What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Maryland?

If you wish to pursue a career as a nursing educator in Maryland, a nursing undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN) is mandatory. You also need both an RN license and a relevant Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) either dedicated to education or with an education pathway choice. Many nursing educators also have doctorates (PhDs, DNPs, and EdDs).

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Maryland

NurseEducator.com is proud to present the most comprehensive guide to the Best Nurse Educator Programs in Maryland for aspiring nursing professionals seeking top-tier academic training. Our expert team has carefully evaluated Maryland's nursing education landscape, considering factors like program reputation, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student success rates. These rankings provide an invaluable resource for students looking to launch or advance their nursing education careers within the state. Maryland offers several outstanding programs that prepare nurses to become exceptional educators, researchers, and leaders in healthcare. Whether you're seeking a master's degree or a doctoral program, our rankings highlight the most competitive and innovative nurse educator pathways available. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD - Private 4-year - stevenson.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Stevenson University's Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Education delivers a strategic online learning pathway for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced educational credentials. The comprehensive 15-credit program uniquely empowers BSN-prepared professionals to develop sophisticated teaching methodologies and expand their nursing education expertise. Leveraging a fully online format, students can seamlessly integrate advanced learning while maintaining professional responsibilities. The program's CCNE accreditation ensures high-quality curriculum standards, with potential master's degree transferability. Designed for working nurses, the certificate requires a 3.0 GPA, professional recommendation, and current RN licensure, making it an accessible and targeted professional development opportunity.

  • Fully online 15-credit program
  • For BSN-prepared RNs
  • Credits transferable to MSN
  • Per credit tuition $635
  • 4 core nursing courses
  • 3.0 GPA admission requirement
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Professional recommendation needed
  • Personal statement required
  • Current RN license mandatory
#2

Hood College

Frederick, MD - Private 4-year - hood.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Hood College's Master of Science in Nursing Education program stands out as a transformative two-year online pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced educational roles. Strategically designed to address healthcare workforce development, the program uniquely prepares students to take the National League for Nursing's Certified Nurse Educator exam. Students benefit from flexible online coursework, expert practitioner-based faculty, and comprehensive training that emphasizes pedagogical skills in nursing education. The program offers full and part-time options, enabling working professionals to advance their careers while maintaining current employment. With affordable tuition and a direct pathway to DNP studies, graduates are positioned to become influential nursing educators.

  • Launching Fall 2024
  • Online course delivery
  • Full or part-time options
  • Complete in 2-4 semesters
  • Prepares for CNE certification
  • Practicum with preceptor
  • Lowest regional tuition rates
  • Pathway to DNP program

Doctorate - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Hood College's comprehensive nursing graduate programs offer sophisticated pathways for healthcare professionals, with a distinct focus on nursing education and systems leadership. The online Master of Science in Nursing provides three specialized tracks: adult-gerontology primary care, nursing education, and healthcare leadership. Specifically targeting the nursing education concentration, this program equips nurses with advanced pedagogical skills and theoretical knowledge. By combining research-driven curriculum with practical training, students develop expertise in curriculum development, teaching strategies, and educational technologies. The program addresses critical nursing shortages while preparing graduates to become innovative nurse educators capable of shaping future healthcare professionals through comprehensive, holistic educational approaches.

  • Fully online nursing programs
  • MSN features three specialized tracks
  • DNP focuses on systems leadership
  • Partnership with Frederick Health
  • Addresses nationwide nursing shortage
  • Prepares nurse educators and leaders
  • MSN currently accepting applications
  • DNP applications start 2025
  • Certification exam preparation
  • Three-phase DNP capstone project
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

Notre Dame of Maryland University

Baltimore, MD - Private 4-year - ndm.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Leadership in Nursing Education - Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Master of Science in Nursing with Leadership in Nursing Education concentration provides an accelerated pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking transformative educational roles. The program strategically develops advanced teaching competencies through a cohort model, enabling completion in under two years. Students explore critical domains including technology integration, student assessment, and scholarly discourse. With CCNE accreditation and part-time study options, nurses can balance professional commitments while gaining sophisticated leadership skills in academic and healthcare educational environments. The program emphasizes small class sizes and sequentially scheduled coursework to maximize learning effectiveness.

  • MSN with Nursing Education concentration
  • Under two years to complete
  • Part-time study options
  • Cohort learning model
  • Small class sizes
  • Sequentially scheduled classes
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • Focuses on leadership skills
  • Technology in nursing education
  • Scholarly discourse preparation

Master's - Nurse Educator (Post-MSN Certificate)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's Post-MSN Nurse Educator Certificate offers a targeted 12-credit program designed for MSN, DNP, or PhD holders seeking specialized educational preparation. Rooted in a caring science framework, the certificate transforms experienced clinicians into innovative nurse educators. Participants develop comprehensive teaching strategies, curriculum design expertise, and engage in practical practicum experiences across academic, clinical, and community settings. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and active RN licensure, the program provides mentored educational opportunities, scholarship potential, and advanced skill development in teaching and learning principles.

  • 12-credit Post-MSN Certificate
  • Requires existing MSN/DNP/PhD
  • Caring science educational approach
  • Practicum in multiple settings
  • GPA requirement: 3.0+
  • Practicum locations: Colleges/Universities
  • Clinical development opportunities
  • Mentored educational experiences
  • Scholarship funding available
  • Focuses on teaching/learning principles

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator (Post-MSN Certificate)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Notre Dame of Maryland University's hybrid Post-MSN Certificate in Nurse Education delivers a comprehensive 12-credit professional development pathway for advanced practice nurses. Tailored for MSN, DNP, or PhD holders, the program blends innovative pedagogical strategies with caring science principles. Students gain advanced curriculum design skills, teaching methodologies, and educational assessment techniques through flexible learning modalities. Practicum experiences in diverse educational environments ensure practical skill translation. With scholarship opportunities, an active RN license requirement, and a focus on nursing education technology, graduates are prepared to excel as expert educators in academic, clinical, and community healthcare settings.

  • 12-credit Post-MSN Certificate program
  • Requires MSN, DNP, or PhD
  • Caring science educational approach
  • Practicum in various educational settings
  • Focuses on nursing education skills
  • GPA requirement of 3.0
  • Requires active RN license
  • Scholarship opportunities available
  • Curriculum includes teaching and technology courses
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - morgan.edu

Master's - Master of Science (Nursing)

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

Morgan State University's Nurse Educator Master's program offers a transformative educational journey for advanced nursing professionals. Designed with a compelling 43-credit curriculum, the program cultivates nurse educators committed to healthcare innovation and social justice. Students explore advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice through the innovative Morgan-Flex format, enabling flexible learning for working nurses. The concentration specifically prepares graduates to excel in teaching roles across academic and clinical settings. Requiring two years of RN experience and maintaining a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, the CCNE-accredited program emphasizes leadership development and educational leadership skills. The hybrid learning model accommodates diverse professional schedules while maintaining rigorous academic standards.

  • 43-credit graduate nursing degree
  • Nurse Educator and Leadership focus
  • Morgan-Flex course offering
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Two years RN experience required
  • 3.0 GPA undergraduate requirement
  • Advanced health assessment courses
  • In-person and virtual options
  • Professional recommendation letters needed
  • Evidence-based practice curriculum
*Source: IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Maryland has a small number of nurse educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Maryland. Students will learn diagnostics and treatment, procedure, law and ethics, and assessment.

Entry requirements are:

  • Accredited Associate's Degree
  • Unencumbered RN license which is in date
  • Criminal background check
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Non-native English speakers must demonstrate relevant language proficiency

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Maryland currently has no online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, but several campus-only options including Salisbury University. Should you decide to go with an on-campus option, here are some admission requirements for you to consider:

  • A regionally accredited BSN
  • Unencumbered in-date RN license
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0
  • There may be specified courses required for entry with stipulated minimum grades
  • Non-native English speakers must submit relevant language proficiency test scores

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.

If you're looking for a doctorate in nursing, Maryland has a few options for online learning. For PhDs in nursing, take a look at the University of Maryland's program. They also have a great DNP 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 Maryland

Nurse educators in Maryland must follow mandatory steps to qualify and to remain licensed to continue to work in that field. You will still need an RN license, even if you don't intend to practice beyond the minimum number of required hours.

Nursing education certification is also available. While it is not mandatory, nursing educators are strongly advised to seek certification:

  • The standard CNE type is for academic educators
  • The CNEcl type is for educators of professionals such as clinicians needing to upskill
  • The CNEn type is for novice nurse educators operating in either of the two above areas

Like the license, certification also has a set of minimum required standards to maintain to remain eligible.

RN licensing in Maryland costs $100 for the application fee and a $200 examination fee. Endorsement also costs $100 while renewal costs $136 every two years depending on the year of birth. CNE is a standard cost: $500 for non-members of NLN and $400 for NLN members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Maryland?

What are your career options once you are graduated and licensed?

  • Academia: Working in US colleges and universities teaching the new generation of nursing undergraduates and graduate students. Other academic responsibilities may also apply
  • Professional teaching: Instead of universities, you will teach from hospitals to working professionals – clinical skills, procedures, and technical
  • Private training: Working for an independent training provider, you will educate medical and non-medical professionals such as administrative and sales
  • Non-profit: This sector trains aid agencies and professionals, but also lobbies the government and other decision-makers. May also be involved in public health outreach

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Maryland

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

Baltimore, MD

Graduate Certificate Programs
School of Nursing
525 N. Wolfe Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
(410) 955-4766

Bowie, MD

MSN Programs
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 860-4000

Salisbury, MD

1101 Camden Avenue
Salisbury, MD 21801
(410) 543-6000

Takoma Park, MD

7600 Flower Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912
(800) 835-4212

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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