10 Best (FASTEST) Nurse Education Online Programs


Written By: Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA


What Are The Best (Fastest) Nurse Education Online Programs In The Nation?

(Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 10 best fastest Nurse Education online programs. You can complete these programs in 12 months or less.)


1. Arkansas State University - Jonesboro, AR


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: If you are a registered nurse ready to take a step up in your career and impact nursing, nurse education could be an excellent career move for you! There are many options available for RNs that make going back to school easy. For example, Arkansas State University offers one of the fastest online nurse education programs.

The program offers multiple start dates each year and features 100% online coursework and clinical experiences designed to prepare you to become a Certified Nurse Educator. You will complete a total of 32 credit hours, including 29 credit hours earned through core coursework and three credit hours earned through one practicum course.

The practicum course includes 180 clinical hours. Experiential learning opportunities will allow you to apply teaching models in clinical and classroom settings. Practicum hours are arranged in collaboration with program faculty and supervised by approved preceptors.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: At Arkansas State University, you can complete the nurse education online program in as little as 12 months.


Admission Requirements: Candidates for the fast-track nurse education online program must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earned from an ACEN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and an unrestricted RN license. You must complete an online application and provide official transcripts from any college or university you have attended, reflecting a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.


Why Choose This Program

• Something I believe strongly is that nurses should strive to maintain a spirit of lifelong learning, and I find schools that offer opportunities for students to continue learning and growing after accomplishing one goal or degree are instrumental in promoting a strong, knowledgeable nursing workforce. At Arkansas State University, you can transition seamlessly from the MSN online nurse education program and earn an online Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
• ASU reports graduates of the nurse education program have excellent pass rates on national certification exams following completion of the program. Pass rates are a great indicator of how well the program prepares students for practice and should be considered when choosing a school.


2. University of North Carolina Wilmington - Wilmington, NC


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, you will find an excellent fast-track online nurse education program. The program, which awards a Master of Science in Nursing degree upon completion, is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills needed to teach new nurses, paving the way for the next generation of nursing professionals. Not only is the online format ideal for busy working nurses, but with six start dates per year, you can choose to start earning your degree when the time is right for you.

The program features a 36-credit curriculum. You will study master’s-level core courses, including Advanced Pathophysiology & Pharmacotherapeutics and Collaboration for Population Health, Finance, & Policy. You will also study Foundations & Evidence-Based Principles for Nursing Education and Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online nurse education program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is designed to be completed in 12 months.


Admission Requirements: Admission to the program is contingent upon the following. You must have a BSN earned from a nationally accredited nursing program. An undergraduate nursing GPA of at least 3.0 is preferred. However, if your GPA is between 2.7 and 2.99, you may apply but must submit GRE or MAT scores. You must have an active, unencumbered RN license with eligibility to practice in your primary state of residence. You must provide official transcripts of all college work you have attempted. In some cases, an admission interview may be required, and supplemental documents may be requested.


Why Choose This Program

• The online nurse education program offered at the University of North Carolina Wilmington boasts outstanding faculty who are experienced nurse educators with true passion for what they do. Their knowledge, insight, and real-world experiences will help guide you as you learn methods of teaching didactic, distance, and clinical nursing education courses.
• At the University of North Carolina Wilmington, you will learn from faculty who remain active in clinical practice as well as in academia. Because they continue in clinical practice, you can feel assured that you are learning from nurses who are “in the know” about current trends in nursing and who will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to transition to a nurse educator role.


3. Tarleton State University - Stephenville, TX


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: One Year


Program Details: At Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, you will find one of the best fastest nurse education online programs. The program is especially appealing to working nurses as it offers a flexible part-time option. Applications are accepted year-round, and new classes begin in the fall and spring.

In this program, you will complete 36 – 39 credits. The curriculum includes classes in theory, research, and informatics and then progresses to education-specific topics, including instructional strategies and methods for adult learners and curriculum development.

In addition to online coursework, you will complete two in-person clinical practicum experiences. The clinical practicums provide opportunities for hands-on training in educator scenarios in both clinical and academic settings.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track nurse education online program at Tarleton State University takes one year to complete.


Admission Requirements: Registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and an active, unrestricted RN license are eligible to apply for admission to the online nurse education program at Tarleton State University. You must complete an online application and submit official transcripts from any college or university you have attended. Your transcripts must reflect a minimum 2.5 GPA on the last 60 hours of coursework you completed.


Why Choose This Program

• Tarleton State University is dedicated to preparing highly qualified nurse educators to enter the nursing workforce. Program faculty and coordinators work continuously to find ways to improve the program, exploring theories, concepts, roles, skills, and principles relevant to nurse educators so they can share that knowledge with students, preparing them to become the next generation of nurse educators.
• At TSU, you will have access to student support services, including mentorship programs, tutoring, and job placement assistance. Program faculty and advisors are also available and responsive to students, as they understand the challenges associated with earning a graduate degree and are dedicated to helping you succeed.


4. Walsh University - North Canton, OH


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 3 Semesters


Program Details: Walsh University offers one of the best shortest nurse education online programs. The program features 8- and 16-week courses and offers three start dates each year in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

When you pursue the MSN in Nursing Education at Walsh University, you will complete 44 credits, which are earned through foundation, practice application, and expert knowledge courses. You will study in classes, including Curriculum Design in Nursing Education, Healthcare Technology & Data Management, Advanced Theory & Research, and Advanced Health Assessment.

The curriculum also includes 350 clinical hours, which are completed over the course of two separate practicum courses. Clinical practicums are designed to help you not only realize and apply interdisciplinary team development and collaborative skills but also learn how to apply those skills to the role of a nurse educator. You will have opportunities to complete some of your practicum hours in an educational setting of your choice.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the fast-track online nurse education program at Walsh University in as few as three semesters.


Admission Requirements: To be considered for admission to the program at Walsh University, you must have a BSN degree earned at an accredited school of nursing and hold a current, unencumbered RN license. You must provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended and complete an undergraduate or graduate-level Statistics course.


Why Choose This Program

• One thing I like about the program offered at Walsh University is the level of involvement program coordinators have in clinical placement and support. Many schools that offer online nursing programs expect students to locate clinical sites and preceptors independently. At Walsh, clinical faculty and coordinators collaborate with you to source and vet placement sites and preceptors, which ensures you have appropriate guidance throughout every aspect of the program.
• Walsh University is ranked in the Top 50 Midwest Regional University in the Best Colleges category of U.S News & World Report. This recognition is a great indication that you will receive a high-quality education at Walsh.


5. Northern Kentucky University - Highland Heights, KY


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: Northern Kentucky University’s fast-track nurse education online program is an excellent option to help you prepare for a career educating future nurses, practicing nurses, patients, and their caregivers. The program offers flexibility for busy working nurses, featuring accelerated courses and multiple start dates throughout the year. The program is designed to help you develop expertise in teaching nursing in diverse settings. You will learn to present didactic, research-based, simulation, and distance-learning methods of nursing education.

The 33-credit pathway includes four core courses and seven concentration courses. You will study Analysis & Application of Health Data for Advanced Nursing Practice, Pathopharmacology for Nurse Educators, Teaching & Learning in Healthcare Education, and Curriculum Develop & Evaluation for Healthcare Programs.

The program culminates with a Nurse Educator Capstone that consists of 200 practicum hours. The Capstone is a practicum through which you will synthesize all content you learned throughout the program and use that information to complete a project in an educational setting.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The fast-track online nurse education program at Northern Kentucky University is formatted to be completed in 12 months.


Admission Requirements: Prospective students seeking admission to the program at NKU must have a BSN and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. You must have a current RN license without restrictions in the state where you reside and will complete clinicals. Additionally, you must have a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical practice as a licensed registered nurse.


Why Choose This Program

• Northern Kentucky University boasts experienced faculty from diverse clinical backgrounds. Program instructors are dedicated to your success and committed to helping you develop the understanding, knowledge, and skills you need to become an effective nurse educator.
• Graduates of the Northern Kentucky University online nurse education program have excellent pass rates on national certification examinations, which is a good indicator that the program is high-quality.


6. Millersville University - Millersville, PA


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: Millersville University offers another outstanding Master of Science in Nursing-Nursing Education online program! The university offers multiple start dates each semester, making it easy and convenient to choose a time that works for you to begin pursuing your degree.

The MSN-Nurse Educator program features a 37-credit curriculum. After completing core courses and a Capstone Project, you will take concentration courses focused solely on nursing education. Some of the classes you will take include Effective Teaching: Theories & Methods in Nursing Education, Nursing Curriculum & Program Design, and Measurement & Evaluation in Nursing Education.

The program includes two nursing education practicums. You will integrate theory and practice in nursing academic education and nursing professional development with a focus on the role of nurse educators in learning environments. Practicums are guided by nurse educators who actively work in academia.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: It takes approximately 12 months to complete the fast-track online nurse education program at Millersville University.


Admission Requirements: To be eligible for admission to the program offered at Millersville University, you must have a BSN earned from an accredited nursing program and possess an active RN license in Pennsylvania or the state where your clinical practicum or internship will occur. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. However, candidates with a lower GPA may be offered provisional acceptance if they demonstrate graduate-level potential. A minimum of one year of clinical work experience as an RN is required, but two years is preferred. You must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended, two letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and a resume or curriculum vitae. Finally, you must complete undergraduate or graduate courses in Statistics, Research in Nursing, and Physical Assessment.


Why Choose This Program

• Millersville University understands that paying for college can be difficult and realizes it is one thing that keeps many would-be students from pursuing a degree. The school offers pay-as-you-go tuition, which makes tuition affordable and puts your goals within reach.
• The online fast-track nurse education program at Millersville University has high retention rates and reports an excellent national certification exam pass rate. Good retention rates indicate student satisfaction with the program, and high certification pass rates reflect a strong program that provides solid student preparation.


7. Northwest Missouri State University - Maryville, MO


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: In your search for the fastest online nurse education programs, Northwest Missouri State University is a school worth considering! At NMSU, you will find a program designed to help advance your leadership skills with advanced, master’s-level nursing skills focused on healthcare policies, ethics, informatics, technology, instructional strategies, and curriculum development.... everything you need to succeed as a nurse educator! The program typically offers at least two start dates each semester, which means there are no long waiting lists to begin earning your degree.

The online nurse educator program is a 30-credit pathway featuring a rich curriculum. Classes include Evidence-Based Practice Research Methods, Advanced Pathophysiology, Health Assessment, & Pharmacology, Instructional Strategies in Learning & Teaching, and Assessment & Evaluation Techniques.

The program includes a Nurse Educator Capstone, which is completed in the final semester. In this course, you will participate in experiential learning with a nurse educator. You will have opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you obtain in the program to address the needs associated with the nurse educator role. The course culminates with the design of a data-supported project.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: You can complete the fast-track online nurse education program at Northwest Missouri State University in as few as 12 months.


Admission Requirements: For full admission to the program, you must have a BSN, an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 for all nursing coursework, and an unencumbered United States RN license. If you have a 2.0-2.49 GPA, you may be considered for conditional admission, but you must obtain a grade of “B” or higher in the first two MSN core courses to remain in the program.


Why Choose This Program

• Northwest Missouri State University offers one of the lowest tuition rates for online fast-track nurse education programs. At a time when it seems like the cost of everything is so much higher, finding an affordable education has never been more important!
• At Northwest MSU, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to confidently step into any nurse educator role with confidence. Faculty with diverse backgrounds and experience in nursing education will guide you on your journey and support you through every step!


8. University of Southern Maine - Portland, ME


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: The University of Southern Maine is home to another excellent choice for anyone seeking a fast-track nurse education online program. With six start dates per year and seven-week accelerated classes, it is easy to start when you want and develop an academic plan around your busy schedule.

At USM, you will complete 36 credits to earn a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Nursing Education. From classes like Methods of Education in Nursing and Evidence-Based Practice Change in Healthcare to Population Health Leadership, you will gain the theoretical knowledge needed to prepare for an advanced role in nursing education.

The program includes 270 clinical hours. Additionally, you will complete an Academic Nursing Education Practicum, which is designed to prepare you for professional teaching roles in nursing. The practicum involves developing, implementing, and evaluating an educational experience. You will work with faculty guidance on your educational experience to complete a project such as a classroom or clinical teaching project, community education program, or in-service program.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online nurse education program offered at the University of Southern Maine is designed to be completed in one year (12 months).


Admission Requirements: To gain entry into the fast-track nursing education online program at USM, you must possess a baccalaureate degree in nursing earned at an NLN- or CCNE-accredited nursing program and hold a current, unencumbered RN license in the state where you will complete your practicum. All candidates must have completed an undergraduate Statistics course with a grade of “C” or better. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred. However, applicants with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered with satisfactory GRE or MAT scores.


Why Choose This Program

• The University of Southern Maine prides itself on having program faculty who are easily accessible to students, which makes online learning easier. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I find this an appealing factor for prospective students because distance learning can be challenging enough without worrying about who you will contact or reach out to for assistance when you need it.
• At the University of Southern Maine, there are over 150 graduate assistantships available, which include tuition assistance and stipends. Additionally, there are multiple scholarships and fellowship opportunities. Financial aid advisors at the school can help you find options to help offset some of the expenses associated with earning your degree!


9. William Paterson University - Wayne, NJ


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 12 Months


Program Details: William Patterson University offers an opportunity to broaden your nursing knowledge and develop a foundation based on professional nursing education through its fast-track nurse education online program. The program offers six start dates each academic year and features all coursework in a convenient online format, making it a perfect choice for working nurses.

To earn the MSN in Nursing Education at William Patterson, you must complete 35 credit hours. The curriculum consists of core courses and education concentration courses. In addition to master’s-level nursing courses, you will study Curriculum Development, Classroom Teaching Strategies, and Clinical Teaching Strategies.

The program also includes a 170-hour clinical course, Advanced Nursing Role Practicum for the Nurse Educator. In this course, you will study the competencies and roles of the nurse educator. You will complete a supervised practicum in a variety of healthcare settings and spend two and one-half hours every other week on education-based seminars.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The program at William Patterson is one of the shortest online nurse education programs and can be completed in 12 months.


Admission Requirements: Admission to the online nursing education program at William Patterson University is contingent upon meeting the following criteria. You must have a BSN degree and must have completed courses in Statistics, Research, and Physical Assessment. You must have an active RN license in the state where you reside and be currently employed as a registered nurse. All candidates must submit a current resume and two references. A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is preferred. However, students with a GPA less than 3.0 may be considered on an individual basis. Applicants who are admitted with a lower GPA are matriculated conditionally and must take one or two graduate nursing courses and earn a grade of “B” or higher to remain in the program.


Why Choose This Program

• William Patterson University has a long history of nursing education. The school introduced its first nursing program in 1939. The program's record of growth and expansion throughout the years is a testament to the school's dedication to students and the nursing profession, making it an excellent choice where to pursue your degree.
• At WPU, you will learn from renowned faculty who are committed to helping you succeed. For example, professors Vivek Agnihotri and Dely Po Go received the Diva and Don Award from the New Jersey State Nurses Association's Institute for Nursing for their contributions to advancing healthcare in the state.


10. Empire State University - Saratoga Springs, NY


Programs Offered: MSN


Program Length: 3 Terms


Program Details: If you are ready to earn your MSN and a fast-track online nurse education program is the path you want to pursue, Empire State University has an awesome program worth considering. The program admits students four times per year, twice in the fall and twice in the spring. Classes are available in 8-week or 15-week sessions.

The Master of Science in Nursing Education is a 36-credit pathway. You will begin the program with advanced core courses, including Professional Role Development & Ethics, Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice. You will then take education-focused courses such as Measurement, Assessment, & Evaluation of Learners & Programs and Instructional Design & Teaching with Technology.

You will complete the program with an online Nursing Education Capstone course that includes didactic and online activities through which you will examine Nurse Educator roles and responsibilities. This culminating experience involves curriculum synthesis, instruction and evaluation of theories and knowledge through learning activities focused on the application of teaching and nurse educator competencies.

How Fast Can You Complete This Program: The online fast-track nursing education program at Empire State University is designed to be completed in three terms.


Admission Requirements: Candidates seeking admission to the program offered at Empire State University must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a regionally accredited nursing school with a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must have a current RN license and provide a resume demonstrating a minimum of one year of clinical practice as a registered nurse. You must complete an online application. Additionally, you must submit an M.S. in Nursing Education Admission Essay addressing your personal and professional goals and provide examples of how you have exemplified professionalism in your career as an RN.


Why Choose This Program

• ESU reports graduates of its fast-track online nursing education program have excellent job placement rates following program completion. As a nurse and healthcare educator, I believe considering post-graduation job placement rates is important because it tends to indicate how prospective employers feel about schools and their programs. For example, if a school has a history of preparing students with a high-quality education who are capable of demonstrating essential skills, employers are likely to seek their graduates for job opportunities.
• At Empire State University, academic advisors will work with you to create an individualized degree plan to ensure your path to earning the MSN in nursing education is smooth. Your advisor and program faculty will collaborate with you and offer support from the time you enroll in the first class until program completion, as they are dedicated to your success.


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Darby Faubion, RN, BSN, MBA
Darby Faubion is a nurse and allied health instructor with over 20 years of clinical experience. Her work history includes clinical experience in pediatrics, mental health, addiction and behavioral disorders, geriatrics, wound management, and communicable disease. Darby has worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health and hospice agencies. Darby also has experience as a nursing and allied health educator at both community college and university levels. Her love for nursing and nursing education led to her becoming a test-taking strategist and NCLEX prep coach.