurses to address the educator shortage by equipping them with advanced teaching skills and clinical expertise, without requiring a program deposit. With two annual start dates and 16-week course semesters, it offers flexibility for working professionals. Graduates can look forward to career growth opportunities in nursing education, where the average educator salary is $118,369. Requires Valid RN License.

100% Online Program
36 Credit Hours
24 Months to Complete
$18,540 Total Tuition
CCNE Accredited
Two Annual Start Dates
No Program Deposit Required
Payment Plans Available
Practicum-Based Learning
Christian Values Focus
Personalized Success Coaching
Requires Valid RN License
16-Week Course Semesters
Career Growth Opportunity
Average Educator Salary $118,369

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu

Master's - Nursing Education and Leadership

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's MSN in Nursing Education and Leadership is a 35-credit hybrid program tailored for BSN-prepared nurses aiming for leadership or educational roles. This program blends online coursework with practical experiences, offering flexibility for working professionals. With a focus on leadership, technology, and global health, graduates achieve a 100% employment rate. The curriculum includes practicum experiences and prepares students for national certifications. Admission requires a BSN, RN licensure, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Highlights include multiple start dates, a 1.5-2 year completion time, and inclusion of global health perspectives.

35 credit hour program
Hybrid learning format
1.5-2 year completion time
Multiple start dates annually
100% employment upon graduation
BSN required for admission
3.0 GPA minimum requirement
RN licensure mandatory
Global health experiences included
Practicum and leadership focus

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice Education and Leadership Track

Concentration: Education and Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Education and Leadership Track at Lubbock Christian University is a 36-credit online program designed for post-master's nurses. This two-year program focuses on advanced education and leadership skills, preparing graduates for roles such as nurse educators and healthcare administrators. It emphasizes curriculum development, healthcare technologies, and evidence-based practice, requiring 1000 practicum hours. Admission prerequisites include a 3.0 GPA and MSN degree. The program offers financial aid and scholarships, with an August start date. Graduates are equipped to lead innovations in nursing education and patient care.

36 credit hours
2-year online program
$1,130 per credit hour
August start date
Post-MSN clinical track
Education and leadership focus
1000 practicum hours required
3.0 GPA minimum
Federal financial aid available
Scholarships offered
Prepares for advanced nursing roles

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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttuhsc.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in nursing education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus in nursing education is an online program tailored for BSN graduates aiming to become nurse educators. It emphasizes curriculum development, evidence-based teaching, and the use of learning technologies, preparing graduates for educational roles in various settings. The program requires 39 semester credit hours, a 3.0 GPA, a valid RN license, and offers CCNE accreditation. Highlights include flexible online learning, application deadlines in February and August, and a focus on leadership and professional development.

Online nursing education track
39 semester credit hours
BSN entry-level program
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Valid RN license needed
Application deadlines: Feb 15 (Fall), Aug 31 (Spring)
CCNE accredited program
Computer literacy test required
Professional references needed
Leadership experience considered

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate Program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is designed for nurses with a master's or doctoral degree looking to specialize in education. This online program focuses on advanced curriculum development, technology integration, and teaching strategies, culminating in a 27-semester credit hour curriculum and a 112-hour practicum. It prepares graduates for academic and practice educator roles and eligibility for the NLN Academic Nurse Educator Certification. Requirements include a 3.0 graduate GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and professional references, with CCNE or ACEN accreditation.

Online certificate program
27 semester credit hours
112-hour education practicum
Prepares for nurse educator roles
Master's or doctoral prerequisite
Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
Valid unencumbered RN license
CCNE or ACEN accredited program
Professional references required
Interview may be required

Show 1 More Programs ˅

University of Houston-Clear Lake

Houston, TX - Public 4-Year - uhcl.edu

Master's - Nursing Education and Leadership, M.S.N.

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Houston-Clear Lake offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Nursing Education and Leadership, designed for BSN graduates aiming to advance their careers in educational or leadership roles within the nursing field. This 30-credit hybrid program blends online and in-person learning, providing flexibility for working professionals. With no GRE requirement and a recommended GPA of 3.0, the program is accessible to many. It prepares graduates for certifications like the NLN and can be completed in as little as 24 months. The curriculum covers essential topics in nursing education and leadership, offering both HyFlex and fully online course options.

30-credit accelerated MSN program
HyFlex and online formats
No GRE required
Recommended 3.0 GPA
Fall deadline: August 1
Spring deadline: January 5
Prepares for NLN certification
Complete in 24 months
Face-to-face and online options
Leadership and education courses

*Postsecondary education statistics from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Texas has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Texas at Arlington. 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

There is a range of online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs in Texas, including several hybrid options. One great online BSN to MSN program is the one at the University of Texas at Tyler. Students learn a range of clinical skills for teaching, but also administrative work such as assessment and curriculum, and policy and legal issues.

A regionally accredited BSN
Send transcripts with your application if requested
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Unencumbered RN license (copy)
Reference letters may be required – often a minimum of one academic and one employer reference
Non-native English speakers must provide English 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 Texas at Arlington has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of Texas at Tyler's DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Texas

Texas-based nursing educators must continue to uphold all required licensure standards even if their role is education and they will not work in practice.

You should also consider applying for the CNE (Certificate of Nursing Educator). Certification is not mandatory; however, you may find employers seek it as a matter of course. You have three types to choose from:

CNE is for academic teachers
CNEcl is for professional training (clinical teaching other clinical workers)
CNEn is for novices of the CNE and CNEcl with under three years of experience in either field

Certification requires holders to maintain the criteria required at the time of initial certification to continue to remain eligible.

RN licensing in Texas costs $100 for license by examination and $200 to enter the exam. License by endorsement is $186. CNE costs the same no matter where you are: this is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Texas?

What career paths might you follow once graduated, are licensed, and certified?

Academic: Teaching in colleges and universities, educating undergraduates and graduate students in nursing
Professional training: Working from medical facilities, you'll provide ongoing training to clinicians (often a requirement of licensure)
Private training provider: You may train clinicians, but you're more likely to train support staff who need some clinical knowledge such as admin, help desks, and sales
Charity: Educators may train aid workers, but also grant applicants who need an understanding of health issues
Public health nurse: Education skills are also required for the general public or special interest groups seeking health advice and care for new diagnoses

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Texas

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