What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Colorado?

To enter a career as a nurse educator in Colorado, there are several steps to follow. Typically, this is multiple years of practice as a registered nurse after qualifying with a BSN or ADN. Nurse educators, however, need an advanced degree such as an MSN or one of two doctorates (PhD or DNP) or where available, a Doctor of Education in nursing (EdD).

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Colorado

NurseEducator.com is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the Best Nurse Educator Programs in Colorado, where aspiring nursing instructors can find top-tier academic pathways. Our expert team has carefully evaluated programs across the state, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, and student success rates. Colorado offers a dynamic landscape for nurse educators, with programs that blend cutting-edge research, innovative teaching strategies, and hands-on clinical experiences. Whether you're looking to advance your nursing career into education or seeking a master's or doctoral program, these selected institutions provide exceptional training to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our rankings reflect a commitment to excellence in nursing education. Learn more about our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

University of Northern Colorado

Greeley, CO - Public 4-Year - unco.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate Program provides a targeted, flexible pathway for nurses seeking specialized educational credentials. Completed entirely online, this nine-credit program demands applicants hold both BSN and MSN degrees with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA. Designed for working professionals, the certificate prepares nurses for diverse educational roles in academic and clinical environments. Admission requires a compelling personal statement, professional resume, and active RN license. With no GRE score prerequisites, the program offers an accessible route for nurses wanting to transition into educational leadership, emphasizing practical skills and knowledge transfer in nursing instruction.

  • 9 credits required
  • Fully online program
  • BSN and MSN required
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.00+
  • No GRE scores needed
  • Personal statement required
  • Resume submission needed
  • Copy of RN license required
  • Prepares for nursing educator roles
  • Flexible for working professionals

Doctorate - Nursing Education PhD

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Northern Colorado's Online PhD in Nursing Education is a transformative four-year program targeting registered nurses with master's degrees who aspire to leadership roles in academic healthcare settings. Distinguished by its fully online curriculum with minimal campus visits, the program offers a competitive $734 per credit hour tuition and eliminates GRE requirements. Scholars develop advanced research skills and innovative teaching strategies to address critical nursing faculty shortages. The comprehensive 66-credit program emphasizes professional development, requiring a minimum 3.0 master's GPA and active RN licensure. A unique five-day summer orientation provides foundational networking and academic preparation for aspiring nurse educators.

  • Online PhD in Nursing Education
  • 66 total credit hours
  • 4+ years to complete
  • $734 per credit hour
  • No GRE required
  • Fully online coursework
  • 5-day summer orientation
  • Master's GPA 3.0+ required
  • RN licensure mandatory
  • Teaching experience recommended
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#2

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a distinctive Nursing Education Graduate Certificate, tailored for nursing professionals seeking specialized educational expertise. This innovative hybrid program spans one year, blending online coursework with immersive in-person sessions. Participants gain comprehensive skills in curriculum development, evidence-based teaching methodologies, and emerging educational technologies. Uniquely positioned for registered nurses with an undergraduate nursing degree, the program prepares graduates for diverse teaching roles across clinical, academic, and community settings. Graduates become eligible to sit for the prestigious Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, enhancing their professional credentials. The curriculum emphasizes advanced pedagogical strategies, learning assessment techniques, and program evaluation, making it an ideal pathway for nurses passionate about shaping future healthcare education.

  • Hybrid online format
  • 1 year to complete
  • Prepares for CNE exam
  • Open to non-degree seekers
  • 9-credit program
  • Focus on curriculum design
  • Emphasizes evidence-based teaching
  • Optional immersion practicum
  • Colorado residents tuition $7,065
  • Nonresidents tuition $11,457
#3

Regis University

Denver, CO - Private 4-year - regis.edu

Doctorate - DNP to Ph.D. in Nursing Research and Nursing Education

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Regis University's DNP to Ph.D. program offers a transformative pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced educational and research expertise. Located within the prestigious Loretto Heights School of Nursing, this AACN-CCNE accredited hybrid program uniquely employs a 'dissertation by publication' approach. Participants develop sophisticated research methodologies and nursing education strategies, emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative research techniques. The program integrates Jesuit values and leadership development, preparing graduates to become influential healthcare educators and researchers. Students will explore advanced theoretical perspectives while contributing meaningful scholarly work throughout their academic journey, positioning themselves at the forefront of nursing education and research innovation.

  • DNP to Ph.D. pathway
  • Dissertation by publication
  • Advanced research focus
  • Nursing education emphasis
  • Loretto Heights School of Nursing
  • AACN-CCNE accredited program
  • Jesuit values integration
  • Quantitative/qualitative research
  • Teaching healthcare professionals
  • Leadership development
#4

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO - Public 4-Year - csupueblo.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator, Master of Science

Online Learning - Visit Website

Colorado State University Pueblo's online Master of Science in Nurse Educator program offers a transformative pathway for practicing registered nurses seeking to advance into academic and clinical teaching roles. The strategically designed 30-credit curriculum emphasizes evidence-based educational practices and leadership development in healthcare instruction. Tailored for working professionals, the program provides flexible online learning with competitive tuition at $550 per credit hour. Prospective students must hold an active Colorado RN license, maintain a 3.0 GPA, complete a mandatory background check, and provide current CPR certification. The ACEN-accredited program enables graduates to excel in diverse educational settings including hospitals, technical schools, and long-term care facilities.

  • Online Master of Science
  • 30 total credit hours
  • $550 per credit hour
  • 2-5 years completion time
  • ACEN accredited program
  • Next start date: March 17
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • Colorado RN license required
  • Background check mandatory
  • CPR certification needed
*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

BSN graduates have great opportunities in Colorado to study Nursing Education MSNs. There is currently one option in the state. Students will study a variety of subjects including theory, practice, technology, pharmacology, teaching strategies, and more. Entry requirements are:

  • A relevant Regionally accredited BSN
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Send transcripts
  • Current RN license (unencumbered); submit your NCLEX-RN score as proof

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 Colorado has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as a DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Colorado

First, you'll need an RN license and provide proof that you passed the relevant exam. The next step is a relevant master's degree – either a dedicated MSN in nursing education or an MSN with an education pathway.

There are currently three available CNE certificates available. They are advisory, not mandatory:

  • CNE certification is for academic educators
  • CNEcl certification is for clinical educators. You should have a minimum of two years of practice and three years of education experience to apply
  • CNEn certification is for novice nurse educators with less than three years of experience

All requirements for maintaining RN license eligibility are still required even if you will not work as a practice nurse.

RN licensing in Colorado costs $88 for the application fee and $200 exam fee. Additional fees include a $45 IV Authority application fee and a $43 endorsement fee (these last two are optional). CNEs costs are $400 for NLN members and $500 for those who are not members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Colorado?

Your career choices include but are not limited to:

  • Academic education: You may work as a lecturer and researcher teaching undergraduates and grad students
  • Professional and continuing education: Providing training in clinical settings on a range of clinical and procedural issues
  • Private sector providers: clinical and non-clinical education, plus education on administrative and other supporting services
  • Charities: The third sector works as a lobby group, for public outreach and awareness, or education policymakers on health decisions, and training those on the front line

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Colorado

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

Colorado Springs, CO

MSN Programs
4435 N Chestnut St
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
(719) 598-0200

Denver, CO

3333 Regis Boulevard
Denver, CO 80221
(180) 038-8236 x6

Greeley, CO

501 20 ST.
Greeley, CO 80639
(970) 351-1890

Loveland, CO

PhD Programs
2915 Rocky Mountain Ave, Suite 100
Loveland, CO 80538
(800) 232-1749

Pueblo, CO

2200 Bonforte Blvd
Pueblo, CO 81001
(719) 549-2462

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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