The Best Online MSN in Nursing Education Programs

The best online masters in nursing education programs offer a flexible path for nurses seeking to become nurse educators. The program equips nurses with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to teach in academic or clinical settings, focusing on evidence-based practices, curriculum development, and educational technology.

Discover the top-ranked online master’s in nursing education programs, admission criteria, what to expect, and what you can do with your degree.

When deciding on an online MSN program, it’s important to consider several key characteristics. Knowing a program’s admission requirements, accreditation, length, and format lets you determine if the school is the right fit. You can then avoid applying to programs that don’t meet your academic and professional needs.

It is crucial to choose an accredited online master’s in nursing education program to ensure you receive a quality education that prepares you for the industry. Accreditation validates a program has met rigorous academic and professional standards. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. All the programs included in our rankings are accredited. Other reasons that accreditation is important:

Unlike in-person programs, online programs can be completed entirely online or with minimal campus visits. On-campus requirements may include meeting with instructors, attending lectures, or completing labs, practicums, and clinicals.

Online courses are either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses happen in real time, with students and instructors interacting at scheduled times. Asynchronous courses contain lessons students complete independently through videos, podcasts, and other online tools.

You must complete all practicum and advanced nursing clinicals in person. Practicums allow you to apply what you learned in your courses to a real-life setting under the supervision of an instructor or mentor.

Candidates applying to an online master’s in nursing education program require an active registered nurse (RN) license and relevant work experience. Prospective students must submit the required documentation to the program demonstrating their academic aptitude and probability of completing the online program. Some programs may also require GRE scores and an interview.

Several factors can affect your out-of-pocket costs for an online master’s in nursing education program, including whether you’ll pay in-state and out-of-state tuition. Many online programs offer in-state tuition to online students regardless of residency. The program’s length, additional institution fees, and on-campus requirements also impact the student’s out-of-pocket costs. Flexible programs that allow students to work help them manage expenses.

Candidates in an online master’s in nursing education program may seek several forms of financial aid. Grants are typically need-based, and students are not required to repay the money if they meet the grant provisions. Scholarships are a different type of financial aid that does not need to be repaid and are awarded competitively. Students who are currently working should determine whether their employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Students can apply for public or private loans from banks or through federal financial aid programs. Students who qualify for federal funding may also qualify for work-study programs within the community. Finally, students can consider government assistance programs that either help pay for their education in exchange for a specified number of years of service after graduation or repay current loans for a service commitment.

A nurse educator’s primary responsibility is preparing future generations of nurses for employment. Nurse educators typically work in healthcare facilities or educational institutions, including universities, community colleges, technical schools, and vocational schools.

Those who work in healthcare facilities are responsible for helping nursing staff develop and maintain skills, keeping up to date on new regulations, advising nursing staff on best practices, evaluating nursing students, and interacting with patients, families, and coworkers.

Nurse educators who work in academic settings develop curricula, teach classes through lectures and discussions, assess student performance, evaluate educational programs, and conduct research on best practices.

Page last reviewed on June 11, 2024. Note: The ranking list and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by our Rankings Team.