What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Arkansas?

To work as a nurse educator in Arkansas, you will need a relevant nursing degree. These are ADNs (Associate Degree in nursing) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in nursing). You are also required to have passed the NCLEX-RN before application. Then you need a graduate program such as an MSN or doctorate (PhD or DNP).

However, you may find some institutes provide specific EdDs in nursing education.

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Arkansas

Aspiring nurse educators in Arkansas have several outstanding programs to choose from, and nurseeducator.com has conducted a comprehensive analysis to highlight the best options in the state. Our expert team evaluated nursing education programs based on faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, student outcomes, and overall academic quality. These top-tier programs prepare nurses to become exceptional educators who can shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. Whether you're looking to advance your nursing career or transition into academic roles, Arkansas offers robust educational pathways that combine rigorous academic preparation with hands-on clinical experiences. Each program featured in our rankings represents a commitment to excellence in nursing education and professional development. Learn more about our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate – Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Arkansas State University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education offers a powerful 12-credit online program specifically designed for MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialized educational training. Completed within six months, this accelerated certificate provides comprehensive preparation for transitioning into healthcare education roles. Participants develop advanced curriculum development skills, master innovative teaching technologies, and learn evidence-based educational practices. The program emphasizes clinical skills integration and supports nurses in acquiring sophisticated pedagogical techniques across diverse learning platforms. With a total tuition of $4,080 and a flexible online format, this certificate represents an efficient pathway for experienced nurses wanting to expand their professional capabilities in educational settings.

  • 100% online format
  • 12 total credit hours
  • Completed in 6 months
  • Total tuition $4,080
  • Supports curriculum development skills
  • Advanced teaching pedagogy focus
  • Designed for MSN-prepared nurses
  • Incorporates clinical experiences
  • Prepares nurse educators

Doctorate - Nursing Practice, Concentration in Education, DNP

Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Arkansas State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with an Education Concentration delivers a transformative post-master's terminal degree tailored for aspiring nurse educators. The 36-credit online program strategically prepares advanced practitioners to revolutionize healthcare education through sophisticated curriculum design and innovative teaching methodologies. Students engage in comprehensive clinical experiences, accumulating 540 clock hours while developing expertise in measurement, pedagogical strategies, and professional development. With CCNE and ACEN accreditation, graduates emerge as highly skilled educational leaders capable of driving meaningful change in academic and clinical training environments. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and national specialty certification, ensuring rigorous academic standards.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas offers a strategic Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education tailored for licensed nurses holding a graduate degree seeking advanced educational roles. This 100% online program empowers nursing professionals to develop sophisticated teaching methodologies, curriculum design skills, and educational leadership competencies. Students engage in specialized coursework spanning four targeted nursing education courses, totaling 12 credit hours. With a flexible admission process, no GRE requirement, and a focus on evidence-based instructional practices, the program provides a streamlined pathway for experienced nurses to transition into academic and clinical educational environments. The curriculum emphasizes practical teaching strategies, professional development, and innovative educational approaches in nursing.

  • 100% Online Program
  • 12 Credit Hours Total
  • No GRE Required
  • Licensed Nurse Graduate Degree Needed
  • Cost per Credit Hour: $594.77
  • Tuition Excludes Financial Aid
  • Multiple Start Terms Available
  • Curriculum Focuses on Teaching Skills
  • Four Specialized Nursing Education Courses
  • Admission Requires 3.0 GPA
#3

Henderson State University

Arkadelphia, AR - Public 4-Year - hsu.edu

Master's - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Henderson State University's online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education transforms experienced registered nurses into sophisticated educators. Tailored for BSN and MSN-prepared professionals, this 12-credit program offers unparalleled flexibility with options for ten-week summer terms or 2-4 semester completion. Students delve into critical pedagogical domains including curriculum development, evidence-based teaching methodologies, and comprehensive program evaluation. The certificate requires an unencumbered nursing license and provides 180 practicum hours, strategically preparing nurses for impactful roles in hospital and academic teaching environments. No on-campus attendance ensures accessibility for working healthcare professionals seeking career advancement.

  • Online Graduate Nursing Education Certificate
  • 12 Total Credit Hours
  • 180 Practicum Hours
  • Flexible Completion Timeframes
  • No On-Campus Requirements
  • Can Complete with FNP/NELA Tracks
  • Concurrent 10-Week Summer Option
  • 2-4 Semester Completion Option
  • Requires Unencumbered Nursing License
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Prerequisite

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Henderson State University's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education provides a streamlined pathway for BSN and MSN-prepared RNs aspiring to become nurse educators. This fully online program emphasizes flexible learning, allowing completion in a single ten-week summer term or across 2-4 semesters. Participants explore sophisticated educational strategies, including curriculum design, assessment techniques, and evidence-based teaching approaches. With 180 practicum hours and no mandatory campus visits, the program accommodates working nurses' complex schedules. Admission prerequisites include a nursing bachelor's degree and an active, unencumbered license. Graduates gain comprehensive skills to excel in hospital and academic educational settings, expanding their professional opportunities.

  • Online program flexibility
  • No on-campus attendance required
  • Complete in one summer term
  • 12 total credit hours
  • 180 practicum hours
  • BSN or MSN prepared RNs eligible
  • Focus on curriculum development
  • Evidence-based teaching strategies
  • Learning theories covered
  • Program evaluation included
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

University of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR - Public 4-Year - uca.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Certificate in Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty

Concentration: Clinical Specialty - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Arkansas delivers a specialized Post-Master's Certificate in Nurse Educator with a Clinical Specialty, targeting advanced nursing professionals seeking comprehensive educational preparation. This innovative online program transforms experienced nurses into expert educators by cultivating sophisticated instructional methodologies and clinical specialty expertise. Designed for master's-prepared nurses, the curriculum emphasizes advanced pedagogical techniques, curriculum development, and educational assessment strategies. With a minimal 12-credit hour requirement and a competitive admission process, participants prepare for national certification and leadership roles in nursing education. Applicants must possess a master's degree in nursing, maintain a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, and hold an active RN license.

  • Online Post-Master's Certificate available
  • Nurse Educator with Clinical Specialty Track
  • Minimum 12 credit hours required
  • Competitive admission process
  • National certification preparation
  • Requires master's degree in nursing
  • Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA required
  • Current RN license mandatory
#5

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, AR - Public 4-Year - uams.edu

Master's - Master of Nursing Science

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Master of Nursing Science in Nursing Education provides a transformative pathway for nurses aspiring to become expert educators. This hybrid program uniquely prepares professionals to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments through comprehensive training in educational strategies and curriculum development. Designed for working nurses seeking career advancement, the track allows concurrent specialty pursuit. With a focused March 1st application deadline, the CCNE-accredited program emphasizes advanced pedagogical techniques and professional standards, offering maximum flexibility for healthcare professionals committed to nursing education.

  • Nursing Education specialty available
  • Concurrent specialty option
  • Fall semester start
  • March 1st application deadline
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Advanced nursing education focus
  • Designed for working professionals

Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Certificate Program

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences' Post-Graduate Certificate Program in Nursing Education offers a specialized pathway for master's or DNP degree holders seeking advanced educator certification. This flexible, hybrid program requires 750 clinical practice hours across three semesters, accommodating working professionals through space-available class enrollment. Ideal for nurses targeting advanced education roles, the program prepares students for additional certification exams and potentially requires supplementary foundational courses. The non-degree-seeking format ensures accessibility and targeted professional development for experienced nursing professionals.

  • Available for Nurse Educator track.
  • Requires 750 clinical practice hours.
  • Flexible, space-available class enrollment.
  • Non-degree-seeking students eligible.
  • Additional courses may be required.
  • Prepares for additional certification exams.
  • Designed for master’s or DNP degree holders.
  • Three-semester program length.
  • Contact Specialty Coordinators for details.
  • Clinical practice hours mandatory.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*NCES IPEDS database, 2023 release. Available at: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

There are several options to study for a BSN to MSN that will enable you to work as a nurse educator in Arkansas. You will learn practice and ethics, theory, and leadership among other things. To be eligible, you will need:

  • Complete the application online
  • Regionally accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; include transcripts
  • Unencumbered RN license
  • Submit your NCLEX-RN score before the end of semester one
  • Background checks

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 Arkansas.

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 Arkansas is the only place in Arkansas that offers a program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators. Currently, there are no such programs offered online in Arkansas.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Arkansas

You will need a registered nursing license to practice as a nursing educator in the state of Arkansas, which also requires an RN license. Also, consider your certification options of which there are three choices depending on where you intend to work:

  • The CNE is for those working in a college or university teaching nursing
  • The CNEcl is for clinical educators requiring two years of experience as a minimum
  • TheCNEn is for novices to nursing education, aimed at those with less than three years of experience

You are required to keep up to date with your registered nursing license to continue to practice as an RN. Similarly, CNE requires that you maintain certain ongoing education for your certification, such as workshops and other events.

An RN license in Arkansas is free initially. There are charges for a license by certification or exam ($100) or by endorsement ($125). The CNE certification costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for those who are not members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Arkansas?

Once you've qualified as a nurse educator, there are many ways you can use these new skills. The range includes but is not limited to:

  • Academic: A common career, you will work in a college or university teaching nursing students – undergraduate and postgraduate
  • Health: Clinics and hospitals are the most likely employer, educating trainees and newly qualified as well as providing continuing education
  • Private sector: You may work for agencies as independent training providers, as a consultant, private tutor, for corporate training, or hired for public education
  • Charities: Similarly, you could work for dedicated health charities at home or abroad, in public outreach or public awareness of specific health issues

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Arkansas

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

Conway, AR

201 Donaghey Ave.
Conway, AR 72035
(501) 450-5000

Fayetteville, AR

MSN Programs
2 East Center Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(800) 952-1165

Jonesboro, AR

Graduate Certificate ProgramsDNP Programs
2105 East Aggie Rd
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(866) 621-8096

Little Rock, AR

MSN Programs
4301 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-7000

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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