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

California stands at the forefront of nursing education, offering exceptional programs that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. NurseEducator.com has meticulously evaluated and ranked the top nurse educator programs across the state, considering factors like academic rigor, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis highlights institutions that provide outstanding educational pathways for aspiring nurse educators, ensuring they receive cutting-edge training and comprehensive knowledge. These programs not only equip students with advanced teaching skills but also emphasize critical research, leadership development, and innovative healthcare strategies. For those passionate about shaping the future of nursing education, California's top-tier programs offer unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and impact. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

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
#2

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
#3

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
#4

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
#5

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
*NCES, IPEDS 2023 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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

901 E. Alosta Ave., PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702
(626) 969-3434

Carson, CA

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3696

Fullerton, CA

800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92831
(657) 278-2011

Loma Linda, CA

MSN Programs
11262 Campus St.
Loma Linda, CA 92350
(909) 558-4923

Los Angeles, CA

Graduate Certificate Programs
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000

MSN Programs
Patricia A. Chin School of Nursing
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 343-3000

MSN Programs
10 Chester Place
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 477-2500

Riverside, CA

MSN Programs
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA 92504
(877) 228-3615

Sacramento, CA

4610 X Street Suite 4202
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 734-2145

San Jose, CA

MSN Programs
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192
(408) 924-1000

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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