Nurse Educator Schools in California

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in California?
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in California
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in California
Who Hires Nurse Educators in California?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in California

Amy Kowalska, MSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Aug 15, 2025

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.

MSN Programs Post Master's Certificate Programs DNP Programs PhD Programs EdD Programs

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.

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 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is a comprehensive 24-month program designed for professional nurses seeking advanced leadership and education roles. This CCNE-accredited degree offers a flexible, hybrid online format with synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students develop advanced skills in nursing education, leadership, and care delivery while integrating a Christ-centered approach. With a competitive cost of $725 per unit and a total of 38-41 units, the program prepares nurses for diverse healthcare leadership and academic positions.

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 offers a comprehensive Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Educator program designed for working nurses seeking advanced teaching roles. This flexible online program prepares students to become nurse educators in academic and clinical settings, with asynchronous coursework and periodic on-campus meetings. Students gain hands-on teaching experience through 288 clinical hours under expert preceptorship. The curriculum balances advanced nursing knowledge with specialized educational training, positioning graduates for diverse roles in nursing education, from clinical instructors to staff development directors.

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

Elevate your nursing career with Point Loma Nazarene University's dynamic Master of Science in Nursing program. Designed for working professionals, this fully online degree prepares nurses for advanced practice roles through a holistic, faith-integrated curriculum. Students can choose from specialized tracks like Clinical Nurse Specialist and Family Nurse Practitioner, completing the program in just two years. With small class sizes, personalized mentoring, and competitive tuition at $820 per unit, this program offers an accessible pathway to professional growth and leadership in healthcare.

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

The Nursing Education Graduate Certificate at California State University-Long Beach is designed for nurses who have completed a Master of Nursing degree. This 13-unit program equips students with the theoretical and practical skills needed to excel as educators in healthcare, community, or academic settings. It can be pursued concurrently with a Master’s degree or as a standalone post-master’s certificate. Admission requires a current RN license and graduate standing in or completion of a Nursing Master’s program from an accredited institution. This certificate focuses on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and practical teaching experiences, preparing graduates for impactful roles in nursing education.

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

Advance your nursing career with a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education. Become a skilled nurse educator in clinical or academic settings. Benefit from hands-on practicums and faith-integrated learning. 21-unit program. $860 per unit. Total cost: $18,060. Contact us for admission requirements and application deadlines.

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.