2024 Best Online Nurse Educator Certificate Programs

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If you have a professional background in nursing and are passionate about educating the next generation of nurses, then you might be interested in earning a nurse educator certificate.

Best Online Nurse Educator Certificate Programs

Nurse educators can act as bridges between clinical experience and education, utilizing their hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge to teach others.

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This advanced credential could help you qualify for a career in nursing education, enabling you to shape future nurses in a fast track RN-to-BSN online or on-campus program, for example, or develop current nursing professionals.

Online Nurse Educator Certificate Programs

Woman pursuing Nurse Educator Certificate online

A nurse educator certificate program is designed to prepare nursing professionals to teach in the field of nursing. In this type of program, nurses will learn how to combine their clinical experience with teaching methods and practices.

There are two types of nurse educator certificates. A graduate certificate is intended for licensed nurses who have their bachelors degree. A graduate certificate could also help you work toward a masters degree, such as an on-campus or online masters in nursing education, for example. On the other hand, a post-masters certificate is intended for licensed nurses who already have their masters or doctoral degree in nursing. Nurses who have an MSN tend to have more opportunities in the field.

If you already hold an MSN, and are interested in earning a doctorate, a growing number of universities offer both on-campus and online MSN to DNP programs.

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Nurse educators may teach at a variety of institutions and at varying levels, from entry-level nursing curriculums to advanced doctoral programs. They can also teach in clinical settings.

In this certificate program, you can expect to learn how to:

  • Design curriculums based on an institution’s specific framework and program outcomes
  • Plan, organize, and structure learning experiences
  • Design teaching materials as well as strategies for instruction
  • Analyze and implement current research into education and curriculum
  • Incorporate modern technologies into curriculums and lessons
  • Implement and instruct on nursing best practices
  • Utilize clinical experience to improve curriculums

Earning a nurse education certificate can help provide graduates with the tools to teach in a variety of settings, such as nursing schools, universities, and health facilities. While some nurse educators focus on generalized nursing knowledge, many specialize in one area, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.

Nursing Education Careers & Salaries

Nursing Education Careers & Salaries

Earning a graduate or post-graduate certificate in nursing education can help you prepare for a variety of educational roles in the nursing field. Nurse educators may choose to teach on general nursing practices, but many choose a specific discipline or field.

Nurse educators can also teach at a variety of different levels and institutions. For instance, some work in nursing schools or universities to teach future nurses, while others work in clinical settings to facilitate staff development. Still others may work in continuing education.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some career paths associated with nursing education.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Training and Development Managers $120,130
Medical and Health Services Managers $101,340
Postsecondary Education Administrators $96,910
Registered Nurses $77,600
Postsecondary Nursing Instructors and Teachers $77,440
Instructional Coordinators $63,740
Training and Development Specialists $61,570
Career and Technical Education Teachers $61,160
Health Education Specialists $60,600
Community Health Workers $46,590

Because nurse educators combine clinical experience with educational skill sets, they may find diverse opportunities in the nursing field in clinical or educational positions. Common careers for nurse educators include nursing school faculty, clinical instructor, staff development coordinator, and patient educator.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers are expected to see 22% job growth over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.

Nursing Education Certificate Curriculum & Courses

Nurses taking Nurse Educator Certificate

A clinical nurse educator certification online program will typically feature a curriculum that revolves around teaching methods, program and curriculum design, evaluation, and more.

While courses can vary depending on your school, the following are common core courses found in nurse education certificate programs:

  • Curriculum Design and Evaluation in Nursing Education: This course focuses on curriculum development and evaluation, methods of delivery, and measuring program effectivity.
  • Teaching Strategies and Information Technology: This course focuses on teaching and learning theories, the development and implementation of effective strategies, and the incorporation of educational technology.
  • Professional Role and Responsibility in Nurse Education: This course focuses on the diverse environments of nurse educators, along with guidelines for practice and legal issues and protocols.
  • Health Care Technology and Informatics: This course is an overview of current and emerging technologies and their impact on healthcare, providing an in-depth knowledge of informatics and health systems.
  • Nursing Education Theories and Strategies: This course covers evidence-based strategies for nursing education, including teaching and learning models, theories, and strategies for working with diverse types of learners.
  • Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education: This course dives into methods of assessment and evaluation, including test result interpretation, assessment methods, clinical performance evaluation, and more.
  • Synthesis and Application of Nurse Educator Role: This course involves working with a mentor or instructor in an educational setting in order to observe and assist in a nurse educator role.
  • Online Teaching and Learning: Development and Instruction: This course overviews teaching and learning methodologies and theories in online environments as well as curriculum development for online learning.
  • Individual and Program Evaluation: This course explores individual and program evaluation strategies, including analyzing program objectives, individual assessment, test evaluation, and more.
  • Health Policy in Nursing: This course examines health policies and their impact on the nursing profession, and it also explores how policy shifts may affect nursing in the future.

The curriculum of nurse educator certificate programs is centered on educational practices. Students are generally required to have postsecondary degrees and experience in nursing prior to entering this program.

Admissions Requirements

Nurse preparing requirements to pursue Nurse Educator Certificate

Admissions requirements for entry into a nursing education certificate program can vary depending upon your school and the type of program, but many core requirements remain the same. These may include:

  • BSN (for graduate certificate program)
  • MSN or doctoral nursing degree (for post-graduate certificate program)
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher, on average
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Current nursing license

Some programs may also require a current resume and an interview with faculty. Many schools no longer require GRE or GMAT scores, so it’s helpful to check with your school to see if you’re required to submit standardized test scores for admission.

Nursing Education Programs Accreditation

University offering Nurse Educator Certificate

Determining whether your potential college or university is regionally accredited is a strategic step to take before applying.

Accreditation is, in essence, quality assurance that your university meets certain professional education standards. A school’s accreditation status is important since it can affect your eligibility for certification as well as your ability to receive financial aid.

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Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious and widely recognized accreditation. You can verify your prospective school’s accreditation status by visiting the website for the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Nurse Educator Licensure and Certifications

Nurse Educator conducting training to new nurses

The National League for Nursing (NLN) provides a few professional nurse education certification options:

  • Certified Nurse Educator (CNE): This certification demonstrates overall nursing education competency and expertise.
  • Certified Academic Clinical Nurse Educator (CNEcl): This certification demonstrates expertise in teaching clinical components of academic nursing programs.
  • Academic Novice Educator (CNEn): This certification is an indication of defined competencies for novice nurse educators.

Professional certification in nursing education is available once you have met the educational and clinical experience requirements. These requirements can vary based on the credential.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Nurse Educator Certificate financial aid

There are a variety of aid options available to students who qualify. An abundance of scholarship and grant opportunities exist depending on your need, location, and area of study. Looking into grants alongside loans may help minimize overall costs.

If you do need the help of student loans, both federal and state loan options may be available. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based aid from the government. Some employers also offer financial aid programs to help their workers further their education. If you’re currently working, you could speak to your employer for more information.

What Can You Do with a Nurse Educator Certificate?

Nursing Instructor guiding a nurse trainee

A nurse educator certificate is designed to prepare licensed nurses to educate future nurses or develop current nursing professionals.

Nurse educators often have a professional background in nursing along with clinical experience, which could lead to a diverse array of opportunities in clinical and educational settings. Graduates may seek careers as part of nursing school faculty, where they develop curriculums, evaluate programs, lecture, provide continuing education, and more.

Nurse educators can also assist with staff development at various institutions or even work as instructors in clinical settings. Those in clinical settings may also educate patients and their families regarding an illness or condition.

How Much Do Nurse Educators Make?

Postsecondary Nursing Instructors discussing

Salaries for nurse educators can vary depending on their particular position as well as the type of institution they are working for. For instance, some work in colleges or universities, while others work in clinical settings.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers is $77,440. The lowest 10% earn around $47,630, while the top earners make more than $125,930. Nurse educators carry a unique blend of clinical experience and educational experience, which might provide them diverse salary opportunities in either arena.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Nurse Educator Certificate Online?

Woman taking Nurse Educator Certificate Online

Graduate certificate programs and post-graduate certificate programs for nurse educators tend to have similar credit requirements. Each type of program can generally be completed in 8 months to 1 year.

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This can depend on a variety of factors, such as whether you’re enrolled full-time. Most online nurse educator certificate programs require 9 to 12 credit hours, which can often be completed in less than 1 year with full time study. This type of program may take longer to complete if you choose to enroll part-time.

What Is a CNE Certification?

A Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) certification is an industry certification that demonstrates your expertise and competency as a nurse educator. CNE certification is provided through the National League for Nursing (NLN).

This certification provides credentials behind a nurse educator’s name, indicating their professional status. It also ensures potential employers that you meet industry standards for this profession. A nurse educator certificate program is often designed to help you qualify for professional CNE certification.

What’s the Difference Between a Nursing Education Certification vs. Certificate?

Nurse Educator discussing with the nurses

Here are the key differences between a nursing education certificate and a nursing education certification:

  • Nursing education certification: Industry certification is a mark of professionalism and establishes an individual as a certified nurse educator. There are a few certification options to choose from, each of which requires an exam. Industry certification denotes competency and specialty in nursing education.
  • Nursing education certificate: A nursing education certificate indicates the completion of an nurse educator certificate program at an academic institution.

A nurse educator certificate program can help prepare you for professional certification in the field.

Is a Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education Worth It?

Nurse Educators discussing

Yes, a post master’s certificate in nursing education is worth it for many students. Online nurse educator certificate programs can help prepare licensed nurses to educate future and current nursing professionals.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers are expected to see 22% job growth over the next ten years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Nurse educators are needed to teach nursing students as well as develop current nurses. They might work in nursing schools, universities, or clinical settings.

Universities Offering Online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University

Northwest Missouri State University offers a Nursing Educator Graduate Certificate. This program aims to build teaching skills and deepen nursing knowledge related to pathophysiology, health assessment, and pharmacology. The curriculum spans 15 total credit hours. On average, students attending full-time can finish their requirements in 4 to 8 months.

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online program for a Nurse Educator Certificate. This program may be an ideal fit for nursing professionals interested in pursuing educator roles in settings like hospitals or universities. The curriculum consists of 12 hours of didactic coursework covering learning assessment, curricular design, and delivery methods. The program culminates with a hands-on practicum.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers a Graduate Certificate for Nurse Educators. Graduates often pursue careers as nursing school faculty, clinical instructors, staff development coordinators, or patient educators. The program requires the completion of 9 credit hours. All classes utilize a convenient online learning format allowing students to attend classes around existing busy schedules.

Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers a Nurse Educator Certificate. The curriculum is designed to equip registered nurses with the skills needed to train the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. The program admits new students two times each year. Classes can be attended online, and the program can typically be finished in 3 semesters of part-time attendance.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a Nurse Educator Certificate. Potential courses include Learning-Centered Teaching in Healthcare, Curriculum Design, and The Professorial Role of Nursing Educator. The curriculum consists of 12 credit hours that can potentially be completed in 2 semesters. All classes meet fully online.

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Getting Your Nurse Educator Certificate Online

Man taking Online Nurse Educator Certificate

As the healthcare field continues to grow, so does the need for nursing professionals who can teach the rising number of incoming nurses.

If you’re passionate about educating the next generation of nurses in academic or clinical settings, then completing a nurse educator certificate online could be a strategic next step. Nurse educators are also needed to help current nursing professionals continue their education and stay up-to-date with healthcare developments.

Earning your graduate certificate online may allow you to complete your program at a pace that is right for you. Why not start exploring nurse educator certificate programs from accredited schools today?

Ready to start your journey?
Megan Patiry
WRITTEN BY
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern New Hampshire University, is a certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner with the Academy for Modern Applied Psychology, and is a published author. Her areas of research and interests include behavioral psychology, mental health, and publishing.