What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Louisiana?

Nurse educators in Louisiana must have a relevant nursing undergraduate degree- this can be either an ADN or BSN. In any case, an RN license is mandatory. From there, you must also complete a graduate degree-this can be either a dedicated nursing education MSN or a nursing MSN with an education concentration. Doctorates are also acceptable.

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Louisiana

Nursing education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare, and Louisiana offers some remarkable programs for aspiring nurse educators. NurseEducator.com has carefully analyzed and ranked the top nursing education programs across the state, considering factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, research capabilities, and student success rates. Our comprehensive evaluation highlights institutions that provide outstanding preparation for those looking to teach and inspire the next generation of nurses. These programs not only meet rigorous academic standards but also demonstrate exceptional commitment to developing skilled nurse educators who can make significant contributions to medical training and patient care. Discover the best nurse educator programs Louisiana has to offer. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA - Public 4-Year - louisiana.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's MSN in Nursing Education distinguishes itself through a strategic online program tailored for aspiring nurse educators. Emphasizing comprehensive pedagogical training, students develop advanced teaching competencies across undergraduate nursing curricula. The program's 40-43 credit hour curriculum integrates specialized coursework in curriculum design, educational technologies, and innovative teaching methodologies. With 240 clinical hours and NLN Certification preparation, graduates emerge as highly qualified nursing instructors. CCNE-accredited and designed for working professionals, the program requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and offers flexible fall and spring semester options. A unique scholarly project component enables students to demonstrate advanced research and educational leadership skills.

  • 40-43 total credit hours
  • NLN Certification preparation
  • 240 total clinical hours
  • Intercollegiate Consortium program
  • CCNE accredited
  • Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
  • Fall and Spring semester courses
  • Focused scholarly project option
  • Advanced nursing education courses
  • Undergraduate teaching preparation
#2

Grambling State University

Grambling, LA - Public 4-Year - gram.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Grambling State University's Nurse Educator MSN program offers a dynamic 21-month educational pathway designed for ambitious nursing professionals seeking advanced teaching credentials. Emphasizing flexibility, the hybrid program blends online and on-campus learning, enabling students to specialize in Adult/Geriatric or Maternal/Child Health nursing. With 43 graduate credit hours and one day per week of classroom instruction, students develop comprehensive skills to effectively educate and mentor future healthcare practitioners. As a historically Black university, Grambling provides a supportive environment for professional growth and innovative nursing education strategies.

  • 21-month full-time program
  • 43 graduate credit hours
  • On-campus and online classes
  • Specialization options available
  • One day per week classroom
  • Clinical focus flexibility
  • Advanced nursing education
#3

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, LA - Public 4-Year - southeastern.edu

Master's - Nursing, MSN

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Southeastern Louisiana University's MSN in Nursing Education offers a robust online program designed for dynamic nursing professionals seeking advanced pedagogical skills. With a comprehensive 40-43 credit curriculum, students develop sophisticated teaching methodologies and curriculum design expertise specifically tailored to nursing education. The program emphasizes practical training through 225 clinical hours and human patient simulator labs, preparing graduates for influential roles in academic and clinical educational settings. Military-friendly and featuring high national certification rates, this program enables working nurses to seamlessly transition into nurse educator positions. Unique program elements include a required scholarly project and potential career pathways in universities, hospitals, and professional development organizations.

  • Online program delivery
  • 40-43 semester hours required
  • 225 total clinical hours
  • Thesis or scholarly project required
  • ICMSN program member
  • High national certification rates
  • Expert faculty recognition
  • Human patient simulator labs
  • Potential roles: Nurse Educator
  • Employment in universities, hospitals
#4

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans

New Orleans, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhsc.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Campus Based - Visit Website

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center's MSN Nurse Educator concentration offers a transformative one-year program designed for ambitious nursing professionals. With strategic focus on adult learning theory and innovative teaching methodologies, students develop comprehensive skills across academic and clinical educational environments. The curriculum integrates advanced nursing theories with leadership development, preparing graduates to excel in diverse educational settings. Applicants should anticipate potential entrance exams, though specific requirements may vary. Military-friendly and offering both traditional and online learning strategies, this program empowers nurses to become influential healthcare educators with cutting-edge pedagogical expertise.

  • One-year Master's program
  • Two campus locations
  • Fall and summer admissions
  • Adult learning theory focus
  • Traditional and online strategies
  • Nursing education concentration
  • Academic and practice preparation
#5

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport

Shreveport, LA - Public 4-Year - lsuhs.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

LSU Health Sciences Center-Shreveport's Master of Science in Nursing with Nurse Educator concentration offers a transformative hybrid program tailored for experienced BSN-prepared nurses. The four-semester track strategically prepares professionals to become influential nurse educators through a dynamic blend of online and face-to-face learning. Students benefit from synchronous distance education options and comprehensive curriculum designed to address critical healthcare workforce development. The program uniquely positions graduates to excel in academic, practice, and service settings by leveraging their clinical expertise and expanding their pedagogical skills. Semester applications are available in Fall, Spring, and Summer, providing flexibility for working healthcare professionals.

  • Hybrid (online & on-site)
  • Four-semester intensive track
  • Targets BSN nurses with experience
  • Semester applications: Fall/Spring/Summer
  • Synchronous distance education option
*Data obtained from: NCES IPEDS 2023 database. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Louisiana has several BSN to MSN Nurse Educator options, both standard nursing with an educator path, and dedicated MSN in nursing education, including a fantastic program at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Students study practice and theory, teaching techniques, policy, ethics, and medical applications. Admission typically follows this:

  • An accredited bachelor's degree in nursing
  • A GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale. Some in the state have a lower minimum – down to 2.5
  • Minimum grade C in some specified courses
  • Current RN license (unencumbered)
  • The application form and fees

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education to choose from. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) for practicing doctors, a Doctorate of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) for doctors of research, and a Doctorate of Education (EdD) for those who wish to teach in the nursing field.

The admission requirements for applying to a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, except that you will need to possess a master's degree before you begin.

Louisiana State University has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of Louisiana DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Louisiana

Nursing educators in the state of Louisiana need to follow a series of mandatory steps. You will need an RN license – this will need to be maintained just as you would if you were practicing full-time.

Also, consider nursing education certification. It is not mandatory, but it is advantageous to do so. There are three types:

  • For an academic teaching career, you need a CNE
  • For a professional training career, you need a CNEcl
  • If you are a novice in either of those two fields, you need a CNEn

Once you have the certificate, much like your registered nursing license, you need to adhere to all required measures to maintain that eligibility.

RN licensing in Louisiana costs $100 for the application, $200 for the exam, and $39.25 for the background check fee. License by endorsement is $139.25 (application plus background check). CNE costs the same across the US:$400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Louisiana?

Now that you've fulfilled all those steps, it's time to consider where you might apply your new skills. Here are your career options:

  • Academia: Working in our colleges and universities training new nursing undergraduates and graduate students
  • Professional education: Working at hospitals, clinics, and other training facilities, you will train existing medical professionals in ongoing education and new skills training
  • Private training: You will teach medical professionals, support workers, and sales employees for a private employer typically outside of a frontline medical context
  • Charity work: As well as training medical professionals and support staff, you could work to lobby the government, advocate for the public, or educate for a public health setting

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Louisiana

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

Baton Rouge, LA

MSN Programs
801 Harding Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70807
(225) 771-4500

Grambling, LA

MSN Programs
School of Nursing
403 Main St
Grambling, LA 71245
(318) 247-3811

Hammond, LA

MSN Programs
500 W University Ave
Hammond, LA 70402
(985) 549-5637

Lake Charles, LA

MSN Programs
4205 Ryan Street
Lake Charles, LA 70609
(337) 475-5000

Natchitoches, LA

MSN Programs
175 Sam Sibley Dr
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6011

MSN Programs
175 Sam Sibley Dr
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6011

New Orleans, LA

MSN Programs
1900 Gravier Street
New Orleans, LA 70112
(504) 568-4200

Thibodaux, LA

MSN Programs
906 East 1st St.
Thibodaux, LA 70301
(187) 764-2465 x7

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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