Nurse Educator Schools in New Jersey
Nurses in the state of New Jersey have plenty of career options outside of clinical practice. If you’re considering a career change, one of the most exciting steps you might consider is nursing education. If you’re thinking about this new career, this guide can help you navigate it.
What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in New Jersey?
A nursing education career in New Jersey will require several steps from you. You must have a relevant undergraduate degree – this can be an ADN or a BSN. An RN license is also mandatory. The next step is a Master of Science in Nursing. This can be a standard master's degree with an education pathway or a dedicated education degree.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in New Jersey
The College of New Jersey
Ewing, NJ - Public 4-Year - tcnj.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The College of New Jersey's Nurse Educator Certificate program offers a comprehensive 14-credit pathway for experienced RNs seeking advanced teaching capabilities. Uniquely designed as a hybrid program, it empowers nurses to transition into educational leadership roles across academic and healthcare environments. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, the curriculum includes an immersive 150-hour practicum, enabling practical skill development. With nationally recognized faculty providing personalized guidance, students benefit from flexible full or part-time enrollment options. The program specifically targets RNs holding a bachelor's degree, aiming to cultivate nursing educators who can effectively shape future healthcare professionals through innovative teaching strategies.
- 14-credit program
- Hybrid availability
- 150-hour practicum
- Approved by NJ Dept of Education
- Full or part-time options
- $1292.66 per credit
- Financial aid available
- Nationally recognized faculty
- Personalized attention
- For RNs with BSN
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Mahwah, NJ - Public 4-Year - ramapo.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Campus Based - Visit Website
Ramapo College of New Jersey's Master of Science in Nursing Education program offers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to transform experienced nurses into exceptional educators. The 32-credit track provides comprehensive preparation for teaching roles in academic and healthcare settings, emphasizing advanced pedagogical techniques and innovative instructional strategies. With a focus on developing expert nurse educators, the program requires a robust 3.0 GPA and substantial full-time nursing experience. Students explore critical teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and educational leadership, positioning graduates to significantly impact nursing education and healthcare training environments.
- 32-credit MSN program
- Nursing education track
- NLNAC accredited program
- Post-master's certificate available
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Full-time nursing experience needed
- Prepares nurse educators
- Teaching in higher education
- Healthcare agency teaching
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ - Public 4-Year - montclair.edu
Master's - MSN in Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
Montclair State University's MSN in Nursing Education emerges as a cutting-edge online program strategically designed for registered nurses seeking advanced pedagogical expertise. Spanning 35 comprehensive credits, the curriculum integrates evidence-based practice and innovative teaching methodologies, addressing critical nursing education shortages. Students navigate advanced nursing theories while developing sophisticated instructional skills applicable in academic and clinical environments. The program distinguishes itself through CCNE accreditation, offering 150 clinical practicum hours and potential tuition discounts. With a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA requirement, the program prepares nurse educators to transform healthcare training through research-driven, contemporary educational approaches. Military-friendly policies and flexible online delivery enhance accessibility for working professionals seeking transformative nursing education roles.
- 35-credit online MSN program
- Nursing Education concentration
- 150 clinical practicum hours
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Fall 2025 applications open
- 20% tuition discounts available
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Advanced nursing core courses
- CCNE accredited program
- Prepares nurse educators
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Wayne, NJ - Public 4-Year - wpunj.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education
Online Learning - Visit Website
William Paterson University's online Master of Science in Nursing Education program offers a transformative pathway for registered nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. Meticulously crafted for working professionals, the 35-credit curriculum emphasizes comprehensive nursing education strategies, curriculum development, and advanced pedagogical techniques. Students benefit from a flexible online format with six annual start dates, enabling completion in as few as 12 months. The CCNE-accredited program requires applicants to hold an active RN license, possess a BSN with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrates a commitment to preparing nurse educators for dynamic healthcare learning environments. With competitive total tuition of $24,599.75 and 170 clinical hours integrated into the program, graduates are well-positioned to excel in academic and clinical teaching roles.
- Online 100% flexible format
- Total tuition $24,599.75
- As few as 12 months
- 35 credit hours required
- 170 clinical hours included
- CCNE-accredited program
- Six annual start dates
- BSN required for admission
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Active RN license needed
Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, NJ - Public 4-Year - tesu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Thomas Edison State University's MSN Nurse Educator concentration provides a cutting-edge online pathway for BSN-prepared nurses seeking advanced teaching roles. Through 30 graduate credits, students develop sophisticated curriculum design and instructional strategies essential for addressing nursing faculty shortages. The CCNE-accredited program features a mentor-guided approach, offering 100 practicum hours and allowing up to 12 transfer credits. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based educational techniques, preparing nurse educators to excel in academic and healthcare training environments. Admission requires an active RN license and BSN degree.
- 30 total graduate credits
- Fully online program format
- Graduate certificate awarded
- 100 hours practicum per specialty
- Up to 12 transfer credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Nurse Educator specialization available
- Prerequisites: BSN, active RN license
- Courses include education theory courses
- Mentored learning approach
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Thomas Edison State University's Nurse Educator Certificate Program delivers a concise 9-credit online curriculum specifically engineered for registered nurses pursuing educational leadership roles. This innovative program cultivates advanced teaching competencies, focusing on clinical judgment enhancement and evidence-based pedagogical practices. Participants learn to promote positive learning outcomes and develop leadership skills critical for nursing education. Tailored for career advancement, the program enables RNs to transition into influential educational positions across healthcare training settings. The flexible format accommodates professional schedules while ensuring comprehensive skill development in nursing education.
- 9-credit online program
- Designed for registered nurses
- Focuses on teaching skills
- Improves clinical judgment
- Promotes positive learning outcomes
- Employs evidence-based practices
- Prepares for educational leadership
- Fosters lifelong learning culture
- Admissions require RN status
- Enhances career advancement opportunities
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
New Jersey has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at William Patterson University. 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
New Jersey has a handful of BSN to MSN programs offering a Nursing Educator pathway, such as Ramapo College. Students learn a range of skills in teaching diagnostic and treatment skills, but also developmental and organizational. These programs have a minimum entry requirement list, which typically includes:
- An accredited BSN, including transcripts
- Application form and fees, plus resume
- Unencumbered current RN license
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
- A personal statement
Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.
There are three doctorate programs for nursing education to choose from. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) for practicing doctors, a Doctorate of Nursing Philosophy (PhD) for doctors of research, and a Doctorate of Education (EdD) for those who wish to teach in the nursing field.
The admission requirements for applying to a doctorate program in nursing education are similar to the requirements for other nursing education programs, except that you will need to possess a master's degree before you begin.
Seton Hall University has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as Rutgers University’s DNP program. For those interested in an online EdD in nursing program, there is a good one at Rowan University.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in New Jersey
Professional nursing educators in New Jersey must ensure that they keep up the standards required of a nursing license even if they intend to maintain only the minimum number of practice hours.
You should also consider professional certification. The CNE is not mandatory to work as an educator, but some employers may prefer it. There are three types:
- CNE: This type is for educators in academia
- CNEcl: This type is for educators of clinicians for ongoing training and upskilling
- CNEn: This type is for novices of both categories – anyone with less than three years of experience
The CNE will also require you to adhere to a list of qualifying standards much like the RN license.
RN licensing in New Jersey is $80 for the application,$120 for the license, and a further $200 for the examination. The endorsement cost is a $200 application fee and $58.69 for fingerprint checks. All renewals cost $120. CNE is the same cost across the US: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in New Jersey?
There are many career options to explore as a nursing educator:
- Academia: Teaching the next generation of nursing professionals in US colleges and universities
- Professional development: Teaching working professionals to improve their ongoing skills or for mandatory licensure requirements
- Private training contractor: You could train medical professionals, but this career can also involve non-clinical staff where some medical knowledge may be needed (such as sales)
- Charity training: Educating aid workers – both with clinical practice and support – who need training in the course of their job
- Public health: Outreach or other similar public-facing roles are vital in educating the general public
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in New Jersey
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in New Jersey? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Mahwah, NJ
Ramapo College
- Nursing Education Track Online
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 684-7500
Teaneck, NJ
Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Nurse Educator Campus
- Nursing Education Campus
Teaneck, NJ 07666
(201) 692-2000
Trenton, NJ
Thomas Edison State University
- Nurse Educator Online
Trenton, NJ 08608
(888) 442-8372
Wayne, NJ
William Paterson University
- Education Campus
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 720-2000
West Long Branch, NJ
Monmouth University
- Nursing Education Online
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 571-3400
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