Nurse Educator Schools in Kentucky

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Kentucky?

Nurse educators working in Kentucky are required to have an undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN), and an RN license as with all nurses. But you also need a graduate degree which can be either an MSN in nursing education or an MSN with an education path. You may also practice nursing education with a doctorate.

MSN ProgramsPost Master's Certificate ProgramsDNP ProgramsPhD ProgramsEdD Programs

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Kentucky

Aspiring nurse educators in Kentucky have numerous excellent program options to launch their teaching careers. NurseEducator.com has carefully analyzed and ranked the state's top nursing education programs, considering factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, student outcomes, and overall academic quality. Our comprehensive review highlights institutions that provide exceptional preparation for future nurse educators, ensuring students receive cutting-edge training in curriculum development, clinical instruction, and healthcare education strategies. These programs not only equip nurses with advanced teaching skills but also prepare them to make significant contributions to healthcare education and patient care. For a detailed breakdown of our ranking methodology, visit https://www.nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY - Public 4-Year - uky.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Teaching Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Kentucky's Graduate Certificate in Teaching Nursing offers a comprehensive online pathway for registered nurses aiming to transition into educational leadership roles. This innovative program uniquely blends advanced pedagogical training with practical clinical experience, requiring 180 clinical hours to develop educators capable of shaping future nursing curriculum. Tailored for post-graduate nurses holding MSN, DNP, or PhD credentials, the certificate provides flexible learning without on-campus requirements. Participants gain expertise in curriculum design, teaching methodologies, and strategic educational approaches. With a competitive per-credit cost of $753, the program enables professionals to enhance their educational skills while maintaining current employment, positioning graduates as highly qualified nursing educators.

• Fully online graduate certificate
• 9 total credit hours
• Cost per credit: $753
• Post-MSN, DNP, PhD program
• 180 clinical hours required
• Designed for RN educators
• No on-campus requirements
• Clinical site often employer
• Focuses on nursing pedagogy

#2

Midway University

Midway, KY - Private 4-year - midway.edu

Master's - MS in Nursing

Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Midway University's MSN Education Track provides a strategic pathway for nurses aspiring to become transformative educators. This fully online program uniquely bridges clinical expertise with advanced pedagogical skills, enabling professionals to prepare the next generation of healthcare practitioners. With a comprehensive 36-credit curriculum completed in 18-24 months, students develop sophisticated teaching methodologies, curriculum design competencies, and leadership strategies. The program's flexibility accommodates working nurses, emphasizing practical application and theoretical foundations essential for successful nurse educators. As a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated institution, Midway maintains a commitment to holistic professional development and inclusive educational practices.

• MSN Education Track Available
• Fully Online Program
• 18-24 Months Completion
• 36 Total Credit Hours
• Prepares Nurse Educators
• Flexible for Working Nurses
• Teaching Career Focused

#3

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY - Private 4-year - campbellsville.edu

Master's - MSN NE

Online Learning - Visit Website

Campbellsville University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator track provides a strategic pathway for registered nurses aspiring to transition into academic healthcare roles. The comprehensive program emphasizes advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and clinical education strategies. With a flexible online format designed for working professionals, students can complete the degree in two to three years. Graduates emerge equipped to develop innovative nursing curricula, mentor emerging healthcare professionals, and contribute to nursing education's evolving landscape. The ACEN-accredited program features expert faculty instruction and a curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical teaching competencies, preparing nurses to excel in academic and clinical training environments.

• Online MSN Nurse Educator Track
• Fully online program
• 2-3 year completion time
• Nurse Educator career preparation
• ACEN accredited program
• Flexible learning options
• Expert faculty instruction

*IPEDS 2023, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Kentucky has one option for a BSN to MSN Nurse Educator degree through the University of Kentucky. Students study education theory, analysis, and application of teaching techniques, health policy, and both diagnostics and treatment courses. Admission requirements include:

• A relevant accredited nursing bachelor's degree. The minimum entry grade is 3.0 on the 4.0 GPA scale
• Minimum grade of C in statistics
• 1,000 hours minimum practice nursing
• Current RN license (unencumbered)
• The application form and fees
• Submit to a criminal background check

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 for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

Kentucky has a few options for the respective online versions of these degree programs. Eastern Kentucky University has a great DNP program, and the University of Kentucky has a PhD program worth looking into. Western Kentucky University has an EdD program that is well-known.

The admission requirements for entering a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs. Still, you will be required to hold a higher degree (MSN).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Kentucky

If you want to work as a nurse educator in Kentucky, it's important to follow these mandatory steps. This means a registered nursing license, of course, and you'll need to adhere to the minimum number of practice and training hours even if you have no intention of practicing.

Certification is not mandatory but strongly advisable. There are three types that apply to different settings:

• CNE: This is the certificate you need for an academic career
• CNEcl: This is the certificate you need for a professional training career
• CNEn: This is the certificate for novices in either of the other two fields, applicable to those with under three years of experience

The certificate requires applicants to adhere to some minimum requirements for ongoing eligibility. This includes practice hours and commitment to ongoing education.

RN licensing in Kansas costs $125 for the application.A$200 examination fee applies along with a $13.25 fingerprint fee. License by endorsement is $165 plus the fingerprint fee above. CNE costs the same nationwide: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Kentucky?

Now that we've covered what you need to do to become a nursing educator, what are your career options?

• Academic education: You will work in research and teaching both undergraduates and graduate students in colleges and universities
• Professional training: You will work for medical providers at clinics or hospitals, training nurses and other nursing staff for their professional development requirements
• Private training provider: Training not just medical professionals and health frontline workers, you'll work for an independent provider training on a range of issues
• Charity: This could be any of the above, but also lobbying for health causes, public awareness, and international aid, among other options

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Kentucky

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Kentucky? 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.