Nurse Educator Schools in Michigan

Michigan is an attractive state for nurses to work in. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking to step up in your career toward a specialist area – including nursing education. This guide aims to help you to switch to this exciting new career opportunity.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Michigan?
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Michigan
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Michigan
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Michigan?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Michigan

Online Nurse Educator Degrees in Michigan

Angelica Lim, BSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Aug 27, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Michigan?

To practice as a nursing educator in Michigan, you need a series of formal education steps. An ADN or BSN in nursing plus a registered nursing license is mandatory. As a practice nurse, you should already have these. Next, you'll need a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), either in education specifically or a standard degree with an education concentration. Doctorate graduates are also welcome, sometimes preferred for candidacy.

MSN Programs Post Master's Certificate Programs DNP Programs PhD Programs EdD Programs

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Michigan

Nursing education plays a critical role in shaping the future of healthcare, and Michigan offers some exceptional programs for aspiring nurse educators. At nurseeducator.com, we've carefully evaluated and ranked the top nursing education programs across the state, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis highlights institutions that stand out for preparing highly skilled nurse educators who will make significant contributions to healthcare training and patient care. These programs provide rigorous academic experiences that blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to teach and inspire the next generation of nurses. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI - Public 4-Year - ferris.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ferris State University's MSN in Nursing Education tackles the critical nursing faculty shortage through a robust online program. Carefully crafted for working professionals, this fully online curriculum provides comprehensive preparation for advanced teaching roles in healthcare settings. Students benefit from a flexible learning environment with 24/7 access, enabling seamless integration of academic pursuits with professional responsibilities. CCNE-accredited and recognized for affordability, the program offers diverse learning opportunities. While specific entrance exam requirements are not detailed, prospective students should anticipate potential standardized testing requirements for graduate-level admission.

Fully online MSN program
Three concentrations available
Top 10 affordable program
24/7 flexible learning access
CCNE accredited program
Addresses nursing faculty shortage
Diverse learning community
Focuses on healthcare leadership

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Ferris State University's Nursing Education Certificate presents a strategic 16-credit graduate pathway for nursing professionals aiming to transition into educational roles. Tailored for BSN, MSN, and doctoral-prepared nurses, this online program equips students with essential skills in curriculum design and clinical education methodologies. With a strategic structure allowing nine transferable credits toward an MSN degree, the certificate offers exceptional career mobility. Requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and active RN licensure, the program addresses the growing need for qualified nurse educators. The curriculum includes a practical teaching practicum, ensuring comprehensive professional development.

Fully online graduate certificate
16 total credit hours
Designed for BSN, MSN, doctoral nurses
Addresses nurse educator shortage
9 credits transferable to MSN
Includes teaching practicum
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
RN licensure prerequisite
Career mobility focused
Curriculum design coursework

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Saginaw Valley State University

University Center, MI - Public 4-Year - svsu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Saginaw Valley State University's Nurse Educator Certificate provides a robust 12-credit online pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced educational roles. Carefully crafted to prepare nurses for transformative teaching positions, the program delves into critical pedagogical domains including curriculum design, assessment technologies, and instructional methodologies. Participants engage in 120 hours of supervised teaching practice, gaining hands-on experience in clinical and academic environments. Designed for practicing nurses with a BSN, the certificate offers strategic professional development opportunities. Graduates can seamlessly transition into patient education, staff development roles, or pursue advanced nursing education. The program uniquely bridges practical nursing expertise with sophisticated educational strategies, positioning nurses as innovative healthcare educators.

12-credit online program
Includes supervised teaching practice
Courses apply to MSN in Nursing Education
Designed for clinical or academic settings
Focus on teaching and learning in nursing
Covers assessment and technology
Teaches curriculum design and evaluation
Admission requires BSN and RN license
120 hours of supervised teaching practice
Courses available online

Calvin University

Grand Rapids, MI - Private 4-year - calvin.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Calvin University's MSN Nurse Educator program delivers a comprehensive online pathway for nursing professionals aiming to transition into educational leadership roles. Tailored for working nurses, the two-year part-time curriculum emphasizes advanced pedagogical strategies and curriculum development specific to nursing education. Students gain profound insights into educational assessment techniques while completing 500 clinical fieldwork hours. The program uniquely integrates a faith-based perspective, preparing graduates for national CNE certification and potential doctoral studies. With a competitive tuition rate of $775 per credit hour and no additional fees, the program offers an accessible route to advanced nursing education, requiring a BSN degree and maintaining a 3.0 GPA standard.

Online MSN Nurse Educator track
Two-year part-time program
500 clinical fieldwork hours
$775 per credit hour
37-40 total credits
3.0 GPA requirement
BSN degree prerequisite
National CNE certification eligible
Faith-based nursing perspective
Fall 2025 cohort open

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI - Public 4-Year - umich.edu

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Nursing Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Certificate in Nursing Education stands out as a specialized program exclusively designed for current MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. nursing students. This targeted credential empowers future nurse educators with cutting-edge pedagogical techniques and technological integration strategies. By focusing on advanced teaching methodologies, the program prepares participants to effectively shape the next generation of nursing professionals. The curriculum emphasizes practical skill development, innovative instructional approaches, and leveraging modern educational technologies. Prospective candidates benefit from the program's rigorous framework, which is tailored to enhance teaching competencies within complex healthcare educational environments. Military-friendly and featuring a campus hospital, the program offers comprehensive professional development for aspiring nurse educators.

Exclusive to MSN, DNP, Ph.D. students.
Focuses on teaching skills enhancement.
Integrates technology in nursing education.
Prepares for educating future nurses.
Contact Recruiting & Admissions for details.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Teaching in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Teaching offers a strategic pathway for nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. Delivered entirely online, this 9-credit program equips participants with sophisticated pedagogical techniques and curriculum development skills essential for both clinical and academic teaching environments. Graduates gain comprehensive preparation to sit for the National Nurse Educator Certification, significantly expanding their professional opportunities. The program's rigorous 90-hour supervised teaching internship provides hands-on experience, ensuring nurses develop critical instructional competencies. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the certificate appeals to motivated graduate nursing students committed to excellence in healthcare education.

9-credit online nurse educator program
Prepares for Nurse Educator Certification
90 hours supervised teaching internship
Develops teaching and curriculum skills
Suitable for graduate nursing students
Minimum 3.0 GPA required
Transcript certification included
Academic and clinical teaching focus

*Citation: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

The state has at least one fully online dedicated RN to MSN Nurse Educator program. It is designed for students working as practice nurses who wish to study in their spare time.

A current RN license in good standing
Application form and fee, a resume may be requested
Two letters of professional recommendation
A statement of purpose

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

The state also has several online and hybrid BSN to MSN nurse educator programs, such as the one at the University of Michigan. Students will have both mandatory and elective courses to make up their careers, covering learning techniques, assessment, technology, and diagnostics and treatment.

A bachelor’s degree in nursing (regionally accredited)
A minimum GPA of 3.0
Transcripts
Schools may request grades for specific courses and/or coursework
An unencumbered RN license
Application form and fee

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 Michigan.

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 Michigan offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however there is not an online program offered for EdDs in Michigan at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Michigan

Nurse educators in Michigan should not only have an RN license but are required to follow all requirements to maintain eligibility. This remains the case even if you do not intend to practice nursing.

Certification is not mandatory to practice as a nursing educator. However, you are advised to seek it. There are three types:

CNE is aimed at academic educators
CNEcl is aimed at clinical educators
CNEn is for novices of the other two types of certificates. You are eligible with under three years of experience

Both licensing and education certification requires applicants to fulfill a minimum list of requirements to maintain that eligibility, including practice hours and training.

RN licensing in Massachusettscosts$208.80 for the application and $200 for the exam fee. Fingerprints cost $62.75. License by endorsement will also pay both of these fees. Renewals cost $128.50. CNE will cost the same cost regardless of where in the US you are: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Michigan?

Now that you've finished your training, you want to know what career doors are open to you. Your most common options are:

Academia: The most obvious route is colleges and universities training both undergraduates and graduate students in nursing
Professional education: Working at health facilities such as hospitals as a trainer for existing professionals
Private training: You may train health professionals or you could educate non-medical staff such as sales teams and decision-makers
Non-profit sector: Aid agencies always need nursing training, and also in technology. You may also be an expert educator for the public and lobbyists

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Michigan

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