Online DNP Nursing Education Programs

Ohio State University's pioneering Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program offers a comprehensive Academic Nursing Education concentration designed for master's-prepared nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. This innovative online program uniquely prepares educators through synchronous coursework and immersive field experiences, enabling students to develop sophisticated curriculum design and evidence-based teaching strategies. With a two-year full-time or three-year part-time pathway, students benefit from the nation's first DNE program, featuring fellowship opportunities and pre-accreditation status. The program emphasizes cutting-edge pedagogical approaches, transforming participants into expert nursing educators capable of driving educational innovation and healthcare outcomes.

• 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

Ohio State University's Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program presents a specialized Nursing Professional Development concentration tailored for master's-prepared nurses committed to advancing healthcare education. This groundbreaking online program focuses on developing leadership competencies in professional nursing education settings, offering a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based teaching methodologies. Designed with flexibility, students can complete the program in two to three years, gaining advanced skills in curriculum design and educational strategy. The program's unique approach targets nurses seeking to elevate their educational leadership, with a strong emphasis on transforming healthcare training and professional development approaches.

• 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

Texas Christian University's DNP-to-Ph.D. Nurse Educator program offers a transformative hybrid learning experience targeting critical nursing faculty shortages. The comprehensive curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses to become influential educators capable of designing innovative curricula, conducting meaningful research, and driving healthcare policy changes. Focused on developing culturally competent leaders, the program emphasizes evidence-based practice and strategic mentorship skills. Graduates are uniquely positioned to address educational gaps in nursing, implementing advanced pedagogical strategies that elevate healthcare professional training and patient care outcomes.

• DNP-to-PhD bridge program
• Addresses nursing faculty shortage
• Develops nursing education leaders
• Focuses on curriculum development
• Emphasizes cultural competency
• Prepares policy change advocates
• Advances evidence-based practice

Appalachian State University's DNP Nursing Education concentration offers a transformative hybrid program tailored for aspiring nurse educators. Launching in fall 2026, this innovative four-year curriculum prepares advanced practice nurses to address critical educational gaps in healthcare. Students benefit from a flexible part-time format combining robust online coursework with intensive on-campus clinical training. The program uniquely emphasizes rural healthcare education, preparing graduates to develop comprehensive nursing curriculum, implement educational strategies, and address nationwide nursing faculty shortages. With a strategic focus on Nursing Education, participants will develop advanced pedagogical skills, research methodologies, and leadership competencies essential for shaping future nursing professionals.

• Hybrid DNP program launching Fall 2026
• Three specialization concentrations available
• Part-time, four-year program structure
• Online coursework with on-campus sessions
• Focuses on rural healthcare needs
• Initial cohort of seven students
• Projected 77 students by 2030
• Requires BSN and nursing license
• One year clinical experience required
• Training at Hickory campus location

Ball State University's DNP in Nurse Educator concentration delivers a robust online program tailored for nursing professionals aiming to advance their academic and clinical leadership skills. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes advanced pedagogical techniques, healthcare policy development, and educational leadership strategies. Students benefit from a flexible learning environment that supports part-time and full-time enrollment, requiring 76-78 credits and 750-1000 clinical hours. The program uniquely allows clinicals at current workplaces and features a scholarly project instead of a traditional dissertation, providing practical and career-transformative learning experiences for aspiring nurse educators.

• 100% Online Delivery
• 76-78 Total Credits Required
• Part-time and Full-time Options
• Three Cognate Options Available
• Nurse Educator Cognate Offered
• No Dissertation Required
• 750-1000 Clinical Hours
• Next Start Date: August 18, 2025
• Clinicals at Current Workplace
• Scholarly Project Required

Arkansas State University's DNP in Nursing Education stands out as a transformative online program designed for advanced nurse educators seeking to revolutionize healthcare training. Spanning 36-39 credit hours with 540 clinical clock hours, the program cultivates exceptional teaching competencies through specialized curriculum development and advanced pedagogical strategies. Graduates emerge as expert educators prepared to shape future nursing professionals across academic and clinical environments. National specialty certification and CCNE/ACEN accreditation validate the program's rigorous academic standards. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and focused education coursework, students develop comprehensive skills to lead innovative nursing education initiatives.

• Post-master's DNP degree
• Concentration in Nursing Education
• 36-39 total credit hours
• 540 clinical clock hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• National specialty certification
• 3 specialized education courses
• Full-time study program
• CCNE and ACEN accredited

Nova Southeastern University's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education offers a transformative online pathway for nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The program uniquely prepares educators through a comprehensive 69-75 credit curriculum, emphasizing innovative teaching strategies and clinical expertise. Students gain over 1,000 clinical hours, developing critical skills in curriculum design, educational technology, and academic mentorship. With a flexible online format and dedicated Nursing Education concentration, the program accommodates working professionals while providing intensive doctoral-level preparation. Military-friendly and featuring multiple admission dates, this DNP track empowers nurses to become influential healthcare education leaders.

• 69-75 total credits
• Multiple nursing concentrations
• Over 1,000 clinical hours
• Flexible online and hybrid options
• Nursing Education track available
• Fall and winter admission dates
• Application deadline August 1 (Fall)
• Application deadline December 23 (Winter)
• Three-day Summer Institute
• Doctoral-level leadership preparation

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's MSN Nursing Education program offers a comprehensive online curriculum tailored for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced educational roles. Emphasizing transformative teaching methodologies, the program develops sophisticated instructional competencies through evidence-based pedagogical approaches. Participants explore innovative learning theories, assessment techniques, and leadership strategies specific to healthcare education. The flexible online format enables working professionals to advance their academic credentials while maintaining clinical responsibilities. Program highlights include focused preparation for patient and clinical educator positions, with a strategic emphasis on diverse learning environments and contemporary educational design principles.

• 100% Online Program
• Designed for BSN-prepared RNs
• Leadership in Teaching Focus
• Diverse Learning Environments
• Patient and Clinical Educator Preparation
• Evidence-Based Educational Design
• Currently Applications on Hold

The University of Northern Colorado's Online PhD in Nursing Education offers a transformative pathway for advanced nursing professionals seeking to revolutionize healthcare education. Designed as a comprehensive post-master's program, this four-year hybrid curriculum prepares scholarly practitioners to address critical faculty shortages through innovative research and teaching methodologies. The program's flexible online structure minimizes campus visits while providing rigorous academic training. Notably, the program eliminates GRE requirements, making it accessible to experienced registered nurses with a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Competitive tuition at $734 per credit hour and a recommended teaching background enhance the program's appeal for aspiring nurse educators.

• Online PhD in Nursing Education
• 66 total credit hours
• 4+ years to complete
• $734 per credit hour
• No GRE required
• Fully online coursework
• 5-day summer orientation
• Master's GPA 3.0+ required
• RN licensure mandatory
• Teaching experience recommended

The University of North Georgia's DNP in Nursing Education offers a comprehensive online program tailored for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced pedagogical expertise. With a distinctive focus on nursing education, the curriculum prepares professionals to become innovative educators in academic and clinical settings. Students benefit from a flexible 38-credit hour track, allowing full-time completion in 5 semesters or part-time progression over 8 semesters. The program distinguishes itself by requiring no entrance exam, maintaining a 3.0 GPA threshold, and demanding a minimum of two years clinical experience. Particularly appealing is the 100% job placement rate and the opportunity to develop advanced instructional strategies in healthcare education.

• Online DNP program
• 38 credit hours total
• 5 semesters full-time option
• 8 semesters part-time option
• Two concentration tracks
• No entrance exam required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Two years RN experience
• Current healthcare employment
• Fall application deadline: May 1

Wilmington University's DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate represents an advanced pathway for master's-prepared nurses seeking comprehensive educational and clinical leadership training. This rigorous program spans 48-63 credit hours, offering flexible concentrations in Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks. Students gain critical expertise in evidence-based practice, healthcare systems, and innovative instructional strategies. The curriculum emphasizes developing nurse educators capable of addressing complex healthcare challenges through advanced clinical knowledge. With a robust 500-1000 practice experience requirement, graduates are uniquely positioned to excel in both academic and clinical settings, making significant contributions to nursing education and healthcare delivery.

• DNP with Nurse Educator Certificate
• 48-63 total credit hours
• Two concentration options
• Advanced Practice and Leadership tracks
• 500-1000 practice experience hours
• Dual application required
• Post-masters level program
• Multiple nurse educator courses
• Clinically focused doctoral degree
• Evidence-based practice emphasis