Nurse Educator Schools in Texas

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Texas?

Nursing educators operating in Texas must have a relevant and accredited nursing undergraduate degree. Both ADNs and BSNs are eligible because what's more important is the RN license. To work as an educator though, you also need a graduate degree – a master's (MSN) with an education major or path, or an education doctorate (PhD, DNP, EdD).

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

Texas has a small number of Nurse Educator programs, and most are available online, such as the one at the University of Texas at Arlington. 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

There is a range of online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator programs in Texas, including several hybrid options. One great online BSN to MSN program is the one at the University of Texas at Tyler. Students learn a range of clinical skills for teaching, but also administrative work such as assessment and curriculum, and policy and legal issues.

• A regionally accredited BSN
• Send transcripts with your application if requested
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale
• Unencumbered RN license (copy)
• Reference letters may be required – often a minimum of one academic and one employer reference
• Non-native English speakers must provide English certification

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 University of Texas at Arlington has a well-known PhD program in nursing worth looking into, as well as the University of Texas at Tyler's DNP program.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Texas

Texas-based nursing educators must continue to uphold all required licensure standards even if their role is education and they will not work in practice.

You should also consider applying for the CNE (Certificate of Nursing Educator). Certification is not mandatory; however, you may find employers seek it as a matter of course. You have three types to choose from:

• CNE is for academic teachers
• CNEcl is for professional training (clinical teaching other clinical workers)
• CNEn is for novices of the CNE and CNEcl with under three years of experience in either field

Certification requires holders to maintain the criteria required at the time of initial certification to continue to remain eligible.

RN licensing in Texas costs$100 for license by examination and $200 to enter the exam. License by endorsement is $186. CNE costs the same no matter where you are: this is $400 for NLN members; $500 for non-members.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Texas?

What career paths might you follow once graduated, are licensed, and certified?

• Academic: Teaching in colleges and universities, educating undergraduates and graduate students in nursing
• Professional training: Working from medical facilities, you'll provide ongoing training to clinicians (often a requirement of licensure)
• Private training provider: You may train clinicians but you're more likely to train support staff who need some clinical knowledge such as admin, help desks, and sales
• Charity: Educators may train aid workers, but also grant applicants who need an understanding of health issues
• Public health nurse: Education skills are also required for the general public, or special interest groups seeking health advice and care for new diagnoses

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Texas

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

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