Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Educator

Overview 

Empower the next generation of nurses and lead innovations in education. Penn State’s hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Educator option is designed for experienced nurses who are passionate about teaching and committed to transforming nursing education. This practice-focused doctoral program equips you with the expertise to teach in academic and clinical settings while improving educational outcomes across health systems.

Through a blend of online coursework and in-person intensives, you’ll gain advanced skills in curriculum design, educational technology, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods — while deepening your clinical knowledge to stay grounded in evidence-based practice. Courses align with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) DNP Essentials and national nurse educator competencies.

Available in both part-time and full-time formats, this program offers flexibility for working professionals. For those entering with a BSN, the DNP–Nurse Educator option typically takes eight semesters over three years at part-time status.

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Why a DNP?

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of practice-focused nursing education. A DNP-prepared nurse educator merges advanced clinical skills with teaching excellence—leading academic programs, designing curriculum grounded in evidence-based care, and preparing students for the realities of modern health care.

With rising demand for nurse faculty across the country, DNP-prepared educators are vital to ensuring a well-prepared nursing workforce. This credential enhances your ability to:

• Mentor future nurse leaders
• Teach in undergraduate and graduate programs
• Lead curriculum development and evaluation
• Integrate simulation and emerging technologies
• Contribute to academic scholarship

Why Penn State Nursing?

Choice clinicals. Academic excellence. Expert faculty. World-renowned University.

Our graduate team is comprised of expert faculty and staff dedicated to student success through individualized mentorship and guidance. Named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing in recognition of the college’s creation of environments that promote the pedagogical expertise of our faculty, prospective students can be assured they’re learning from the best. Further, the college has 700+ clinical partners around the globe, enabling students to complete their clinicals close to home.

The Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing is also home to some of the nation’s most influential nurse faculty, so you will learn and be mentored from the best — like Kelly Wolgast, DNP, RN, FACHE, FAAN COL (R), US Army, assistant dean for outreach and professional development, who championed Penn State’s COVID-19 response.

What are my career options with a Penn State DNP?

Graduates of the DNP–Nurse Educator option are well-prepared to take on influential roles across academic and clinical settings. They may serve as nursing faculty at colleges and universities, shaping the next generation of nurses through innovative teaching and mentorship. Many go on to become clinical educators in hospitals and health systems, where they lead staff development and translate best practices into patient care. Others work as curriculum designers and program developers, creating evidence-based educational frameworks that align with evolving healthcare demands. With their advanced expertise, DNP-prepared nurse educators also serve as leaders in academic nursing practice, driving change at institutional and policy levels to improve nursing education and workforce readiness.

DNP Options:

• DNP-Nurse Educator
  • BSN to DNP-Educator Option
  • MSN to DNP-Educator Option

Enrollment Requirements:

Students enter the program with a minimum of a BSN degree; those with a graduate degree in nursing will have an individualized plan of study developed upon enrollment. Program completion generally requires eight semesters of part-time study. Students with an MSN can also be admitted to the program; however, we cannot guarantee that all previous coursework and credits will transfer.

Application Requirements:

Priority application deadlines – March 1, June 30, October 1
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; to receive priority status, apply by the deadlines.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree in nursing that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution.

To apply, you’ll also need:

• Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
• GPA and Test Scores — You are expected to have a grade-point average of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for the baccalaureate degree with a B or better in all science and nursing courses.
• GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required for admission.
• English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School’s “Requirements for Graduate Admission” page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State’s institutional code is 2660.
• Please note that for entrance into a Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing graduate-level program, the minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 580 for the paper-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 25 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 7.0.
• References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names and email addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form for your application to be considered complete.
• References should be obtained from academic and professional perspectives. If you completed college-level courses over the last five years, an academic reference is required. Other references should be from a nursing supervisor, preferably holding a degree higher than yours.
• Vita — A listing of your professional experience and other qualifications
• Writing Sample — A published or unpublished scientific paper, thesis, or other scholarly writing sample
• Interview — You will be asked to participate in an interview, via Internet-based video conferencing or in person

Financial Aid and Military Benefit Opportunities

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential education benefits and financial aid opportunities.

Questions?

Reach out to Cody Hoffman, assistant director of nursing student recruitment, at cah82@psu.edu.