Nurse Educator Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is always in need of nursing professionals across the board. Practice is the most common career, but nursing career options include support roles too such as education. If you’re interested in switching to nursing education, this guide is here to help you navigate all the questions you may have.

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.
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
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
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
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
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:
- 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
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.
- Regionally accredited BSN
- A minimum GPA of 3.0. Exceptions may be made in some cases
- Evidence you have completed a statistics course at the undergraduate level
- Current unencumbered Registered Nursing license
- References and/or resume
- Proof of English proficiency for non-native speakers
- Minimum number of practice years
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:
- CNE is for educators in academic settings
- CNEcl is for educators in professional settings – teaching those who are already qualified clinicians
- CNEn is for novices for both CNE and CNEcl
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:
- Academia: You will educate both undergraduates and postgraduates toward their teaching careers
- Professional education: You will educate professionals in nursing with upskilling, new procedures, and mandatory education for licensure/certification
- Private trainer: While you may teach professionals, you're more likely to train support employees such as sales or admin
- Non-profit: Charities employ both clinical and non-clinical employees who may need nursing knowledge
- Public health: Nurse educators are also needed in a public-facing role in education on public health issues to interest groups or the general public
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
Moravian College
- Nurse Educator Campus
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1660
Center Valley, PA
DeSales University
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online Campus
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 282-1100 x2838
Mechanicsburg, PA
Messiah University
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Nursing Education (CAGS) Online
- Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education Online
- MSN Nurse Educator Online
- RN-MSN Nurse Educator Online
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-2511
Millersville, PA
Millersville University
- Nursing Education Campus
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-4636
Moon Township, PA
Robert Morris University
- MSN in Nursing Education Online
Moon Township, PA 15108
(800) 762-0097
Philadelphia, PA
Drexel University
- Nursing Education Online
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 895-2000
La Salle University
- Nursing Education Campus
Philadelphia, PA 19141
(215) 951-1000
York, PA
York College of Pennsylvania
- Nurse Educator Campus
York, PA 17403
(717) 846-7788
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