Nurse Educator Schools in Maine
Maine is a fantastic place to work as a practice nurse. If you’ve been working in this field for some time and considering a career change, nursing education may be the next viable step. This article will explain how you go about achieving that goal.
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Maine?
To work as a nurse educator in Maine, you will need a nursing undergraduate degree (which can be either an ADN or BSN), an RN license, and a master's degree (MSN) either in nursing education or a regular MSN education concentration option. Doctorates (PhDs, DNPs, and EdDs) are also acceptable.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Maine
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME - Public 4-Year - usm.maine.edu
Master's - Nursing Education, M.S.N.
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Southern Maine offers a comprehensive online Master of Science in Nursing Education that empowers nurses to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments. This innovative 12-month program eliminates GRE requirements and provides six annual start dates, making advanced education accessible for working professionals. Students complete 36 credit hours through accelerated 7-week courses, gaining expertise in nursing education aligned with National League for Nursing standards. CCNE-accredited and requiring a 3.0 minimum GPA, the program ensures graduates are well-prepared for diverse educational leadership roles through personalized faculty mentorship and practical practicum experiences in educational and clinical settings.
- Online MSN in Nursing Education
- Complete in 12 months
- 6 annual start dates
- No GRE required
- 36 total credit hours
- CCNE accredited program
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- RN licensure required
- Practicum in education/clinical settings
- Affordable e-tuition rates
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Post-Masters Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Southern Maine's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education delivers a focused, six-month online pathway for experienced nurses seeking advanced educational credentials. Designed for professionals aiming to become certified nurse educators, the program requires an unencumbered RN license and maintains a 3.0 GPA standard. With no GRE requirement and multiple annual start dates, students develop critical skills in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and program evaluation. The 21-credit curriculum includes an in-person practicum, prepares candidates for the National League of Nursing Certified Nurse Educator exam, and offers flexible e-tuition options for out-of-state learners.
- Accelerated online format
- 21 total credit hours
- 6 start dates annually
- No GRE required
- In-person practicum included
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Out-of-state e-tuition available
- Unencumbered RN license needed
- Credits apply to MSN
- Prepare for NLN certification
University of Maine
Orono, ME - Public 4-Year - umaine.edu
Master's - MS-Nursing Leadership – Nursing Education Concentration
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Maine's MS in Nursing Leadership with a Nursing Education Concentration provides an exceptional pathway for nurses seeking to become transformative educators. This hybrid program uniquely blends advanced teaching methodologies with innovative learning strategies, preparing nurses to excel in academic and healthcare educational settings. With flexible full-time and part-time options, students develop critical leadership skills while exploring curriculum design and clinical simulation technologies. The program requires a BSN from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, active RN licensure, and two years of nursing experience. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue NLN Certification and lead educational initiatives in diverse healthcare environments.
- Full-time/Part-time study options
- Online didactic courses
- Two practicum experiences
- Advanced teaching methodologies
- Prepares for NLN Certification
- Graduate capstone required
- BSN prerequisite required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active RN licensure needed
- Two years RN experience
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Maine's Post Master's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education offers a targeted 11-credit program designed to elevate experienced nurses' teaching capabilities. This online certificate empowers nursing professionals to enhance their educational expertise across academic and professional development domains. The curriculum focuses on advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and clinical simulation techniques. Participants will gain comprehensive skills in program evaluation and learning outcomes assessment. With practicum experiences and a leadership-oriented approach, the program prepares nurses to become effective educators. Applicants must hold active RN licensure, demonstrate a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and preferably have two years of nursing experience.
- 11-credit graduate certificate
- Prepares nurses for teaching roles
- Online and on-campus courses
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Active RN licensure required
- Practicum experiences included
- Two-year RN experience preferred
- Coursework in teaching methods
- Leadership and scholarship focus
- NLN Certification preparation
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Maine has one online BSN to MSN nurse educator option (University of Maine) and one on campus. Students will cover courses in assessment and evaluation, healthcare education and teaching, curriculum design, and teaching strategies, among others.
- An accredited bachelor's degree in nursing
- A GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
- A stated minimum grade in some specified courses – statistics, biology, and other science-related
- A current and unencumbered RN license
- Application form and any required fees
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 Southern Maine.
The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research.
Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Maine
Maine-based nursing educators are required to follow some mandatory formal steps to work in this career. You will need an RN license and keep up with all the requirements to maintain it, even if you do not intend to practice as a nurse.
There is also nursing education certification available. Though not mandatory, it is advantageous to hold. Three types of certificates:
- If you will work in academia, you need the CNE type
- If you will work in professional clinical training, you need the CNEcl type
- There is also a novice-type certificate available called the CNEn. It's for those with under three years experience of in the other two types
These certificates also have minimum standards to maintain eligibility.
RN licensing in Louisiana costs $75 for the application and $200 to take the exam. Both endorsement and renewal (every two years) cost $75. The CNE cost is the same no matter where you are: $500 for non-members of NLN and $400 for NLN members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Maine?
Where might you apply your new skills in terms of your career? Some job areas you might consider:
- Academic teaching: Educating new nursing undergraduates and postgraduates. May also include other academic responsibilities such as research
- Professional education: Educating existing professionals from a clinic, hospital, or another health facility
- Private training provider: Here, you will educate medical and non-medical professionals (admin, sales) outside of a medical setting
- Charities: Aid workers (medical or otherwise)need education in things like CPR and equipment. You can also work in public awareness or lobbying decision-makers
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Maine
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Maine? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Orono, ME
University of Maine
- Nurse Educator Campus
Orono, ME 04469-5724
(207) 581-2592
Portland, ME
University of Southern Maine
- Education Campus
Portland, ME 04104
(180) 080-0487 x6
Standish, ME
Saint Joseph's College of Maine
- Nursing Education Online
Standish, ME 04084
(207) 893-7957
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