What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Alabama?

Admission requirements for online nursing programs vary by state and by program but typically, you will need a current RN license, transcripts showing a 3.0 average, and a completed application to the school to which you are applying.

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Alabama

Navigating the landscape of nurse educator programs in Alabama can be challenging, but nurseeducator.com is here to help. Our comprehensive analysis highlights the top nursing education programs that prepare future nurse educators to excel in academic and clinical settings. We've carefully evaluated schools across Alabama based on key factors like faculty expertise, curriculum quality, clinical placement opportunities, and student outcomes. Whether you're seeking a master's degree or doctoral program in nursing education, our rankings provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey. Our team understands the critical role nurse educators play in shaping healthcare's future, and we're committed to guiding aspiring professionals toward the most exceptional training opportunities in the state. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Auburn University

Auburn, AL - Public 4-Year - auburn.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Auburn University's Post-Master's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate provides an accelerated pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced educational roles. Tailored for nurses with existing Master's degrees, this competitive hybrid program emphasizes comprehensive nursing education training. Rigorous admission requirements include a 3.0 minimum GPA, active RN licensure, and professional references. Spanning one year, students engage in intensive coursework covering teaching strategies, curriculum development, and a specialized nursing education practicum. With 11 credit hours and 180 clinical hours, graduates are strategically prepared to transition into academic and clinical teaching environments. The program's military-friendly status and competitive admission process make it an attractive option for nurses aiming to become nurse educators.

  • Post-Master's certificate program
  • Specialization in nursing education
  • Requires MSN or MN degree
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Current RN license needed
  • Advanced courses completion
  • Professional references required
  • 500-word goal statement
  • Official transcripts submission
  • 1-year clinical experience
#2

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Huntsville, AL - Public 4-Year - uah.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Alabama in Huntsville's Master of Science in Nursing Education program offers a robust online pathway for registered nurses aiming to become influential nursing educators. Spanning 21 credit hours, the curriculum emphasizes national nursing competencies and prepares students for transformative roles in academic and healthcare settings. With experienced nursing faculty guiding the program, students develop advanced teaching strategies applicable in associate degree programs, baccalaureate institutions, and healthcare agencies. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, the program provides flexible part-time and full-time scheduling. Graduates are positioned to pursue NLN certification and advance nursing education leadership. A minimum 3.0 GPA and current RN license are prerequisites for admission.

  • Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
  • 21 total credit hours required
  • Taught by experienced nursing faculty
  • Flexible part-time and full-time options
  • Prepares for NLN certification
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Current RN license needed
  • 12 core course hours
  • 21 nursing education course hours
  • National competency-based curriculum
#3

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL - Public 4-Year - jsu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing with a Concentration in Nursing Education

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Jacksonville State University's MSN in Nursing Education offers a comprehensive online program designed to cultivate advanced nurse educators with specialized skills in population health. Students explore critical healthcare domains including systems leadership, disaster management, and quality improvement through flexible coursework. The curriculum uniquely emphasizes vulnerable population care, integrating practical teaching practicums that prepare graduates to address complex healthcare challenges. With a 100% online format, the program accommodates working professionals seeking to develop sophisticated nurse educator competencies while maintaining clinical flexibility. Students gain expertise in community assessment, health promotion, and prevention strategies across diverse healthcare settings.

  • 100% Online Coursework
  • Teaching Practicum Included
  • Vulnerable Population Focus
  • Population Health Concentration
  • Advanced Nursing Education Preparation
  • Flexible Specialization Options
  • Systems Leadership Integration
  • Community Assessment Skills
  • Disaster Management Concepts
  • Nurse Educator Competencies
#4

University of North Alabama

Florence, AL - Public 4-Year - una.edu

Master's - Nursing in Teaching-Learning Environments

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of North Alabama's online Master of Science in Nursing Education program prepares nursing professionals to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments. This innovative curriculum emphasizes evidence-based instructional strategies and comprehensive healthcare education. Designed for working nurses, the program offers flexibility through online coursework and strategic clinical experiences. Students can develop advanced teaching and leadership competencies while exploring specialized nursing education tracks. With competitive tuition at $495 per credit hour and potential scholarship opportunities, the CCNE-accredited program enables nurses to transition into impactful educator roles within 12-24 months. Two on-campus intensives enhance the learning experience and provide valuable networking opportunities.

  • Online flexible MSN program
  • Four unique track options
  • $495 per credit hour
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Clinical hours required
  • Two on-campus intensives
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • 12-24 months completion time
  • Teaching/Learning track available
  • Advanced nursing leadership focus
#5

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL - Public 4-Year - aum.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing - Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Auburn University at Montgomery's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education represents a strategic pathway for MSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced educational roles. This innovative online program compresses advanced nursing education training into three efficient semesters, encompassing 14 comprehensive credit hours and 120 clinical practice hours. Specifically tailored for experienced registered nurses, the curriculum emphasizes interprofessional practice and cutting-edge teaching methodologies. Participants develop sophisticated skills in curriculum development, instructional strategies, and healthcare educational leadership. The program's military-friendly status and fully online format provide exceptional flexibility for working professionals aiming to transition into nursing education roles, enabling graduates to effectively shape future healthcare practitioners' learning experiences.

  • 100% Online Certificate Program
  • 3 Semester Completion Time
  • 14 Total Credit Hours
  • 120 Clinical Hours Required
  • Designed for MSN Graduates
  • Prepares Nurses for Education Roles
  • Focus on Interprofessional Practice
*IPEDS 2023 statistics, sourced from NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

BSN graduates have several opportunities for education in Alabama; all options are currently online. Students will study the theory and practice of nursing education, and also ethics, curriculum, and teaching methods. Eligibility requirements are:

  • An accredited BS
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; send transcripts
  • An unencumbered RN license. NCLEX-RN score may be requested
  • CPR certification

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Alabama

To gain a license as a registered nurse, you must earn a bachelor of science in nursing. After becoming an RN, you'll need to further your studies with a relevant graduate degree such as an MSN or EdD to become a certified educator with one of many following nursing program options:

  • A CNE is designed for academic nursing teaching
  • A CNEcl (clinical education): This and the CNE require a minimum of two years of practice experience and three years of education experience
  • The CNE for novices (CNEn) is for those with less than three years of experience

You must maintain state requirements of your RN license as specified by the state, and CNE's requirements for workshops and continuing education.

The price of an RN license in Alabama is $100 for the application, $200 for the exam, $50 for a temporary permit, and a $100 renewal fee. A CNE costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs but you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education. The first is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is a degree reserved for practicing doctors. There are a few DNP programs available online, including at the University of South Alabama.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. The University of Alabama offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators. The University of Alabama is one such institution.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Alabama?

There are multiple routes to becoming a nursing educator:

  • Academia: working at colleges and universities in a research and education setting teaching the next generation of nursing professionals
  • Hospitals and clinics: you would work in clinical settings training those who already work in a nursing profession
  • Private sector: This covers a wide range of jobs which may include consultancy, public outreach, patient awareness, and drug screenings for employers
  • Charity sector: Public outreach and public health not tied to government or the private sector, educating both clinical practitioners and the public

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Alabama

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

Florence, AL

501 Circular Road | UNA Box 5009
Florence, AL 35632
(256) 765-4328

Huntsville, AL

Graduate Certificate Programs
301 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35899
(256) 824-1000

Mobile, AL

MSN Programs
5735 College Parkway
Mobile, AL 36613
(251) 675-5990

Montgomery, AL

MSN Programs
7400 East Drive
Montgomery, AL 36117
(334) 244-3000

Tuscaloosa, AL

EdD Programs
50 University Boulevard East
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 348-6639

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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