Nurse Educator Schools in Wisconsin

Working as a nurse educator can be an exciting and rewarding career, whether you've only spent a few years as a nurse or have worked for decades and are ready for a change in your career. If you're currently working as a nurse, it can be tough to figure out how to take the next step in your education while continuing to serve patients. Thankfully, online nurse educator programs can make it easier for you to get the classes you need on your own time without taking focus away from your career. When you work as a nurse educator, you'll get to influence future generations of nurses. Here, we've gathered everything you need to know about moving forward with your online nursing education degree in the state of Wisconsin.

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

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

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Wisconsin?

When applying to online nurse educator programs, it’s important that you pay close attention to the requirements of the program. Some programs require that you submit letters of recommendation from your supervisors, while others want a letter of intent explaining why you want to become a nurse educator.

Your prior education and experience will help to determine what type of nurse educator program will make the most sense for your needs.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Wisconsin

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Wisconsin is key for your career. NurseEducator.com has done the work for you. We ranked programs to help you choose. Our list looks at quality, cost, and outcomes. It's designed to guide you to the right program. We focus on what matters most to students. Check out our rankings to find your match. Learn more about how we rank programs here.

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI - Private 4-year - carrollu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Carroll University's MSN in Nurse Educator prepares advanced nursing professionals to transform healthcare education. This comprehensive 40-credit program equips nurses with cutting-edge skills to develop curricula, mentor future nurses, and address critical healthcare workforce needs. Graduates gain expertise in clinical instruction, educational technology, and evidence-based teaching methodologies. The flexible hybrid format supports working professionals, enabling seamless integration of advanced learning with current nursing practice. Opportunity exists to pursue national certification through the National League for Nursing, enhancing professional credibility and career advancement potential.

40-credit graduate nursing program
Hybrid online/in-person delivery
Eight-week course format
Clinical practicum in current workplace
Prepare for NLN certification
Small class sizes
State-of-the-art simulation facilities
19% projected job growth
Affordable curriculum options
Courses begin in fall semester

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Carroll University's Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate empowers experienced nurses to transition into educational roles. This specialized 15-credit program prepares MSN-prepared professionals to develop nursing curricula, mentor future nurses, and advance their careers in academic and clinical settings. Graduates become eligible for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, positioning themselves in a high-demand field with significant employment growth projections.

15-credit post-graduate certificate
Hybrid online and in-person courses
For MSN degree holders only
Clinical practicum options
Prepare for CNE certification
Small class sizes
State-of-the-art simulation facilities
Flexible scheduling for working nurses

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Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI - Private 4-year - marquette.edu

Graduate Certificate - Teaching Certificate for Nurse Educators

Campus Based - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing education career with Marquette University's Post-Master's Teaching Certificate for Nurse Educators. This transformative four-course, fully online program empowers experienced nurses with advanced skills in educational theory, curriculum design, and pedagogical strategies. Designed for novice and seasoned educators, the program prepares participants to excel in academic roles across diverse nursing education environments. Graduates gain comprehensive knowledge to meet the growing demand for nursing faculty and become academically eligible to take the national certification examination for nurse educators.

Fully online post-graduate certificate
Four courses, 12 total credits
Designed for nurses with prior graduate degrees
Prepares for national certification exam
Covers educational theory and pedagogy
Targets classroom and clinical educators
Completion within three years
Not eligible for Title IV federal aid

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI - Public 4-Year - uwec.edu

Master's - Nursing, Family Health-Education - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with UW-Eau Claire's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Family Health-Education track. This comprehensive 39-40 credit program prepares advanced nursing professionals for leadership roles in education and healthcare. Designed for full-time students, the hybrid learning model combines face-to-face and online coursework, allowing flexibility for working nurses. Students gain expertise in family health nursing, advanced clinical concepts, and educational strategies. With approximately 525 clinical hours, graduates develop advanced skills in research, policy, clinical decision-making, and advocacy across diverse healthcare settings.

39-40 total graduate credits
Hybrid learning format
525 clinical hours
Family Health focus
GPA requirement 3.00+
Wisconsin RN licensure required
Thesis or scholarly project option
Four semester completion
Leadership and education preparation

Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Nursing Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with the Post-MSN Nursing Education Graduate Certificate. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, this program transforms experienced professionals into skilled nurse educators. Dive deep into advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and educational strategies. Perfect for nurses seeking to expand their professional horizons in academic and clinical training environments. Requires a master's degree from an accredited nursing program, ensuring high-quality, comprehensive preparation for educational leadership roles in healthcare.

Master's degree required
Two core nursing education courses
Total 13 graduate credits
Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Wisconsin RN licensure needed

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University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a specialized 9-credit Nurse Educator Certificate designed for master's-prepared nurses seeking to enhance their teaching skills. Ideal for current doctoral students in nursing, this program prepares professionals to excel in nursing education. Participants gain comprehensive knowledge in curriculum development, teaching strategies, and practical educational experiences. The certificate pathway enables graduates to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator Examination, signaling expertise in nursing education and commitment to professional growth.

9 graduate-level credits
Online/blended delivery format
1-2 year completion time
For DNP/PhD nursing students
NLN Certification eligible
RN license required
Minimum 3.0 MS GPA
Three core curriculum courses
Practicum component included

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, WI - Public 4-Year - uwosh.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nurse Educator Certificate empowers MSN-prepared nurses to excel in healthcare and academic teaching roles. This concise 9-credit online program combines theoretical coursework with practical clinical experience, preparing graduates to effectively educate future nursing professionals. Participants develop advanced leadership skills and can pursue the prestigious Certified Nurse Educator examination, establishing specialized expertise in nursing education across diverse healthcare settings.

100% online coursework
9 total credit hours
Two-semester program
Practicum included
MSN degree required
3.0 minimum graduate GPA
Current RN licensure needed
Professional references required
Prepares for certification exam
Develops nurse educator skills

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

If you’re currently working as an RN but don’t have your BSN yet, you’ll want to apply to an online RN to MSN nurse educator program. This type of program allows you to fulfill the requirements of your BSN degree without having actually completed a separate degree program. To gain admission to this type of program, you’ll need to provide proof of your RN licensure, and you may also be required to submit letters of recommendation from your current supervisor.

One of the more popular RN to MSN programs online based in Wisconsin is at the University of Wisconsin.

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

If you already have your BSN, you’ll want to look for a BSN to MSN program. This allows you to make use of your prior education and minimize the number of classes that you’ll need to take to earn your MSN. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation from your supervisor.

There are a few great options for online BSN to MSN nursing programs in Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin.

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 Wisconsin.

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 Wisconsin at Madison offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however, this type of program is not currently offered in Wisconsin.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Wisconsin

In order to earn your license to work as a nurse educator in the state of Wisconsin, you’ll need to complete an accredited nurse educator program and pass the Certification for Nurse Educators exam. It’s important to choose a program that will fully prepare you for the exam. While you’re researching online nurse educator programs, be sure to check into the pass rates of students who have completed the program.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Wisconsin?

As a nurse educator, you’ll have many options when it comes to deciding where to work after you finish your education. Some nurse educators enjoy working in hospital settings, while others prefer university environments.

In Wisconsin, popular employers for nurse educators include:

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Wisconsin

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