Nurse Educator Schools in Virginia

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Virginia?

Virginia does not have strict laws that specifically govern the education of nurse educators. One nursing education requirement is that nurse educators have advanced knowledge and experience as a registered nurse (RN).

One way that nurses obtain the advanced education and skills to have a career as a nurse educator is to complete an advanced degree or graduate certificate program. Online program options provide current registered nurses with the opportunity to complete most or all of the requirements to become a nurse educator without having to take time away from their current nursing job or family time.

MSN ProgramsPost Master's Certificate ProgramsDNP ProgramsPhD ProgramsEdD Programs

2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Virginia

Nursing education in Virginia stands out as a beacon of excellence, with numerous top-tier programs preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. NurseEducator.com has carefully evaluated and ranked the best nurse educator programs across the Commonwealth, focusing on academic rigor, clinical experience, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. These programs offer aspiring nurse educators comprehensive training that equips them with advanced teaching skills, research capabilities, and deep clinical knowledge. From metropolitan areas like Richmond to smaller regional campuses, Virginia's nurse educator programs provide diverse opportunities for nursing professionals seeking to shape future healthcare practitioners. Our comprehensive analysis considers multiple factors to highlight the most innovative and impactful educational pathways in the state. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA - Public 4-Year - odu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate

Campus Based - Visit Website

Old Dominion University's Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education is a strategic pathway for experienced nurses seeking academic leadership roles. This comprehensive three-semester program uniquely blends online and campus-based learning, allowing working professionals to develop advanced curriculum design and innovative teaching strategies. Specifically tailored for nurses with existing graduate degrees, the program emphasizes professional ethics and pedagogical best practices. A distinctive teaching internship provides hands-on experience, preparing graduates to excel in undergraduate and graduate nursing faculty positions. With per-credit costs ranging from $620-$1,486, students gain comprehensive skills to transform clinical expertise into effective educational leadership.

• Graduate-level nursing education certificate
• Three-semester program completion
• Online and on-campus options
• For nurses with graduate degree
• Per-credit cost: $620-$1,486
• Teaching internship included
• Professional ethics focus
• Prepares for faculty roles

Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate Online

Online Learning - Visit Website

Old Dominion University offers a dynamic online Graduate Certificate in Nurse Education designed for graduate-prepared nurses seeking educational career advancement. This streamlined 12-credit hour program delivers comprehensive training in instructional methods, curriculum development, and professional ethics through a flexible digital platform. Participants benefit from a structured curriculum complemented by a practical teaching practicum, enabling direct application of learned theories. The program's virtual format accommodates working professionals, providing Virginia in-state rates of $620 per credit. By completing four targeted graduate-level courses, nurses can seamlessly transition from clinical practice to impactful educational roles, preparing to shape future nursing professionals.

• Online Graduate Certificate
• 12 total credit hours
• Designed for graduate nurses
• Includes teaching practicum
• Virginia in-state rate $620/credit
• Four graduate-level courses
• Flexible online learning environment

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#2

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA - Public 4-Year - www2.gmu.edu

Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Graduate Certificate

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

George Mason University's Nursing Education Graduate Certificate emerges as a strategic pathway for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced teaching credentials. Spanning 15 credit hours, the hybrid program uniquely allows concurrent enrollment with graduate nursing degrees like MSN, DNP, or PhD. Practitioners develop sophisticated pedagogical skills through comprehensive coursework and immersive 6-credit practicum experiences in academic and clinical environments. Tailored for graduate-prepared nurses, the program emphasizes flexible part-time scheduling and rigorous academic standards, maintaining a minimum 3.00 GPA requirement. Military-friendly and designed for professionals aspiring to transform healthcare education, this certificate provides robust preparation for nurse educators across diverse instructional settings.

• 15 credit hour certificate
• Part-time scheduling options
• Post-master's certification available
• 6 credits practicum experience
• Minimum 3.00 GPA requirement
• Academic and clinical education preparation

*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.

Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

South University offers an online RN to MSN program with a specialization as a nurse educator. The program offers a unique opportunity for RNs who do not have a BSN to become nurse educators.

The program features “key attributes from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master Essentials.” Nurses in the program gain advanced skills in evidence-based practice, strategies for curriculum development, evaluation techniques, and skills to create, implement, and revise nursing programs.

Students need an unencumbered registered nurse license to practice in Virginia. They need a minimum of an associate’s degree in nursing from an accredited college or a diploma in nursing from an accredited nursing institution.

Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs

The lack of BSN to MSN nurse educator programs in Virginia does not mean that there will never be an online BSN to MSN program with a nurse educator specialization. Many nurses are likely to explore an alternate pathway, such as earning an MSN with a nursing educator concentration.

South University offers an online Nurse Educator MSN program. Students who hold a bachelor’s degree can complete the program in as little as two years.

George Mason University also offers an online MSN, Nurse Educator Concentration for students who have current RN licensure and who hold a bachelor’s degree.

Students who already hold a graduate degree may want to consider completing a graduate certificate so that they stand out among their peers when applying for a nurse educator position. Consider the Nurse Educator Certificate Online program at Old Dominion University or the Nursing Education Graduate Certificate program offered at George Mason University.

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 the University of Virginia.

The second is a Doctor of Nursing Philosophy (PhD). This degree is typically for those working toward a career in nursing research. Hampton University offers a great program for this specific degree.

Colleges and universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees for nurse educators. Radford University is one such institution.

Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Virginia

The Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Nursing regulates nurses, including RNs and LPNs, and Clinical Nurse Specialists. The Board of Nursing also regulates the “Prescriptive Authority for Nurse Practitioners.”

Although the Board of Nursing does not specifically include nurse educators on its list, the agency regulates RNs, which all nurse educators must obtain before enrolling in a nurse educator program.

Nurses apply for an initial license, renew their license, and review the Virginia nursing laws and regulations on the site.

Who Hires Nurse Educators in Virginia?

Nurse educators work in many settings throughout Virginia. Some examples include:

• Hospitals
• Inpatient or outpatient clinics
• Specialty clinics or medical facilities
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Businesses
• Colleges and Universities

List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Virginia

Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Virginia? 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.