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?
2025 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: Mar 11, 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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Michigan

Finding the best nurse educator programs in Michigan just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've ranked top schools to help you make a smart choice. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and how well they prepare you for a teaching career in nursing. Whether you're starting out or looking to advance, our rankings guide you to the right program. Learn more about how we rank these programs at https://nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.

Davenport University

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

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Davenport University offers a Nurse Educator Post-Graduate Certificate program, tailored for advanced practice nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This 28-credit, 100% online program stands out for its flexibility, allowing working professionals to balance their studies with career commitments. Accredited by CCNE, it emphasizes practical skills through high-fidelity virtual simulations and a clinical practicum, preparing graduates for CNE certification. With a focus on bridging classroom and clinical training, the program boasts above-national certification rates and access to qualified faculty mentors. A current RN license and a minimum 3.0 GPA are required for admission, making it a rigorous yet rewarding pathway for aspiring nurse educators.

100% Online Certificate Program
28 Total Graduate Credits
CCNE Accredited Program
3.0 Minimum GPA Required
Prepare for CNE Certification
Clinical Practicum Included
Current RN License Needed
High-Fidelity Virtual Simulations
Above National Certification Rates
Qualified Faculty Mentors

Madonna University

Livonia, MI - Private 4-year - madonna.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse/Health Educator

Online Learning - Visit Website

Madonna University offers a Post Master's Certificate in Nurse Education, tailored for healthcare professionals aiming to transition into educator roles. This online program focuses on equipping nurses with the necessary skills to teach in both academic and clinical settings, addressing the growing need for qualified nursing faculty. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students learn curriculum design, effective teaching methodologies, and the use of simulation in education. The hybrid format ensures flexibility for working professionals, with the program designed to be completed in one year. Graduates are well-prepared for nurse educator positions and may pursue CNE certification.

Graduate Certificate Program
Hybrid learning format
One calendar year completion
Classroom and clinical teaching
High-fidelity simulation instruction
Prepare for nurse educator roles
Can complement graduate nursing degrees
Potential CNE certification pathway

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 in Nursing is an online program designed for nurses aiming to transition into educational roles. This 9-credit program equips participants with the necessary skills to teach in both clinical and academic settings, focusing on curriculum development and pedagogical strategies. Graduates are prepared to pursue National Nurse Educator Certification, enhancing their professional standing. The program includes a 90-hour supervised teaching internship, requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, and is ideal for graduate nursing students seeking to expand their expertise in nursing 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

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 program is a comprehensive 12-credit online offering tailored for nurses aspiring to excel in educational roles within healthcare or academic environments. The curriculum emphasizes teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, and curriculum development, culminating in a hands-on teaching practicum. This program not only prepares nurses for immediate roles in patient and staff education but also lays a foundation for further studies, with credits transferable to an MSN in Nursing Education. Prospective students must hold a BSN from an accredited institution and possess an active Michigan RN license, ensuring a cohort of qualified professionals ready to advance nursing education.

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

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

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

Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Nursing Education

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's Certificate in Nursing Education is tailored for those pursuing advanced degrees in nursing (MSN, DNP, or Ph.D.) at the U-M School of Nursing, aiming to refine their teaching prowess. This program stands out by blending cutting-edge teaching methodologies with technology, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to lead in nursing education. It's a unique opportunity for students to specialize in educational strategies, fostering the development of future nursing professionals. Highlights include its exclusivity to current graduate nursing students and a strong emphasis on practical teaching applications. For admission specifics, contacting the Recruiting & Admissions team is recommended.

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.

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

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.