What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Pennsylvania?

Nursing educators in Pennsylvania require three things. First of all, they need a nursing undergraduate degree. This can be either an ADN or BSN. Both will require a registered nursing license. This remains mandatory even for nurses who don't intend to practice. Finally, you need a graduate program which can be either a master's degree (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD) focused on nursing education.

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Pennsylvania

Looking for the best nurse educator programs in Pennsylvania? You're in the right place. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student success rates. Whether you're starting your journey or advancing your career, our list is a great place to begin. For more on how we rank these programs, check out our rankings methodology.

#1

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg, PA - Private 4-year - harrisburgu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Harrisburg University's Master of Science in Nursing offers an innovative Nurse Educator concentration designed for passionate nursing professionals seeking advanced teaching skills. This 36-semester hour program prepares nurses to become exceptional educational leaders through cutting-edge curriculum development, evidence-based teaching methods, and population health practices. Designed for working professionals, the program features a flexible 14-week executive session format, enabling students to advance their careers while maintaining current clinical responsibilities.

  • 36 semester hour program
  • 14-week Executive Session format
  • CCNE Accredited program
  • Focuses on innovative teaching methods
  • Requires BSN degree
  • Current US RN License required
  • Concentration in Nurse Educator
  • Evidence-based curriculum approach
  • Prepares nurses for educational leadership
#2

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, PA - Public 4-Year - millersville.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Unlock your potential as a transformative nurse educator with Millersville University's comprehensive online MSN in Nursing Education. This dynamic program prepares healthcare professionals to inspire future nurses through innovative teaching strategies and advanced pedagogical techniques. Designed for working nurses, the flexible curriculum covers crucial areas like curriculum design, educational technologies, and assessment methods. With a total tuition of $22,385, students can complete the program in as few as 12 months, gaining the skills to excel in academic and professional development settings. Graduates are prepared to sit for prestigious nursing education certification exams and pursue rewarding careers in teaching and professional learning environments.

  • 100% online program
  • $22,385 total tuition
  • 37 total credit hours
  • As few as 12 months
  • NLN CNEA accredited
  • Multiple start dates annually
  • BSN required for admission
  • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
  • One year clinical experience
  • Two practicum experiences

Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with Millersville University's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. This comprehensive online program prepares aspiring nurse educators to excel in academic and professional development settings. Designed for experienced nurses with an MSN, the certificate offers in-depth training in educational theories, curriculum design, and advanced teaching methods. With a total tuition of $9,075, students can complete the program in as few as 10 months, gaining the skills to sit for prestigious nursing education certification exams like CNE and CNE-cl.

  • 100% online coursework
  • 15 total credit hours
  • Total tuition $9,075
  • Completion in 10 months
  • CNEA-accredited program
  • Prepare for CNE certification
  • Minimum 3.0 MSN GPA required
  • Active RN license needed
  • One year clinical experience
  • Small cohort sizes
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#3

Moravian University

Bethlehem, PA - Private 4-year - moravian.edu

Master's - Nurse Educator

Campus Based - Visit Website

Moravian University's Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator track prepares advanced nursing professionals to excel in educational settings. This comprehensive program addresses the growing demand for skilled nurse educators by offering specialized coursework in teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and advanced clinical knowledge. Students gain expertise through rigorous academic training, including core nursing courses, direct care specializations, and a 100-hour practicum experience. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and innovative instructional strategies to develop future nursing education leaders.

  • MSN with Nurse Educator concentration
  • 100-hour educator internship
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Requires 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Includes advanced healthcare courses
  • Combines nursing and education curriculum
  • Active nursing license required
  • Includes pathophysiology training
  • Covers healthcare ethics
  • Focuses on evidence-based practice

Graduate Certificate - Post-Master’s Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Moravian University's Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate prepares advanced nursing professionals to become effective educators in healthcare settings. This 21-credit specialized program equips nurses with comprehensive teaching skills, focusing on contemporary educational strategies and advanced clinical knowledge. Perfect for experienced nurses seeking to transition into academic and training roles, the certificate provides in-depth coursework in nursing education, assessment techniques, and critical advanced science components.

  • 21-credit specialized certificate
  • 9 credits direct care courses
  • 12 credits nursing education
  • Requires 3.0 graduate GPA
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Advanced pathophysiology included
  • Requires active nursing license
  • Includes statistics course
  • Professional references required
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#4

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA - Public 4-Year - psu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Penn State's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) empowers registered nurses to advance their careers through a comprehensive 36-credit program. Students can specialize in either Nurse Administrator or Nurse Educator tracks, gaining advanced leadership skills and evidence-based practice knowledge. The CCNE-accredited program offers flexible part-time and full-time options, with tuition at $1,027 per credit. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in nursing, a 3.3 GPA, and a current US nursing license. The program includes core courses, specialized tracks, and a clinical practicum, preparing graduates for high-demand roles in healthcare education and administration.

  • 36-credit online MSN program
  • Two specialization options
  • $1,027 per credit
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Part-time and full-time schedules
  • Clinical practicum required
  • Nurse Educator/Administrator tracks
  • Application deadline: March 1
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA required
  • 270 practicum hours for Educator option

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Graduate Certificate

Online Learning - Visit Website

Penn State's Online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education empowers nurses to transform healthcare education through innovative teaching strategies. Designed for licensed registered nurses with a bachelor's degree, this flexible program prepares educators to develop curriculum, design assessments, and teach in diverse healthcare settings. The 9-credit program can be completed online, offering a convenient pathway to enhance teaching skills and advance nursing education careers.

  • Online graduate certificate program
  • 9 total graduate credits
  • $1,027 per credit
  • Optional 4-credit practicum
  • Requires BSN degree
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • No campus visits required
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#5

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Harrisburg

Middletown, PA - Public 4-Year - harrisburg.psu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website

Penn State's online Master of Science in Nursing offers registered nurses a flexible pathway to advance their nursing careers through two specialized options: Nurse Educator and Nurse Administrator. The 36-credit program is fully online and designed for working professionals, with part-time and full-time study options. Students complete core courses in healthcare policy, nursing theory, and evidence-based practice, then specialize in either educator or administrative roles. The CCNE-accredited program costs $1,027 per credit and requires a bachelor's degree in nursing with a minimum 3.3 GPA. A clinical practicum ranging from 180-270 hours provides hands-on experience, with students completing coursework at a convenient location near their workplace.

  • 36-credit online MSN program
  • Two specialization options
  • CCNE accredited program
  • $1,027 per credit
  • Clinical practicum included
  • Flexible part-time/full-time study
  • Designed for working RNs
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA required

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Pennslyvania has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at Pennslyvania College of Health Services. Students will learn diagnostics and treatment, procedure, law and ethics, and assessment.

Entry requirements are:

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Pennsylvania offers several options for fully online nursing education master of science in nursing, such as the program at Bloomberg University. Students learn a range of skills to teach professionals, but also curriculum, assessment, and professional skills development.

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 West Chester University.

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 Pennsylvania offers a great program for this specific degree.

Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however, Pennsylvania does not offer any online options for this degree program at this time.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Pennsylvania

Nursing educators based in Pennsylvania must keep up the standards for maintaining their licensure throughout the term. Both clinicians and support staff that need an RN license must do this.

Certification is available. It is called CNE (Certified Nurse Educator). It is optional, not mandatory, and you should consider it as it may be advantageous to do so. Three types of CNE currently exist:

All CNE certificate holders are required to maintain minimum standards to remain eligible.

RN licensing in Pennsylvania is $95 for license by examination for in-state and $115 for out-of-state applicants. The endorsement cost is $120, while if you want to apply by endorsement plus exam, it's $145. The exam fee is $200. The CNE certification is $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members. This is a standard cost across the US.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Pennsylvania?

Your potential career paths once you've completed all the steps above:

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

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

Bethlehem, PA

MSN Programs
Department of Nursing
1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1660

Center Valley, PA

Graduate Certificate Programs
Division of Nursing
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838

Mechanicsburg, PA

One College Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-2511

Millersville, PA

MSN Programs
P.O. Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-4636

Moon Township, PA

MSN Programs
6001 University Blvd
Moon Township, PA 15108
(800) 762-0097

Philadelphia, PA

MSN Programs
1601 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 895-2000

Graduate Certificate Programs
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1000

York, PA

MSN Programs
443 Country Club Rd
York, PA 17403
(717) 846-7788

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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