Nurse Educator Schools in North Carolina

UNC Charlotte's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nurse Educator program offers a robust curriculum tailored for working registered nurses seeking advanced educational leadership roles. Designed with flexibility, the 39-credit program provides comprehensive training in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and assessment techniques. Students gain practical experience through 180 clinical hours and become eligible for NLN certification. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and one year of nursing practice, enabling graduates to teach at entry-to-practice and RN-to-BSN levels. With competitive resident tuition rates of $288.82 per credit, the program admits students in spring, summer, and fall semesters.

• 100% online program
• 39 total credit hours
• Admits spring/summer/fall
• Resident tuition $288.82/credit
• Requires 1 year nursing practice
• NLN certification eligible
• Clinical practicum included
• 3.0 GPA preferred
• Teaches nursing education skills
• 180 hours clinical experience

UNC Charlotte's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education provides a streamlined 12-credit online program for BSN and MSN graduates seeking specialized educational training. Within one year, students develop advanced teaching skills through four focused courses, gaining expertise in instructional technology and curriculum strategies. The certificate program offers part-time study options and includes 15 hours of teaching experience. Designed for healthcare professionals aiming to transition into educational leadership roles, this certificate provides comprehensive preparation for nursing education careers. Resident tuition remains competitive at $288.82 per credit, with flexible admission in spring, summer, and fall semesters.

• 100% Online Program
• 12 Credit Hours Total
• Completion in 1 Year
• For BSN/MSN Graduates
• Resident Tuition $288.82/Credit
• Part-Time Study Option
• Four Specialized Courses
• 15 Hours Teaching Experience
• Spring/Summer/Fall Admission

Appalachian State University's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education offers a targeted professional development pathway for registered nurses aspiring to educational leadership roles. This concise 12-credit online program delivers comprehensive training aligned with North Carolina Board of Nursing standards. Designed for maximum flexibility, students can complete the certificate in two semesters while maintaining part-time employment. The curriculum strategically prepares nurses for diverse educational settings, including academic institutions, healthcare training departments, and patient education programs. Additionally, the certificate provides seamless potential progression toward a Master of Science in Nursing degree, enhancing career mobility for healthcare professionals.

• Online Graduate Certificate program
• 12 credit hours total
• Completed in 2 semesters
• Meets NC Board of Nursing requirements
• Applicable to MSN degree
• Prepares nurses for educational roles
• Part-time study option

Appalachian State University's Doctor of Nursing Practice program uniquely addresses rural healthcare challenges through a cutting-edge hybrid model. Launching in fall 2026, this four-year DNP pathway emphasizes nursing education concentration with strategic curriculum design. Students experience a blend of online coursework and intensive clinical training, preparing advanced practice nurses to tackle complex healthcare workforce shortages. The program strategically limits initial cohort size to seven students, projecting expansion to 77 students by 2030. Applicants must hold a BSN and active nursing license, with one year of dedicated clinical experience required. Entrance exam requirements will be explicitly communicated during admission process.

• Hybrid DNP program launching Fall 2026
• Three specialization concentrations available
• Part-time, four-year program structure
• Online coursework with on-campus sessions
• Focuses on rural healthcare needs
• Initial cohort of seven students
• Projected 77 students by 2030
• Requires BSN and nursing license
• One year clinical experience required
• Training at Hickory campus location

Duke University's Post-Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education is a transformative program designed for master's degree holders seeking to become advanced nursing educators. The hybrid program leverages innovative teaching technologies and comprehensive curriculum design strategies, preparing professionals to excel in academic and healthcare educational environments. Graduates develop sophisticated pedagogical skills, learning to shape future nursing generations through cutting-edge instructional methodologies. The flexible format accommodates working nurses, enabling career advancement while maintaining professional commitments. Emphasizing expert faculty guidance and practical teaching techniques, the certificate program equips nurses with the specialized knowledge required to become influential nurse educators across diverse healthcare settings.

• Post-Graduate Certificate Option
• For Master's Degree Holders
• Flexible Online Learning
• Expert Faculty Instruction
• Prepare for Nursing Education Roles
• Innovative Teaching Technologies
• Career Advancement Opportunities

University of North Carolina Wilmington's MSN Nurse Educator program offers a comprehensive online pathway for experienced nurses to transform into influential healthcare educators. Spanning 36 credit hours and achievable within 12 months, this program provides robust training in curriculum development, educational leadership, and student mentorship. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based teaching strategies and includes a faculty-guided practicum. Candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, possess an active nursing license, and complete a prerequisite statistics course. The program prepares nurses to excel in diverse educational settings, from academic institutions to clinical training environments.

• Fully online program
• 36 credit hours total
• Can complete in 12 months
• Prepare for nurse educator roles
• Multiple start dates in 2025
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Statistics course prerequisite
• Active nursing license needed
• Faculty-guided practicum
• Evidence-based education project

UNCW's Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate delivers an innovative online program tailored for baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses with graduate degrees. This 12-credit curriculum strategically equips healthcare professionals with advanced pedagogical skills, focusing on curriculum design and educational leadership. Completable in 3-4 semesters, the program uniquely eliminates standardized test requirements and recommendation letter submissions. Participants gain comprehensive training in teaching diverse learners across academic and healthcare settings, aligning with North Carolina Board of Nursing standards. The certificate prepares nurses for specialty certification examinations and seamless transitions into educational roles.

• Fully online asynchronous program
• 12 credit hours total
• 3-4 semesters to complete
• No standardized test scores required
• Multiple admission pathways
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Practicum experience included
• Prepares for nurse educator roles
• Evidence-based curriculum design focus
• No recommendation letters needed

Winston-Salem State University's Advanced Nurse Educator MSN program stands out as a cutting-edge online curriculum specifically designed to cultivate expert nursing educators. Tailored for professionals seeking specialized training, this 39-credit hour program eliminates traditional entrance barriers by not requiring GRE or MAT scores. Students enjoy remarkable flexibility with full and part-time tracks, completing the program within two to three years. The program's Advanced Nurse Educator concentration uniquely prepares graduates for National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator certification, positioning them strategically in academic and clinical educational environments. With 240 clinical practicum hours, students develop comprehensive teaching competencies across diverse healthcare settings.

• Fully online MSN program
• No GRE/MAT required
• 39 credit hours total
• 240 clinical practicum hours
• 2-3 year completion time
• Advanced Nurse Educator concentration
• Certification exam eligibility
• Personalized faculty attention
• Competitive application process
• Fall semester admission

Specifically crafted for experienced MSN graduates, Winston-Salem State University's Advanced Nurse Educator Certificate represents a strategic post-master's pathway for nurses seeking specialized educational expertise. This online program transcends traditional training by integrating sophisticated teaching theories, evidence-based educational methodologies, and comprehensive instructional strategies. Targeting advanced practice nurses, the certificate program equips participants with sophisticated curriculum design skills and nuanced understanding of learning theories. Graduates emerge prepared to excel in complex educational roles across academic institutions and clinical environments, with a curriculum emphasizing lifespan educational approaches and professional development strategies.

• Post-Master's Certificate Program
• Targets Advanced Practice Nurses
• Integrates Teaching Theories
• Evidence-Based Education Focus
• Covers Lifespan Educational Strategies