Nurse Educator Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee is a great place to work as a nurse, both in practice and outside of the front line. It’s also a great state to work in nursing education, whether it's teaching new nursing students or upskilling existing RN professionals. If you’re considering this as a career, read through this guide for more information.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Tennessee?
Nursing educators in Tennessee require a relevant undergraduate degree in nursing. This can be either an ADN or BSN. As with your practice nursing, you must have a Registered Nursing license. Further, you need a master's degree in nursing (MSN) with an education major or option, or a doctorate (Ph.D., DNP, Ed.D.) with those too.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Tennessee
Union University
Jackson, TN - Private 4-year - uu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Education Track
Online Learning - Visit Website
Union University's Master of Science in Nursing Education Track presents a comprehensive 16-month online program designed for professional nurses seeking advanced educational expertise. Accredited by ACEN/CCNE, the program provides 41 total credit hours with 340 clinical practice hours. Students benefit from flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options, with competitive tuition at $739 per credit hour. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and active RN licensure, with annual enrollment starting in fall semester. The curriculum emphasizes diverse clinical experiences, advanced nursing research, and preparing educators to excel across varied healthcare learning environments. Prospective students should note the program's priority application deadline of October 1st and final deadline of June 1st.
- 16-month graduate nursing program
- Fully online educational track
- Full-time and part-time options
- $739 per credit hour
- 41 total credit hours
- 340 total clinical hours
- Admits once annually
- Fall semester start
- Priority deadline Oct. 1
- Final deadline June 1
Graduate Certificate - Post-graduate Certificate Nursing Education
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Union University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education targets registered nurses holding master's or doctoral degrees who aim to specialize in educational roles. This unique blended learning program combines online and on-campus instruction, offering Christ-centered educational philosophy and career advancement opportunities. Utilizing a cohort-based model starting annually in August, the program provides specialized training for nurses transitioning into educational leadership positions. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced pedagogical skills, collaborative learning strategies, and comprehensive understanding of nursing education methodologies. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program accommodates both full-time and part-time students seeking to enhance their professional trajectory in nursing education.
- Blended online and on-campus learning.
- Full-time and part-time tracks available.
- Cohort-based program starting each August.
- Designed for registered nurses with advanced degrees.
- Focus on Christ-centered nursing education.
- Equips nurses for educational roles.
- Specialized skills for career advancement.
- Collaborative learning environment.
- Flexible scheduling options.
- Emphasis on excellence in nursing vocation.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Post-Master's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate offers a strategic pathway for experienced nurses transitioning into academic and clinical teaching roles. Tailored for MSN-prepared professionals, this 12-credit program focuses on comprehensive educational strategies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and technological integration. Students explore advanced pedagogical techniques across healthcare settings, developing nuanced skills in curriculum design, resource management, and innovative teaching methodologies. The certificate program uniquely bridges clinical expertise with educational leadership, preparing nurses to become transformative educators in academic institutions, simulation centers, and healthcare training environments.
- Post-Master's Certificate
- 12 total credit hours
- Requires existing MSN degree
- 6 nursing credits
- 6 education credits
- Academic and service settings
- Interdisciplinary collaborative focus
- Technology integration training
- Customizable course selection
Tennessee Tech
Cookeville, TN - Public 4-Year - tntech.edu
Master's - Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee Tech's online MSN in Nursing Education strategically prepares advanced practice nurses to become transformative educators in academic and clinical environments. The program uniquely equips professionals with innovative teaching methodologies, comprehensive clinical expertise, and professional development skills. Students gain advanced knowledge to shape future healthcare practices, addressing critical nursing education needs. Graduates are positioned to pursue influential faculty and staff development roles, with encouragement toward national nurse educator certification. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and a holistic healthcare perspective, ensuring graduates can effectively train and mentor emerging nursing professionals across diverse healthcare settings.
- Nursing Education concentration offered
- Academic and clinical teaching preparation
- Prepares for faculty and staff roles
- Certification as Nurse Educator encouraged
- Advanced nursing knowledge integration
- Collaborative interdisciplinary approach
- Holistic healthcare perspective
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Tennessee Tech's Post Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education offers a specialized 16-credit program designed exclusively for master's-prepared nurses seeking to expand their teaching capabilities. Strategically developed to combat the nationwide nursing faculty shortage, this online certificate provides comprehensive training for educators interested in academic and clinical instruction. Completable in three semesters, the program enables professionals to enhance career opportunities without pursuing a second master's degree. Participants become eligible for national certification exams, gaining specialized skills in classroom and clinical education strategies that prepare them to effectively teach and mentor future nursing students.
- 16 credit hour post-graduate certificate
- For masters-prepared nurses
- Completed in 3 semesters
- National certification exam eligible
- Classroom and clinical education focus
- Addresses nursing faculty shortage
- No second master's degree required
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN - Public 4-Year - memphis.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Memphis' Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education stands out as a transformative 31-credit program targeting aspiring nurse educators. Meticulously designed for nurses seeking advanced teaching roles, this hybrid program emphasizes innovative pedagogical approaches and curriculum development strategies. Students can expect comprehensive training in educational leadership, with opportunities for full-time and part-time enrollment. The program's rigorous curriculum ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in academic and healthcare educational settings. An entrance exam requirement may apply, and applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Tennessee licensure and an undergraduate statistics prerequisite are mandatory for admission.
- 31-credit hour nursing education program
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced teaching methodology focus
- Curriculum design courses included
- Nurse Educator Immersion experiences
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Licensure in Tennessee required
- Undergraduate statistics prerequisite
- Application period: Sept 1 - July 1
- Graduate degree completed in 5 years
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Memphis offers a strategic Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education tailored for MSN-prepared professionals aiming to specialize in healthcare education. This fully online program provides a flexible, accelerated pathway for experienced nurses to develop advanced curriculum design and instructional skills. Participants will gain comprehensive training in teaching methodologies, clinical instruction techniques, and educational strategies. The certificate prepares nurses for diverse roles in academic institutions, community colleges, and clinical training environments. Designed for working professionals, the program supports career advancement and professional growth without requiring traditional entrance examinations.
- Fully online graduate certificate
- Designed for MSN-prepared nurses
- Prepares nurse educators
- Focuses on teaching methodologies
- Career opportunities in education
- Flexible learning environment
- Supports professional growth
- Advanced curriculum development skills
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN - Public 4-Year - apsu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Austin Peay State University's Nurse Educator MSN program delivers a robust 31-credit online curriculum designed for registered nurses aspiring to become educational leaders. The comprehensive two-year program strategically blends advanced nursing theory with innovative pedagogical techniques, preparing students to teach effectively in academic and healthcare environments. With 240 clinical hours and flexible course scheduling, students can complete coursework while maintaining professional commitments. The program emphasizes practical skills development, requiring a 2.9 GPA, an unencumbered RN license, and prior undergraduate statistics experience. Notably, the program offers two annual admission cycles, providing multiple entry points for prospective nurse educators.
- 100% online coursework
- 31-hour concentration
- 240 required clinical hours
- Two admission cycles annually
- Fall deadline: May 1st
- Spring deadline: October 1st
- 2.9 minimum GPA required
- Undergraduate statistics course
- Unencumbered RN license
- Prepares for faculty positions
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Tennessee has just one online RN to MSN Nurse Educator program located at East Tennessee University. It is available as a part-time and a full-time program for those who currently work as registered nurses.
- Complete an Associate Degree in Nursing
- Unencumbered Registered Nursing license
- Transcripts may be required
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
- Specific courses are usually required, including statistics and anatomy & physiology, usually with a grade of C or 3.0 or equivalent
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
There are two online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs in Tennessee, Tennessee State University and East Tennessee University. Students learn to teach clinical skills, but also teaching and assessment methods, along with curriculum design and effective assessment.
- A regionally accredited BSN
- A copy of your unencumbered RN license
- State-issued ID
- Reference letters – must be a mix of academic and employer references
- Send transcripts with your application if requested
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
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 (Ph.D.), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).
The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the Ph.D. is typically for research. The Ed.D. is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.
There are a few great examples of programs offered in these degree types. For Ph.D. programs, as well as DNP programs, the University of Tennessee is a great choice.
The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs. Still, you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Tennessee
Nursing educators in Tennessee are required to maintain a list of qualifiers to hold and maintain the Registered Nursing license. Those who will solely work as educators are not excluded from this.
Nursing educators should consider certification through the CNE. Though it is not mandatory, some employers may strongly prefer it or stipulate it in job listings. Three types exist:
- CNE is the certification for those working in academic teaching (colleges and universities)
- CNEcl is the certification for professional trainers (those who work in clinical settings teaching other clinicians)
- CNEn is the novice type of certification for those with less than three years of experience in either field
Much like licensing, certification also holds a minimum criteria list for continued eligibility and renewal.
RN licensing in Tennessee costs $115 for license by endorsement and $200 for the examination. There is no fee for the application. CNE is one standard cost no matter the state of residence: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Tennessee?
The following careers are the most likely destinations for you once you've completed all the steps above:
- Academia: US nursing schools and universities employ educators as teachers for nursing undergraduates and graduate students
- Professional training: Hospitals and other medical facilities that employ medical professionals require educators for ongoing training
- Private training: You'll work for independent agencies and train support staff rather than clinicians. This includes sales and administrative support
- Non-profit: Educators are required for training aid workers, but also when appealing to government and grant bodies
- Public health: Likely a public-facing role meeting the general public or special interest groups with dedicated health needs
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Tennessee
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Tennessee? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Bristol, TN
King University
- MSN - Nurse Educator Online
Bristol, TN 37620
(800) 362-0014
Chattanooga, TN
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Nursing Education Campus
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 425-4416
Clarksville, TN
Austin Peay State University
- Nursing Education Online
Clarksville, TN 37044
(931) 221-7662
Cookeville, TN
Tennessee Tech University
- Nursing Education Online
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3101
Jackson, TN
Union University
- RN to MSN Nurse Education Online
- Nurse Education Online
- Education Hybrid
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 661-6545
Johnson City, TN
East Tennessee State University
- Nursing Education Online
Johnson City, TN 37614
(423) 439-4578
Knoxville, TN
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-4151
Memphis, TN
University of Memphis
- MSN - Education Online
Memphis, TN 38152
(190) 167-8200 x3
Murfreesboro, TN
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN 37132
(615) 898-2300
Nashville, TN
Tennessee State University
- Nursing Education Online
Nashville, TN 37209
(615) 963-5000
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