Nurse Educator Schools in Virginia

Nurse educators are registered nurses (RNs) who transition from a nursing practice role to the role of an educator. They obtain an advanced degree and they use their expertise to train future nurses. Nurse educators in Virginia work in a variety of settings after they obtain the required licensure and education.

There are limited online nurse educator programs in the State of Virginia, but there may be other programs nearby for a registered nurse who wants to become a nurse educator. There may be more online nurse educator programs offered in Virginia in the future.

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

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

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Virginia?

Virginia does not have strict laws that specifically govern the education of nurse educators. One nursing education requirement is that nurse educators have advanced knowledge and experience as a registered nurse (RN).

One way that nurses obtain the advanced education and skills to have a career as a nurse educator is to complete an advanced degree or graduate certificate program. Online program options provide current registered nurses with the opportunity to complete most or all of the requirements to become a nurse educator without having to take time away from their current nursing job or family time.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Virginia

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Virginia just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that prepare nurses to teach the next generation. We look at what matters most to students. This includes program quality, cost, and outcomes. Start your journey to becoming a nurse educator with confidence. Check out our detailed rankings to find the program that fits your goals. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - www2.gmu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

George Mason University's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate prepares nurses to excel in educational roles across academic and clinical settings. This comprehensive 15-credit hour program offers flexible part-time scheduling and includes practical practicum experiences with expert preceptors. Designed for licensed RNs holding graduate degrees, the certificate can be completed concurrently with MSN, DNP, or PhD programs. Students must maintain a minimum 3.00 GPA, with opportunities to develop advanced teaching skills in diverse healthcare environments.

15 credit hour certificate
Part-time scheduling options
Post-master's certification available
6 credits practicum experience
Minimum 3.00 GPA requirement
Academic and clinical education preparation

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Advance your nursing career with Old Dominion University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education. Designed for experienced nurses with a graduate degree, this comprehensive program prepares you to become an exceptional nursing educator. Learn cutting-edge curriculum design, innovative teaching strategies, and professional best practices. The three-semester program offers flexible online and on-campus options, enabling working professionals to enhance their academic and clinical teaching skills. Ideal for nurses seeking faculty positions in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs.

Graduate-level nursing education certificate
Three-semester program completion
Online and on-campus options
For nurses with graduate degree
Per-credit cost: $620-$1,486
Teaching internship included
Professional ethics focus
Prepares for faculty roles

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate Online

Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with Old Dominion University's innovative online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education. Designed for nurses holding a graduate nursing degree, this comprehensive program transforms experienced clinicians into skilled educators. You'll gain advanced teaching skills through a dynamic curriculum, including professional ethics, instructional methods, and curriculum design. The program features a hands-on practicum, allowing you to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. With flexible online learning and just 12 credit hours, you'll be prepared to shape the next generation of nursing professionals.

Online Graduate Certificate
12 total credit hours
Designed for graduate nurses
Includes teaching practicum
Virginia in-state rate $620/credit
Four graduate-level courses
Flexible online learning environment

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Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

South University offers an online RN to MSN program with a specialization as a nurse educator. The program offers a unique opportunity for RNs who do not have a BSN to become nurse educators.

The program features “key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master Essentials.” Nurses in the program gain advanced skills in evidence-based practice, strategies for curriculum development, evaluation techniques, and skills to create, implement, and revise nursing programs.

Students need an unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in Virginia. They need a minimum of an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or a diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing institution.

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

The lack of BSN to MSN nurse educator programs in Virginia does not mean that there will never be an online BSN to MSN program with a nurse educator specialization. Many nurses are likely to explore an alternate pathway, such as earning an MSN with a nursing educator concentration.

South University offers an online Nurse Educator MSN program. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree can complete the program in as little as two years.

George Mason University also offers an online MSN, Nurse Educator Concentration for students who have current RN licensure and who hold a bachelor’s degree.

Students who already hold a graduate degree may want to consider completing a graduate certificate so that they stand out among their peers when applying for a nurse educator position. Consider the Nurse Educator Certificate Online program at Old Dominion University or the Nursing Education Graduate Certificate program offered at George Mason University.

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 the University of Virginia.

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

Colleges and universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees for nurse educators. Radford University is one such institution.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing regulates nurses, including RNs and LPNs, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The Board of Nursing also regulates the “Prescriptive Authority for Nurse Practitioners.”

Although the Board of Nursing does not specifically include nurse educators on its list, the agency regulates RNs, which all nurse educators must obtain before enrolling in a nurse educator program.

Nurses apply for an initial license, renew their license, and review the Virginia nursing laws and regulations on the site.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Virginia?

Nurse educators work in many settings throughout Virginia. Some examples include:

Hospitals
Inpatient or outpatient clinics
Specialty clinics or medical facilities
Rehabilitation facilities
Businesses
Colleges and Universities

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Virginia

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