Nurse Educator Schools in Wisconsin
Working as a nurse educator can be an exciting and rewarding career, whether you've only spent a few years as a nurse or have worked for decades and are ready for a change in your career. If you're currently working as a nurse, it can be tough to figure out how to take the next step in your education while continuing to serve patients. Thankfully, online nurse educator programs can make it easier for you to get the classes you need on your own time without taking focus away from your career. When you work as a nurse educator, you'll get to influence future generations of nurses. Here, we've gathered everything you need to know about moving forward with your online nursing education degree in the state of Wisconsin.

What Are the Online Nursing Education Prerequisites in Wisconsin?
When applying to online nurse educator programs, it’s important that you pay close attention to the requirements of the program. Some programs require that you submit letters of recommendation from your supervisors, while others want a letter of intent explaining why you want to become a nurse educator.
Your prior education and experience will help to determine what type of nurse educator program will make the most sense for your needs.
2026 Best Nurse Educator Programs in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Wisconsin-Madison's Nurse Educator Certificate provides a targeted 9-credit graduate program tailored for advanced nursing professionals seeking comprehensive educational training. Designed specifically for doctoral students in nursing, the hybrid program equips participants with advanced curriculum development and innovative teaching methodologies. Students benefit from a structured pathway leading to the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Educator Examination, demonstrating professional competency. With a flexible online/blended format, nurses can complete the program within 1-2 years while maintaining professional commitments. Requiring a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA and active RN licensure, the program emphasizes practical educational experiences and strategic pedagogical approaches in nursing education.
- 9 graduate-level credits
- Online/blended delivery format
- 1-2 year completion time
- For DNP/PhD nursing students
- NLN Certification eligible
- RN license required
- Minimum 3.0 MS GPA
- Three core curriculum courses
- Practicum component included
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI - Public 4-Year - uwec.edu
Master's - Nursing, Family Health-Education - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's MSN in Family Health-Education offers a cutting-edge nursing education program designed for advanced practice nurses. Emphasizing the Nursing Education concentration, this hybrid 39-40 credit program uniquely blends comprehensive coursework with extensive clinical training. Students complete approximately 525 clinical hours, developing advanced skills in research, policy, and clinical decision-making. The program accommodates working professionals through flexible learning formats, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and active Wisconsin RN licensure. Graduates emerge as highly skilled nurse educators prepared to lead in academic and healthcare training environments.
- 39-40 total graduate credits
- Hybrid learning format
- 525 clinical hours
- Family Health focus
- GPA requirement 3.00+
- Wisconsin RN licensure required
- Thesis or scholarly project option
- Four semester completion
- Leadership and education preparation
Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Nursing Education
Campus Based - Visit Website
UW-Eau Claire's Post-MSN Nursing Education Graduate Certificate provides a specialized pathway for master's-prepared nurses seeking advanced educational roles. This concise 13-credit program focuses on transforming experienced clinicians into expert nurse educators. Participants engage in core courses exploring advanced teaching methodologies and curriculum development strategies. Designed for nurses with existing master's degrees from accredited nursing programs, the certificate ensures comprehensive preparation for educational leadership. Maintaining a rigorous 3.0 GPA requirement and mandating Wisconsin RN licensure, the program equips nurses to excel in academic and clinical training settings.
- Master's degree required
- Two core nursing education courses
- Total 13 graduate credits
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Wisconsin RN licensure needed
Carroll University
Waukesha, WI - Private 4-year - carrollu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll University's Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Educator program offers an innovative 40-credit hybrid curriculum designed to transform advanced nursing professionals into exceptional educational leaders. Strategically developed to address critical healthcare workforce gaps, the program emphasizes cutting-edge instructional methodologies, educational technology integration, and comprehensive clinical teaching strategies. Students benefit from flexible eight-week course formats, clinical practicum opportunities within their current workplace, and state-of-the-art simulation facilities. The program prepares graduates for national certification through the National League for Nursing, positioning them for significant career advancement in nursing education with a projected 19% job growth.
- 40-credit graduate nursing program
- Hybrid online/in-person delivery
- Eight-week course format
- Clinical practicum in current workplace
- Prepare for NLN certification
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art simulation facilities
- 19% projected job growth
- Affordable curriculum options
- Courses begin in fall semester
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Carroll University's Post-Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate provides a specialized 15-credit pathway for MSN-prepared nurses seeking to transition into academic and clinical educational roles. Tailored for experienced professionals, this hybrid program equips participants with advanced curriculum development skills, mentorship techniques, and pedagogical expertise. Designed with working nurses in mind, the certificate offers flexible scheduling and clinical practicum opportunities. Graduates become eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) exam, enhancing their professional credentials and marketability in the rapidly evolving healthcare education landscape.
- 15-credit post-graduate certificate
- Hybrid online and in-person courses
- For MSN degree holders only
- Clinical practicum options
- Prepare for CNE certification
- Small class sizes
- State-of-the-art simulation facilities
- Flexible scheduling for working nurses
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI - Public 4-Year - uwosh.edu
Graduate Certificate - Nurse Educator Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Nurse Educator Certificate program offers a transformative pathway for experienced MSN-prepared nurses seeking specialized teaching roles. Delivered through a hybrid modality, this compact 9-credit program strategically blends online theoretical instruction with immersive clinical practicum experiences. Graduates gain comprehensive pedagogical skills, positioning themselves to become influential nurse educators across academic and healthcare environments. The program uniquely prepares participants for the Certified Nurse Educator examination, emphasizing advanced leadership and instructional methodologies. With a stringent 3.0 minimum graduate GPA requirement and mandatory current RN licensure, the program ensures high-quality professional development for aspiring nursing educators.
- 100% online coursework
- 9 total credit hours
- Two-semester program
- Practicum included
- MSN degree required
- 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
- Current RN licensure needed
- Professional references required
- Prepares for certification exam
- Develops nurse educator skills
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI - Private 4-year - marquette.edu
Graduate Certificate - Teaching Certificate for Nurse Educators
Campus Based - Visit Website
Marquette University's Post-Master's Teaching Certificate for Nurse Educators delivers a specialized four-course online program targeting advanced nursing professionals seeking educational leadership roles. Spanning 12 total credits, the curriculum comprehensively prepares nurses to develop sophisticated pedagogical skills in academic environments. Participants gain expertise in educational theory, curriculum design, and instructional strategies while positioning themselves to pursue national certification for nurse educators. The program uniquely accommodates experienced nurses with graduate degrees, emphasizing both classroom and clinical education contexts. While not eligible for Title IV federal aid, the certificate offers flexible completion within three years, enabling nurses to transform their career trajectory without traditional campus attendance requirements.
- Fully online post-graduate certificate
- Four courses, 12 total credits
- Designed for nurses with prior graduate degrees
- Prepares for national certification exam
- Covers educational theory and pedagogy
- Targets classroom and clinical educators
- Completion within three years
- Not eligible for Title IV federal aid
Online RN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
If you’re currently working as an RN but don’t have your BSN yet, you’ll want to apply to an online RN to MSN nurse educator program. This type of program allows you to fulfill the requirements of your BSN degree without having actually completed a separate degree program. To gain admission to this type of program, you’ll need to provide proof of your RN licensure, and you may also be required to submit letters of recommendation from your current supervisor.
One of the more popular RN to MSN programs online based in Wisconsin is at the University of Wisconsin.
Online BSN to MSN Nurse Educator Programs
If you already have your BSN, you’ll want to look for a BSN to MSN program. This allows you to make use of your prior education and minimize the number of classes that you’ll need to take to earn your MSN. You may also need to submit letters of recommendation from your supervisor.
There are a few great options for online BSN to MSN nursing programs in Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin at Madison offers a great program for this specific degree.
Some universities in some states offer online Doctor of Education (EdD) for nurse educators, however, this type of program is not currently offered in Wisconsin.
Nurse Educator Licensing and Certification in Wisconsin
In order to earn your license to work as a nurse educator in the state of Wisconsin, you’ll need to complete an accredited nurse educator program and pass the Certification for Nurse Educators exam. It’s important to choose a program that will fully prepare you for the exam. While you’re researching online nurse educator programs, be sure to check into the pass rates of students who have completed the program.
Who Hires Nurse Educators in Wisconsin?
As a nurse educator, you’ll have many options when it comes to deciding where to work after you finish your education. Some nurse educators enjoy working in hospital settings, while others prefer university environments.
In Wisconsin, popular employers for nurse educators include:
List of Nurse Educator Degree Programs in Wisconsin
Ready to find an online or campus-based nurse educator degree program in Wisconsin? Explore our listings to find the perfect program that matches your academic goals and career aspirations.
Fond du Lac, WI
Marian University
- Nurse Educator Certificate Online
- Nurse Educator Campus
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
(920) 923-7600
Green Bay, WI
Bellin College
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 433-6699
Madison, WI
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Nurse Educator Hybrid
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 263-2400
Mequon, WI
Concordia Wisconsin Campus
- Nurse Educator Online
- Nurse Educators Online
Mequon, WI 53097
(262) 243-5700
Milwaukee, WI
Cardinal Stritch University
- MSN Educator Hybrid
Milwaukee, WI 53217
(414) 410-4000
Oshkosh, WI
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- Nurse Educator Emphasis Online
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-1234
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