Nurse Educator Schools in Missouri
Are you currently working in Missouri as a practice nurse and considering your next career step? If so, maybe nursing education is for you – you can utilize your practice skills and impart them to a new generation of nursing professionals.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Missouri?
If you wish to operate as a nursing educator in Missouri, you will need to follow several mandatory steps. First, you need a relevant undergraduate degree. Both ADNs and BSNs are acceptable. Next, you need a nursing license just as you would practice nursing. You will also need a Master of Science in Nursing dedicated to nursing education or with a dedicated education pathway. Doctorate graduates (DNPs, PhDs, and EdDs)can also apply.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Missouri
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO - Public 4-Year - umkc.edu
Master's - MSN Nurse Educator
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Missouri-Kansas City's MSN Nurse Educator program offers a transformative hybrid learning experience designed for ambitious healthcare professionals. Spanning 2-3 years, this comprehensive program equips students with advanced skills in curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies, and healthcare policy. With a total estimated cost of $36,106.65 and a minimum 3.2 GPA requirement, the program prepares nurses for impactful educational roles. CCNE-accredited and requiring two years of RN experience, students benefit from a blended online/on-campus delivery model. Graduates can anticipate promising career opportunities with a median salary of $74,000 and projected 13.64% employment growth in nursing education.
- 100% Online Master's Program
- 41 total credit hours
- 2-3 years to complete
- Estimated cost: $36,106.65
- Minimum 3.2 GPA required
- Two years RN experience preferred
- Requires campus visit
- Fall application deadline: March 7
- Spring application deadline: Oct. 18
- Accredited by CCNE
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
UMKC's Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate provides a specialized pathway for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to become exceptional educators. This concise 12-credit program focuses on developing advanced teaching competencies across diverse healthcare settings. Students engage in comprehensive training covering curriculum development, objective writing, clinical instruction, and student management. Designed to prepare participants for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, the certificate offers a structured clinical preceptorship and can be completed within three years. Current RN licensure is mandatory, ensuring participants bring practical expertise to their educational journey.
- 12 total credit hours
- Four required courses
- MSN prerequisite required
- CNE certification preparation
- Clinical preceptorship included
- Completion within three years
- Current RN licensure required
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO - Private 4-year - lindenwood.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Lindenwood University's Nurse Educator MSN program offers a transformative educational pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced instructional skills. Uniquely structured with a comprehensive curriculum, the program emphasizes practical teaching competencies through a 6-credit Practicum in Nursing Education and supervised clinical experiences. Students develop expertise in curriculum design, learning assessment, and patient education program development. The two-emphasis track allows nurses to build advanced teaching strategies applicable across healthcare and academic settings. Competency-based coursework ensures graduates are well-equipped to design innovative educational programs and effectively prepare future nursing professionals. Military-friendly and post-baccalaureate, the program provides a robust educational framework for aspiring nurse educators.
- Two-emphasis MSN program
- Nurse Educator specialty track
- Clinical practicum included
- 6-credit Practicum in Nursing Education
- Post-baccalaureate program
- Advanced teaching skills development
- Curriculum and program planning focus
- Patient education program design
- Competency-based curriculum
- One year clinical experience required
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO - Public 4-Year - ucmo.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Central Missouri's Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator program offers a comprehensive two-year online pathway for nurses seeking advanced educational preparation. Focusing exclusively on the Nurse Educator track, students benefit from 100% online flexibility and cutting-edge simulation laboratories. The program demands a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and requires at least one year of registered nursing experience. Graduates are strategically positioned to transform healthcare education, with the curriculum emphasizing practical teaching skills, professional mentorship, and comprehensive preparation for nurse educator roles. The program boasts impressive credentials, including recognition from national educational rankings.
- 100% online Nurse Educator track
- 2-year Master's program
- State-of-the-art simulation labs
- Expert practicing nurse faculty
- 100% AANP and ANCC pass rate
- Min. 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- 1+ year RN experience required
- Competitive admission process
- Multiple financial aid options
- Hybrid FNP track available
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certification
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Central Missouri's Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate provides a targeted, one-year online program designed for experienced nurses seeking specialized teaching credentials. Tailored for professionals with existing master's degrees, this 15-credit hour certificate prepares nurses to become certified nurse educators. Students engage in comprehensive classroom teaching experiences and certification exam preparation. The CCNE-accredited program offers flexible scheduling, enabling nurses to enhance their educational expertise while maintaining professional commitments. Participants develop advanced pedagogical skills, network with fellow nurse educators, and position themselves as critical contributors to healthcare education's future landscape.
- Fully online graduate certificate
- 15 total credit hours
- Complete in one year
- CCNE-accredited program
- For nurses with existing master's degree
- Nurse Educator certification exam prep
- Classroom teaching experience included
- Flexible course scheduling
- Network with nurse educator professionals
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO - Private 4-year - webster.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Webster University's Nurse Educator MSN program provides an innovative pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced teaching roles. The hybrid format accommodates working professionals, enabling completion within 2.5 years through flexible live virtual learning. Accredited by ACEN, the program requires a BSN, minimum 3.0 GPA, and one year of RN experience. Students develop sophisticated pedagogical skills through a comprehensive 36-credit curriculum, preparing them to excel in academic and clinical educational environments. The eight-week course format and five annual terms offer strategic scheduling for busy healthcare professionals pursuing educational leadership careers.
- ACEN Accredited Program
- Part-time, 2.5-year format
- Live Virtual Learning
- 36 total credit hours
- Nurse Educator Track Available
- BSN Required for Admission
- 3.0 Minimum Undergraduate GPA
- One Year RN Experience Needed
- Eight-week Course Format
- Five Terms per Year
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO - Public 4-Year - missouristate.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Visit Website
Missouri State University's online Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate transforms healthcare professionals into dynamic instructional leaders. Meticulously crafted for working nurses, this accelerated program empowers students to develop advanced teaching competencies across academic and clinical environments. Featuring four strategically designed 8-week courses, the curriculum emphasizes curriculum development, instructional methodologies, and practical teaching experiences. CCNE-accredited and offering flexible full-time or part-time tracks, students can complete the certificate in just one semester. The program's low-cost national tuition and comprehensive preparation make it an attractive option for nurses seeking to transition into educational roles with minimal disruption to their professional commitments.
- 100% online certificate program
- Complete in one semester
- Four courses in 8-week block
- Low-cost national tuition
- Practicums with teaching experience
- Full-time or part-time options
- CCNE accredited program
- Teaches lesson plan creation
- Flexible scheduling available
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
Missouri has a small number of nurse educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Missouri. 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
Missouri has multiple online BSN to MSN nurse educator programs, such as the one at Missouri State. Students will cover courses in both diagnostics and treatment, curriculum and training program development, assessment, and study skills.
- An accredited bachelor's degree (BSN)in nursing
- Application form and fees
- A GPA of 3.0
- Send transcripts
- A current, unencumbered RN license
- TOEFL or equivalent for non-native English speakers
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 Missouri.
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 Missouri offers a great program for this specific degree.
Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, but there aren't any EdD programs offered online in Missouri at this time.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Missouri
Nurse educators in Missouri are required to maintain all eligibility standards of their RN license throughout, even if they do not work in practice.
Optional certification is also available, and you are strongly advised to attain certification; it will generally be better for your career options.
There are three types:
- CNE: type one is a certification for academia – teaching undergraduate and graduate students
- CNEcl: type two is for those who teach clinicians with ongoing training and upskilling
- CNEn: type three is the novice certification for both the previous two types where the applicant has less than three years of experience
Like the license, the certification has some mandatory requirements to maintain eligibility.
RN licensing in Missouri is $200 for the examination and a $41.75 criminal background check fee. License by endorsement is a $55 application fee. The renewal cost is $60. CNE is set nationally by the board and costs $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Missouri?
Now you have achieved all the steps above, maybe you're considering where you might apply your new skills and qualifications.
- Academic teaching: Colleges and universities are great destinations, for teaching nursing students at the both undergraduate and graduate level
- Professional education: You'll work from medical facilities teaching nurses mostly in providing their ongoing education needs
- Private provider: While you may still train professionals from outside of the health network, you may also train non-clinicians such as support staff
- Charity trainer: You might train aid workers, their support staff, and medical professionals in a non-profit area. Public outreach is also a great career
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Missouri
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Missouri? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Cape Girardeau, MO
Southeast Missouri State University
- Nurse Educator Track Hybrid
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2000
Columbia, MO
Mizzou Online - University of Missouri
- Nurse Educator (Ms) Online
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-2491
University of Missouri Health
- Nurse Educator Campus
Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-0277
Fayette, MO
Central Methodist University
Fayette, MO 65248
(877) 268-1854
Kansas City, MO
University Of Missouri Kansas City
- Nurse Educator (NE) Online
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-1000
Springfield, MO
Missouri State University
Springfield, MO 65897
(417) 836-5000
St. Louis, MO
Barnes Jewish College
- Nurse Educator Campus
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-7055
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
- Nurse Educator Hybrid
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-7055
Webster University
- RN to MSN: Nurse Educator Campus
St. Louis, MO 63119
(800) 981-9801
Warrensburg, MO
University of Central Missouri
- Nurse Educator Online
Warrensburg, MO 64093
(877) 729-8266
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.