What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in South Carolina?

If you want to become a nursing educator in South Carolina, you must have three things. Firstly you'll need an undergraduate degree in nursing (either an ADN or BSN); the second is a Registered Nursing license. These are both vital for all nursing professionals. For an education career, you also need a master's degree in nursing (MSN) or a doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD) so long as its major is education, or it offers such a track.

2025 Best Nurse Educator Programs in South Carolina

Finding the best nurse educator programs in South Carolina just got easier. At nurseeducator.com, we've done the homework for you. Our rankings highlight top programs that prepare nurses to teach the next generation. We focus on quality, affordability, and outcomes. Whether you're starting out or advancing your career, our list points you in the right direction. Check out our detailed rankings to see which programs stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://nurseeducator.com/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Anderson University

Anderson, SC - Private 4-year - andersonuniversity.edu

Master's - MSN in Nursing: Nurse Educator

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Anderson University's MSN in Nursing offers a comprehensive Nurse Educator concentration designed for advanced practice nurses seeking to elevate their professional trajectory. The program integrates faith-based learning with cutting-edge healthcare education, preparing nurses to excel in academic and clinical teaching environments. Students benefit from flexible online coursework, personalized mentorship from practicing nurse educators, and a holistic approach to patient care grounded in Christian principles. With robust clinical training and a comprehensive curriculum, graduates are equipped to shape the next generation of nursing professionals.

  • Online flexible learning format
  • Christian worldview integration
  • Multiple nursing concentrations
  • RN with ADN or BSN entry paths
  • Practicing nurses as instructors
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Active unencumbered RN license
  • CPR certification needed
  • Four semester program
  • In-person sessions each semester
  • National certification preparation
  • Total 47 credit hours
  • Clinical training included
#2

Clemson University

Clemson, SC - Public 4-Year - clemson.edu

Master's - Master of Science, major in Nursing

Concentration: Nursing Educator - Campus Based - Visit Website

Clemson University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program offers a dynamic Nurse Educator concentration designed for aspiring nursing educators. Located in Greenville, South Carolina, this program prepares nurses to excel in academic and professional development roles. Students develop advanced teaching skills, explore curriculum design, and master educational technologies. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research integration, and innovative teaching methodologies, equipping graduates to shape the future of nursing education across diverse learning environments.

  • Offered in Greenville, SC
  • Nurse Educator concentration
  • Summer start (May)
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA required
  • 600+ clinical hours needed
  • Three recommendation letters
  • Application deadline Feb 15
  • Clinical practice focus
  • Educational technology emphasis
  • Research integration
#3

Coker University

Hartsville, SC - Private 4-year - coker.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Nursing

Concentration: Education - Online Learning - Visit Website

Coker University's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program provides working nurses with a flexible, online pathway to advance their careers. Designed for busy healthcare professionals, the program offers specialized tracks in nursing education and leadership. Students complete eight-week courses and engage in 50 structured internship hours, gaining practical skills and theoretical knowledge. With a focus on evidence-based practice and innovative healthcare approaches, graduates are prepared to become nurse educators or healthcare leaders who can drive meaningful change in complex medical environments.

  • Online 8-week course format
  • Two specialized tracks available
  • 50 internship hours required
  • Nursing education track option
  • Leadership track alternative
  • Requires 3.0 GPA
  • Active nursing license needed
  • Designed for working nurses
  • Completely online program
  • Graduate financial aid available
#4

University of South Carolina-Columbia

Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu

Master's - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Carolina's MSN in Nursing Education prepares aspiring nurse educators for transformative roles across academic and clinical settings. This innovative, fully online program provides comprehensive training in educational theory, teaching strategies, and curriculum development. Graduates gain advanced skills to teach in diverse learning environments, from classrooms to simulation labs. With a flexible 5-semester format, students complete 39 credit hours and 500 clinical hours, positioning themselves for national nurse educator certification. The program accommodates working professionals with part-time, distance learning options.

  • Ranked #3 Online Graduate Nursing Program
  • 39 credit hours, 5 semesters
  • Fully online course delivery
  • 500 total clinical hours
  • No GRE required for admission
  • 3.0 minimum GPA
  • Fall and spring entry options
  • National certification preparation
  • Flexible practicum locations
  • Varied 7 or 15-week courses

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education

Online Learning - Visit Website

Elevate your nursing career with the University of South Carolina's Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education. This online program empowers experienced nurses to become skilled academic and clinical educators. Designed for MSN graduates, the curriculum prepares professionals to transform healthcare learning environments and advance nursing education. Graduates gain expertise in teaching strategies, curriculum development, and educational technologies, positioning them to make significant impacts in academic and clinical settings.

  • Online Post-Master's Certificate Program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
  • Currently Unencumbered RN License
  • 3 Professional References Needed
  • National League of Nursing CNE Exam Eligibility
  • Focused on Healthcare Education Skills
  • Designed for Experienced MSN Graduates
Show More 1 Programs ˅

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

South Carolina has several BSN to MSN Nurse Educator program options, such as the one at Charleston Southern. Students will develop their skills in medical teaching, diagnostics, and treatment at an advanced level but will also learn curriculum assessment, evaluation, and development.

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.

The Medical University of South Carolina has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of South Carolina's DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in South Carolina

Nursing educators in the state of South Carolina are required to uphold all standards for maintaining that license, even if no clinical work is expected beyond the minimum required for ongoing licensure.

You may also apply to become a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). It is optional; however, it is strongly advisable for your career development. There are three types, and each applies to your current work status:

Like licensure, the certification has a list of criteria that applicants must have and maintain for continued eligibility.

RN licensing in South Carolina is $100 for endorsement and $200 for the examination. For endorsement with a temporary license, the cost is $110. CNE is one standard cost no matter which state you are in: $400 for NLN members and $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in South Carolina?

The careers that might be open to you once you have followed all the above steps:

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in South Carolina

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

Anderson, SC

MSN Programs
316 Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 231-2000

Charleston, SC

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
9200 University Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 863-7000

Clemson, SC

MSN Programs
508 Edwards, Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634
(864) 656-7622

Florence, SC

Graduate Certificate ProgramsMSN Programs
PO Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502
(800) 368-7551

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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