Nurse Educator Schools in Florida

Are you working as a practicing nurse in Florida and considering stepping up to a career in education? It's a rewarding career in which you can train new nursing students or long-term professionals. If this sounds appealing, you should know about the mandatory steps and other choices to help you achieve this career in the state of Florida.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Florida?
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Florida
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Florida
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Florida?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Florida

Amy Kowalska, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Aug 29, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Florida?

To work as a nurse educator in the state of Florida, it is first mandatory that you have an undergraduate and graduate degree along with an RN license. The undergraduate program can be ADN or BSN. Your graduate degree must be a master's at a minimum – either an MSN with an education track or a dedicated MSN in Nursing Education. Many nurse educators also go on to pursue a doctorate degree in nursing education, which comes in three types: the DNP, the Ph.D., or the Ed.D.

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

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Florida

Nursing education in Florida stands at the forefront of training exceptional healthcare professionals, and nurseeducator.com has meticulously evaluated the state's top nurse educator programs. Our comprehensive analysis considers factors like faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, student outcomes, and innovative curriculum design. Florida offers an impressive array of graduate programs that prepare nurses to become transformative educators who shape the next generation of healthcare providers. From Miami to Tallahassee, these programs provide rigorous academic experiences that blend theoretical knowledge with practical training. Whether you're seeking to advance your nursing career or transition into educator roles, Florida's nurse educator programs offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and academic excellence. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL - Private 4-year - ju.edu

Graduate Certificate - Clinical Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Jacksonville University's Clinical Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate offers a comprehensive online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced educational roles. Spanning 13 credit hours, the program meticulously prepares professionals for nursing education careers through strategic coursework aligned with National League for Nursing certification standards. Students explore critical domains like Advanced Pathophysiology and Academic Nurse Education, developing sophisticated teaching methodologies. The program's flexible eight-week enrollment cycles accommodate working professionals, requiring a 3.0 GPA, an accredited nursing degree, and an active U.S. nursing license. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency via IELTS or TOEFL. Military-friendly and designed for career progression, this certificate program equips nurses with transformative educational competencies.

Fully online program
13 credit hours
Enrollment every eight weeks
Aligns with NLN standards
Requires 3.0 GPA
Active U.S. nursing license needed
Courses include Advanced Pathophysiology
Focus on nursing education
Prepares for teaching roles
Flexible for working professionals

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Florida State University's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Education concentration represents a transformative pathway for nurses aspiring to become academic leaders. This rigorous program uniquely prepares educators through comprehensive curriculum development training and advanced pedagogical strategies. Designed for working professionals, the program offers asynchronous learning with no GRE requirement, making it accessible for RNs holding a BSN. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, potential financial support, and comprehensive preparation for faculty roles across diverse healthcare educational environments. The curriculum emphasizes innovative teaching methodologies, clinical expertise, and leadership skills essential for shaping future nursing professionals.

Online asynchronous program
Nursing Education concentration available
No GRE requirement
3.0 minimum GPA
Active RN license needed
October 1 application deadline
Financial support options
Prepare for faculty roles
Teach in various nursing programs

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL - Public 4-Year - ucf.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Florida's Post-Bachelor's Online Nurse Educator Certificate provides a dynamic pathway for registered nurses to elevate their professional trajectory into educational leadership. This comprehensive three-semester program delivers advanced instructional methodologies tailored specifically for healthcare training environments. With a no-GRE requirement and flexible asynchronous online format, working nurses can seamlessly enhance their pedagogical skills without disrupting current clinical responsibilities. The 12-credit hour curriculum emphasizes practical teaching strategies, curriculum development, and educational technology integration. Candidates must hold an active RN license and possess either a BSN or MSN degree, making it an accessible and strategic professional development opportunity for nurses passionate about shaping future healthcare professionals.

Online asynchronous format
No GRE required
12 total credit hours
Part-time program (3 semesters)
Requires active RN license
BSN or MSN degree needed
Flexible work-friendly schedule
Nurse Licensure Compact states
Undergraduate statistics prerequisite

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL - Private 4-year - nova.edu

Master's - M.S.N. in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University's M.S.N. in Nursing Education delivers a transformative online program designed for nurses seeking advanced educational roles. The 36-credit curriculum strategically prepares professionals for diverse teaching environments, including staff development, vocational instruction, and community college teaching. With a fully online format accommodating working nurses, students complete 170 practicum hours while exploring advanced nursing education methodologies. No specific entrance exam is highlighted, making the program accessible. Graduates gain comprehensive skills to shape future nursing professionals, with flexible coursework supporting career advancement and potential doctoral study pathways.

36 total credit program
Fully online coursework
5 semester curriculum
170 practicum hours required
Application deadlines: Aug 1, Dec 23
Courses include advanced nursing roles
Nurse Educator Capstone included
Flexible for working professionals
Pathway to doctoral studies

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Nova Southeastern University's Doctor of Nursing Practice with a Nursing Education concentration offers an innovative doctoral pathway for ambitious healthcare professionals. This comprehensive program encompasses 69-75 credits, integrating over 1,000 clinical hours with cutting-edge online learning. Designed for experienced nurses, the curriculum emphasizes leadership development and educational innovation across healthcare settings. The Nursing Education track specifically prepares nurses to become advanced educators and systemic change agents. While no mandatory entrance exam is specified, the program features flexible admission dates, including Fall and Winter terms, and includes a unique three-day Summer Institute to enhance doctoral-level preparedness.

69-75 total credits
Multiple nursing concentrations
Over 1,000 clinical hours
Flexible online and hybrid options
Nursing Education track available
Fall and winter admission dates
Application deadline August 1 (Fall)
Application deadline December 23 (Winter)
Three-day Summer Institute
Doctoral-level leadership preparation

Show 1 More Programs ˅

University of South Florida

Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of South Florida's MSN Nursing Education program provides a robust educational pathway for experienced nurses transitioning into academic roles. Spanning 40 credit hours, the program uniquely blends advanced pedagogical techniques with healthcare expertise. Students engage in comprehensive training focused on curriculum development, innovative teaching technologies, and evidence-based educational strategies. The curriculum emphasizes both classroom and clinical education methodologies, preparing graduates for diverse teaching environments. With part-time and full-time options available, the program offers flexible learning pathways. Students can anticipate preparing for NLN Certification and completing a comprehensive teaching practicum that equips them with practical instructional skills essential for nurse educator positions.

40 total credit hours
Program on hold Fall 2021
Prepare for NLN Certification
Part-time and full-time options
Teaching practicum experiences
Comprehensive examination required
Teaches classroom and clinical education
Focuses on teaching/learning theories

*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Those with years of experience as practice nurses will find several RN to MSN opportunities in Florida and some online availability. You will study both preventive care and nursing, theory and practice, statistics, curriculum development and assessment, and health promotion. Eligibility requirements are typically:

A minimum cumulative GPA. This can be anything between 2.8 and 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
Send transcripts as proof
Minimum grades may apply to specific undergraduate courses such as statistics or health assessment
RN license (unencumbered)
Schools may ask to see your NCLEX-RN score
CPR certification

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., Ed.D.

Florida has several universities that offer online Doctorate Nurse Educator programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). These programs are designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in nursing education, leadership, research, and evidence-based practice.

Here are some typical admissions requirements for online Doctorate Nurse Educator programs in Florida:

Master’s degree in nursing or related field
Current, valid RN license
Minimum GPA requirement (usually 3.0 or higher)
Resume/CV
Personal statement or essay
Official transcripts from all universities attended
Three letters of recommendation
Interview with the admissions committee
Writing sample or research paper
Evidence of clinical experience or research experience may also be required for some programs.

Prospective students are encouraged to review the specific admission requirements for each program they are interested in and reach out to the program’s admissions office with any questions or concerns. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program, as competition for admission can be high. It’s important to carefully review the admission requirements, prepare a strong application, and demonstrate a passion for nursing education to increase the chances of being accepted into a program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Florida

An RN license is mandatory for nursing educators. Even if you have no intention of practicing, that license must be maintained in line with the requirements of being a practice nurse. A master's degree or doctorate is then required prior to practice and certification.

Ideally, you should also have a Certificate of Nursing Education. The CNE is optional to operate as a nurse educator. However, it is often strongly preferred.

CNE (standard) is for those working in academic education
CNEcl is for those teaching professional learners. You need a minimum of three years minimum experience
CNEn certification is for newly qualified. To be eligible, you need under three years of experience

RN license requirements are mandatory for ongoing eligibility. Further, the CNE also requires minimum eligibility to be maintained.

RN licensing in Florida costs $110 for the application and a further $200 for the exam. License by endorsement is also $110. The CNE is the same cost throughout the US: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Florida?

These are the typical ways in which you might apply your Nursing Education MSN to a career:

Academic research and teaching: in our colleges and universities educating the next generation of nurses and other nursing professionals in a formal capacity
Teaching professional nurses: working in hospitals and clinics providing mandatory ongoing education and other important training.
Education providers: while you might train nurses, you could be employed to provide any medical training – for example in technology or procedures.
Charities: any of the above roles in a not-for-profit organization, or lobbying and public health advocacy.

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Florida

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