Nurse Educator Online Program

Kent State's Nurse Educator master's concentration will prepare you to teach, mentor, and develop both nursing students and practicing nurses.

There has never been a greater need for nurse educators. Currently, a nationwide shortage of nursing faculty is compounding the overall nursing shortage. According to a fact sheet released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing schools denied over 75,000 qualified applicants in 2018, in part due to the faculty shortage.

The Nurse Educator concentration allows students to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in selected areas of nursing practice and the role of the nurse educator. Emphasis of the nurse educator role focuses on best practices in curriculum development, instruction, and evaluation that will prepare students for teaching within a variety of learning environments in academic and staff professional development settings.

Why Kent State?

  • Faculty mentorship and advising from nationally Certified Nurse Educators, advanced practice nurses, and active researchers with decades of experience.
  • 100% Online courses.
  • Full- and part-time customizable academic plans.
  • Fall and spring semester start dates.
  • Academic quality at a reasonable educational cost.
  • Educational experiences tailored to your experience and goals.

Our Commitment to Online Learning

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Courses are 100% online – students are never required to come to campus.

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Post-Master's Certificate

We also offer a Nurse Educator post-master's certificate for nurses who already hold a Master's degree or higher in nursing.

Learn more about the Nurse Educator post-master's certificate

Accreditation

Proudly CCNE Accredited

CCNE Accredited

The MSN, DNP, and Post-graduate APRN certificates at Kent State are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kent State: An NLN Center of Excellence

NLN Center of Excellence Seal

Kent State University is a three-time designated Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (2013-2017, 2017-2022, 2022-2026). We are recognized in the "Advancing the Science of Nursing Education" category for our dedication to innovative and evidence-based nursing education.

Online Learning at Kent State

E-learning is unparalleled at Kent State University.

A laptop sitting on a desk near a bookshelf with the Kent State University logo overlayed on the screenKent State online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, without ever stepping foot on campus. From applying to the program to applying for graduation, Kent State provides the tools to complete these tasks online.

Although there are no on-campus requirements, online students are more than welcome to visit our campus in Kent, Ohio (or take a virtual tour online). You will be invited to various events throughout your time at Kent State, including our pinning (Convocation) and graduation (Commencement) ceremonies.

Some of the benefits to earning your graduate degree online from Kent State include:

  • Courses developed by expert faculty and delivered via Canvas, industry-leading learning management systems (LMSs).
  • Small class sizes and individualized attention from nurse educators with decades of practical experience.
  • Innovative learning activities tailored to the online environment.
  • 24/7 technical support through Kent State’s TechHelp.
  • Tests and exams proctored virtually – no need to go to a testing center.
  • FlashLine, the university’s centralized portal system, will allow you to schedule classes, track your degree progress, schedule advising appointments, pay your tuition, and more right from your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I complete my practicum courses where I live?

Yes, you will be completing your practicum courses in the state in which you reside and in which you have a valid RN license.

Will I need to find my own preceptors?

Yes, it is primarily the student's responsibility to locate a preceptor. However, your concentration coordinator and faculty will work closely with you to help you secure a preceptor.

Can I complete the degree part time? Can I work and go to school at the same time?

Yes. In fact, many students attend part-time (4-6 hours) and also work.

However, your concentration may require at least one full-time semester (8 or more hours). Also, intent for full-time study will be considered in the selection process for applicants who meet all admission criteria.

Will I be required to attend online lectures at a specific time, or can I complete the course on my own schedule?

Most courses are asynchronous, and you can complete the coursework as time permits while meeting weekly deadlines. Some courses may meet synchronously with scheduled meeting times. 


The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Kent State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.  Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio.  States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.

Fulfill Your Purpose

Enrollment advisors can be reached at 330-672-7911.

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