Nurse Educator Schools in California
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in California?
To become a nurse educator in California, you will first need to follow the steps to become a registered nurse. The usual path is through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN. Nurse educators are required to have an advanced degree such as MSN, PhD, or DNP.
You may also be able to take advantage of an online Doctor of Education in nursing (Ed.D.)too.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in California
Vanguard University of Southern California
Costa Mesa, CA - Private 4-year - vanguard.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Vanguard University's MSN in Nursing Education offers a dynamic 24-month hybrid program uniquely blending online flexibility with comprehensive nursing pedagogy. Aspiring nurse educators benefit from a Christ-centered curriculum that prepares professionals for transformative academic and leadership roles. The CCNE-accredited program provides synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences, focusing on advanced educational strategies and healthcare delivery methodologies. Students develop sophisticated instructional techniques and leadership skills across diverse educational settings. With competitive tuition at $725 per unit and a holistic approach to nursing education, graduates are equipped to elevate nursing instruction and influence future healthcare professionals. The program requires professional references and welcomes applicants committed to educational excellence.
- Online/Hybrid program format
- 24-month degree completion
- 38-41 total program units
- $725 per unit cost
- Fall application deadline: July 1st
- Spring application deadline: October 1st
- CCNE-accredited program
- Dual focus: Nurse Educator and Leader
- Christ-centered nursing education
- Professional references required
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA - Public 4-Year - csudh.edu
Master's - MSN Nurse Educator
Online Learning - Visit Website
California State University-Dominguez Hills' online MSN Nurse Educator program offers a strategic pathway for working nurses targeting advanced teaching roles. Distinguished by its comprehensive curriculum, the program uniquely blends advanced nursing theory with specialized educational training. Students complete 288 clinical hours, gaining practical teaching experience under expert preceptorship. The flexible online format with periodic on-campus meetings accommodates professional schedules. Admission requires an RN license, a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework in statistics and research, and emphasizes preparing graduates for diverse educational roles from clinical instruction to staff development leadership. No specific entrance exam is mentioned in the program details.
- Online asynchronous coursework
- Minimum 288 clinical hours
- Prepares for teaching positions
- Part-time study plan
- GPA requirement 3.0
- RN licensure required
- Fall and spring admission
- Prerequisites: statistics, research
- 33 total program units
- Advanced nursing role focus
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - pointloma.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Point Loma Nazarene University's Nurse Educator MSN program offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway for nursing professionals seeking advanced educational leadership roles. Uniquely positioned as a hybrid program, students benefit from an asynchronous online format with optional synchronous classes, allowing maximum scheduling flexibility. The Nurse Educator concentration specifically prepares nurses to transform healthcare education through innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development strategies. With a faith-integrated approach and small class sizes of 15-20 students, the program ensures personalized mentoring and professional growth. Requiring one year of RN experience, students complete the program in 2-2.5 years, accumulating 500-750 clinical hours and developing advanced pedagogical skills essential for nursing education.
- Fully online asynchronous format
- Optional synchronous online classes
- 2-2.5 year completion time
- $820 per unit tuition
- 4 APRN specialty tracks
- 500-750 clinical hours
- Classes of 15-20 students
- One in-person course option
- Faith-integrated curriculum
- Requires 1 year RN experience
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA - Public 4-Year - csulb.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Long Beach's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate provides an intensive 13-unit program targeting advanced nursing professionals seeking specialized teaching expertise. Designed for Master's degree holders, this comprehensive certificate prepares nurses for dynamic educational roles across healthcare and academic environments. Students develop critical curriculum design skills, innovative teaching strategies, and practical instructional experiences. The program emphasizes theoretical foundations and hands-on learning through specialized courses like NRSG 556A, 556B, and 556C. Requiring a current RN license and graduate standing, this certificate offers flexible enrollment options, allowing concurrent pursuit with a Master's degree or standalone post-master's completion. Graduates emerge equipped to transform nursing education through strategic pedagogical approaches in community and clinical settings.
- 13 units total
- Post-master’s certificate
- Concurrent with Master’s degree
- Focus on nursing education
- Theoretical and practical expertise
- Preparation for academic settings
- Preparation for healthcare settings
- Curriculum development focus
- Teaching strategies included
- Practical teaching experiences
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA - Private 4-year - apu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Azusa Pacific University's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education offers an innovative pathway for experienced nurses seeking to transition into educational roles. This comprehensive 21-unit hybrid program prepares nurses to excel in clinical and academic teaching environments. With a faith-integrated curriculum and hands-on practicums, students develop advanced pedagogical skills essential for training future healthcare professionals. Requiring an existing Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), the program costs $860 per unit, totaling $18,060. Designed for flexible learning, students can complete coursework on campus in Azusa or through online platforms, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to expand their nursing education expertise.
- Post-Master's Certificate
- Nurse Educator focus
- Clinical or academic settings
- 21 units
- $860 per unit
- Hands-on practicums
- Faith integration
- MSN required
- Builds upon MSN
- Prepares for teaching roles
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
There are several RN to MSN online programs available in California. Subjects you will study include practice and education theory, health assessment, management, pharmacology, statistics, and community nursing. Eligibility is as follows:
- GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; some will ask for a minimum of 3.0
- Current unencumbered RN license
- Submission of your NCLEX-RN score
- Submission of any required background checks
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
For those who already have a BSN, you have several options including both dedicated MSNs and nursing MSNs with CNE-approved nursing educator concentrations. Subjects include both practice and theory, ethics, and education techniques:
- Regionally accredited BSN
- Minimum GPA which will vary from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Send transcripts
- Current RN license (unencumbered)
- Submit your NCLEX-RN score
- Submit details for any required background checks
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 (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).
The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically reserved for career researchers of nursing. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.
For California-based online doctorate programs, there are a few options. For DNP programs, the University of California Davis has a popular online program. For PhD programs, check out UCLA where they have a great online program.
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).
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in California
You'll first need to attain your RN license if you don't already have it. For this, you'll need a BSN – any concentration. Then study for a relevant graduate degree as discussed above.
There are three available certificates to practice as a certified nursing educator:
- The CNE is the certification for academic educators
- The CNEcl is the certification for clinical educators. Applicants will need two years of practice and three years of education and experience for eligibility
- The CNEn is for novice education practitioners who have less than three years of experience
You must adhere to all requirements as specified in the RN license eligibility and any required by your CNE. This usually includes continuing education, among other things.
RN licensing in California costs $300 for application by examination and $250 for out-of-state graduate applicants. The annual renewal fee is $190. The CNE cost is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in California?
You will find the following careers open to you in California:
- Colleges and universities: Working as a lecturer and/or researcher, teaching the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners
- Medical settings: Clinics and hospitals that employ nurses who need ongoing education. You may also be a practice nurse
- Private sector services: working for an independent agency, specialist education organization, or any other provider of health services
- Charities: Public health advocates, public awareness, and policy advisory are all great career choices too
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in California
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in California? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Azusa, CA
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434
Carson, CA
California State University Dominguez Hills
- Nurse Educator Online
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3696
Fullerton, CA
California State University Fullerton
- Nursing Educator Program Campus
- School Nursing Program Campus
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011
Loma Linda, CA
Loma Linda University
- Nurse Educator (NE) Online
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923
Los Angeles, CA
Cal State LA
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000
California State University, Los Angeles
- MSN - Nursing Education Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000
Mount Saint Mary's University- Los Angeles
- Educator Track Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 477-2500
Riverside, CA
California Baptist University
- Teaching-Learning Online
Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615
Sacramento, CA
UC Davis
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2145
San Jose, CA
San Jose State University
- MSN Nurse Educator Campus
San Jose, CA 95192
(408) 924-1000
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