What you’ll learn in this article…
- South Dakota has no in-state MSN Nurse Educator track, but SARA membership lets nurses enroll in accredited online programs nationwide.
- The state employs roughly 240 postsecondary nursing instructors, with pay falling below the national BLS average.
- CCNE or ACEN program accreditation plus SARA institutional participation are the two credentials every applicant should verify.
- Employers include university nursing programs, technical colleges, and major health systems like Sanford Health and Monument Health.
Where can South Dakota nurses earn an MSN in nursing education if no in-state program exists? South Dakota currently offers no dedicated MSN nurse educator track within the state. However, the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) allows you to enroll in fully accredited online MSN nurse educator programs based elsewhere. These online MSN tracks accept South Dakota residents and support local clinical preceptor placements in teaching settings near you.
That pathway lets you train for a role that employs roughly 240 nursing instructors statewide. Online nurse educator programs also give you the flexibility to stay in your current job while preparing for the transition into academic or clinical education.
Best Online Nurse Educator Programs for South Dakota Students
South Dakota is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which means nurses in the state can enroll in online programs offered by SARA-participating institutions across the country without additional state-level approvals. The programs ranked below were selected using a quality composite that weighs online delivery, institutional outcomes, and affordability. Because graduation rates reflect institution-wide figures (not a single program), treat them as one indicator among several when comparing schools. Each of these programs accepts South Dakota residents and can be completed primarily or entirely from home, though a few hybrid options may require limited travel for practicums or immersive experiences.
- Online delivery and accessibility
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Net price and financial value
- Faculty ratio and student support
- Program depth and credential level
- Independent program research
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- #1
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL · $11,000/yr
Best for: RNs wanting a fully asynchronous MSN
Florida State University delivers a fully asynchronous online MSN with a Nursing Education concentration, one of the few master's-level options on this list that requires zero campus visits. The College of Nursing is pursuing CCNE accreditation for the program and offers financial support through tuition waivers and the Nurse Faculty Loan Program. With an 85.6% institution-wide graduation rate and a net price of $11,297, FSU balances academic rigor with reasonable cost for out-of-state learners.
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- Fully asynchronous online delivery, no campus visits
- BSN required with minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active RN license needed for admission
- GRE requirement waived for all applicants
- Tuition waivers and Nurse Faculty Loan Program available
- Covers curriculum design, clinical education, and leadership
- Pursuing accreditation by CCNE
- #2
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · $20,000/yr
Best for: Practicing nurses seeking a focused certificate
The University of Texas at Austin offers a compact 9-credit-hour Teaching Nursing Certificate designed for practicing nurses who want focused pedagogical training without committing to a full degree. Courses run asynchronously online, covering curriculum design, instructional methods, and assessment strategies tailored to nursing education. UT Austin's 88.9% graduation rate and strong institutional reputation add weight to this shorter credential.
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- 9 total credit hours, completable in one to two semesters
- Asynchronous online classes fit around clinical schedules
- Builds skills in pedagogy, curriculum design, and assessment
- Designed for nurses already holding a BSN or higher
- No full master's commitment required
- Prepares graduates for academic and clinical teaching roles
- #3
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL · $10,000/yr
Best for: Budget-minded RNs exploring education roles
The University of Central Florida's online Nurse Educator Certificate is a 12-credit, three-semester program built for working RNs who want to transition into teaching without pausing their careers. All coursework is asynchronous, and no GRE is required. UCF's net price of $10,411 makes it one of the most affordable options on this list, though applicants should confirm current out-of-state eligibility under SARA.
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- 12 credit hours completed across three semesters
- Fully asynchronous online format
- No GRE or entrance exam required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission
- Part-time schedule accommodates working nurses
- Covers instructional skills, curriculum design, and assessment
- Fall and spring start terms available
- #4
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI · ~$17,000/yr (est.)
The University of Wisconsin-Madison's Nurse Educator Certificate is a 9-credit hybrid program that prepares graduates to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam. Coursework is asynchronous, but the curriculum includes an immersive teaching practicum with experienced preceptors. With an institution-wide graduation rate of 89.5%, UW-Madison ranks among the strongest research universities offering this credential.
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- 9 credit hours, completable in one to two years
- Asynchronous online courses during spring and fall terms
- Immersive teaching practicum with faculty-approved preceptors
- Prepares candidates for the NLN CNE examination
- Students choose three of four available courses
- Full-time and part-time options offered
- #5
Homestead Schools
Torrance, CA · $16,000/yr (net price)
Homestead Schools, a private institution based in California, offers a 37-credit MSN program focused on nurse educator preparation. The curriculum includes a clinical practicum, capstone project, and coursework in pathophysiology, health policy, and informatics. While the school posts a strong 93.3% graduation rate, prospective South Dakota students should note that the program currently lists a California residency requirement, which may limit eligibility.
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- 37 credit hours with 967.5 total clock hours
- Online and residential delivery options
- Clinical practicum and capstone project included
- Covers nursing theory, research, and health policy
- 3.0 GPA required for admission
- Federal student loans available for eligible students
- California residency requirement may restrict out-of-state enrollment
- #6
CUNY Hunter College
New York, NY · $3,000/yr
CUNY Hunter College offers an online Advanced Certificate in Nursing Education geared toward RNs who already hold a master's degree and want to move into faculty or staff-development roles. The program spans 16 to 28 credits and includes a 105-hour nurse educator residency. Hunter's net price of $2,984 is the lowest on this list, reflecting CUNY's public mission, though South Dakota applicants should verify state-authorization eligibility before applying.
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- 16 to 28 credit hours, two-year part-time completion
- Synchronous evening classes for working professionals
- 105-hour nurse educator residency component
- Prepares candidates for NLN and SSH certifications
- Designed for licensed RNs holding a master's degree
- Addresses the national nursing faculty shortage
- Verify CUNY distance-ed authorization for South Dakota
- #7
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH · $17,000/yr (net price)
Ohio State University launched the Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) in 2023, making it one of the first practice doctorates built specifically for nurse educators. The fully online program offers two tracks: Academic Nursing Education and Nursing Professional Development. South Dakota is listed as an approved state on Ohio State's distance-education authorization page, so SD nurses can enroll at standard nonresident rates.
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- Fully online with synchronous class sessions
- Two tracks: Academic Education and Professional Development
- Full-time completion in two years, part-time in three
- Field immersion hours and culminating final project required
- Accredited by NLN CNEA
- Master's degree required for admission
- South Dakota listed as approved for distance enrollment
- Fellowship consideration available with early application
- #8
University of Washington-Bothell Campus
Bothell, WA · $12,000/yr
The University of Washington-Bothell offers a 50-credit Master of Nursing with a nurse education track that blends online coursework with 100 hours of faculty-led fieldwork. The program is CCNE-accredited and emphasizes health disparities, leadership, and social justice. Because it is a hybrid format, South Dakota students should plan for some travel to Washington for on-site components.
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- 50 credit hours with CCNE accreditation
- Hybrid format combining online courses and fieldwork
- 100 hours of faculty-led clinical fieldwork required
- Capstone project applying theory to real-world challenges
- Curriculum aligns with AACN Essentials
- Electives available across UW system campuses
- On-campus requirements may involve travel for SD students
- #9
Duke University
Durham, NC · ~$30,000/yr (est.)
Duke University's Nursing Education Post-Graduate Certificate combines flexible online coursework with a hands-on synthesis course in the final semester. Duke's School of Nursing holds both ACEN and CCNE accreditation, and the program uses rolling admissions, giving South Dakota nurses year-round application flexibility. Local practicum placements can often be arranged in the student's home state, which could allow SD nurses to complete teaching hours at South Dakota hospitals or colleges.
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- Rolling admissions with financial aid and scholarships
- Most core courses are one or two credits each
- Hands-on synthesis course in the final semester
- Dual accreditation by ACEN and CCNE
- Local practicum sites may be arranged in South Dakota
- Expert faculty with real-world clinical and teaching experience
- Holistic admissions strategy, no rigid GPA cutoff stated
- #10
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA · $5,000/yr (net price)
California State University-San Bernardino offers a 20-unit Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate designed for nurses who already hold a graduate degree and want structured preparation in curriculum development, assessment, and instructional technology. The hybrid program includes an advanced role practicum and carries a net price of $4,564, among the lowest on this list. SD residents enroll as out-of-state online students under SARA.
View program
- 20 credit hours across seven courses
- Hybrid format with online and on-site components
- Advanced role practicum for hands-on teaching experience
- Covers curriculum development, assessment, and instructional technology
- Designed for nurses who already hold a graduate degree
- SD residents enroll at standard out-of-state rates under SARA
South Dakota currently has no dedicated MSN Nurse Educator track at an in-state institution, but that gap is easy to work around. Because South Dakota participates in the SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement), nurses here can enroll in accredited online programs from other states without running into state-authorization hurdles, and most programs allow you to complete any required clinical or practicum hours locally with program approval.
What Is the Nurse Educator Program at SDSU?
South Dakota State University (SDSU) historically offered a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Nurse Educator concentration, making it a go-to option for RNs in the state who wanted to transition into teaching. However, SDSU has since restructured its graduate nursing offerings, and the MSN Nurse Educator track is no longer available as of 2026.1
Instead, SDSU now channels graduate nursing students into its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD programs. Both pathways are delivered online, which is a significant advantage for working nurses across South Dakota and beyond.1 If you already hold a BSN from an accredited program, the DNP is worth a close look. Applicants need a minimum GPA of 3.0, an unencumbered RN license, some clinical RN experience, and completion of a statistics course.1
So what does this shift mean for aspiring nurse educators in South Dakota? In practical terms, it means the doctoral route is now SDSU's primary pathway for nurses who want to teach. A DNP can prepare you for faculty roles at community colleges and universities, and it positions you competitively for leadership positions in academic nursing. If you are looking for affordable nurse educator DNP programs, several accredited options exist beyond SDSU that may fit your budget and timeline.
For nurses who already hold a master's degree and want to add teaching credentials without pursuing a full doctorate, a post-master's certificate in nursing education is another viable route. These certificates are typically shorter and more focused, letting you build educator competencies efficiently.
The bottom line: while SDSU no longer offers a standalone MSN Nurse Educator program, its doctoral programs remain strong and accessible online. South Dakota nurses have solid options, whether through SDSU's DNP or through other accredited programs that still offer MSN-level educator tracks.
Admission Requirements and Prerequisites for Online MSN Nurse Educator Programs
If you are a South Dakota RN exploring online MSN Nurse Educator programs, knowing the typical admission requirements ahead of time will help you prepare a strong application. Most programs share a common set of prerequisites, though individual schools may add their own criteria.
The foundational requirement is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a regionally accredited institution. You will also need an active, unencumbered RN license. Some programs accept a compact license, while others may require a state-specific license depending on clinical placement locations.2 A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is the standard benchmark, although a few programs consider applicants with slightly lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis.2
Most online MSN Nurse Educator programs require at least one year of clinical nursing experience. This hands-on background ensures that students entering the educator track bring real-world perspective to their coursework. Notably, no standardized entrance exam such as the GRE is required for the majority of these programs, and GRE waivers are widely available for those schools that do list it as an option.3
A background check is required by most programs, typically completed before any clinical or practicum placement.4 Application fees are often waived entirely, and many programs operate on a rolling admissions basis, giving you flexibility to apply when you are ready.2
Programs accredited by CCNE or ACEN generally range from 30 to 40 total credits.3 When comparing accredited online MSN programs, look for schools whose curriculum aligns with the National League for Nursing's Certified Nurse Educator competencies. Earning your MSN Nurse Educator credential online allows you to continue working in South Dakota while building the academic foundation for a teaching career in nursing.
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Accreditation and Program Quality: What South Dakota Students Should Verify
Before you commit tuition dollars to any online nurse educator program, take a few minutes to confirm two layers of accreditation and verify that the school is authorized to serve South Dakota students. Skipping this step can jeopardize your ability to earn certification, satisfy employer requirements, or qualify for advanced roles in the state.
Institutional vs. Programmatic Accreditation
Every legitimate college or university holds institutional (regional) accreditation from one of the recognized accrediting bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This accreditation confirms the institution meets baseline academic and financial standards.
Programmatic accreditation is a separate, nursing-specific layer. Two organizations evaluate graduate nursing programs:
- CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education): Accredits baccalaureate, master's, DNP, and post-graduate certificate programs. CCNE is affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
- ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing): Accredits nursing programs across all degree levels, from practical nursing through doctoral programs.
Both agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and either credential is considered acceptable. The South Dakota Board of Nursing recognizes graduates of CCNE- or ACEN-accredited programs for advanced practice and teaching roles, so you are not locked into one accreditor over the other.
Why Programmatic Accreditation Matters
Programmatic accreditation affects far more than prestige. It directly influences:
- Licensure eligibility: The SD Board of Nursing expects that applicants for advanced nursing roles hold degrees from accredited programs. Graduating from a non-accredited program could create unnecessary hurdles.
- CNE certification: The National League for Nursing requires candidates for the Certified Nurse Educator credential to hold a graduate degree from an accredited nursing program. Without CCNE or ACEN accreditation on your transcript, you will not be eligible to sit for the exam.
- Employer recognition: Hospitals, colleges, and technical schools in South Dakota typically list CCNE or ACEN accreditation as a minimum hiring requirement for nurse educator positions.
SARA Membership and Out-of-State Online Programs
South Dakota is an approved SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) state, with the South Dakota Board of Regents serving as the state portal entity.1 SARA means that participating out-of-state institutions are pre-authorized to offer distance education to South Dakota residents without needing a separate state license. This opens the door to dozens of affordable online nurse educator MSN programs nationwide.
One important caveat: SARA covers academic authorization only. It does not replace the authority of the South Dakota Board of Nursing over professional licensure.2 You still need to confirm that any clinical placement requirements or practicum hours built into your program meet the Board's standards.
A Quick Pre-Enrollment Checklist
Before you apply, verify the following:
- The institution holds current regional or institutional accreditation.
- The nursing program holds active CCNE or ACEN accreditation (check each accreditor's online directory).
- The school participates in SARA or holds separate South Dakota authorization for distance education.
- Any required clinical or practicum components can be completed in South Dakota or arranged through an approved preceptor site.
Taking these steps upfront protects your investment and ensures a smooth path from enrollment through certification and employment in the state.
How Much Do Online Nurse Educator Programs Cost?
Tuition for online nurse educator programs varies widely depending on the institution and whether you qualify for in-state rates. The net price figures below are institution-wide averages after financial aid (sourced from IPEDS) and reflect what a typical student pays across all programs at each school, not a guaranteed quote for the nursing program specifically. South Dakota is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and also participates in the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), which means you may qualify for reduced tuition at certain public universities outside South Dakota. Always confirm with the admissions office whether distance learners from South Dakota receive in-state or discounted pricing before you apply.
| School | State | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price After Aid | Program Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNY Hunter College | NY | $11,398 | $20,828 | $2,984 | Graduate Certificate (Online) |
| Cal State San Bernardino | CA | $9,612 | $19,692 | $4,564 | Graduate Certificate (Hybrid) |
| Cal State Northridge | CA | $8,982 | $19,062 | $7,021 | MSN (Hybrid) |
| Florida Atlantic University | FL | $6,693 | $18,482 | $8,752 | Graduate Certificate (Hybrid) |
| University of West Florida | FL | $9,062 | $24,894 | $9,364 | Graduate Certificate (Online) |
| American Public University System | WV | $8,700 | $8,700 | $9,597 | MSN (Online) |
| CSU Channel Islands | CA | $8,683 | $18,763 | $9,849 | MSN (Hybrid) |
| University of Central Florida | FL | $8,872 | $28,657 | $10,411 | Graduate Certificate (Online) |
| Florida State University | FL | $10,553 | $26,707 | $11,297 | MSN (Online) |
| University of Washington, Bothell | WA | $18,738 | $32,757 | $12,319 | Master of Nursing (Hybrid) |
Ask Yourself Before Enrolling
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Nurse Educator Salary and Job Outlook in South Dakota
Understanding how nurse educator pay in South Dakota compares to clinical nursing roles and to the national picture can help you evaluate whether the career shift makes financial sense. The BLS reports approximately 240 postsecondary nursing instructors and teachers employed in South Dakota. Nationally, demand for postsecondary nursing instructors is projected to grow faster than average over the coming decade, driven by nursing faculty shortages and expanding enrollment in nursing programs across the country.
| Occupation | South Dakota Employment | SD Mean Salary | SD Median Salary | SD 25th Percentile | SD 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Instructors and Teachers (Postsecondary) | 240 | $69,190 | $63,940 | $56,960 | $78,010 |
| Registered Nurses | 14,500 | $72,210 | $69,510 | $62,510 | $80,490 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 950 | $122,300 | $122,600 | $104,610 | $135,060 |
What Nurse Educators Earn: South Dakota vs. National Snapshot
South Dakota employs roughly 240 postsecondary nursing instructors, and the state's pay scale sits below the national average. Nationally, the BLS projects about 5% job growth for postsecondary nursing instructors through the early 2030s, signaling steady demand for qualified nurse educators across the country.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in South Dakota
South Dakota takes a relatively streamlined approach to nurse educator credentialing, which is good news if you are transitioning from clinical practice to the classroom. Here is what you need to know about the state's requirements.
The foundation for any nursing teaching role in South Dakota is an active, unencumbered RN license.1 Whether you plan to teach in a community college skills lab or lead a university-level BSN program, your nursing license must remain current and in good standing with the South Dakota Board of Nursing. This requirement applies across all institutional settings and program levels.
One detail that often surprises newcomers: South Dakota does not mandate a state-specific teaching certification for nurse educators.1 Unlike K-12 education, there is no additional state license you must earn before stepping into a nursing classroom. That said, most employers expect at least a master's degree in nursing, and many university positions increasingly prefer or require a doctoral degree. If you aspire to serve as an advanced practice program administrator, state rules call for a doctoral degree in a health-related field.1
Nursing education programs in South Dakota are governed by ARSD 20:48:07, the administrative rule that sets standards for program structure, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes.1 Familiarizing yourself with this rule is worthwhile, because it outlines the minimum qualifications hiring committees use when evaluating candidates.
Although no state mandate exists, pursuing voluntary credentials can strengthen your profile considerably. The Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) designation, offered by the National League for Nursing, is widely recognized and valued by employers nationwide. You can explore the full process, eligibility criteria, and exam details in our certified nurse educator certification guide. If you are weighing your options, our breakdown of CNE vs. CNEcl certification comparison can help you determine which credential aligns best with your career goals.
In short, South Dakota keeps the regulatory path clear: maintain your RN license, earn the right graduate degree, and consider voluntary certification to set yourself apart in a competitive hiring landscape.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in South Dakota?
Nurse educators in South Dakota work in two broad employment tracks: academic institutions that train the next generation of nurses, and health systems that develop and maintain the clinical skills of practicing staff. Understanding both tracks helps you target your job search and, in many cases, pursue both at once.
Academic Employers
South Dakota's university and technical college system is the most visible home for nurse educators. South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota both run established nursing programs and hire faculty across specialties. Augustana University in Sioux Falls maintains a nursing program that draws on educator talent in the region's largest city. On the technical and community college side, Southeast Technical College and Lake Area Technical College prepare practical and associate-degree nurses, creating consistent demand for clinical instructors and simulation faculty.
These programs are hiring against a difficult backdrop. A 2025 survey of 863 nursing schools by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found a national faculty vacancy rate of 7.2 percent, with roughly 80.9 percent of unfilled positions preferring doctoral preparation.1 Nursing schools turned away more than 80,000 qualified applicants in 2024 largely because there were not enough faculty to teach them.1 In South Dakota, that pressure is acute: the state ranks among the states with highest demand for nurse educators, with a projected shortage of roughly 1,900 RNs by 2030 and a gap of approximately 2,000 nurses expected by the end of the decade.23 The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations has identified the lack of qualified nursing educators as a structural cause of that shortage, not just a symptom of it.2
Health System Employers
Sanford Health, Avera Health, and Monument Health are the three dominant health systems in the state, and all three employ nurse educators in staff-development roles. Sanford hires clinical nurse educators, professional development specialists, and residency program educators. Avera focuses on orientation educators, competency validation educators, and specialty-area educators. Monument Health employs clinical education specialists and nurse leaders who carry teaching responsibilities, and some Monument staff also teach as adjunct clinical faculty at nearby programs.2
These positions sit outside traditional academic hiring cycles, often recruit year-round, and typically come with full benefits and competitive salaries tied to health system pay scales.
Rural Demand and the Dual-Role Opportunity
South Dakota's geography shapes hiring in ways that matter for your career planning. The state's rural communities face the sharpest workforce gaps, and regional hospitals and critical access facilities regularly need clinical educators and simulation instructors who can train staff on-site rather than sending them to urban centers.
That rural demand opens a practical strategy worth considering: holding a staff development role with a regional health system while teaching part-time as adjunct faculty for an online or hybrid nursing program. Many South Dakota educators already work this way. The combination provides income stability, keeps your clinical skills current, and satisfies the kind of blended experience that full-time academic positions increasingly look for when they do hire. If you are weighing whether to make the leap, signs you should become a nurse educator can help you evaluate your readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Educator Programs for South Dakota Students
Below are answers to the questions South Dakota nurses ask most often when exploring nurse educator programs. If you are weighing program options, clinical logistics, or certification requirements, this quick reference should help you move forward with confidence.
More Online Nurse Educator Programs to Consider
Beyond the top-ranked programs, many other accredited online nurse educator programs welcome South Dakota students. Browse the directory below to explore additional options.
- Nurse Educator
- Master of Science in Nursing (Nursing Education)
- Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
- Nurse Educator
- Nurse Educator (Post Master's Certificate)
- Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing
- Nursing Education
- Nurse Education in Academic and Practice Settings Graduate Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing: Nurse Educator Specialization
- Nursing Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Nursing Education)
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
- Nurse Educator, M.S.N.
- Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator
