Nurse Educator Schools in Ohio

Are you currently working as a practice nurse in Ohio (or moving there) and considering a career change toward education? It’s an exciting step to take, but it needs careful consideration, not least of all which entry route you need based on your experience. This guide provides the information you need to get started.

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

Angelica Lim, BSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Aug 24, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Ohio?

To work as a nursing educator in Ohio, you need to follow a set of obligatory educational and career steps. A relevant accredited undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN) is mandatory to apply for your Registered Nursing license, which is also mandatory to study for a master's degree (MSN) or doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD). The graduate program must focus on nursing education or have the option to study that pathway.

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

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Ohio

Aspiring nurse educators in Ohio have an exciting array of top-tier academic programs that prepare future nursing instructors for impactful careers. NurseEducator.com has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of nursing education programs across the state, identifying the most exceptional institutions that offer advanced training and comprehensive curriculum for nurse educators. Our expert team carefully analyzed factors such as faculty credentials, clinical partnerships, research opportunities, and student success rates to develop these definitive rankings. These programs not only provide rigorous academic preparation but also equip nurses with the skills needed to transform healthcare education and inspire the next generation of nursing professionals. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Capital University

Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu

Master's - MSN Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Capital University's MSN in Nursing Education offers a dynamic online program designed for aspiring nurse educators seeking comprehensive professional development. Spanning two years, students engage in innovative coursework with 8 or 16-week flexible formats, accumulating over 360 clinical hours. The curriculum strategically blends learning theories, educational trends, and practical experiences, positioning graduates for impactful roles in academic and clinical teaching environments. With admission opportunities three times annually and intimate class sizes of 20 students or fewer, the program ensures personalized learning and mentorship for nursing professionals committed to educational excellence.

Nursing Education concentration available
Online 8/16-week course formats
360+ hours field experience
Admitted 3x yearly: Aug, Jan, May
20 students or fewer per class
Flexible full/part-time options
Clinical experiences near Columbus
Graduates work at top hospitals/universities

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Capital University's Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education provides an accelerated 16-month pathway for experienced nurses seeking specialized educational leadership skills. The program transforms clinical expertise into advanced teaching competencies, covering sophisticated health assessment, innovative pedagogical strategies, and comprehensive curriculum development. Graduates complete eight graduate-level courses, including a capstone practicum, enabling them to effectively transition into classroom and clinical educational roles. Tailored specifically for Master's of Science in Nursing graduates, this certificate empowers nurses to shape future healthcare professionals through strategic educational interventions.

8 graduate-level courses
16-month program duration
Prepares nurses for classroom/clinical education
Advanced health assessment focus
Clinical and laboratory teaching experience
Capstone practicum included
For Master's of Science in Nursing graduates

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Ohio State University

Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Concentration: Academic Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ohio State University's Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program offers a pioneering online pathway for master's-prepared nurses targeting Academic Nursing Education. As the first nationwide DNE program, it provides comprehensive training in advanced educational methodologies, curriculum design, and evidence-based teaching practices. Students can complete the program in two years full-time or three years part-time, with synchronous coursework and immersive field experiences. The program emphasizes developing educational leadership skills, preparing nurses to excel in academic settings. No specific entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for qualified candidates. With pre-accreditation status and potential fellowship opportunities, this program represents a cutting-edge approach to nursing education leadership.

First DNE program nationwide
Online synchronous coursework
Two specialization tracks
Full-time: 2 years study
Part-time: 3 years study
Autumn 2025 application deadline: March 1
Fellowship opportunities available
Pre-accredited program

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Concentration: Nursing Professional Development - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ohio State University's Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program specializing in Nursing Professional Development delivers an innovative online curriculum for master's-prepared nurses. Targeting healthcare education professionals, the program focuses on transforming nursing education through advanced leadership training. Students can choose between full-time (2 years) and part-time (3 years) tracks, gaining expertise in curriculum design and evidence-based teaching strategies. The program emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and prepares nurses to drive healthcare education innovation. With synchronous coursework and a March 1st application deadline, this pre-accredited program offers a unique opportunity for nurses seeking to expand their educational leadership capabilities in professional development settings.

First DNE program nationwide
Online synchronous coursework
Two specialization tracks
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 years
Application deadline: March 1
Targets master's-prepared nurses
Pre-accreditation status
Focuses on nursing education leadership
Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

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Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH - Public 4-Year - ysu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education – Post-Master’s Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Youngstown State University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education stands out as a strategic pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced teaching credentials. Delivered entirely online, this 15-credit hour program meticulously prepares MSN-prepared registered nurses to transition into educational leadership roles. Uniquely designed to align with National League for Nursing certification standards, the curriculum emphasizes sophisticated instructional strategies, curriculum development, and comprehensive evaluation techniques. With a focus on practical application, the program mandates clinical practicum hours and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA. Notably, the program extends its accessibility to nurses in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan, making it a regionally attractive option for aspiring nurse educators.

Online post-master's certificate program
15 total credit hours
Prepares for NLN certification
Requires MSN from accredited program
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
One year recent RN practice
Clinical practicum hours included
Open to OH, PA, WV, MI students
Nurse educator role preparation

Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH - Private 4-year - cedarville.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cedarville University's Post Master's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education delivers specialized training for experienced nurses seeking to transition into educational roles. This online program uniquely prepares MSN-prepared professionals to become exceptional nurse educators through comprehensive pedagogical skill development. Designed with flexibility for working nurses, the certificate emphasizes advanced teaching strategies and offers Biblical worldview integration. Graduates are equipped to pursue nurse educator certification and expand their career opportunities across academic and healthcare settings. The program's part-time completion option and low-cost structure make it an attractive choice for nurses committed to educational leadership.

Online certificate program
For nurses with existing MSN
Prepares for Nurse Educator certification
Flexible part-time completion
Biblical worldview integration
Low-cost graduate option

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cincinnati's online MSN in Nursing Education offers dynamic preparation for nurse educators seeking transformative teaching roles. This innovative program enables working professionals to develop advanced pedagogical skills through flexible online coursework, targeting both academic and clinical educational environments. Students gain comprehensive insights into curriculum development, instructional strategies, and healthcare training methodologies. The program accommodates multiple semester start dates, providing accessibility for nurses committed to professional advancement. Military-friendly and designed for career progression, graduates emerge equipped to shape future nursing professionals through strategic educational leadership approaches.

Online Nursing Education program
Prepares nurses for teaching roles
Flexible online coursework
Spring/Fall/Summer start dates
Multiple application deadlines
Academic and clinical teaching focus

*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Ohio has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at Mercy College. Students will learn diagnostics and treatment, procedure, law and ethics, and assessment.

Entry requirements are:

Accredited Associate's Degree
Unencumbered RN license which is in date
Criminal background check
A minimum GPA of 3.0
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate relevant language proficiency

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Ohio has a small number of online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, such as the one at Ohio State University. Students will learn about various issues from curriculum development and assessment to diagnostics and treatment, along with medical skills.

A regionally accredited BSN
A minimum GPA – typically 3.0, but some could be lower
Registered Nursing license (unencumbered)
There may be some course entry requirements, such as biology or statistics, and minimum grades required
Proof of English proficiency through certification is required for non-native speakers

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

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education–a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

Ohio has a few options for these programs available online. For online DNP programs, be sure to look at Ohio University. For PhD programs, there's a good one at Ohio State University.

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).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Ohio

Nursing educators in Ohio must adhere to all minimum eligibility standards for their license to maintain that eligibility. This remains the case even for those who will work as full-time educators.

You should also consider becoming certified through the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) scheme. Though optional, you may find better career prospects in holding one. There are three types:

Type one is the CNE: This is targeted at educators in academia
Type two is the CNEcl: This is targeted at trainers of professional clinicians
Type three is the CNEn: Aimed at novices in both the other two types (less than three years of experience)

Such certification also has minimum eligibility to maintain certification.

RN licensing in Ohio is $75 for the application and $200 for the exam. It is not clear how much endorsement costs. CNE costs one standard price across the US which is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Ohio?

What career options do you have once you have completed all the steps above?

Academic teaching: Working from schools, colleges, and universities around the US teaching prospective medical professionals
Professional instruction: Instead of teaching students, you'll teach medical professionals with mandatory ongoing training
Private training provider: While you could train medical professionals, you may also be involved in training support staff
Charities: Non-profits employ a range of professionals – clinicians and support – who need relevant training. Also, education professionals are required for grant applications
Public health professional: Working with groups or the general public to help with their rights or general medical awareness

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Ohio

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