What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in South Carolina?

If you want to become a nursing educator in South Carolina, you must have three things. Firstly you'll need an undergraduate degree in nursing (either an ADN or BSN); the second is a Registered Nursing license. These are both vital for all nursing professionals. For an education career, you also need a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD) so long as its major is education, or it offers such a track.

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in South Carolina

NurseEducator.com proudly presents its comprehensive ranking of the best nurse educator programs in South Carolina. Our expert team has carefully evaluated nursing education institutions across the state, considering factors like academic excellence, faculty credentials, student outcomes, and clinical training opportunities. These top-tier programs prepare future nurse educators to transform healthcare education and make significant impacts in academic and clinical settings. South Carolina offers remarkable opportunities for aspiring nursing faculty, with programs that blend rigorous theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical experience. Whether you're seeking an advanced degree or looking to specialize in nursing education, these programs represent the gold standard of professional preparation. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Carolina's MSN in Nursing Education delivers a comprehensive online program designed to cultivate exceptional nurse educators. With a strategic 5-semester curriculum spanning 39 credit hours and 500 clinical hours, students gain advanced pedagogical skills for diverse healthcare learning environments. The program distinguishes itself with no GRE requirement, part-time flexibility, and national certification preparation. Graduates emerge equipped to transform educational experiences in academic and clinical settings, leveraging innovative teaching strategies and curriculum development techniques. Military-friendly and accommodating working professionals, this program represents a premier pathway for nurses seeking leadership roles in educational settings.

  • 39 credit hours, 5 semesters
  • Fully online course delivery
  • 500 total clinical hours
  • No GRE required for admission
  • 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Fall and spring entry options
  • National certification preparation
  • Flexible practicum locations
  • Varied 7 or 15-week courses

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of South Carolina's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education provides a specialized online pathway for experienced MSN graduates seeking advanced educational expertise. Tailored to empower nurses in academic and clinical teaching roles, the program focuses on developing sophisticated educational competencies. Candidates must maintain an unencumbered RN license and minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum emphasizes healthcare education skills, curriculum design, and emerging educational technologies. Graduates become eligible for the National League of Nursing CNE Exam, positioning themselves as transformative educators capable of enhancing healthcare learning environments through innovative instructional approaches.

  • Online Post-Master's Certificate Program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
  • Currently Unencumbered RN License
  • 3 Professional References Needed
  • National League of Nursing CNE Exam Eligibility
  • Focused on Healthcare Education Skills
  • Designed for Experienced MSN Graduates
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Clemson University

Clemson, SC - Public 4-Year - clemson.edu

Master's - Master of Science, major in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Educator - Campus Based - Visit Website

Clemson University's Master of Science in Nursing Educator concentration provides a comprehensive pathway for nurses aspiring to become transformative educators. Situated in Greenville, this rigorous program prepares graduate students to revolutionize nursing education through advanced pedagogical techniques and cutting-edge technological integration. With a minimum 3.25 GPA requirement and robust clinical practice focus, students complete over 600 clinical hours while developing sophisticated curriculum design skills. The program uniquely emphasizes research-driven teaching methodologies, ensuring graduates are equipped to excel in academic settings, clinical training environments, and professional development roles. Summer start options and a competitive application process with three recommendation letter requirements distinguish this specialized nursing education track.

  • Offered in Greenville, SC
  • Nurse Educator concentration
  • Summer start (May)
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA required
  • 600+ clinical hours needed
  • Three recommendation letters
  • Application deadline Feb 15
  • Clinical practice focus
  • Educational technology emphasis
  • Research integration
#3

Anderson University

Anderson, SC - Private 4-year - andersonuniversity.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing: Nurse Educator

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Anderson University's MSN in Nursing: Nurse Educator program stands out for its innovative hybrid learning model that seamlessly blends online coursework with strategic in-person sessions. Distinguished by its Christian worldview, the program prepares advanced practice nurses to become transformative educators through comprehensive curriculum and personalized mentorship. Students develop sophisticated teaching skills across academic and clinical settings, benefiting from experienced practicing nurse educators who guide their professional development. With a rigorous 47-credit hour program, candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, hold an active unencumbered RN license, and complete CPR certification. The program uniquely emphasizes national certification preparation and holistic patient care principles.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • Christian worldview integration
  • Multiple nursing concentrations
  • RN with ADN or BSN entry paths
  • Practicing nurses as instructors
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Active unencumbered RN license
  • CPR certification needed
  • Four semester program
  • In-person sessions each semester
#4

Coker University

Hartsville, SC - Private 4-year - coker.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Coker University's MSN in Nursing Education offers a cutting-edge online program tailored for ambitious nurses seeking to transform healthcare through education. Specifically designed for working professionals, the program uniquely blends theoretical foundations with practical internship experiences. Students complete intensive eight-week courses while accumulating 50 structured clinical hours, ensuring comprehensive preparation for nurse educator roles. The concentration emphasizes evidence-based teaching methodologies and innovative curriculum development. Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, hold an active nursing license, and demonstrate commitment to advancing nursing education. With complete online flexibility, the program empowers nurses to become influential educators driving meaningful change in complex medical training environments.

  • Online 8-week course format
  • Two specialized tracks available
  • 50 internship hours required
  • Nursing education track option
  • Leadership track alternative
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • Active nursing license needed
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Completely online program
  • Graduate financial aid available
*Citation: National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). IPEDS Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

South Carolina has several BSN to MSN Nurse Educator program options, such as the one at Charleston Southern. Students will develop their skills in medical teaching, diagnostics, and treatment at an advanced level but will also learn curriculum assessment, evaluation, and development.

  • Regionally accredited BSN
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
  • Minimum number of hours of clinical practice
  • Unencumbered Registered Nursing license
  • Entry may include specific courses such as statistics. Grade C minimum typically

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 Medical University of South Carolina has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of South Carolina's DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in South Carolina

Nursing educators in the state of South Carolina are required to uphold all standards for maintaining that license, even if no clinical work is expected beyond the minimum required for ongoing licensure.

You may also apply to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). It is optional; however, it is strongly advisable for your career development. There are three types, and each applies to your current work status:

  • CNE: The first type of certification is for academic educators
  • CNEcl: This second type is aimed at professional trainers – those who educate clinicians
  • CNEn: This third type of certificate is for novices of both types

Like licensure, the certification has a list of criteria that applicants must have and maintain for continued eligibility.

RN licensing in South Carolina is $100 for endorsement and $200 for the examination. For endorsement with a temporary license, the cost is $110. CNE is one standard cost no matter which state you are in: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in South Carolina?

The careers that might be open to you once you have followed all the above steps:

  • Academic teaching: Colleges and universities are where new nurses – both undergraduate and graduate study
  • Professional education: Clinics and hospitals require teachers to provide upskilling and ongoing education stipulated
  • Private trainer: You could be involved in educating clinicians, though you're more likely to train support staff
  • Charity: You will train both frontline medical and relief staff and educate decision makers for things like grants and policy
  • Public health: Working for the government or health NGOs, you will be involved in educating the public

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in South Carolina

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

Anderson, SC

MSN Programs
316 Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 231-2000

Charleston, SC

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
9200 University Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 863-7000

Clemson, SC

MSN Programs
508 Edwards, Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-7622

Florence, SC

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
PO Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502
(800) 368-7551

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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