Nurse Educator Schools in Connecticut

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Connecticut?

Nursing education is an exciting career but to get there, you need to follow a series of career steps. You'll need an RN license which you can attain after an ADN or BSN. You will also need an advanced degree, typically an MSN in nursing with an education pathway or a dedicated master's in nursing education. You may also study for a doctorate (PhD or DNP) or a Doctor of Education in nursing (EdD), but these aren't necessary.

MSN ProgramsPost Master's Certificate ProgramsDNP ProgramsPhD ProgramsEdD Programs

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Connecticut

Discovering the top nurse educator programs in Connecticut is crucial for aspiring nursing educators seeking excellence in academic preparation. NurseEducator.com has meticulously analyzed and ranked the state's premier nursing education programs, considering factors such as faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, research opportunities, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive evaluation helps prospective students identify institutions that offer outstanding graduate-level training for those committed to shaping the next generation of nursing professionals. These programs not only provide rigorous academic curriculum but also prepare educators to lead, innovate, and transform healthcare education across various settings. Whether you're looking to advance your nursing career or become an influential nurse educator, Connecticut offers remarkable opportunities. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT - Public 4-Year - uconn.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Connecticut's Online Nurse Educator Master's program offers a robust 40-credit curriculum designed to transform experienced nurses into innovative educators. Tailored for working professionals, the program emphasizes flexible, largely asynchronous learning with an extensive 560-hour practicum. Graduates gain advanced pedagogical skills to shape healthcare education across diverse settings. The program prepares nurses to develop cutting-edge educational strategies, advocate for effective teaching methodologies, and contribute meaningfully to nursing education. CCNE-accredited and featuring supportive faculty mentorship, this program promises significant career growth with a projected 14% expansion and an average salary of $106,620.

• 40-credit Nursing Education MS
• Largely asynchronous courses
• 560 practicum hours
• CCNE Accredited Program
• Fall 2025 Full-Time Start
• Summer 2025 Part-Time Option
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Career Growth: 14% Projected
• Average Salary: $106,620
• Supportive Faculty Mentorship

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Grad Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

UConn's Online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate provides a specialized pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced educational credentials. Offering two distinct entry points—Post-Bachelor's and Post-Master's—this comprehensive program equips nurses to develop evidence-based curricula and prepare future healthcare professionals. The curriculum requires a minimum of 2,080 RN clinical hours and prepares graduates for national certification as Academic Nurse Educators or Nursing Professional Development practitioners. With the flexibility of online learning and the potential to apply two courses toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, this program represents a strategic investment in professional advancement for nursing educators.

• 40-credit online program
• Prepares for national certification
• Two entry points available
• Requires 2,080 RN clinical hours
• Courses applicable to DNP degree
• Focuses on evidence-based curricula
• Online format for flexibility
• Prepares for academic and clinical settings
• Accredited by CCNE
• Designed for RNs with B.S. or M.S.

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#2

University of Hartford

West Hartford, CT - Private 4-year - hartford.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Hartford's MSN Nursing Education concentration delivers a comprehensive 34-credit graduate pathway designed for nursing professionals seeking advanced educational leadership roles. Tailored for current RNs with a bachelor's degree and minimum 3.0 GPA, this online program emphasizes scholarly research and clinical expertise. Students benefit from CCNE accreditation, flexible semester start options, and a curriculum integrating practical practicum experiences. The program uniquely prepares nurses to become transformative educators through in-depth pedagogical training, research components, and specialized nursing education seminars. Applicants must hold current RN licensure and demonstrate commitment to advancing nursing educational standards.

• MSN with Nursing Education focus
• 34 total credit program
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Current RN licensure required
• Fall/Spring semester start
• CCNE accredited program
• Multiple role focus options
• Priority application deadlines
• Scholarly research component
• Practicum and seminar included

#3

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT - Private 4-year - bridgeport.edu

Master's - MSN in Leadership and Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

University of Bridgeport's online MSN in Leadership and Education delivers a transformative learning experience for nursing professionals aspiring to excel in clinical and academic spheres. This dynamic program strategically combines leadership principles with educational methodologies, enabling students to develop sophisticated skills across diverse healthcare environments. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning 30 graduate credits and requiring 120 practicum hours, students gain robust theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. The program's flexible online format specifically supports working nurses seeking career advancement, emphasizing professional development and maintaining an active nursing license. Graduates emerge prepared to navigate complex healthcare systems and drive innovative educational strategies in nursing.

• Online MSN Leadership and Education
• 30 graduate level credits required
• 120 practicum hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 5-year completion window
• Dual focus: leadership, education
• Accredited program
• Active nursing license needed
• Clinical and academic career paths

*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2023 Final Release Data.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Those who have worked with an RN for some years have a handful of opportunities. Nevertheless, most are available online or as hybrids. graduates have several opportunities in Connecticut to study a Nursing Education MSN. Students cover a range of nursing and education-related subjects including both practice and theory, ethics, curriculum development, and evaluation methods. Eligibility requirements for applicants are:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8or 3.0 on the 4.0 scale; send transcripts
• Minimum grades may also apply to specific individual courses (statistics, research, and health assessment are common)
• Unencumbered RN license
• Your NCLEX-RN score may be required
• CPR certification may be required

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

BSN graduates have several opportunities in Connecticut to study a Nursing Education MSN. Students cover a range of nursing and education-related subjects including both practice and theory, ethics, curriculum development, and evaluation methods. Eligibility requirements for applicants are:

• A regionally accredited BSN
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; send transcripts along with scores
• A current and unencumbered RN license
• Your NCLEX-RN score may be required
• CPR certification

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 Connecticut.

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 Connecticut also offers a great program for this specific degree.

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

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Connecticut

Regardless of your pathway (ADN or RN), an RN license is mandatory. From there, you must have passed a relevant MSN in Nursing Education, or MSN in Nursing offering an education pathway.

The Certificate of Nursing Education (CNE) is not mandatory for educators, however, it is advisable. It's also important you choose the correct one:

• CNE certification is aimed at academic educators
• CNEcl certification is aimed at clinical educators. A minimum of two years of practice and three years of education are required
• CNEn certification is aimed at novices who have less than three years of experience

Your RN license must be kept up to date in line with all eligibility requirements, even if you no longer intend to practice long-term. CNE certification also has requirements for ongoing eligibility.

RN licensing in Connecticutcosts$180 for the application fee and $200 for the exam. There is also a $110 renewal fee. The CNE costs are $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Connecticut?

Nursing educators have plenty of career options. The most typical include but are not limited to:

• Academia: In this role, you'll teach both undergraduate and graduate students in a college or university setting
• Professional education: Training and upskilling existing frontline health professionals with no skills, technologies, and procedure
• Private sector providers: Working independently in a range of services, not necessarily related to direct education. Designed training material and delivery techniques
• Charities: You may work for public outreach and education, advocacy and lobby groups, fundraising, and even health providers in an educational setting

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Connecticut

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

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.