Nurse Educator Schools in Ohio

Are you currently working as a practice nurse in Ohio (or moving there) and considering a career change toward education? It’s an exciting step to take, but it needs careful consideration, not least of all which entry route you need based on your experience. This guide provides the information you need to get started.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Ohio?
2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Ohio
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Ohio
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Ohio?
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Ohio

Angelica Lim, BSN, RN | Updated/Verified: Mar 11, 2025

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Ohio?

To work as a nursing educator in Ohio, you need to follow a set of obligatory educational and career steps. A relevant accredited undergraduate degree (ADN or BSN) is mandatory to apply for your Registered Nursing license, which is also mandatory to study for a master's degree (MSN) or doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD). The graduate program must focus on nursing education or have the option to study that pathway.

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

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Ohio

Aspiring nurse educators in Ohio have several outstanding programs to choose from, and nurseeducator.com has carefully evaluated the top institutions. Our comprehensive ranking considers factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student success rates. Whether you're seeking an advanced degree to teach the next generation of nurses or looking to specialize in nursing education, Ohio offers exceptional pathways. These programs combine rigorous academic preparation with hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to make a significant impact in healthcare education. See our detailed ranking methodology.

Capital University

Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu

Master's - MSN Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Capital University's MSN in Nursing Education is designed for nurses aiming to transition into teaching roles, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The program stands out for its flexibility, with online courses available in 8 or 16-week formats, allowing students to tailor their learning pace. A significant component is the 360+ hours of field experience, providing hands-on training in leading healthcare settings. The curriculum covers contemporary education trends and learning theories, preparing graduates for impactful roles in both academic and clinical settings. Highlights include small class sizes, multiple admission cycles, and extensive clinical experiences in the Columbus area.

Nursing Education concentration available
Online 8/16-week course formats
360+ hours field experience
Admitted 3x yearly: Aug, Jan, May
20 students or fewer per class
Flexible full/part-time options
Clinical experiences near Columbus
Graduates work at top hospitals/universities

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Post Master's Certificate in Nursing Education at Capital University is tailored for nurses seeking to enhance their teaching capabilities in academic or clinical environments. This 16-month program delves into advanced health assessment, pathophysiology, and effective teaching methodologies, equipping nurses with the skills to design curricula and assess educational outcomes. A capstone practicum ensures practical application of learned concepts. Ideal for MSN graduates, this certificate program focuses on transforming clinical expertise into educational leadership, preparing participants for roles that shape future healthcare professionals.

8 graduate-level courses
16-month program duration
Prepares nurses for classroom/clinical education
Advanced health assessment focus
Clinical and laboratory teaching experience
Capstone practicum included
For Master's of Science in Nursing graduates

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Cedarville University

Cedarville, OH - Private 4-year - cedarville.edu

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cedarville University offers a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, an online program tailored for nurses who already possess an MSN degree. This program is designed to transform experienced nurses into skilled educators, focusing on advanced teaching methodologies and curriculum development specific to nursing education. It stands out for its integration of a biblical worldview, offering a unique perspective on nursing education. The program is noted for its flexibility, allowing part-time study to accommodate working professionals. Additionally, it prepares graduates for Nurse Educator certification, making it a cost-effective pathway for those looking to advance their careers in nursing education without the need for entrance exams.

Online certificate program
For nurses with existing MSN
Prepares for Nurse Educator certification
Flexible part-time completion
Biblical worldview integration
Low-cost graduate option

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH - Public 4-Year - csuohio.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Cleveland State University's Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education program is a standout choice for nurses aspiring to become educators. This 100% online program is designed for flexibility, allowing working professionals to advance their careers without sacrificing their current roles. Over two years, students engage in a curriculum that covers advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and leadership in nursing education. The program requires 38 credit hours and 500 practicum hours, culminating in preparation for the NLN Certification for Nurse Educators. With no on-campus residencies, CCNE accreditation, and a focus on practical skills, graduates are well-equipped for academic and clinical education roles. Admission requires a BSN, a 3.0 GPA, and an active RN license.

100% online program
Two-year part-time format
38 credit hours total
500 practicum hours
In-state tuition $618.25 per credit
No on-campus residencies
CCNE accredited program
Fall 2025 intake available
Prepares for NLN Certification
BSN required for admission
3.0 GPA minimum
Active RN license needed
Start date: August 23, 2025

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education - Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Nursing Education - Interdisciplinary Graduate Certificate at Cleveland State University is tailored for RNs seeking to specialize in nursing education. This program emphasizes curriculum development, evaluation techniques, and the dynamics of faculty and student roles in nursing education. Ideal for those aiming to teach in LPN or diploma-level nursing programs or take on leadership roles in healthcare education, the certificate prepares graduates for the NLN Certification for Nurse Educators. Admission prerequisites include a baccalaureate degree in Nursing, a valid RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Starting every Fall, this program is a concise pathway to advancing in nursing education.

Focuses on curriculum development.
Prepares for NLN Certification.
Requires valid RN license.
Minimum GPA of 3.0.
Starts every Fall semester.
Baccalaureate degree required.
Enhances education and supervision skills.

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Mercy College of Ohio

Toledo, OH - Private 4-year - mercycollege.edu

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Mercy College of Ohio's Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education is a concise, 12-credit hour online program tailored for master's-prepared nurses aiming to pivot into academia or educational leadership within healthcare. This program stands out for its focus on equipping nurses with the necessary skills to educate future nursing professionals, offering four specialized courses that cover essential teaching methodologies and curriculum development. It's an excellent choice for those looking to influence nursing education at the collegiate level or within healthcare institutions, without the need for additional entrance exams. The curriculum is designed to be both rigorous and flexible, accommodating the schedules of working professionals.

12 credit hours total
Four specialty nursing education courses
Prepares nurses for teaching roles
Suitable for master's educated nurses
Can teach in higher education settings

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Concentration: Academic Nursing Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Ohio State University-Main Campus offers a pioneering Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program with a concentration in Academic Nursing Education, delivered online. This program is tailored for master's-prepared nurses aiming to excel as educators, focusing on advanced teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and evidence-based practices. Unique for being the first DNE program in the nation, it provides two specialization tracks and can be completed in two years full-time or three years part-time. Highlights include synchronous online coursework, fellowship opportunities, and a March 1 application deadline for Autumn 2025. The program is in pre-accreditation status, emphasizing leadership in nursing education.

First DNE program nationwide
Online synchronous coursework
Two specialization tracks
Full-time: 2 years study
Part-time: 3 years study
Autumn 2025 application deadline: March 1
Fellowship opportunities available
Pre-accredited program

Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)

Concentration: Nursing Professional Development - Online Learning - Visit Website

The Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE) program at Ohio State University-Main Campus, concentrating on Nursing Professional Development, is a trailblazing online offering for master's-prepared nurses. It stands out as the first of its kind, preparing educators for both academic and healthcare environments with a focus on curriculum design, teaching strategies, and leadership. The program offers flexibility with full-time (2 years) and part-time (3 years) options, emphasizing interprofessional collaboration and nursing education leadership. Key features include synchronous online learning, a March 1 application deadline, and its pre-accreditation status, catering to those passionate about advancing nursing education.

First DNE program nationwide
Online synchronous coursework
Two specialization tracks
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 3 years
Application deadline: March 1
Targets master's-prepared nurses
Pre-accreditation status
Focuses on nursing education leadership
Interprofessional collaboration emphasis

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*Source: NCES, IPEDS 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Ohio has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at Mercy College. 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

Ohio has a small number of online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs, such as the one at Ohio State University. Students will learn about various issues from curriculum development and assessment to diagnostics and treatment, along with medical skills.

A regionally accredited BSN
A minimum GPA – typically 3.0, but some could be lower
Registered Nursing license (unencumbered)
There may be some course entry requirements, such as biology or statistics, and minimum grades required
Proof of English proficiency through certification is required for non-native speakers

Online Doctorate Nurse Educator Programs: DNP, Ph.D., or Ed.D.

There are three doctorate programs for nursing education–a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD), and a Doctor of Education (EdD).

The DNP is typically for those who want to become practicing doctors, while the PhD is typically for research. The EdD is for those students who want to go on to teach, but these degrees are less common.

Ohio has a few options for these programs available online. For online DNP programs, be sure to look at Ohio University. For PhD programs, there's a good one at Ohio State University.

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).

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Ohio

Nursing educators in Ohio must adhere to all minimum eligibility standards for their license to maintain that eligibility. This remains the case even for those who will work as full-time educators.

You should also consider becoming certified through the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) scheme. Though optional, you may find better career prospects in holding one. There are three types:

Type one is the CNE: This is targeted at educators in academia
Type two is the CNEcl: This is targeted at trainers of professional clinicians
Type three is the CNEn: Aimed at novices in both the other two types (less than three years of experience)

Such certification also has minimum eligibility to maintain certification.

RN licensing in Ohio is $75 for the application and $200 for the exam. It is not clear how much endorsement costs. CNE costs one standard price across the US which is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Ohio?

What career options do you have once you have completed all the steps above?

Academic teaching: Working from schools, colleges, and universities around the US teaching prospective medical professionals
Professional instruction: Instead of teaching students, you'll teach medical professionals with mandatory ongoing training
Private training provider: While you could train medical professionals, you may also be involved in training support staff
Charities: Non-profits employ a range of professionals – clinicians and support – who need relevant training. Also, education professionals are required for grant applications
Public health professional: Working with groups or the general public to help with their rights or general medical awareness

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Ohio

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