Best Nurse Educator Degree Programs Near Tampa, Florida
Tampa Bay’s rapidly expanding healthcare landscape and growing nursing shortage make this an ideal time to pursue a nurse educator degree in the region. With major academic medical centers like Tampa General Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, and AdventHealth Tampa, plus numerous community hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and nursing schools across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, demand for qualified nurse educators continues to climb. Whether you’re teaching in academic settings, hospital-based education departments, or professional development roles, Tampa’s healthcare ecosystem offers diverse opportunities for nurse educators at every career stage.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Master’s, doctoral, and post-master’s certificate pathways to becoming a nurse educator
- Cost comparisons between Tampa-area universities and online programs
- Salary expectations and top employers for nurse educators in the Tampa Bay region
- Clinical practicum requirements and how to complete them locally
- Accreditation standards and certification options including CNE and CNE-cl credentials
- Program formats designed for working nurses in the Tampa area
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs Near Tampa, FL
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
Master's - Nursing Education
Campus Based - Visit Website
The USF College of Nursing's MSN Nursing Education concentration prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in educational settings. Designed for experienced nurses seeking to become educators, the program equips students with comprehensive teaching skills across healthcare and academic environments. Graduates develop expertise in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and educational technologies. The 40-credit program focuses on innovative teaching strategies, research principles, and practical experience in classroom and clinical settings.
- 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
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL - Private 4-year - seu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website
Southeastern University's Master of Science in Nursing offers two dynamic tracks for aspiring nursing professionals. Whether you're passionate about healthcare leadership or nursing education, this program prepares you to make a significant impact. With specialized coursework, hands-on practicum experiences, and flexible learning options, students gain advanced skills in curriculum design, teaching strategies, healthcare policies, and leadership principles. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and designed for nurses seeking to elevate their career trajectory.
- Two specialized tracks: Education, Administration
- CCNE Accredited program
- Requires 140 practicum hours
- 12 hours core curriculum
- Additional 20 hours specialized coursework
- Prepares nurses for leadership roles
- Cultivates next-generation nursing skills
The Role of Nurse Educators in Tampa Bay
Nurse educators prepare the next generation of nurses through classroom instruction, clinical supervision, curriculum development, and assessment of student learning outcomes. They work in nursing schools (BSN, ADN, LPN programs), hospital orientation and continuing education departments, professional development roles within healthcare systems, simulation labs, and increasingly in online education platforms.
Tampa Bay faces persistent nursing workforce challenges common throughout Florida. The state’s aging population, retirement of experienced nurses, and expansion of healthcare facilities create ongoing demand for nursing faculty and staff educators. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing schools nationwide turned away qualified applicants in recent years primarily due to faculty shortages, a challenge acutely felt in high-growth markets like Tampa.
Nurse educators in the Tampa area typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually in academic settings, with experienced faculty at universities earning $85,000 to $110,000 or more. Clinical educators and professional development specialists in hospital systems like Tampa General or BayCare Health System earn $70,000 to $90,000, while directors of nursing education can command $95,000 to $130,000. These salaries reflect Florida’s lack of state income tax, though the cost of living in Tampa has risen significantly in recent years.
Degree Pathways in Nurse Education
Master’s Degrees (MSN in Nursing Education)
MSN Nurse Educator programs prepare registered nurses to transition into teaching roles. Tampa-area and online MSN programs typically require 36 to 42 credits and take 18 to 24 months full-time or two to three years part-time.
Core curriculum generally includes:
- Teaching and learning theories in nursing education
- Curriculum development and instructional design
- Assessment and evaluation of student learning
- Clinical teaching practicum and preceptorship
- Educational technology and simulation
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing education
- Evidence-based teaching strategies
Most programs require a teaching practicum (typically 100 to 150 hours) where students gain supervised experience teaching in academic or clinical settings. Tampa students can often complete practicums at local nursing programs including Hillsborough Community College, St. Petersburg College, Rasmussen University, or partner hospitals.
Doctoral Degrees (DNP and PhD in Nursing Education)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Education Focus:
DNP Nurse Educator programs emphasize advanced practice in nursing education, preparing graduates for leadership roles such as academic program directors, deans, or chief learning officers in healthcare systems. Tampa-area DNP students complete scholarly projects addressing educational challenges; for example, implementing interprofessional simulation programs at Tampa General or developing retention strategies for nursing students at a local community college. Post-master’s DNP programs typically require 30 to 36 credits over two to three years part-time.
PhD in Nursing with Education Specialization:
PhD programs focus on research and scholarship, preparing graduates for tenured faculty positions or research roles examining educational outcomes, pedagogy, and nursing workforce development. Students conduct original dissertation research on topics such as the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation on clinical judgment or factors influencing underrepresented minority student success in nursing programs. PhD Nurse Educator programs typically require four to five years and are less common in the Tampa area, with most Florida residents pursuing these degrees through University of Florida, Florida State University, or out-of-state online options.
Post-Master’s Certificates in Nursing Education
Nursing Education post-master’s certificates allow nurses with an MSN, DNP, or PhD in another specialty (such as nurse practitioner, nurse midwifery, or clinical nurse specialist) to add educator credentials. These focused programs require 12 to 18 credits and typically take one year.
Ideal for:
- Nurse practitioners wanting to teach in NP or pre-licensure programs
- Clinical nurse specialists transitioning to academic roles
- Nurse administrators adding education expertise for staff development positions
- DNP graduates seeking formal preparation for faculty roles
Post-master’s certificates align with National League for Nursing (NLN) competencies and prepare graduates to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Certified Nurse Educator – Clinical (CNE-cl) exams.
Key Considerations for Tampa-Area Students
Accreditation and Certification
Ensure programs hold accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to sit for:
- CNE (Certified Nurse Educator): For nurses primarily teaching in academic settings; administered by NLN
- CNE-cl (Certified Nurse Educator – Clinical): For nurses teaching primarily in clinical or practice settings; also through NLN
These national certifications strengthen competitiveness for faculty positions, particularly at universities and colleges requiring or preferring certified educators.
Florida Board of Nursing Requirements
To teach in Florida nursing programs, you must maintain an active, unencumbered Florida RN license. Academic faculty positions in pre-licensure programs typically require a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, with many BSN programs now preferring or requiring doctorally-prepared faculty. Florida Board of Nursing regulations specify that at least 50% of didactic nursing faculty and 100% of program administrators must hold graduate degrees in nursing.
Cost Comparison: Tampa-Area Options
| Program Type | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
| Florida Public University MSN | $15,000–$30,000 total | In-state tuition; USF is primary public option near Tampa |
| Private University MSN (Tampa area) | $35,000–$55,000 total | Schools like University of Tampa may offer specialized tracks |
| Out-of-State Online MSN | $20,000–$50,000 total | Must verify Florida state authorization |
| DNP Programs | $35,000–$75,000 total | Varies by institution; private universities typically higher |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | $8,000–$15,000 total | Most cost-effective option for adding education specialty |
Florida residents benefit from lower tuition at public institutions. However, given Tampa’s limited number of local programs with dedicated nurse educator tracks, many students pursue accredited online programs from out-of-state universities authorized to serve Florida residents.
Program Formats and Flexibility
Most nurse educator programs accommodate working nurses through:
- Fully online programs: Asynchronous coursework with no campus visits
- Hybrid models: Mix of online courses with occasional on-campus intensives
- Evening/weekend options: For students preferring in-person instruction
- Accelerated terms: Eight-week courses rather than traditional 15-week semesters
Clinical teaching practicums can typically be arranged at facilities near your home or workplace. Tampa students have arranged practicums at:
- Hillsborough Community College nursing program
- St. Petersburg College nursing program
- University of South Florida College of Nursing
- Tampa General Hospital education department
- BayCare Health System professional development
- AdventHealth Tampa clinical education programs
Tampa Bay Career Opportunities
Major Employers for Nurse Educators
Academic Institutions:
- University of South Florida College of Nursing (BSN, MSN, DNP programs)
- Hillsborough Community College (ADN program with multiple campuses)
- St. Petersburg College (ADN and BSN programs)
- Rasmussen University Tampa campus (BSN program)
- Keiser University (BSN program)
Healthcare Systems with Education Departments:
- Tampa General Hospital: Large academic medical center with robust education and simulation programs
- BayCare Health System: Regional system operating multiple hospitals including St. Joseph’s Hospital
- AdventHealth Tampa: Part of large Florida network with extensive professional development
- Moffitt Cancer Center: Specialized oncology education and training programs
- James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital: Federal facility with nursing education initiatives
Additional Opportunities:
- Simulation centers and skills labs throughout Tampa Bay
- Continuing education companies and nursing review courses
- Online nursing education platforms hiring remote faculty
- Healthcare consulting firms specializing in education and training
Salary Expectations in Tampa
Nurse educator salaries in Tampa vary by setting and experience:
- Community College Faculty (ADN programs): $65,000–$85,000
- University Faculty (BSN/Graduate programs): $75,000–$110,000+
- Hospital Clinical Educators: $70,000–$90,000
- Professional Development Specialists: $72,000–$95,000
- Education Directors/Coordinators: $90,000–$130,000
Tampa’s cost of living is lower than many major metropolitan areas, and Florida’s lack of state income tax provides additional financial benefit. However, housing costs have increased substantially in recent years, particularly in desirable neighborhoods near downtown Tampa, South Tampa, and waterfront areas.
Deciding on a Nurse Educator Program
When evaluating nurse educator programs for the Tampa area, consider:
Location and Format:
- Do you prefer a local Tampa-area program or are you open to online options?
- Can you attend on-campus sessions if required, or do you need fully online delivery?
- Where will you complete your teaching practicum, and does the program have established partnerships in Tampa?
Career Goals:
- Do you want to teach in academic settings (colleges/universities) or clinical settings (hospitals)?
- Are you interested in program administration or leadership roles requiring doctoral preparation?
- Do you plan to maintain clinical practice while teaching part-time?
Financial Investment:
- What is the total cost including tuition, fees, and any on-campus expenses?
- Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement for education degrees?
- Are scholarships available specifically for Florida residents or nurses pursuing education?
Accreditation and Outcomes:
- Is the program accredited by CCNE or ACEN?
- What percentage of graduates pass the CNE or CNE-cl exam on the first attempt?
- Where are recent graduates employed in the Tampa Bay area?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need teaching experience before applying to a nurse educator program?
A: Most programs do not require prior teaching experience, though some prefer applicants with informal teaching roles such as precepting students, providing staff education, or serving as charge nurses. Your clinical nursing experience is the primary qualification. Programs include supervised teaching practicums where you’ll develop instructional skills under faculty guidance.
Q: Will I need to maintain clinical practice hours as a nurse educator?
A: Requirements vary by setting. Academic faculty teaching in clinical courses often maintain per diem or part-time clinical positions to stay current, though it’s not always required. Some universities encourage faculty practice arrangements with partner hospitals. Hospital-based educators typically maintain clinical competencies as part of their roles. The CNE certification requires 1,000 hours of academic teaching experience, while CNE-cl certification requires clinical teaching hours.
Q: How does Florida’s nursing faculty shortage affect job prospects in Tampa?
A: Florida’s faculty shortage creates strong demand for qualified nurse educators throughout the state, including Tampa Bay. Many nursing programs struggle to fill open faculty positions, particularly for clinical instructors and community college roles. This shortage translates to good job security and opportunities for new educators, though competition increases for tenured positions at major universities. The shortage also means some programs may offer sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, or tuition reimbursement for continued education.
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