If you’re a nurse or educator driven to shape the future of healthcare through teaching, curriculum design, or academic leadership, you may be asking: Can you get a doctorate in nursing education online—and will it advance your career? The answer is yes.
Rowan University’s fully online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator track is designed to meet the needs of working professionals like you—those seeking to make a lasting impact in the classroom and beyond. Whether you’re teaching the next generation of nurses or transitioning from clinical care into education, this flexible, career-focused program will elevate your expertise and help you lead with purpose.
Why Pursue a Doctorate Degree in Nursing?
A doctorate degree in nursing with a focus on education opens the door to advanced roles in nursing instruction, academic leadership, and program development. It’s the credential that sets you apart when applying for competitive positions—and the pathway to broader influence in nursing education.
This program is designed for professionals who want to:
- Become a nurse educator, program director, or department chair
- Design, implement, and evaluate nursing curricula
- Lead clinical instruction and simulation labs
- Champion academic policy and quality standards in nursing education
- Mentor and shape the future of the nursing workforce
A nursing Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) is best suited for nurses who want to lead in academic settings. Rather than focusing on clinical practice like a DNP, an Ed.D. emphasizes teaching, curriculum development, and advancing nursing education through research and leadership.
With a doctorate in nursing education, you’ll be prepared to lead instructional teams, influence policy, and create a more equitable and effective nursing education landscape.
What Makes Rowan’s Doctorate Degree in Nursing Program Different?
Rowan University is a 100-year-old institution with a longstanding commitment to educational excellence and innovation. As a Top 100 public research university and one of the fastest-growing in the nation, Rowan offers an online doctorate in nursing education that blends flexibility, rigor, and real-world relevance.
You’ll learn from experienced nurse educators and education scholars, gain real-time feedback, and develop both discipline-specific knowledge and broader leadership skills—without putting your career on pause.
Highlights of the Nurse Educator Track:
- 100% online format—no campus visits required
- Asynchronous coursework so you can study around your schedule
- Courses led by experienced nurse educators and education scholars
- Personalized advising and access to academic and career coaching
This program is part of Rowan’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, meaning you’ll gain both discipline-specific training and the broader leadership skills needed to drive change in academic or healthcare settings.
What You’ll Learn in Our Online Doctorate in Nursing: Coursework at a Glance
Your studies will combine foundational education leadership with nursing-specific pedagogy and practice. The curriculum is designed for immediate real-world application.
Core Courses:
- Leadership for Social Justice
- Reforming Organizations
- Public Policy, Ethics, and Contemporary Issues
- Program Evaluation and Institutional Research
- Writing a Research Literature Review
Nurse Educator Specialization Courses:
- Curriculum Development for Instructional Design
- Assessment and Evaluation for Nurse Educators
- Practicum in Nursing Education
- Elective from another Ed.D. track
You’ll also complete a dissertation-in-practice—a research project focused on a real challenge or opportunity in your current or future role. This gives you the opportunity to contribute meaningful solutions to the field of nursing education.
To view the full course list and official program requirements, visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Learning Designed for Nurses Like You
Rowan’s online nursing Ed.D. program is designed with accessibility and structure in mind— supporting your success as you balance clinical work, teaching responsibilities, or family life.
Online Format & Flexibility
- 100% online, asynchronous coursework
- Weekly structure and deadlines to keep you on track
- Optional support from faculty through virtual office hours
Student Support That Goes Beyond the Classroom
- Advising and career coaching tailored to nurse educators
- Workshops on motivation, wellness, and academic skills
At Rowan, you’ll never feel like you’re going it alone. Our online learning environment and is designed to help you grow academically, professionally, and personally.
Career Pathways for Nurse Educators
Graduates of Rowan’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Nurse Educator track are prepared to lead in academic, clinical, and administrative settings. Whether you’re transitioning from clinical practice or advancing within an academic role, this degree equips you with the skills and credentials to make an impact.
With a doctorate in nursing education, the following career paths are possibilities:
- Director of Nursing Education Programs
- Clinical Education Coordinator
- Simulation Lab Director
- Tenured or Adjunct Faculty at Colleges or Universities
- Department Chair or Academic Dean
- Nursing Curriculum Developer
- Health Professions Educator
- Nurse Educator for Advanced Practice Nurses (e.g., nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, psychiatric nurses)
This program is ideal for experienced nurses—such as registered nurses, critical care nurses, nurse practitioners, or clinical nurse specialists—who want to step into teaching, lead academic programs, or influence nursing education policy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About a Doctorate Degree in Nursing
Can you get a doctorate in nursing online?
Yes. Rowan University’s Nurse Educator Ed.D. track is fully online with no campus visits required. This format is ideal for working professionals who need flexibility.
What’s the difference between a DNP and Ed.D. in nursing education?
A DNP focuses on clinical practice, while an Ed.D. in nursing education prepares you for teaching, curriculum development, and leadership in academic settings.
Is the program flexible for full-time nurses?
Absolutely. With asynchronous classes and robust online support, you can complete the program while continuing to work full-time.
Ready to Lead in Nursing Education?
If you’re ready to advance your career, deepen your impact, and join a network of nurse educators leading change, Rowan’s online doctorate in nursing education will help you get there.
Your future in nursing education starts here—with Rowan.
Want to Learn More?
Explore these related blogs to deepen your understanding of online Ed.D. programs and leadership pathways in education:
- What Is an Ed.D. and How Can It Prepare You for Leadership? – Discover the core purpose of the Ed.D. degree and how it equips education professionals for leadership roles.
- Choosing the Right Online Doctorate in Education Program – Learn key factors to consider when selecting an online doctorate program that fits your career goals and lifestyle.
- Can You Earn a Doctorate in Higher Education Online? – Explore options for advancing your career with a doctorate focused on leadership in higher education institutions.