Earn an Online Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Educator Degree
High-Demand Career Path - Prepare to lead and address the growing shortage of nursing educators in Louisiana and nationwide.
Competency-Based, Market-Aligned Curriculum - Develop expertise in educational leadership and technology-enhanced teaching through a curriculum designed to meet real-world workforce needs.
Flexible, Online Format - Earn your DNP in just 14 months through a flexible online program with hybrid clinical experiences.
Accredited
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the online DNP program meets rigorous standards that emphasize quality in mission and governance, institutional resources, curriculum and teaching practices, and program outcome evaluation, ensuring alignment with professional nursing standards and community needs.
Admissions
Whether you’re returning to school or advancing your career, our admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Apply by
Jun 30, 2026
Classes begin
Aug 17, 2026
Admission Requirements
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Master of Nursing (MN) degree from an accredited institution with specific concentration
- Official transcripts from a regionally accredited college or university
- Grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale
- A minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or 79-80 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for all applicants who have English as a second language or who are not graduates of programs in the United States. Input TOEFL scores within NursingCAS application.
- Three references in support of graduate admission application must be submitted by the application deadline. The reference information will be requested within the NursingCAS . One letter of reference from a peer and another from a current supervisor.
- Clinical nursing experience as specified by the concentration.
- A current unencumbered license to practice nursing in any state with eligibility for licensure in Louisiana.
- $100.00 non-refundable application fee is required at the time of application submittal. The applicant will receive a follow-up email from the LSUHNO School of Nursing Office of Student Services/Affairs with further directions on submitting the application fee.
- One example of a published or unpublished scholarly paper written.
- A completed Verification of Graduate Practicum Hours Form.
- Current Resume
- (BLS) Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider
- Additional requirements by specialty may include:
- (ACLS) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support for Healthcare Provider, where indicated or needed
- (PALS) Pediatric Advanced Life Support for Healthcare Provider, where indicated or needed
- (NRP) Neonatal Resuscitation Program, where indicated or needed
- Successful completion of the interview process.
- Successful completion of the 3 APRN 3Ps :
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advances Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment
Tuition
LSU Health New Orleans programs offer competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees, helping you advance your career with predictable, affordable costs.
Tuition & Fees
- 35 credit hours1
- Total credit hours per program
- $735
- Cost per credit hour
- $25,725
- Total cost with fees
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
The LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing (LSUHSC-NO SON) offers multiple ways to help you fund your education, including financial aid, veteran education benefits and credit for prior learning. Learn more ›
Academics
Develop advanced educational leadership skills through a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum designed to equip nurses with the knowledge and expertise needed to educate and mentor the next generation of nursing professionals.
Career-Ready Skills
- Advanced Educational Leadership: Lead collaborative interprofessional teams and optimize educational experiences
- Evidence-Based Curriculum Development: Utilize nursing theories to inform educational innovation and strategic curriculum design
- Technology-Enhanced Learning: Evaluate informatics and healthcare technologies to enhance educational delivery
- Population Health Through Education: Advance health promotion through effective nursing education
- Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination: Disseminate nursing knowledge through educational research and practice
- Quality and Safety in Education: Integrate ethical, legal, and professional standards into educational decision-making
- Systems-Based Educational Practice: Evaluate organizational systems to address complex healthcare education needs
- Professional Development and Resilience: Demonstrate life-long learning and educational leadership development
Courses
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
NURS 7481 – Evidence Based Practice for Advancing Nursing Practice |
4 |
NURS 7109 – Health Outcomes: Information Systems, Measurement, Analysis, and Management |
3 |
BSDS 6100 – Biostatistical Methods for Nursing |
3 |
NURS 7101 – Theoretical and Philosophical Foundations of Nursing |
3 |
NURS 7110 – Scholarly Project I: Proposal Development |
3 |
NURS 7021 – Advanced Nursing Practicum I |
1 |
NURS 7120 – Scholarly Project II: Implementation |
3 |
NURS 7022 – Advanced Nursing Practicum II |
1 |
NURS 7103 – Organization and Systems Leadership |
4 |
NURS 6324 – Introduction to Epidemiology |
3 |
NURS 7130 – Scholarly Project III: Evaluation and Dissemination |
3 |
NURS 7023 – Advanced Nursing Practicum III |
1 |
NURS 7306 – Health Policy and Politics |
3 |
* Total credit hours may range up to 50 depending on individual clinical practicum needs. |
Licensure & Certification
Graduates will not be eligible for additional licensure beyond the DNP degree. Applicants admitted to the Post-Master's DNP Nurse Educator program must hold an MSN or MN degree in Nursing Education and maintain an active RN license; advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure is not required for this educator-focused track.
Graduates may pursue the Nurse Educator (CNE) certification offered by the National League of Nursing (NLN), which requires a minimum of two years of teaching experience in an academic nursing education setting. Students who gain the requisite teaching experience during the program may be eligible to sit for the CNE examination upon degree completion.
Testimonials
Nurse educators are essential to building a strong and competent nursing workforce. The Post Master's Nurse Educator DNP program prepares them to influence systems, mentor the next generation, and create meaningful improvements in both nursing education and patient care.
Careers
Louisiana projects 43.6% growth for nurse practitioners between 2022-2032. (Source: Bureau of Health Workforce)
72,700 Postsecondary Nurse Educators employed (Source: BLS)
Explore career paths and salaries:
Entry-Level Roles (0-2 years of experience)
Start building your career with roles that provide foundational experience in the industry.
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Health Policy Analyst |
$72,491 (Payscale) |
Clinical Nurse Educator |
$88,820 (Payscale) |
Mid-Level Roles (2-5 years of experience)
With experience and your degree, you can advance into more specialized and higher-paying roles.
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Nursing Instructor, Postsecondary |
$80,800 (BLS) |
Director of Nursing |
$105,788 (Payscale) |
Advanced Roles (5+ years of experience)
Experienced professionals often move into leadership or strategic roles.
| Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) |
$158,786 (Payscale) |
Nursing Program Director |
$165,000 (Salary.com) |
